Beano Watch 10.08.2008

Caroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) discussed Penn State way too much this week. Everytime he does this I get nervous because it usually means a loss.

Alan (Shreveport, LA): Why is Charles Scott listed on a lot Heisman lists and Evan Royster is not? Royster has better numbers, the teams are both undefeated, and up until now, Penn State has played a tougher schedule. I by no means think Royster should be in consideration...but fail to see why Scott is.

SportsNation Beano Cook: It is still early. Royster has played well and Penn State is unbeaten. He will get consideration.

Royster has been good, but he is not even the best player on Penn State's offense - Daryl Clark is thus far. This is all subject to change, particularly after Penn State plays somebody good.

Matt (Tulsa, OK): Is there a defense in the nation that can slow down either Missouri or Oklahoma and who would it be?

SportsNation Beano Cook: Penn State. I have a lot of respect for Missouri, Oklahoma. Texas and Oklahoma State, and the two games in the Big 12 featuring those teams this weekend should be interesting.

Why is Beano so high on Penn State's defense? This is probably the worst defense in five years for Penn State. It is not bad, but it is not the outstanding 2005-2006 model.

Brett (Happy Valley): How do you see Penn State doing in Camp Randall Saturday night? Wisconsin is always tough, but last weeks 20-6 "close" win still seemed pretty controlling. Hopefully our many different offensive options will be opened up a little more than last week.

SportsNation Beano Cook: Before the season began I felt Penn State and Ohio State would fight for the title in the Big Ten and I still feel that way. I think the Nittany Lions will win this weekend, but I would not be shocked if they did not. I also feel that if Penn State wins this weekend it will also beat Ohio State.

At least Beano is not hedging his bets...

Baghdad, Iraq: Should a 1 loss Big 12/SEC team get passed by an undefeated Big East or big 10 team for the National Championship.

SportsNation Beano Cook: Depends on if Penn State is unbeaten. The Nittany Lions would get the bid over any one-loss team, no matter the conference.

Yes this is true, but this is getting way ahead of things, isn't it?

Ryan (Ferndale, MI): Why do fans think their teams should get a mulligan for losing? Certain conferences may have more depth but that does not always mean their team is absolutely the best if they lose a game.

SportsNation Beano Cook: I am saying if Penn State is undefeated it will get the bid over any team with one loss in any conference...and they should. However, let's say Oklahoma, LSU and Penn State all go undefeated. Then the Nittany Lions would be left out because the other two conferences are stronger.

This seems like a very unlikely scenario, but if it happened, I think he would be correct.