Northwestern always relies on passing and Penn State has one of the Big Ten’s top defensive backs in cornerback Alan Zemaitis, leader of an all-senior secondary. The other cornerback is Anwar Phillips, in his second season as a starter.
“Their corners have been there for a while, and they go out there and say, `Beat us,'” said Northwestern quarterback Brett Basanez, who has thrown two touchdown passes with no interceptions in 106 attempts this season. “It’s going to be all about execution–not trick anyone or doing anything that fancy. You have to come out and play your best football because they’re pretty sound on defense. They’ll make you pay for it.”
The Wildcats’ receiver corps is in its best shape since early in the season opener against Ohio, when Mark Philmore sprained an ankle. Philmore is back after being given one game off for disciplinary and personal reasons, though his ankle isn’t fully healed. Kim Thompson returned last week after missing one game. . . .
If Penn State’s Joe Paterno can beat the Wildcats on Saturday he will become the Big Ten’s 11th coach to have 100 victories. He is 99-49 overall in his 13th season in the Big Ten.
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Next: Sat. vs. Penn State, 11 a.m., ESPN2