Welcome to the my Web site, v. XII. The blog is typically published Monday - Saturday. My primary topics tend to be the Nats, Penn State (esp. football), BeltwayLand, transportation, media, photos and more. The rest of the site gets updated as warranted and is noted on the blog.
Carroll H. Cook ("54 Pitt) chatted again this past Wednesday and Penn State was mentioned a few times.
Matt (Philadelphia): Beano, need a clarification on something from your podcast a couple weeks back. In 1969, did Penn State simply choose not to play the Texas-Arkansas winner in the Cotton Bowl? If so why was Paterno so mad?
beano cook: The players voted 33-30 to play Missouri. Penn State turned down the bid to play the highest ranked team available. The following year Notre Dame did not. For the millionth time, Penn State has a complaint about 1994, but none whatsoever about 1969.
It is worth noting that the players voted on what bowl they would attend and the vote was for the Orange Bowl. In short, black players were concerned about the treatment they would received in Dallas at the Cotton Bowl. It is also worth noting that the team Richard Nixon proclaimed as national champion, the Texas Longhorns were not integrated at the time.
Wayne (Carlisle, PA): Beano, OSU or PENN STATE? and why?
beano cook: I think Penn State will win.
BEANOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
We're doomed, the Beano reverse lock has been set. DAMN DAMN DAMN
I have not been doing Beano Watch lately for a couple of reasons 1.) Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) has missed some chats 2.) He is not offering much about Penn State beyond "bad non conference schedule." This week is a little better.
pete caroll (USC): Hey Beano, some idiot from pa on the maisel chat thought Pennstate should be ahead of USC cuz their loss is better...do these people fail to realize the other 11 games on the schedule...i think USC's wins at ohiostate cal and nd are slightly better than beating sisters of the poor, akron, syracuse and my highschool team at home man people are jealous of the best huh
Beano Cook: First off, USC clearly plays a tougher schedule. If these teams met in the postseason, the Trojans would win. I still feel Penn State has a good chance of finishing the regular season 11-1 for a second straight year, both losses to Iowa. Going 22-2 over two seasons is impressive. If they meet in the Rose Bowl, USC will win. I agree with you that the Penn State non-conference schedule is not exactly challenging.
I'd love to see a rematch of Pen State and USC. I would kind of like Penn State's chances this time around. Nice of him to compliment Penn State's record, but too many people are acting as though the Nittany Lions going 11-1 is fait accompli.
Lou (Rockville, MD): You really think a 10-2 Notre Dame would get a bid over 11-1 PSU?
Beano Cook: Yes, the Irish probably will. I am not saying they should, just answering a question and making a prediction.
Really? Penn State travels as well as anybody and has actually won a bowl game not played in Hawaii this decade.
George A Gionis (Blue Bell): Any shot of a Pitt PSU Fiesta Bowl. That would be something, now wouldn't it?
Beano Cook: Number one, it is unlikely. It would be interesting.
There was a lot of talk about this earlier in the week for some reason. Beano's right that it is unlikely and it would be kind of interesting, but I'd rather Penn State get another shot at USC, if everything lines up. There are still four games to play and a lot can happen to either team.
Lets hope the players don't think an 11-1 is an automatic thing either. They have at least two very loseable games left, plus a tricky one this week if they aren't focused.
# posted by TMBC :
Thursday, October 29, 2009 4:41:00 PM
Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) continues to focus on the Nittany Lions and even reveals some possibly shocking information about his feelings about Penn State.
Aaron King (Memphis,TN): Safe to say, Mike Floyd is the best sophomore reciever in college football, if not all of college football?
Beano Cook: It's one game. He is very good, but it is one game. All of a sudden Notre Dame is back on top of the world after one win. If Texas and Florida are both undefeated, and the Irish is undefeated, Notre Dame will not play for the national title. The Irish has to root for those teams to lose. Don't be shocked if Notre Dame and Penn State play for the national title. Penn State's schedule is the easiest of any of the top-rated teams.
Wow, a Penn State vs. Notre Dame BCS Championship game – I don’t think Northeast Pennsylvania could survive it. Hard to argue with his schedule theory though.
Steve (Harriburg): Do I have to pray for 2 undefeated teams to keep PSU (and their pathetic schedule) out of the National Title game?
Beano Cook: Yes, I think so. You could see others like BYU run the table too. Penn State will finish ahead of BYU regardless. The Big Ten doesn't want the plus-one for obvious reasons. The Big Ten is outsmarting all of the other conferences by playing just eight league games. Other big leagues play eight conference games. The Big Ten knows it is not as good as other conferences, but playing soft non-league games, plus eight league contests, it helps. Penn State would have played for the national title if it beat Iowa last year. By the way, Penn State could be worth taking with the points in a title game with Paterno having time to prepare.
There goes Beano bashing the Big Ten and damning Penn State with feint praise. Oddly, enough Beano correctly predicted Penn State would beat Miami.
J.B. (Dunmore, PA): Mr. Cook: I'd be surprised if Penn State ran the table this season. The O-Line struggled with its run blocking Saturday and I'm a bit concerned that the kicking game won't be there when needed. The secondary is also suspect (gave up a long TD pass Saturday). I see them winning nine or ten games but someone will beat them.
Beano Cook: They play in the Big Ten, not the SEC, Big 12 or Pac-10. The non-conference schedule is a breeze. If the Nittany Lions played in the SEC, it would be 3-4 losses. Remember that Paterno is still involved and he makes the tough calls.
Again, he underestimates the Big Ten. I don’t see Penn State running the table and I doubt he does to, but needs to put in the jinx just to be sure.
Rodney (NYC): Hi Beano, love the Pod-Cast with Ivan and a big fan. But why the Penn State/Joe Paterno hate? Granted this year PSU out of conference schedule, which was made years ago, is not great. But PSU has Alabama next year, and have played Nebraska, ND and other top programs. Look at Florida's out of conference schedule? As Ivan has pointed out, Florida has not played an opponent from outside of Florida since 1991. You always defend them by saying that they play in the SEC, but the Big 10-SEC bowl game record is more even than you think. Again, why the hate on PSU and not more skepticism of the mighty Gators?
