TicketCity Bowl 2012: Key Halftime Nittany Lion Stats Against Houston Cougars

It's amazing how much one little spark can turn around a ball game. An excellent punt return by Justin Brown was taken back after he stepped out of bounds, but it set up the Nittany Lions with not only great field position but their first scoring play as well.

Stephfon Green put Penn State on the board and cut the lead to 10 against a dangerous Houston passing attack. 

While the Lions are in a tough hole versus Houston, this one isn't quite over. Let's take a look at some key stats from the first half. 

347

Case Keenum is a prolific passer but with 347 yards passing in the first half, PSU has to figure out a way to stop him. With the Nittany Lions corners getting beat, it will be interesting to see if they attempt to dial up the pressure because of the added pressure it would place on the secondary. Either way, if Keenum isn't slowed, it will be a long second half. 

2nd

As in second-string.

At this point, it's no secret that Matt McGloin was knocked out of this game before it even started—and by a teammate no less. But Rob Bolden hasn't exactly inspired with the huge chance that he's gotten. He's going to have to improve if the Lions are going to stay in the game.

2.6

The passing game isn't working—just two-for-nine through the air—and the run isn't performing either.

Green is the only player that has gotten much going on the ground, but it won't be long before the Cougars can stack eight in the box and constantly force Bolden to throw the ball.

Down 24-7 at the half, the Lions will be have to pass more than they'd like to, and a shootout versus Keenum isn't where they want to be.