Penn State-Wisconsin: Daryll Clark's Legs Key to Nittany Lion Game Plan

Life is good in Happy Valley these days.  The Nittany Lions are 6-0, and the Blue and White Nation is talking about a trip to the BCS title game.  A large portion of the optimism surrounding this year’s team is due to the play of quarterback Daryll Clark. 

In 2008 the junior from Youngstown, Ohio has thrown for over 1,100 yards with nine touchdown passes and only one interception.  Clark’s 162.46 rating leads all Big Ten quarterbacks.

This weekend, the Lions travel to Wisconsin for their first strong road test of the season—no offense to Purdue.  In order for Penn State to pick up the win at Camp Randall Stadium, Clark is going to need to bring his "A" game.

Penn State’s offensive game plan has to start and end with Clark’s legs.  The coaching staff needs to encourage Clark to run with the ball, a la Michael Robinson, when the defense gives him the opportunity. 

As good as Clark’s passing has been in 2008, he has been as equally reluctant to turn it loose on the ground.  Instead, he has tried to force the ball to his receivers late in their routes, often resulting in receptions out of bounds. 

In recent games the Wisconsin defensive front has been uncharacteristically weak against the run. In conference play, Wisconsin ranks 10th in rushing defense (177.5 ypg) and eighth in third down defense (39.3 percent conversion rate).

Penn State is averaging a conference high 256.7 rush yards a game and converts third downs at a 52.7 percent clip.  The Lions have achieved these offensive numbers without a large rushing presence from Clark.

The Badgers defense has the ability and experience to do better. Wisconsin starts three seniors and a junior along the line and overall has five seniors in the front seven.

Penn State wide receiver Deon Butler issued a strong warning on Wednesday's pre-game teleconference. "Just looking at that film, they hit hard,'' Butler said. "I don't think we've seen linebackers that flow to the ball like Jonathan Casillas and DeAndre Levy. Even their safeties are downhill guys. They're a real, real physical football team and probably, up to this point, the hardest hitting team that we will play this season.''

Penn State has been good at protecting Clark, allowing only five sacks.  With increased mobility and strong offensive line play, Clark is in a position to have a huge game.  He could very well run for 100 yards and throw for another 200.

If Clark can be a true threat in the air and on the ground, the Nittany Lions will roll into the Michigan game 7-0.