Beano Cook: There is no hate for Paterno or Penn State. I disagree with some of the policies. I disagreed with my parents, but I still loved them. It was no fun being grounded on weekends.
What a minute, is Beano saying he loves Penn State? That’s such a mind-eff.
The podcast is pretty good though.
Cam (Utah): Why would Penn State get in over BYU if they were both undefeated? BYU would have wins over OU, Florida State, TCU and Utah!
Beano Cook: That is a good point. You might be right. It would depend on the pollsters.
What pollster is going to say no to Paterno over my ex-neighbor's relative, Bronco Mendenhall? I don't see that happening.
Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) celebrated his 78th birthday a day late by throwing Penn State under the bus with his predictions of success which means doom -- or does it?
michael (deployed military): how does Ohio State fair this year? 10 or less? BCS bowl? NC possibility?
Beano Cook: The key game for them as far as national rankings is USC. I think Penn State is going to win the Big Ten. OSU has a chance to be a wild card team. The Buckeyes should be at least 3-1 in non conference play and the conference isn't that tough. If the Buckeyes beat USC then they become a serious contender to play for the national title.
There he goes again, saying Penn State is going to win the Big Ten. We're doomed!
James (Detroit): Beano, please explain why you think Notre Dame will play for the national championship? I know they return a lot of starters and that they have an easy schedule, but come on man! They were only 7-6 last year, didn't beat one quality opponent, and had some bad losses!
Beano Cook: You're right. Everything you say is correct. But I look at the schedule and I've been told by Notre Dame people that they have players who are very good that no one has heard about. If they play Florida's schedule, I don't pick them. The schedule is the key. If I had to pick another title game, it would be Texas to beat Penn State. If PSU plays in the Big 12, they lost 3 games. But they play in the Big Ten, they'll go 8-0 in the Big Ten.
Beano Cook: Incidently, I think Mel Kiper picks Oklahoma and Penn State to play for the national title.
Ah yes, we're title game #2! That is a pick I actually feel good about because if Beano is always wrong, does that mean we be in the actual title game? Also, who cares what some slicky boy, draft nerd from Dundalk thinks about college football?
Jim (Columbus): Again, why Penn State over the Buckeyes?
Beano Cook (4:20 PM: Home field. It's a night game. But it's a home field pick. I think OSU is a better team, but not at night at PSU.
It's not a night game Beano, the Big Ten banned them in November. In all likelihood, 3:30 p.m. kickoff, maybe 4:30 p.m.
Does Beano having his facts wrong negate the reverse-lock?
Carroll H. Cook (’54 Pitt) has set off alarms already, making Penn State his #2A to play for the national title. In his recent chat, he seemed to link Notre Dame (his #2 pick for the title game) and Penn State over and over again, something that can only be of interest to certain pockets of fandom in Northeastern and western Pennsylvania.
Beano Cook: Personally, I think the two best teams are Florida and Texas. But I think Notre Dame wins 11 or 12. They might have to win 12 to make it. If Florida, Texas, Oklahoma and Notre Dame have one loss, Notre Dame has no shot. A team after Notre Dame that might sneak in is Penn State, because of the schedule. I will not pick PSU next year, because they play Alabama. But the Big Ten is not tough, their out of conference schedule is easy. They have a better chance of going undefeated than Texas, Florida, Oklahoma or USC. I think PSU would have to go undefeated to play for the national title. If they had beaten Iowa last year, they would have played Florida and lost by 3 TDs.
I can't argue with him calling out the BigTen schedule. Syracuse wasn't a bad pick when the contract was signed though and they are long-standing rivals. Temple is acceptable since they are in-state. Penn State did Temple a huge favor when they signed on for an extended series, at the time Temple had been kicked out of the Big East. Akron would be fine if Penn State had a heavyweight in the OOC schedule. Eastern Illinois is inexcusable.
I am relieved he is not picking Penn State next year though.
J.B. (Dunmore, PA): With the loss of arguably the best WR trio in school history, how can Penn State win 10-11 games? Let's not forget that they've recently lost one of their LBs for the season and the secondary is highly suspect as well.
Beano Cook: Their schedule my man, their schedule! They're 4-0 after non-conference games. Indiana is on their schedule. Iowa is at PSU. Now, let me say this, if Michigan beats ND, then PSU will have problems at Michigan.
Beano ignores the trap games at Illinois and Northwestern, but importantly ignores that they gain LB Sean Lee, who is returning after missing last season.
Beano, how many more years can JoePa actually coach? I love him but at 82, he has me worried.
Beano Cook: I would say at least three more. My friends tell me that he is in the best shape he's been in for the last few years. The accident in the Wisconsin game took a lot out of him a few years ago. But he's in great shape. People want to cast Joe Paterno aside. I think he's one of the most fascinating sports figures today. He has the enthusiasm, the know-how. People think he's too old. They said that about Ronald Reagan. He was a pretty good president.
I am actually in agreement with the Paterno part and well, I don’t talk politics on this blog, so I’ll leave it at that.
Chad (Las Vegas): Beano, your ND prediction makes no sense. Even a 1 loss ND team would have NO SHOT at the BCS Champ game due to computer rankings and SOS. A 1 loss SEC, BIG 10, Big 12, PAC 10, ACC woudl all have the advantage over ND.
Beano Cook: I disagree with you on that. But you might be right. You might be right. I think ND would get it over Penn State. ND has a much tougher schedule than PSU. I said earlier in this chat, Florida, Texas, Oklahoma, Penn State, ND all finish the same, ND, PSU are out.
More schedule bashing from Beano. Notre Dame’s schedule isn’t too hot right now either.
Errata Beano Cook: For the record, I think the best college town in America is Chapel Hill.
It didn’t look too impressive when I drove through it
Beano Cook: The best place to go to summer school, from all the reports I've heard for the last 50 years, is Wisconsin.
Based on what I have heard from Badgers I know, he’s probably right. It was good enough for Thornton Mellon too.
