Clark ready for Michigan next

The Youngstown native has been the leader of the Penn State offense this year.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — An ideal candidate to run Michigan’s sputtering spread offense will be on display for coach Rich Rodriguez when the Wolverines visit Happy Valley this weekend.

Unfortunately for him, Daryll Clark plays quarterback for unbeaten and third-ranked Penn State (7-0, 3-0 Big Ten).

“He’s a big, strong guy that can run,” Rodriguez said. “He’s had a few years in their program. He’s really seemed to hit his stride right now.”

Just like Penn State’s Spread HD offense, which is humming along at a Big Ten-best 45.3 points per game thanks in large part to Clark, the Youngstown native.

Get ready for a matchup Saturday between two teams with quarterback situations and offenses going in opposite directions.

Michigan (2-4, 1-1) is scoring a Big Ten-low 18.8 points a game, frustrating Wolverines fans used to big wins and bowl games.

These young Wolverines haven’t been able to pick up Rodriguez’ spread scheme. Six of Michigan’s 11 offensive starters are first-year players.

Ten offensive players have made their first career starts this season, including the top two quarterbacks, Steven Threet and Nick Sheridan. To top it off, Threet was listed as questionable earlier this week for Saturday’s game because of an elbow injury.

“To say the lack of production is based on a scheme is not truthful, not realistic. I think we’ll have growing pains no matter what situations we’re in,” Rodriguez said. “They’re very conscientious, working hard. They’re going to get it, I know they will. I just hope it’s sooner rather than later.”

He could use a cool, calming influence for his offense ... such as Clark.

The talk of the Big Ten has thrown for 10 touchdowns and just two interceptions and completed 64 percent of his passes. Dangerous outside and inside the pocket, Clark has also run for six TDs.

Just two months ago, Clark and sophomore Pat Devlin were in a heated competition for the starting job.

Now, his name is starting to be tossed around in the Heisman Trophy discussion.

“If I could vote for him, I would put him as front-runner,” receiver Derrick Williams said.

Coach Joe Paterno offered a more reserved opinion.

“I think Daryll Clark’s a heck of a college football player right now,” Paterno said. “Where would he rate? I don’t know. We’ve got a lot of football to play yet.”