Blue White Illustrated

PRACTICE NOTEBOOK BY TIM OWEN Bill O'Brien's press conference Tuesday began with the news that some knew was coming, but all were hoping not to hear. O'Brien confirmed that senior tight end Matt Lehman, who fell to the ground, untouched, while running a pass route vs. Syracuse, will miss the remainder of the season with an unspecified knee injury. All signs point to torn ligaments.  Lehman caught 24 passes for 296 yards LEHMAN and three touchdowns in 2012, and he was expected to play an even larger role this fall. "Certainly anytime you have a player the caliber and type of guy that Matt Lehman is go down, it's not good," O'Brien said. "It falls into the category of 'next man up.' The next guy has to be able to fill it and do it. " That "next man" might actually be a couple of different players. Fullback Pat Zerbe could see an expanded role, while freshman tight end Adam Breneman will certainly see increased playing time. It's also possible that Garry Gilliam, a former tight end who moved to offensive tackle in the off-season, could see time at tight end in certain red zone situations. • Tight end Kyle Carter is also on the injury list, but O'Brien said he is "dayto-day." Carter's surgically repaired wrist was injured while he was blocking on a fake field goal attempt against Syracuse. Carter continued to see snaps after the injury, but it's unlikely he will play against Eastern Michigan. • O'Brien said linebacker Mike Hull (knee) is also day-to-day and is probable for Saturday. • Not a practice note, but important nonetheless: Penn State is continuing its new bag policy at Beaver Stadium. Officials are not allowing backpacks, fanny packs, purses, diaper bags, messenger bags, camera bags, briefcases, roll bags or any other type of concealed S E P T E M B E R 4 , 2 0 1 3 15 pouch that is larger than 4 inches by 6 inches by 1 inch. One clear plastic one-gallon bag will be permitted per person if the patron has medical or child-care needs, or if they require other items. All clear bags will be inspected through the bag and article check stations. "We believe this [procedure] is very important for two reasons, said Mark " Bodenschatz, associate athletic director of operations. "One is public safety, and the second is to improve the access our fans experience when they come to the gates. " • Bodenschatz also officially announced that Penn State will install new high definition scoreboards above both end zones in Beaver Stadium after the 2013 season, so they are ready for use in the '14 home-opener. "Our [current] scoreboard is essentially at the end of its useful life, Bo" denschatz explained. "We have been keeping it together, but there have been so many technological improvements and advancements in scoreboards that have happened in that past 12 years. " So take advantage of them they will. BL UEW H I T EON LI N E. COM

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