Paterno does it his way

Brent Carter was switched from safety to running back to prevent freshman Stephfon Green from playing the rest of the season. Paterno wants to redshirt Green along with freshman running back Joe Suhey.

Carter, a redshirt freshman from Pottsgrove High, is now No. 3 on the depth chart.

Paterno was not sure who would replace the injured Jerome Hayes, who is out for the season after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee against Wisconsin. A defensive end, Hayes played more of a blitzing linebacker position and also on special teams.

"It's a big loss," Paterno said. "I thought Jerome Hayes was playing very, very well."

Linebacker Navorro Bowman (ankle) is listed as probable for Saturday, but his absence last week required the Lions to play freshman linebacker Chris Colasanti on special teams.

Defense by the numbers

344

Dan Connor's number of career tackles. He is No. 2 on Penn State's all-time list.

7th

Where the Lions rank in total defense in the nation.

12

Number of touchdowns the defense has allowed in its last 13 games.

29

Number of Penn State's sacks, tied for second in the country.