The Maryland Bureau Chief is reporting very troubling news from Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt):
I listen to the weekly ESPNU College football podcast. It is a chat between Ivan Maisel and Beano Cook. In this week's podcast, they made their 2009 championship games predictions. Beano made this entirely TERRIFYING, ANNOYING, and TRAGIC statement. I am transcribing this word for word:
"I think the two best teams right now are probably Florida and Texas......But I'm picking the two best teams who I think will play, there's a difference. So I have Florida over Notre Dame. But if Notre Dame doesn't make it....... because of the schedule, and the non-conference schedule which is a joke, and the Big Ten isn't that tough, if it isn't Notre Dame, it will be Penn State."
You heard it folks. Season over! Oh the humanity?!?!? You should know that the only reason he picked Florida vs. Notre Dame, is due to a prediction he made in 2004, stating that within 5 years, Florida would play ND for the national title.
How do we make sense of this??????
While this is a scary Beano Cook prediction, we must acknowledge that he is hedging on this one. You could argue he is saying Penn State is #3. Nevertheless it is troubling, but I'm glad I was warned because I sometimes listen to that podcast.
After a long hiatus, ESPN football commentator Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) returned for a chat. His comments about Penn State are highlighted.
Ed (PA): Cookin' with Beano!! The old man in State College seems to have some added jump in his step since getting the hip replaced. Recruiting is up, the wins are up... Any chance you see PSU winning or playing for a national championship before Joe decided to hang them up?
Beano: Penn State could play for the national title this year because of an easy non-conference schedule and a favorable league schedule, compared with the Big 12, ACC and Pac-10. Non-conference games are Akron, Syracuse, Temple, Eastern Illinois -- not exactly an SEC schedule, is it? So the answer is yes, the Nittany Lions could play for the national title this season. Remember, Iowa knocked Penn State off last season or we could have seen Paterno and company playing for the title a year ago.
Before you have heart palpitations, keep in mind that Beano merely said that Penn State could compete for the national title. He then brings up a painful memory. Jerk.
Tommy (Lion fan): What did you think of Penn State being named best party school in America?
Beano Cook: When I was an undergraduate and visiting two friends, I thought it was a good party school then. Maybe they redshirted a few party kids last year to be number one this year. Some of the best college parties I went to were at the Phi Delt house.
Beano offers very little, other than the information that Penn State knew how to party back when the world was still in black and white. Frankly, the #1 party school ranking is not something to hang your hat on when it is strongly based on things like "lots of beer" when the beer is at best, Yuengling, but often Natty and Beast, respectively, and "Major Frat and Sorority Scene" just means people like buying their friends. I had a good time there though, despite these things, I promise!
Now, something that is not Penn State related:
WFY (BeltwayLand): We're still waiting for "Haven't They Suffered Enough: The Autobiography of Carroll H. Cook." When will our patience be rewarded?
Beano Cook: I am working on a book. Four chapters are done. We are looking for a publisher. Very good.
I'm hoping one of the chapters reveals that he and George Paterno used to go trolling for babes on bowl game trips or something.
Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) has not lost any determination to jinx Penn State's 2008 season.
Matt (Miami, FL): Beano, give me YOUR top 3 teams and why you ranked them up there. SportsNation Beano Cook: Well, Alabama-1, Texas Tech-2, Penn State-3. They are all undefeated. In the old days, we would say untied. Texas Tech over Penn State because of schedule.
What is so great about Texas Tech's schedule? They play in a conference that does not believe in defense.
Adam (pittsburgh, pa): The big ten looks pretty weak and PSU scheduled an absolutely awful non-con schedule, so do you see a big ten or SEC champ with one loss both passing PSU? I know the nation is scared PSU may be another Ohio State from the last two years, and people tend to think Florida, Texas, and Oklahoma are all more deserving than PSU.
SportsNation Beano Cook: You mean Big 12 or SEC? If there are two teams with 12-0 records they will play for the national title among the BCS schools. Alabama and/or Texas Tech will have to lose.
I think he is right.
Paul (Iowa): Tell me Iowa has a chance against Penn State this weekend. SportsNation Beano Cook: I said that Penn State has to be alert. This could be a very tough game. I still feel Penn State will win. Let em say it one more time, Penn State will play for the national title. Let me say it one more time...Penn State will play for the national title.
Beano saying that is like being stabbed...twice. With his track record, you almost wonder if he cases Dixie and Pixie around the hosue all day.
jb (suwanee ga): Beano, Soup or Salad (must have been bad Clam Chowder) - how can you say TT over Penn St because of schedule. The big ten is down and maybe even worse than bad briscut BUT TT playing Mass, W Washington, Nevada, (I know must be the daunted SMU mustangs) - that schedule in the end might be better - BUT not now.Eric, Baltimore: JoePa: a) Retire if you win the Ntl Championship b) Retire if you make it to the Title Game c) Retire Regardless d) Return Next Year (Regardless of this season)
SportsNation Beano Cook: I think he will be the coach next year unless he retires due to physical problems.
SportsNation Beano Cook: Soup today for lunch. I know that is an important question.
ACtually, not you skipped the important part of the question. Saying Texas Tech has a better schedule does not look so bright now, does it?
Of course, all of this Penn State BCS talk makes me uncomfortable since they still have to win three more times. Those three games will not just be handed to Penn State like a number of people assume.
I think the bottom line here is that the Beano curse is alive and well. It doesn't always strike in the week he says the most "curse-worthy" item, but it will bite ya at some point in the season.
# posted by The Maryland Bureau Chief :
Sunday, November 09, 2008 12:26:00 PM
Tyler (Columbus Ohio): Hey Beano, what is your prediction on the Ohio State vs. Penn State game this weekend? Will the winner be in the BCS championship if they win out?
SportsNation Beano Cook: I think if the winner is PSU, Penn State will play for the national title. I think it's unlikely that if OSU wins that they will play for the national title. They will play in the Rose Bowl. My feeling here is that PSU will win.
Beano picked Penn State last week too and shockingly, the Nittany Lions won. Can he be accurate two weeks in a row or will he regress to the mean (i.e. reverse lock)?
joE long island ny: Beano- Is Terrelle Pryor really ready to beat a top team like PSU? His passing skills are clearly not fully developed and while his last minute drive against Wiscy was super impressive-that Defense does not compare to what he will be facing Saturday night.
