They’re advising fans to take an alternative path from the normal Pennsylvania 2 2/322 that connects Harrisburg with State College.
Thursday’s flood of the Susquehanna River washed out the road, making the normal 80 miles seem like 180.
Hundreds of state roads in eastern Pennsylvania remained closed Friday because of torrential rains and floodwaters.
For Penn State fans, they’d travel 1,800 miles to see this rematch of last year’s 24-3 debacle in Alabama. The Nittany Lions, 10-point underdogs, are seeking revenge, not only against Alabama, but a top-five opponent. Penn State has lost five straight to top-five teams, and it hasn’t been pretty.
You can start with the offensive line, which Alabama manhandled a year ago. PSU’s line returns, as do nine Alabama starters on defense.
“All the pressure is pretty much on them,” Penn State receiver Derek Moye told reporters this week. “They’re the ones coming in with all the rankings. We’re kind of flying under the radar.”
Neither showed much in their openers. Penn State crushed FCS-member Indiana State 41-7 and Alabama beat Kent State 48-7.
However, Alabama struggled. It had five turnovers with neither dueling quarterback ensuring a starting spot for today. A.J. McCarron hit 14-of-23 for 226 yards with two interceptions and a touchdown, and Phillip Sims completed 7-of-14 for 73 yards and two picks.
What’s more, Trent Richardson went from a Heisman candidate to fighting for his starting job. He had only 37 yards on 13 carries although he did score three touchdowns.
“I know you (media) think that once you get a depth chart, it’s like chiseling that baby in gold,” coach Nick Saban said. “It’s not that way at all.”
John Henderson: 303-954-1299, jhenderson@denverpost.com,
