Beano Watch -- Bowl Edition

Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) returned to "The Show" to talk about Saturday football. He was candid about Penn State and the Big11Ten scheduling.

Neal (Philly): Beano, what are some keys for Penn State's offense against Tennessee?

SportsNation Beano Cook: Everything depends on the QB Morelli. If he has a good game then they can pull the upset. Both teams lost to teams that have very good records in 2006. Tennessee lost to Florida, Arkansas and LSU. Penn St. lost to teams that had a combined total of 5 defeats.

In this game, Morelli appears to be the key, but it is ultimately the offensive line. Like most quarterbacks, Morelli has trouble when the protection is poor. If the line can have a solid or good outing, Penn State has a decent shot at defeating the Vols. Just about any major college QB can get the job done with a good line.

Rich (CA): Just caught up reading your comments. Big Ten doesn't play anyone out of conference?!?! Did you not see Ohio State play Texas and not notice their upcoming out of conference games with Nebraska, Miami, and USC? Come on Beano, do some research.

SportsNation Beano Cook: That's one game out of four.

SportsNation Beano Cook: If the Big 10 would have a Championship game then eight conference games would be ok. But all I'm saying is that the Big 10, with all the resources it has, those teams should be playing nine conference games.

Ryan (cleveland): Beano, you are so mis-informed. I guess with PSU and Michigan playing ND, that's also a cupcake game???? Honestly, it's not like they are UF and Scheduled Coastal Carolina in November!

SportsNation Beano Cook: Number one Florida played thirteen games. Take away the easiest opponent. Count that as a scrimmage, then look at the other games. Non-conference games: Southern Miss (not easy), FSU (a big rival) and Central Florida. But Michigan and Penn State only played ND as their tough non-conference games, the other games were at home. And Michigan dosne't want to play ND after 2011. I promise that if Michigan beats USC, Wisconsin beats Arkansas, Penn St. beats Tenn.I will be here for all you Big 10 fans to give it to me. In fact I will put my Michigan helmet on, which Lloyd Carr sent to me as a gift...but I wont sing The Victors.

The more critiquing the scheduling gets, the better. I want two quality non-conference games per year.

By the way, I don't see the Big11Ten doing any better than 3-1 in New Year's bowl games. I think Ohio State and Michigan both lose. I have not yet made up my mind about Penn State. If I am not mistaken, Wisconsin usually wins their bowl games. I'll try to do a bowl preview later in the week.

Ed (Baltimore): Beano, Can Penn State go all the way next year?

SportsNation Beano Cook: Penn State will be good next year, but again it comes down to Morelli. They have big games at home, so that's a big advantage for them.

How many times can I say it? The offensive line that is the crucial factor in Penn State's (or any other team's) success! C'mon Beano this is basic stuff -- even a Pitt grad should understand this simple fact.

Labels: Beano Watch

posted by WFY @ 8:38 AM | |