Eastern Michigan vs. Penn State: 5 Things We Learned from the Nittany Lions

Penn State finally found something to work with on offense against Eastern Michigan, but the win against the Eagles came at a cost.

Here are five things we learned on Saturday.

Kevin McGuire is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes were obtained first-hand or via official interview materials from Penn State University. 

McGuire is the national college football writer for Examiner.com. Follow his college football discussion on Google+ and Twitter. Become a fan of him on Facebook.

1. Matt McGloin Should Start Against Indiana

There was no doubt that when Matt McGloin was on the field the offense found a better way of moving the football with some consistency. He connected on eight of his first eight pass attempts and led Penn State to two first-half touchdowns after the offense failed to score a passing touchdown each of the first three weeks of the season.

Yes, this was just Eastern Michigan and McGloin's history against BCS-caliber defenses remains a legitimate concern, but both quarterbacks faced a woeful defense this week. McGloin proved he is more able to move the offense, as has generally been the case dating back to last year.

Bolden may be the future, but for now perhaps McGloin is the better option. We will see what happens next week against Indiana.

2. Nate Stupar Is a Pretty Nice Alternative

With Michael Mauti going down with a knee injury—and possibly done for the season—Penn State will look to fifth-year senior Nate Stupar to fill in at a key position on the field.

After initially replacing Mauti on the field, Stupar came up with a nice sack against Eastern Michigan, showing that he has the kind of talent to take over on the outside at linebacker.

Losing Mauti is a blow to the defense, but having a veteran guy like Stupar is a nice luxury in this kind of situation.

3. Devon Still Is a Top-Flight Defensive Tackle

Penn State's Devon Still had another monster performance, taking advantage of a weak offensive line. Still was often easy to find because he was the lone guy in a blue uniform in the Eastern Michigan backfield all afternoon.

At one point it looked as though he was about to take a hand-off from Eastern Michigan.

Penn State will need Still to continue dominating and help take some of the pressure off the rest of the line. When Still draws more attention it will allow others on the line to come up with some big plays or bring more pressure.

4. Devon Still, When Used Properly, Is Explosive

Wide receiver Devon Smith had 122 receiving yards thanks in large part to a 71-yard pass play that saw Smith run a long portion of the field for the score.

Penn State needs to learn that the best way to use Smith may be to use him on short passes over the middle where he can exploit and take advantage of a crowed middle of the field and, leaving his linebacker defenders in the dust.

5. Penn State's Win Against Temple Is No Longer Underestimated

Last week, Penn State fans were largely moaning about having to squeak by Temple in Philadelphia, 14-10.

While Penn State was handling Eastern Michigan, those same Temple Owls were destroying Maryland on the road. Bernard Pierce, who was eventually contained by Penn State, rushed for five touchdowns against the Terps in a rout of Maryland, 38-7.

Penn State quarterback coach Jay Paterno tweeted after the game that the win last week doesn't look so bad now. He is right, although I always said Temple was a solid team. Let's see if the Owls can continue to play well and go for a MAC Championship, making the win look a little better.