SportsNation Beano Cook: I don't think OSU will beat PSU, but I don't think he will be the reason. I think PSU is a better team. They have an outstanding OL and plays defense well enough to win.
Ohio State looked pretty good last week though, crushing Michigan State by about 40 points. OSU knows how to create turnovers and frankly, Penn State is putting the ball on the ground too much.
Isaiah (Denver, CO): Yo Beans, who are you top 3 for the Heisman so far?
SportsNation Beano Cook: I would say Colt McCoy, Tim Tebow, Darryl Clark.
Really? I am impressed with Clark but he is not in the same league as those other two.
kelly highland, ca.: Whose your pick for the BCS title game?
SportsNation Beano Cook: Well, before the season began, I said USC against Florida. That was my original pick. Let's get that straight. If you asked me right now, I would say Penn State against Texas.
Ugh.
Tim (happy valley, PA): How will the game go for psu on saturday? are they gonna start out on fire or is it going to take a quarter or so to loosen up?
SportsNation Beano Cook: No, I think PSU will win 31-14.
SportsNation Beano Cook: I picked Penn State to play for the national title last year, it was one year too early. Everyone thought Joe Paterno was washed up, but I never felt that way and still don't.
That is a good question because the Lions have not started out well a few times this year and being on the road at night suggests it could happen again.
Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) is damning Penn State yet again.
J.B. (Dunmore, PA): Mr. Cook: I swore I heard you on ESPN Radio today say Penn State would play in the BCS title game. Did I hear you correctly?
SportsNation Beano Cook: Absolutely.
Oh Q@#$&$! Why Beano, why?
Steve (Heshey PA): Beano - Joe goes, if Penn State wins it all this year?
SportsNation Beano Cook: I think a lot depends on his health. If Joe feels like he can physically do the job he will be back. Penn State will be better next year than they are this year. Penn State's football program makes up for the fact that Penn State does not have a men's basketball program.
Hard to disagree with anything he is saying here, which is scary in and of itself. Not as scary as the first statement, but still scary.
Kim (Louisville, KY): Beano, I hear you predicted an Alabama-PSU national championship for 2009...do do you think your chances are of being right a year early? I love the idea of an old-school NC matchup!
SportsNation Beano Cook: Well No. 1 let me say that my pick for 2009 can be changed. But at that moment I went with those teams. Next year Alabama's shcedule is more favorable and Penn State plays in a conference that is not that strong and their non-conference is ludicrous. But yes, it could happen this year.
This years seems more likely than next, though, because of 80% of the offensive line and the top three WRs are seniors this year.
Jaocb ((Columbus, Ohio)): Can the Bcukeyes beat Penn State this year?
SportsNation Beano Cook: They can but they won't. I actually think Ohio State will lose on Saturday.
Do we want to face an angry Buckeyes team at home, at night after a loss? No, not really, but it didn't seem to matter for Wisky.
Kory (Denver, CO): Would OSU have a better chance beating PSU with Boeckman over Pryor at QB?
SportsNation Beano Cook: You would have to ask Tressel that. I am not sure, to be honest. I think the only advantage OSU has over Penn State is the location of the game. The only two teams, in my opinion, that are better than Penn State are Florida and USC and maybe Texas. I do not think Alabama is one of those teams.
Interesting, two one-loss teams are better than Penn State, but not an undefeated one, according to Beano.
eo (Cedar City, UT): If Alabama, Texas, and Penn State remain undefeated (I know this is almost impossible but work with me) who plays in the championship game?
SportsNation Beano Cook: Texas and Alabama. Easy answer.
SportsNation Beano Cook: But it will not happen. either Texas or Alabama will lose a game.
If history is any indication, Beano is correct if it comes to that, though I don't expect it to.
Here is a bonus one for the Ombudsman, keeping in mind this chat was yesterday:
Cosmo (Anytown, USA): Do the Phillies close out the Dodgers tonight? As a Phillies fan and considering your record this year, please say 'no'.
SportsNation Beano Cook: Thanks for the confidence! I look for the Dodgers to win it tonight. It looks like it is going to be the Phillies and Rays in the World Series, though. Philadelphia is a great sports town and in many ways they deserve a World Series.
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.
I meant to post this Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) before Saturday's game, but life happens.
Brett (Happy Valley): Penn State 5-0 heading into the next five games, four of which are away. How do you see this stretch shaking down? Lack of any impressiveness from Wisconsin and Ohio State has me feeling good about our chances...
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:09 PM ET ) I see Penn State even money to play for the national title.
*cringe*
Matt (Duncannon, PA): Should Daryll Clark be considered a Heisman candidate?
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:13 PM ET ) See me at the end of October. The answer is a possible yes.
In September 1997, Beano suggested Mike McQueary might be a Heisman candidate.
Craig (PA): Beano, you called Penn State's first four opponents cupcakes. Care to change your statement based on Oregon State's big win (who PSU trounced)?
SportsNation Beano Cook: The point is, they were cupcakes going in. You have cupcakes every year. Joe Paterno doesn't play many tough non-league games. The Nittany Lions do play Alabama in 2010, but at the time it was scheduled Mike Shula was the head coach, not Nick Saban.
Oregon State wasn't a cupcake until they showed up and played so poorly. Then they beat USC and looked a lot better, before looking like a cupcake in the loss last week. O and about Alabama...
Jason (Birmingham): Incorrect on the PSU/Bama scheduling. It was originally scheduled before Shula and Mal Moore asked for the game to be moved from previous date which would have been under Shula. Maybe PSU should schedule Pitt, that would be a thriller.
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:44 PM ET ) Thank you.
See, Beano get your facts straight. Why would Temple West be a thriller though?
Matt (Jupiter, FL): If PSU wins the national title, will JOEPA retire?
SportsNation Beano Cook: I said before the 2007 season that Paterno's last season could be 2008. If he wins the national title, yes. Until proven otherwise I am not going to make any more predictions on that topic.
Belated Beano Watch: 09.24.2008 - William World News
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Belated Beano Watch: 09.24.2008
Is Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) jinxing Penn State and Joe Paterno already?
