Make no mistake about it, this one has a little extra meaning for Daryll Clark.

Yes, any game against Ohio State is big for the Youngstown native, especially when it's effectively a knockout game in the Big Ten championship race.

But with last season's concussion, this one gets a little more personal.

"I would say it would mean a lot, maybe even more," Clark said during his conference call this week. "I'm definitely planning on trying to get the win this week and being able to play through all four quarters."

The senior signal caller left last season's game in the fourth quarter of the 13-6 victory in Columbus. Then-backup quarterback Pat Devlin came off the bench and helped the Nittany Lions score 10 points without completing a pass.

Clark said he was trying to play through the adversity but said he also blacked out. It wasn't until Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor fumbled around midfield that he "came to."

"I was thinking that I was still in the game, and I was still the quarterback or whatnot," Clark said. "After I watched the film over and over again, the TV version, it said that I looked really upset like I was benched or whatnot."

Despite the clear look of frustration, Clark said he doesn't remember doing any of those things, like yelling and screaming, as he put it. He elaborated that there is still a period of the game he doesn't remember.

The quarterback's father, Daryll Clark Sr., spoke with his son that night.

"I was in the stands, and I never knew Daryll had a concussion," Clark's father said. "I just assumed that they made a quarterback switch."

With all the side stories to this weekend's game, it could be overwhelming. But Clark said he knows how to handle the situation. He considers himself an emotional player but admitted he has to be the coolest guy out there.

Clark said he probably put too much pressure on himself in the Iowa game, when he tossed three interceptions in Penn State's lone defeat of the season thus far.

Regardless, head coach Joe Paterno remains adamant about not putting the loss on Clark's shoulders.

"I don't think our getting licked by Iowa had anything to do with Daryll's performance," Paterno said. "I think Daryll Clark has played well all year.

"It was not his fault we lost to Iowa. He played a heck of a game."

This is basically the second time the Lions play a ranked team this season. The Hawkeyes weren't ranked when they came to Happy Valley in September but are undefeated and in the top-10 now.

Although Clark beat Oregon State and Michigan State last year -- two foes which finished the season ranked -- there have been two losses against Iowa, a Rose Bowl defeat and the concussion in high-profile games.

Is Clark concerned about winning a big game like the one this Saturday will be?

"Maybe, maybe not," Clark said regarding if fans view him as a quarterback without a big-game win.

"I don't really pay attention to those things. When you fall into that kind of trap, you're focusing on the wrong things ... I play for this football team, for the coaches, for the teammates, for the loyal fans and for my family. That's it."