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Nebraska better prepared for Robinson this time
Penn State’s Michael Robinson
Barry L. Reeger/Tribune-Review
Rob Biertempfel is the Pirates beat writer. He can be reached via e-mail. Also check out Biertempfel's blog, Pirates Q&A or follow him on Twitter.
"Definitely, the surprise is gone," he said. "It's been gone for quite some time."
A year ago, though, Robinson caught Nebraska off guard. He lined up at wideout and running back, and scored his first two career touchdowns on 8- and 11-yard sprints in the third quarter.
Robinson finished with four carries for 56 yards as Penn State rolled, 40-7.
"Nebraska didn't know what was going on," Robinson said. "When I ran the reverse, a guy came at me so straight, like I wasn't fast. I think I've gotten faster this year, so it should be interesting."
When the teams clash again Saturday night, the Cornhuskers will know the redshirt sophomore is a lot more than just a backup quarterback.
"He is going to get the ball a lot in this game," Huskers linebacker Barrett Ruud said. "The key is knowing where he is at and everybody swarming to the football and making tackles."
Nose tackle Ryon Bingham has confidence in Nebraska's defensive game plan: "We'll be able to stop anything that comes our way."
The question is, how will Penn State coach Joe Paterno choose to use Robinson tomorrow?
"We always put some new stuff in every week, whether it's for Michael or for the offense in general," quarterback Zack Mills said. "I think the coaches definitely have some new stuff they can use for Michael to get him some more touches."
As an encore to the Nebraska game last year, Robinson ran for scores the first three times he touched the ball against Louisiana Tech. But a half-dozen games went by before he again had as much of an impact.
So far this season, Robinson has been used mostly at tailback. He gained 84 yards on nine carries against Temple, and 24 yards on nine rushes against Boston College. He has completed just 4 of 13 passes all year.
When BC took a 21-0 first-quarter lead, Robinson's presence was nearly nonexistent. He didn't touch the ball until the third quarter and later seemed upset about how little he was used.
Penn State's offensive line could not contain BC's pass rush, and Mills was hit on practically every play. Robinson, who is more slippery than Mills, took some snaps in the second half, but it was too late to ignite a comeback.
Two days ago, Robinson said he did not anticipate his role changing for the Nebraska game. But that's not necessarily the way he wants it to be.
"I think that sometimes it's better that I get in there, just to keep the defenses honest," Robinson said. "Yeah, I'd like to play a whole series -- or maybe even a couple of series. Maybe I can get in and make some things happen."
Although he is rarely used at the position, Robinson said he works out exclusively as a quarterback. According to Mills, Robinson will take "two or three" snaps with the first-team offense during a typical seven-play drive in practice.
Penn State's most dangerous formation against Boston College was when Mills lined up in the shotgun formation, flanked by Robinson and freshman tailback Austin Scott.
"That causes a lot of headaches for defensive coordinators," Mills said. "You have a great back in Austin Scott, who's been running real well for us. You have Michael, who can run, catch, throw, do everything. We can send both of those guys out, and they're great receivers, as well."
That trio will do a lot more damage as Scott settles into the system. Tomorrow, however, it will be no surprise if Robinson gets more time at quarterback.
"Whenever I can get in at quarterback, that's when I'm happy," Robinson said. "As long as I help the team.
"Last year, I had fun. It was great, going out on there and doing some things. It was great, going out and hearing defenses go, 'Hey, hey! Watch No. 12!' It was fun. I enjoyed myself. I wouldn't mind doing that again this year."