Alex (Allentown, PA): You mentioned Penn State as a team on the rise and a 2009 National Championship Contender. How do you believe this affects Joe Paterno's status considering he is in the last year of his contract? Does he decide when he leaves?
SportsNation Beano Cook: I think he will be back next year, I did not think that two years ago, and predicted 2008 would be it a few years back. Penn State could make a run this year given the Big Ten. I feel Penn State or Wisconsin will win the Big Ten. I am not writing off Ohio State, I am just making a prediction. I can't pick every team.
Of course, this was before Wisconsin lost to Michigan, but still Beano on the Penn State bandwagon is a scary thing.
Yesterday, Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) briefly discussed the alma mater during his weekly chat.
JT, Wilmington, DE: Beano, Penn State is no USC, but is running a strong spread offense this year. Seems like Ohio State had a lot of trouble with that in Los Angeles... do you think the Nittany Lions can go take one, finally, in Columbus this season?
SportsNation Beano Cook: Yes, I think they are a dark horse to play for the national title. Buyt they will have to go undefeated. But it is possible. They will be the underdog against Ohio State and Wisconsin, and I definitely think they will win one of those games, and maybe two. They will ned help though, because if you have an undefeated teams in the Pac-10, SEC, Big XII, and Big Ten, the Big Ten team will have no shot at the title game, because the conference is down
So is this like Mike McQueary's dark-horse Heisman candidacy that Beano briefly promoted?
You know I cannot disagree with him that much though -- scary.
Lou (Bethesda, MD): Beano, PSU-Temple on Saturday. Al Golden has done a nice job at a place where coaches usually go to die. Is he PSU's next coach?
SportsNation Beano Cook: Well I do not think he will be the next guy, but he may be some day. But he is an excellent coach. He has made Temple compatitive and he is destined for the big time. Depending on how many jobs are open, I think Skip Holtz and Al Golden will be very sought after.
Hmmm, Run Up the Score!'s real name is not Lou and he is not from Bethesda. As for Golden, I think getting Temple to two bowl games in a row would probably make the Penn State job a much bigger possibility. Let's see if he does it.
VIENNA, Va. -- We had the annual La Coupe Hauxer season-end trophy presentation on Sunday at the Vienna Inn. Brad, representing the NJ Devils, won La Coupe Hauxer for the third consecutive time. He has gotten so nonchalant about the whole thing that he did not wear a Devils sweater. At least he didn't put that wussy peach malted beverage in the coupe this time, electing for the more respectable choice of birch beer. This shouldn't be a problem next year, as the Devils reign is coming to an end.
The other portion of the "ceremony" was Wiley relinquishing the Stanley Screwdriver. His Flyers bounced back quite well from a 1-19 season last year to find themselves in the middle of pack. Washington with a disappointing 5-7 record, reclaimed the Stanley Screwdriver. Fritz and I will each "host" it for six months.
Over chili dogs, fries and Bud drafts, we settled the pressing matters of the league, most importantly, the playoffs. Head-to-head matchups in the playoffs between La Coupe Hauxer teams count. There was also a very disappointing final game of the Eastern Conference on in the background.
Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) had his post-bowls chat yesterday adn answered one Penn State question.
Mikey (Philly): Beaner, PSU returners 19 starters. Picking them again to play in the Championship Game???
SportsNation Beano Cook: No. The schedule will be tougher, playing at Wisconsin and Ohio State. The Buckeyes have almost everyone back. Penn State has not won at Ohio State since entering the Big Ten. What makes you think it will happen next year? It could, but I don't think so. Don't make your reservations to the Orange Bowl quite yet.
Given that Beano picked Penn State this past season, I'm quite happy he didn't again. I also agree that one has to go with the Buckeyes in the Big11Ten. However, if he is saying don't make your reservations for the Orange Bowl yet, well that means you might want to call AAA.
This week, Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) spoke a lot about Penn State in his chat, but was he reallying saying anything?
Ben Lilly(annapolis,md): Beano, Who was your championship prediction at the beginning of the season, I remember it was Penn State beating someone but can't remember who? You should get yourself into the 21st century and realize if Penn State Played WVU 100 times WVu would win 90 of those games. SportsNation Beano Cook: LSU over Penn State. SportsNation Beano Cook: As far as I know nobody had West Virginia vs. Missouri in the title game. If they did, please give me their phone number
West-by-god-Virginia beating Penn State 90% of the time -- that doesn't compute...
Chris (Buffalo, NY): Beano, I'm not gonna lie. At first, I thought you were a nice guy, with an open mind and a good idea as to what college football was about. Unfortunately, after reading some of the responses to these questions, I have to say it; you are completely againts the Big East, WVU, and a lot of other up and coming schools. WVU has been in the national spotlight for over 5 years now and ranked for 3. Enough is enough, they are becoming a powerhouse. Yes, in your generation, Penn State was a great team, but you know what? Penn State is on a decline right now. Look at the now bud, and stop paying attention to tradition. Because tradition means nothing in the present time. SportsNation Beano Cook: I have one word for you -- NONSENSE.
Andy (State College): For the record, the all-time series between Penn State and WVU is 48 wins for PSU, 9 wins for WVU, and 2 ties. Don't get too full of yourself during a decent period in your team history.
SportsNation Beano Cook: Hmmm...
You tell 'em Andy. Um, thanks Beano?
Mike (Altoona, PA): Do you think Tom Bradley is a canidate for any of these job openings or is he waiting for the PSU job?
SportsNation Beano Cook: Bradley will be the next coach at Penn State. Sometime in the 22nd century.
Didn't Beano say last week it wouldn't happen?
Chad Arlington, TX: What is the short term outlook for Coach Paterno and do they (PSU) stay in the family when teh time comes to replace him? SportsNation Beano Cook: I personally said last April that Paterno would coach two more years. I think Tom Bradley would get a crack at being the head coach. People close to Penn State tell me that won't happen, though.
So which is it Beano? This is just another example of why I do Beano Watch every week.
Going off-topic, watching Extreme Makeover Home Edition, and they are making this kid's room a Star Wars theme. They made a desk with a background looking just like the cockpit glass of the Falcon, and it's set right in front of a wall painted to look like a ship was going through hyperspace. So when the kid gets to sit at a desk, it looks like he's in the Falcon's cockpit, going through hyperspace.
