I think that both Connor and Laurinaitis will be overshadowed by their lesser known teammates (Lee for PSU and Freeman for OSU) with respect to the stats. Both will still be integral parts of their respective D’s, but I think Lee will actually have the most tackles for either squad at the end of the day (not really that big of a shocker since he leads their team in tackles, and this echos SYR’s comment that PSU’s D will probably be on the field more than OSU’s) and that Freeman will lead the Bucks in tackles.

I think both Morelli and Boeckman will actually start the game pretty well but both quiet down after the 1st quarter. In the end Morelli throws more INTs, though I don’t think Boeckman will be error free (I say 2 picks to 1).

I don’t think the story of the day will be the QBs but rather the RBs. I think Beanie has another big day (not MSU big, because PSU’s D is a LOT better than MSU’s)–he’ll crack the 100 yard mark, but more importantly he’ll allow OSU to control the ball and milk the clock (e.g. what Hart did for scUM against PSU).

One other thing about those numbers… all those QBs you listed have numbers that include the stats from playing against OSU’s #1 defense.

Morelli’s numbers do not include OSU yet. In other words, he starts at “middle of the road,” and will only go downwards after the game Sat (no matter what the outcome).

And far be it from this OSU fan to pick on someone else’s schedule… but its also worth mentioning that Morelli’s numbers came against the worst teams in the nation. After playing the worst of the worst, he can do no better than “average.” Something to think about.