McGloin anxious for game action

Associated Press

STATE COLLEGE, PA.

Penn State quarterback Matt McGloin has never lacked for confidence.

The can-do attitude was evident in Penn State’s 33-21 win last week at Minnesota after McGloin was summoned from the bench in the second quarter after starter Rob Bolden was knocked out of the game.

Against the Golden Gophers, McGloin misfired on his first pass attempt. But, on the next possession, McGloin connected with wide receiver Derek Moye for a 42-yard touchdown strike — McGloin’s first career completion. McGloin’s next pass was intercepted, and he finished 6 of 13 passing for 76 yards and two scores.

“Obviously, the first play was a great one,” coach Joe Paterno said. “And I think he got carried away on the second one when he threw the interception. But I thought he did very well under the circumstances and will get better if he has to play more.”

That might be as soon as Saturday.

Bolden was scheduled Wednesday for additional testing for a possible head injury. Paterno said during Tuesday’s Big Ten coaches teleconference that it was “very doubtful” that Bolden could play Saturday night against Michigan.

McGloin said Wednesday that he and sophomore Kevin Newsome have split first-team reps in practice.

“It’s crucial you make the most of them,” said McGloin, a redshirt sophomore from Scranton, Pa. “Kevin and myself have prepared as if we’re going to be in there Saturday.”

If he is, he plans to “speak loud, look them in the eyes and be confident.”

The team is expecting it.

“He’s showed [confidence] in the huddle,” Moye said. “He showed it on the field Saturday and when he took control of the huddle and showed he was going to be there for us.”

Evan Royster has long been the focal point of the Lions’ rushing attack, having posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2008 and 2009. But he’s been well behind that pace this season, with 450 yards in seven games.

Now he’s primed to break Warner’s career rushing mark of 3,398 yards, if for no other reason than for people to stop asking him when it’s going to happen.

Asked if he couldn’t wait for the pursuit to end, Royster replied, “Most definitely.”