# posted by Brad Stratton :
Sunday, December 02, 2007 8:45:00 PM
Just because Penn State's regular season is over doesn't mean Carroll H. Coook ('54 Pitt) doesn't have anything to say about them.
Chad Arlington, TX: What is the short term outlook for Coach Paterno and do they (PSU) stay in the family when teh time comes to replace him? SportsNation Beano Cook: I personally said last April that Paterno would coach two more years. I think Tom Bradley would get a crack at being the head coach. People close to Penn State tell me that won't happen, though.
The last part about Tom Bradley not getting a shot is interesting, but because it is Beano sharing the information Bradley ought to be measuring Paterno's office as we speak.
Jeff (PA): Don't you think Penn State and Boston College would be much better fits in the Big East? SportsNation Beano Cook: Boston College made a big mistake leaving the Big East. As for Penn State, it's a state university with tremendous advantages over non-state universities. I think their fans would like to be outside of the Big Ten, but for everyone else involved, I think it's better that they are in it. Most people at Penn State still believe it is a good move. The people who follow BC cannot believe what a stupid move they made to join the ACC.
I don't have an opinion on BC, but Penn State and the Big11Ten is a tired old subject. Like or not, Penn State and the Big11Ten are together for the foreseeable future. Ideally, another eastern team will be added to balance it out someday. Rutgers maybe?
Rutgers is a joke. There's no way the Big "Ten" will take them. The Big "Ten" is a football conference and Rutgers Stadium only holds 35,000. Maryland had to beg and threaten RU to get 3,500 tickets for the MD-RU game which is short of the 4,000 we usually get. Unless Rutgers started playing in the Meadowlands, there's no way they'll even get a 1 for 1 with a Big "Ten" team.
The Big "Ten" will continue to wait for Notre Dame to join the 21st Century and get their team into a football conference. Notre Dame would also be a better fit for the Big "Ten" than the Big Easy. But as long as Notre Dame is subsidized by NBC and the BCS, they'll remain independent.
# posted by Caps Nut :
Monday, November 26, 2007 1:41:00 PM
Rutgers would have to expand to at least 55,000, probably 60,000. The Big11Ten would make them offer 5,000 to other schools. The NY TV market makes Rutgers potentially more attractive than other schools. I'm referring to what I want, not the Big11Ten's. I think Notre Dame is the only one they want too.
# posted by WFY :
Monday, November 26, 2007 2:02:00 PM
Post a CommentBeano Watch 11.14.2007 - William World News
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Beano Watch 11.14.2007
Carroll H. Cook spent about an hour yesterday badmouthing Penn State's schedule which sadly, is nothing we haven't done. Occasionally, he answered a question without resorting to that rhetoric.
Joe: Beano, Whats Penn State's problem? I know you hate them and all, but what needs to happen for them to get out of the second tier of the big 10? SportsNation Beano Cook: I do not hate Penn State, let's get that straight. And I do not have an answer for them. They get material, but the big difference, is that since they have joined the Big Ten they are playing other big state universities that can put students in very easy classroom programs.
While the Big11Ten is tougher than their independent days, I think the problems aren't the conference, but the way the program is being run. At least the offensive line is improving.
Bill ( Sydney, Australia ): Does JoePa passes Bobby Bowden by the end of this season? SportsNation Beano Cook: He is now 1 game behind, and assuming both will be in bowl games, I think he will eventually overtake Bowden. But the only reason I think JoePa will eventually overcome Bowden is because Penn State plays an easy non-conference schedule.
I think Paterno never feel behind Bowden and his Samford wins, but the NCAA does so look for Paterno to take back his all-time lead. I think it has more to do with Paterno being a better coach right now and really, over time with Bowden. I think JoePa is 8-1 over Bowden.
Keith(Columbus): Beano, Will Notre Dame and Ohio State ever meet in the reg. season again. I know when they sign a long term deal with Mich, this hurt the chances. I doubt. N.D. would want to play both in the same year.
SportsNation Beano Cook: I don't think either team wants to play, but I think ND would play OSU before OSU would play ND. Ohio State and Penn State just do not want to play tough non-conference games.
This is an odd statement coming given that Penn State and Notre Dame just played a home-and-home.
Marc (Philly): Dont forget those Bowden victories that really shouldnt be counted to begin with. Stop bashing Joe and Penn State. You are so transparent! SportsNation Beano Cook: I do not make the rules I what games count, but I happen to agree with you that those games should probably not count. But they do count and there is nothing anyone can do about it. And do not worry since Joe Pa will end up with more wins anyway.
Didn't I just say that?
sarah (chicago): "Ohio State and Penn State just do not want to play tough non-conference games." Sorry Beano you are wrong. OSU played Texas, plays USC next year and has plans to play Miami(FL). SportsNation Beano Cook: Ohio State has four non-conference games. Tell me about the other three. I have no complaint with Washington, but the other three, Youngtown St., Akron and Kent St.? Give me a break! They play one tough one. With the material they get they should be willing to play tough games. The BCS has made a lot of teams play easy non-conference games. There are exceptions like USC and Washington. My point is this, Penn State and Ohio State get great material so they should play tougher non-conference games, and that is just my opinion.
He is absolutely right.
John North Bergen, NJ: Penn State refuses to play WVU or Pitt on a 1 for 1 bases. They believe it should be 2 at Penn State for 1 road game. That's why they play Temple, and the Akrons of the world. SportsNation Beano Cook: That's a policy they can choose to have, but there are other teams they can choose to play.
A surprisingly civil answer to the world's most annoying topic, Penn State vs. Pitt. I'm so sick of hearing about Pitt not being afraid to play at Penn State twice for every game at Pitt. Look up the history of the series and see where most of the games were played for the first 70 years of rivalry and then we'll talk fairness. Beano also talked about Handsome Dan, the original mascot. Unfortunately, it only came up from Georgia derivative Uga mascot and well, got kind of creepy.
Brent (Atlanta): Beano- fire out something about the Dawgs. Will they beat LSU in the Georgia Dome if they get the chance? are they a top 3 team to start next year?
