Ron Musselman: Welcome to sunny Happy Valley. A week after a 7-inch snowstorm hit the area, it is now in the low 60s and beautiful. Penn State is hoping for a good result Saturday at the Big House, where it hasn't won since 1996.

PSU1994natlchamps: I would be surprised if freshmen QBs have their way with the Lions' defense. What say you?

Ron Musselman: Forcier and Robinson are different-style QBs. Forcier is the thrower and starter and Robinson is the runner. I don't think it matters if they are freshman or not, both have played pretty well for the Wolverines. I believe this is a statement game for Penn State defense and quarterback Daryll Clark.

bubs: Though they have an impressive offense, I've watched Michigan play several times this year and they have nothing that even remotely resembles a defense. Does this game have the makings of a shootout or do you think Penn State's balance on both sides will carry the day?

Ron Musselman: I do think this game could be in the 30s. Michigan's defense ranks seventh in the Big Ten, allowing 363 yards a game. That's not great. Penn State is No. 1 in the conference, surrendering 239 per game. Penn State is No. 1 in total offense and Michigan is No. 2.

PSU1994natlchamps: With Green likely out, can we expect Beachum or Carter to have a breakout performance? After all, neither has seen real action yet.

Ron Musselman: It doesn't look like Green will play due to a gimpy right ankle, but I wouldn't expect a breakout performance from either Carter or Beachum. What I would expect is that Evan Royster will get a lot of carries and will be spelled occasionally. Royster has been running better the past few games than he has all season.

PSU1994natlchamps: JoePa says WR Derek Moye has the makings of a good one. In what areas does Moye need to improve to continue his progression?

Ron Musselman: Moye has really been coming into his own as of late. He has great size (6-5) and speed (4.38 in the 40), He is the team's leading receiver with 27 catches for 472 yards and four touchdowns. He had 138 yards in the opener against Akron and 120 against Minnesota Saturday. Moye has been open on some deep passes this season, but Daryll Clark and he have not been able to connect. Otherwise, Moye could have at least eight touchdowns this year.

Lion: Is there any comparison between the Big 10 and the Big East. The Big 10 has been down for a couple years, but come on, the Big East stinks now, and has for a long time.

Ron Musselman: I definitely think the Big Ten is better than the Big East, from top to bottom. But I have to admit, Penn State and Pitt would make for a pretty darn good game right now. Both teams are about the same from what I can tell. They sure could sell a lot of tickets if the two teams would play.

altoonamike: Why does Penn State always act like they weren't interested in a kid when he doesn't choose them?

Ron Musselman: That is kind of weird, Mike. That happened just this week when Michigan QB Tate Forcier said Penn State was his second choice coming out of high school and when Joe Paterno was asked about it, he said Forcier really wasn't interested in the Nittany Lions. Hmmmm. Doesn't make sense where you are sitting or here in University Park.

PSU1994natlchamps: I've been really impressed with the PSU secondary. Granted, they haven't faced All-American wideouts, but did shutdown Eric Decker last week. What are the strengths and weaknesses of that unit?

Ron Musselman: I think Drew Astorino is a decent player at strong safety and Nick Sukay seems to be playing better at free safety after surrendering a few touchdowns early in the year. A.J. Wallace stepped for Knowledge Timmons in at cornerback last week and did a masterful job on Minnesota's Eric Decker, holding him to one catch. D'Anton Lynn has done a nice job at the other cornerback spot and freshman Stephon Morris has been solid and could be a special player someday.

PSU1994natlchamps: Are Carter and Beachum capable of shouldering a starting RB role for a top 15 program in the future?

Ron Musselman: Beachum has looked decent in the limited times he has played. It's hard to tell about Carter. He seems to be hurt every other week.

altoonamike: Michigan hasn't seen a defense like Penn State's (except maybe Iowa) and Penn State hasn't seen an offense like Michigan's. Which one will give?

Ron Musselman: That is an interesting question. I do believe Penn State's defense will play well since it is tough against the run and Michigan has the top rushing attack in the Big Ten. Penn State's offensive isn't as explosive as last year, but it is good enough to win at the Big House., But let's not forget, weird things happen in Ann Arbor.

PSU1994natlchamps: Any chance PSU buys out Youngstown or Kent State next year and adds a better opponent to go with Alabama?

Ron Musselman: I wouldn't hold my breath.

PSU1994natlchamps: The play-calling in many of the recent meldowns against Michigan has left plenty to be desired. Can we expect more of the same, conservative play-calling from Galen Hall and JayPA or a more agressive approach in the Big House?

Ron Musselman: They better not. If they do, Penn State will be flying back to University Park with another ugly loss at the Big House. The past poor play-calling lands directly at the feet of Joe Paterno, not Jay Paterno or Galen Hall. Joe has the final say on whether his team will be conservative or not.

HINES: Bottom line: does Penn State finally win in Ann Arbor?

Ron Musselman: It's hard to say. Most times the Lions head there, it looks like they have the better team on paper, but they end up finding yet another way to lose a game. I am just glad Lloyd Carr is gone, because he owned Joe Paterno, going 9-2. We will know a lot more about Penn State after this game. So far, it hasn't beaten any teams that I would consider good.

PSU1994natlchamps: There has been a lot of talk of a future bowl game being played in the new Yankee Stadium. Why not have a bowl game at Beaver Stadium? It could be affiliated with the Big Ten, Big East or ACC.

Ron Musselman: That's a nice idea, but I don't see it happening. There's a lot more glitz and glamour in New York than there is in University Park.

PSU1994natlchamps: When will see more of what Justin Brown can do, both as a WR and a punt return specialist?

Ron Musselman: Justin Brown looks like he is going to be a good player. He just needs to play more. He has three catches in limited time at receiver and he has three punt returns. In fact, he has the longest return of the year at 20 yards.

Ron Musselman: Thanks for all of the great questions today. Hope to see all of you back here next Thursday at 1 p.m. for another chat. We can rehash the Michigan game and look forward to next Saturday's game at Northwestern.

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