As expected, Penn State won’t have one of its top players on the defensive side of the ball when they take the field for what will be their season finale this weekend.
Michael Mauti was injured during the first quarter of Saturday’s win over Indiana on what walked, talked and smelled like a chop block that wasn’t flagged. The knee injury knocked the linebacker out for the remainder of the win, and will cost him this weekend’s game against Wisconsin as well.
While head coach Bill O’Brien didn’t confirm the severity of the injury, the speculation is that it was another ACL issue for the senior.
Mauti missed all of the 2009 season and eight games last season due to a pair of ACL tears. He could petition the NCAA for a sixth season of eligibility if he were so inclined based off the two previous injuries.
Mauti is currently second on the team in tackles (95) and first in interceptions with three. He’s also been credited with 2.5 sacks and four tackles for loss.