Robinson takes over as Penn State’s offense struggles
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) – Has the Michael Robinson era begun at Penn State? As the Nittany Lion offense floundered in the Capital One Bowl, the redshirt freshman quarterback took over the Penn State offense, driving for the final score in a 13-9 loss to Auburn Wednesday.
“I think Michael did well. He’s going to be a fine quarterback,” coach Joe Paterno said.
Robinson started the game at wide receiver, making two catches for 7 yards in the first quarter.
But by the end of the third quarter, it was obvious starter Zack Mills – who had completed just five of 16 passes – was struggling.
“Zack wasn’t having a great day – I thought maybe a change of pace might help,” Paterno said. “Michael’s been practicing well, and it just seemed like that would be the way to do it.”
Robinson came in and instantly energized the offense. After a holding penalty left Penn State facing a second-and-17, Robinson threw a 34-yard pass to Tony Johnson on the left sideline.
“I knew he had single coverage, and I knew they were doubling Bryant Johnson,” Robinson said. “I just threw it up to him, and he made a great grab.”
The drive ended with Robbie Gould kicking a 31-yard field goal, his third of the game, to give Penn State a 9-7 lead with 10:10 left.
Auburn came back, with Ronnie Brown scoring the winning touchdown with 2:19 left. After that, Paterno put Mills back in, saying the sophomore was more familiar with Penn State’s hurry-up offense.
Robinson said he was disappointed in the decision, but he understood it.
“You would think they would have a little bit more confidence in you, but I understand he has more experience,” Robinson said.
Robinson finished with 30 rushing yards and completed two of three passes. Mills completed eight of 24 with one interception and rushed for 56 yards.
Robinson scored six touchdowns this year, but five came in two early games when defenses were confounded by Penn State’s use of him in trick plays. As the season progressed, he contributed less and less to the offense.
Both quarterbacks will be back next year, and the starting spot is by no means certain. Although Paterno usually gives deference to older players, he also has said that Robinson is good enough to win the starting spot.
After the game, Paterno did say the game experience would help Robinson in the future.
“If there’s anything good that comes out of that game, it’s that we were able to get him in there and he was at quarterback and he made some things happen,” Paterno said. “We’re hoping there is a carry-over from that.”