Penn State's seniors look for grand exit against free-falling Nebraska

The Penn State offense is being provided with the best opportunity to make itself whole again these next two weeks.

After a torturous October run of Michigan, Ohio State and Michigan State, the Nittany Lions end the season against two of the most giving teams in the nation.

The Maryland Terrapins are down to their fourth-string quarterback.

The Nebraska Cornhuskers, this Saturday's opponent, are spiraling in all directions, their head coach expected to be fired any day.

Both opponents offer little defensive resistance.

So it's the most fitting time to send out Heisman Trophy contender Saquon Barkley in style, in what should be his final game in Beaver Stadium. To finally, if ever, get the running game cranked up.

Here are the key points to Penn State's senior day celebration against the Cornhuskers ... 

Key matchup

Run game vs. Nebraska defense: There was a time, not that long ago, when the Cornhuskers' defense was feared.

It's taken all of seven seasons in the Big Ten for it to end up at the bottom of the ravine.

If there is one predominant reason why this team has lost four of its past five ... and why head coach Mike Riley won't last ... it is this flimsy, disinterested defense.

Only Maryland is giving up more yards per game (412) in the Big Ten. Only 23 teams in all of the FBS are yielding more than their 200 yards per game on the ground.

The lowest point came last week when punchless Minnesota racked up a stunning 409 rushing yards in a blowout victory — 183 coming from option quarterback Demry Croft.

If this doesn't help cure Penn State's most troublesome run game ...

Key player

Penn State: Barkley, running back. This figures to be the junior's last home game, the perfect time to rise up with some inflated numbers.

Who could be more deserving?

Especially since even his kickoff return chances and receiving game have seemingly dried up alongside his designed runs.

But the Cornhuskers are not only vulnerable everywhere, and even gave up a 100-yard return for a touchdown last week. 

If nothing else, McSorley's passing and running should open up things early enough for No. 26.

Nebraska: Stanley Morgan/J.D. Spielman, receivers. The Huskers were getting it done in the pass game, at least until quarterback Tanner Lee left last week with a possible concussion. His status is uncertain for Saturday. Nevertheless, Morgan and Spielman are prolific threats, combining to average 11 catches and 154 receiving yards per game.

With virtually no running game, it's mandatory for these guys to get their touches early and often to have any shot of hanging in this. No matter who is throwing them the ball.

Saturday's kickoff

What: Nebraska Cornhuskers (4-6, 3-4 Big Ten) at No. 13 Penn State Nittany Lions (8-2, 5-2)

When: Saturday, 4 p.m.

Where: Beaver Stadium (106,572)

TV: FOX Sports 1

Radio: WSBA-910 AM, WGLD-1440

The Line: Penn State by 26 

The series

Nebraska leads, 9-7

(Last four meetings)

2013: Nebraska 23, Penn State 20 (OT)

2012: Nebraska 32, Penn State 23

2011: Nebraska 17, Penn State 14 

2003: Nebraska 18, Penn State 10

2017 state comparison

PSU                                                               Nebraska

37.7                      Points per game                    25.1

14                         Points allowed                       32.5 

146                       Rush yards per game            115.6

283.6                    Pass yards per game             273.1

429.6                   Total yards per game               388.7

124                      Rush yards allowed                  200.1

194.4                   Pass yards allowed                  212

318.3                   Total yards allowed                   412.1

0.9                       Turnovers per game                   1.6

2.2                    Turnovers forced per game           1.1

42.1                   Penalty yards per game               62