Beavs crank it up for Penn State

CORVALLIS -- There was plenty of noise inside Reser Stadium on Wednesday -- the coaching staff cranked up the volume on the offense, funneling noise through the speakers in trying to simulate the 107,000 capacity crowd the Beavs are expected to see on Saturday.

With the piped-in crowd noise blaring, the offense looked smooth working on situational offense under the watchful eye of head man Mike Riley for about the last hour of the session on Wednesday.

QB Lyle Moevao was on target and his wide receivers were in synch with their quarterback, while running backs Ryan McCants and Jacquizz Rodgers also had good days.

The defense, meanwhile, was over at the Truax outdoor practice facility while the offense was putting their finishing touches on Wednesday's session.

At practice's end, the defense joined the offense at Reser for some final thoughts from Riley.

The Penn State offense has long been known for their ability to run the ball and the Beavs finished up their session working on run defense scenarios.

After putting up 334 rushing yards against FCS (formerly 1-AA) opponent Coastal Carolina, and watching the Beavs surrender 200-plus to Stanford on the ground, the Nittany Lions are likely to test the Beaver run defense early. The expected starting defensive line consisting of DE Slade Norris, DT Stephen Paea, DT Pernnell Booth and DE Victor Butler, it stands to reason, will be key early.

Riley after practice touched on the status of James Dockery and more. Subscribers can listen to the clip here:

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