SportsNation Beano Cook: I think they have a good shot, if they make it. It is a home game for Georgia and Uga will be there. What more do you need? I would love to see USC play Georgia so we could have Uga and the Song Girls. But Uga's the greatest.
Dave (Palo Alto): Uga, what about Handsome Dan?
SportsNation Beano Cook: Hey Georgia are called the Bulldogs because of Yale. So yes Handsome Dan is a very good mascot. Maybe we could fix the two of them up on a blind date. It could be a heck of a halftime show. Very good question by the way!
Dante Hicks calls out of our friend Tom (NSFW!) - William World News
Friday, November 09, 2007
Dante Hicks calls out of our friend Tom (NSFW!)
THIS VIDEO IS NOT SAFE FOR WORK!
Long story short -- every year, my friends Tom and Wiley head to Jersey for Kevin Smith's Vulgarthon. After day two of the 2006 Vulgarthon, Tom went back to the room to sleep instead of going to the after party. When Wiley met Brian O'Halloran, best known as Dante from Clerks, he mentioned what Tom was doing. O'Halloran was not amused and Wiley got it on video. After over 1½ years, they finally got the video up. I'm looking forward to watching this when I get home.
# posted by Fritz :
Friday, November 09, 2007 12:57:00 PM
That was hilarious! Awesome!
Props to Wiley for being able to hold the camera upright while laughing hysterically.
# posted by TMBC :
Friday, November 09, 2007 1:16:00 PM
Post a CommentBeano Watch 11.7.2007 - William World News
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Beano Watch 11.7.2007
For the second week in a row, Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) answered no specific questions about my alma mater. In fact, in the one question that included Penn State, he avoided including them in the answer. At least he made a Casablanca reference, but forgot to mention that Julius Epstein, a Penn Stater, was one of the screenwriters.
Next week, we need send him some Penn State questions.
I browsed through his chat real quick--I think he gave a shout out to Yale.
# posted by TMBC :
Thursday, November 08, 2007 10:54:00 AM
"I like the Yale Bowl. I've been there when it's been full and a sell out. But those days are gone."
It'll be pretty full in about nine days Beano.
# posted by WFY :
Thursday, November 08, 2007 8:25:00 PM
Post a CommentBeano Watch 10.31.2007 - William World News
Friday, November 02, 2007
Beano Watch 10.31.2007
The Maryland Bureau Chief is wondering if he missed the Beano Chat. I think what actually happened is Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) missed Penn State. There were only two acknowledgments of Penn State's existence this week, both in reference to other teams beating them. He didn't even criticize Penn State's schedule or tendency to secrecy.
Depending on your take of Beano, this could be good or bad news.
Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) didn't have a whole lot to say about Penn State this week and offered no insights.
Brandon, Cleveland: Beano, When Penn State wins in 2 weeks and knocks off OSU, will they start to get some love from media and pollsters again. Their 2 losses were do to their own mistakes and really should be undefeated, where do you feel they will end up!
SportsNation Beano Cook: You can say that about a lot of teams. Penn State has lost two games, period. I imagine mistakes cost a lot of teams in defeats. It would be nice if Penn State could prove something by beating Ohio State but first they must beat Indiana. The Penn State non-conference schedule is also a disgrace, by the way. The losses were to Michigan and Illinois.
Beano wants to see Penn State prove something? Interesting. He's still correct about the awful non-conference schedule -- Tim Curley, don't you get tired of making Beano right?
Tim (seattle): I have so much respect for the job Coach Willingham has done and more so for the way he has done it? but can Willingham get the job done to satisify the fan base at UW?
SportsNation Beano Cook: Next year Washington's non-conference schedule is BYU, Oklahoma and Notre Dame. You don't get much done when you play that kind of non-conference schedule plus nine league games, many against top teams. You win big when you play non-conference schedules like Penn State and Ohio State.
Yet another shot about Penn State's non-conference schedule. We know, Beano, we know.
Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) hasn't had a lot to say of late about Penn State and this week is no different.
Mario (New Orleans, LA): After the LSU-Florida game Saturday, all I could say was wow. I felt privileged to be at that game. Now looking at the rankings at examples like USF and UF. UF could beat a lot of the team above them and conversely I think USF is inferior to some of the teams under them. Do you find the ranking don't reflect how good some teams are and that they are more a reflection of a teams hype and record, than whether they are the better team? Your thoughts? SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:03 PM ET ) Jackasses like me said Penn State would win the Big Ten. The media overhype some teams, people that know nothing. We have eight weeks to go and then the conference playoffs. A lot can happen, so don't get too caught up with the rankings...
Beano, you look like a jackass regardless of your Penn State prediction.
Britt Altoona Pa: As a receiver at Penn State, how frustrated would you be that Morelli is screwing up you chances to play at the next level
SportsNation Beano Cook : (3:42 PM ET ) That is a ridiculous statement.
Why is it ridiculous statement, Beano? Is it because it comes off as unfair to Morelli or because the Penn State receivers are not very good?
Thankfully, Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) had very little to say about our Nittany Lions this week, but in doing that, did he say too much?
Jason (Harrisburg, PA): How do you think Paterno and his Nittany Lions will fare thoughout the rest of the season after their recent struggles away from home?
BEANO COOK: I am surprised at the semi-collapse of Penn State. The problem is in their three non-conference games they had very little competition. They should be ashmed of their non-conference schedule. I think Penn State will beat Iowa, and then the moment of truth for the season will come against Wisconsin.
Aw, nuts, we're losing to Iowa too now. I really thought we'd win this one.
That's all he had to say about our Nittany Lions, so there are some advantages to freefalling out of the polls.
Caroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) cashed in on his Penn State curse this past weekend when the Nittany Lions fell to Michigan. Will Beano continue to cash in this week?
SportsNation Beano Cook:(3:02 PM ET ) Good afternoon, I apologize for the 09-4 start. If you say I stink you would be kind. I will try to break the slump at the end of the chat. And I have no idea where Penn State's offense is. That's easy -- the 1970s!
Matt (OK): So since Penn. State is no longer going to go to the National Champ. Game. Who you got now? Has to be Oklahoma right?
