Penn State’s offense and defense will be significantly weaker when they take the field on the second day of 2017.
In a very brief press release sent out just a short time ago, Penn State announced that junior wide receiver Saeed Blacknall and sophomore linebacker Manny Bowen have been suspended for the Rose Bowl and will not play against USC. The only reason given was the standard unspecified violations of team rules.
Both suspensions will have some level of impact on both sides of the ball, especially Bowen’s.
The sophomore has started 12 of the 13 games this season and is tied for second on the Nittany Lions in tackles for loss with 8.5. His 68 tackles are tied for fourth on the team.
Blacknall has caught 15 passes for 347 yards. His 23.1 yards per catch is tops on the team, while his three receiving touchdowns are tied for third.