Statistically speaking, it appears to be a relatively easy decision.
Matt McGloin has outplayed Rob Bolden in every category, but so far that hasn't been enough to earn McGloin a start for Penn State.
Despite not starting and playing less than half the game, McGloin was so impressive Saturday against Eastern Michigan that he was named Big Ten co-Offensive Player of the Week.
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McGloin received the honor Monday, sharing it with Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson. McGloin completed 14-of-17 passes for 220 yards and three TDs in the Nittany Lions' 34-6 win, making his case for the starting job.
"If [Joe Paterno] wants to continue to do the two quarterback system, that's fine," McGloin said. "But like I said, it's not up to me. I just have to continue to take it one practice at a time."
McGloin's overall numbers through four games are clearly superior to Bolden's (see chart). The knock on McGloin is that he struggled badly against Alabama, going 1-of-10 for no yards, although he is 33-of-44 (75 percent) for 421 yards and three TDs in the other three games.
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Bolden was much better than McGloin but still not great against the Crimson Tide, going 11-of-29 for 144 yards with one interception. Against the three lesser opponents, Bolden is 22-of-42 for 244 yards with one TD and two interceptions.
Bolden has continued to start, and those who favor him point out he has more potential and can develop at a much higher rate than McGloin if given the playing time.
"I think I did pretty well moving the ball," said Bolden, who was 7-of-13 for 115 yards with a 71-yard TD off a screen pass to Devon Smith on Saturday. "I wish I could have finished some drives. We got a field goal out of one."
McGloin's performance this past week might have earned him a shot to start Saturday at Indiana. He is the first PSU player to earn the Big Ten's weekly offensive award since quarterback Daryll Clark did so after the regular-season finale against Michigan State in 2009.
SUBHD: Lynn doubtful
Penn State is listing cornerback D'Anton Lynn as doubtful for this week's game following his head/neck injury against?Eastern Michigan. Lynn was evaluated at the hospital and released Saturday evening after taking a blow to the head.
SUBHD: Iowa kick set
Penn State's game against Iowa on Oct. 8 at Beaver Stadium will kick off at 3:30 p.m. and air on ABC locally or on ESPN nationally.
Iowa is off this week, so it will have two weeks to prepare for the Lions.
The Lions' game this week at Indiana will kick off at noon and air on ESPNU.
