Penn State has a 'stache of talent at fullback

ALTHOUGH Rob Bolden and Matt McGloin say all the right things, about how they're teammates and only want what's good for the squad, Penn State's rotating quarterbacks are a lot like boxers in a tough fight. They eye each other warily and hope to get in the one big shot that will turn the tables in their favor.

Bolden, a four-star recruit coming out of high school, has a more reserved personality, while McGloin, not blessed with Bolden's natural ability, is the strutting rooster who never has regarded himself as the former walk-on he was. Although they maintain a civil relationship, these two aren't apt to be spotted hanging out together away from the field.

The competition apparently isn't quite so cutthroat at fullback, where legacies Joe Suhey and Michael Zordich are contentedly splitting time. They're the best of buddies in every sense, each cheering the other in practice and on game days. If there is a rivalry between them, you couldn't tell by the way they carry on.

Of course, there is that mustache thing . . .

In keeping with one of Penn State's more casual traditions, several players engaged in a mustache-growing contest in the preseason. Neither Suhey nor Zordich is claiming absolute victory, but they agree their upper-lip ornaments are the best of the bunch.

"Mike and I take pride in our mustaches," Suhey said. "We grew some great 'staches this camp.

"They're different styles of mustaches. Mine's a little darker, his is a little thicker and comes out a little farther. I'm not going to say whose is better. They're both great."

Zordich concurs.

"We have fun with it," he said. "It's something to keep us relaxed and laughing. We've been doing it for a while.

"The biggest competition probably was between me and Joe this year. It's tough to say who won. We have different styles. He has the great, original, thick mustache. I went with the handlebars."

Even when clean-shaven, Suhey and Zordich have markedly different styles. Suhey is the more accomplished pass receiver and technically proficient blocker; Zordich, a converted linebacker, attacks defenses like a hammer upon an anvil. But they agree that their varying skill sets are complementary and beneficial.

The stakes will be raised Saturday, when Penn State (1-0) hosts No. 2 Alabama (1-0) in a key intersectional matchup that could get, well, a little hairy. Alabama's defense is widely recognized as the best in the country, and the role of the Penn State fullbacks could be pivotal as the Lions attempt to dent the Crimson Tide's formidable defense.

"Suhey and Zordich are not afraid to stick their noses in there, and they add another weapon," said Quinn Barham, one of four Penn State captains and the starting left tackle. "I know last week we featured the fullback a little more and we were able to get them a couple of touchdowns."

The role of the fullback as ballcarrier has diminished with the increased emphasis on passing and one-back sets, and that also has been the case in recent years at Penn State. In 2010, Suhey, a 6-1, 219-pound, fifth-year senior from Deerfield, Ill., and Zordich, a 6-1, 242-pound redshirt junior from Canfield, Ohio, combined for only 26 carries and 55 rushing yards. But Suhey did catch 15 passes for 154 yards and a touchdown, while Zordich scored three goal-line touchdowns on just 18 carries.

In Saturday's 41-7 drubbing of Indiana State, Suhey and Zordich totaled 11 carries between them, gaining 44 yards. Each scored a touchdown, and Suhey added two receptions for 16 yards.

Can another game heavy on the fullback belly series be expected against Alabama and throughout the season?

"I'm not quite sure," said Suhey, son of former Penn State (1976-79) and Chicago Bears fullback Matt Suhey. "I definitely wouldn't expect us to have 11 carries this week. [The fullback's number of carries] is going to come down to week to week, and what the coaches see. You never quite know until the game progresses and you see what opens up."

Zordich, whose father, former Penn State (1982-85) All-America safety Mike Zordich, is now the Eagles' safeties coach, makes no secret of his desire to get the rock.

"I'm excited about it," he said of the possibility of additional touches. "Joe and I can run the ball. We were running backs before we came here. Last week the circumstances were a little different, but we definitely should get more carries this year."

Joe Paterno has been nominated to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor. U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa., and U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Pa., sent a letter to President Obama yesterday, citing Paterno's substantial contributions to collegiate athletics, higher education and American society. Thompson represents State College, where Penn State is located.