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:30 PM ET ) Yes, I did pick Penn State to play LSU. If I have the choice of picking a replacement it would be Oklahoma. I think they have a better chance of going undefeated than USC does.
Ever since I first read this prediction in August, I knew doom was forthcoming.
kBoan (Ann Arbor): Hart for Heisman! How is he not getting more love?
SportsNation Beano Cook:(3:13 PM ET ) Appalachian St. 44 Michigan 42. That is the reason. I am not saying it is fair, but that is the main reason. But his performance against Penn State would make Superman envious.
However, the most exciting player in all of football college or pro is Tebow! The fact that he is a sophomore should not be a factor in the Heisman race, if he continues to play the way he has.
Why would it make Superman envious? Hart obviously was the player of the game, but he averaged less than 4 yards a carry and frequently got tackled behind the line. The ineffective Penn State offense had more to do with his big yards than anything else.
Darren, Calgary, Canada: Beano, I'm taking Illinois over Penn St. straight up. What do you think?
SportsNation Beano Cook:(3:44 PM ET ) It is a good bet. We will find out if Penn St. has any character against a slight underdog. If Penn St. loses this game, Joe Paterno will face lots of criticism. That's more like it, I like it when Beano isn't on our side. Also, Paterno is facing lots of criticism already.
Now that is more like it, I like it when Beano isn't on our side.
Brian (baltimore, MD): seeing as how you picked Penn State to be in the National Championship, I'm sure you watched the PSU vs UM game with great interest. Looking at this game, what would you attribute State's loss to more - poor performance by the offensive players (specifically Morelli and the RB's), or a poor offensive gameplan/playcalling?
SportsNation Beano Cook:(3:53 PM ET ) I would say from the people I talked to it was a poor game plan. It does not mean that they would have won with a different game plan. But most people thought the game plan was pre-1940 football. The only thing missing was the single wing.
I hate to say it, but last weekend's loss has finally forced me over to the dark side. It's time for Paterno to hang it up. He seems to have forgotten the big play, unpredictable mentality that served the team so well in 2005, and gone back to Rip Engle's offense. I think on plenty of other teams, receivers like Williams and Butler are on the Heismann watch, or at least ready to go pro after this season.
# posted by Brad Stratton :
Thursday, September 27, 2007 8:41:00 PM
Given the prospect of a mediocre team next seaon, Williams and Butler are both probably "ready" to go pro right now.....
# posted by The Maryland Bureau Chief :
Friday, September 28, 2007 11:15:00 AM
Paterno isn't going anywhere unless two things happen
1.) his (or Sue's) health prevents it
2.) he goes crazy like Woody Hayes
Spainer, even with a five year contract extension, won't go down in history as the man who fired Joe Paterno.
Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) addressed the Nittany Lions twice in yesterday's chat.
M.A. (Altoona, PA): Ok Beano, is this finally the year that Joe Pa and his Nittany Lions get the monkey off their back with a win at Michigan?
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:08 PM ET ) If you were to seacrh .com, I said Penn St. would play for the national title, which means they have to go undefeated, especially since the Big Ten is not that strong and the non-conference schedule is a disgrace. With that said, they will win, and meet LSU for the titel. I am surprised they are favored, by three, I thought the game would be a toss up.
As if I wasn't nervous enough about Saturday's game, Beano again reminds us that he is picking Penn State for the BCS Championship Game. He's like a curse!
Jason (WI): How do you see the Wisconsin Badgers finishing the year?
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:30 PM ET ) They will lose to Penn State. They could win as many as 9-10 games, but they will lose to Penn State. But if they beat Joe Pa's team, I am sure I will hear from you after the game.
The prevailing trends suggest that Beano just ensured a Wisconsin victory by picking Penn State, four weeks ahead of that game. Congrats dl004d and Tortcaesar.
Bonus -- sending love to Yale:
Tony (New Haven, CT): Beano, with Yale and Harvard both picked highly in the Ivy league, can I count on seeing you in New Haven for The Game?
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:05 PM ET ) I hope before I die, I would like to see one more Harvard-Yale game, but I won't make it this year. If ESPN sent me I would go, but they are not going to send me.
Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) chatted yesterday and had a little bit to say about the alma mater.
Jeff (Alexandria, VA): Beano: Despite critics saying otherwise, JoePa has run out of the Beaver Stadium tunnel to lead his Nittany Lions onto the field, bouncing back from that ugly leg injury last year. It seems that Joe can do anything...does that include one more national championship?
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:09 PM ET ) I picked Penn State to play for the national championship game. I think Penn State will contend. I was one person who never thought Paterno was washed up. I said 5-6 years ago he would win one more national title before he retired in the 22nd century.
He did stick up for Paterno all of those years which felt odd. He can't go the whole chat on Penn State's side, can he?
Josh (Wernersville, PA): Beano, if Michigan is without Henne for 3 more weeks, do they start 0-5?
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:10 PM ET ) That is an interesting point. They could lose the next three games, I suppose, That would include a loss at Northwestern, so I will say no, the Wolverines will not be 0-5. They may be 3-2 for all we know. I would not put them out against the Irish and the Nittany Lions. Who would have thought that Buffalo would have more wins than Notre Dame and Penn State combined.
That's an error, Buffalo is 1-1, while Penn State is 2-0. Notre Dame is 0-2 (heh heh). I think he meant Michigan.
lisa, norman: Well, you've gotta admit, Kansas will at least finish ahead of Iowa State...
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:47 PM ET ) My Wednesday isn't complete unless I stick the needle into the Big Ten or Penn State since both are so sensitive. They have as much humor as the Third Reich. Iowa State lost to Northern Iowa. Enough said.
Um, that's kind of out of nowhere in relation to the question. It isn't the first time he has made that comparison though. I think he couldn't hold on long enough to use that this season, so he jumped the gun early. By the way, I think in the scenario Beano is alluding to, he is Poland.
Today is Wednesday, so that means Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) made his weekly appearance on ESPN Sportsnation. Unlike last week, he had very little to say about our gridiron heroes.
Neil (Chapel Hill, NC): Is there a realistic chance Morelli can get into the Heisman discussion. Three td passes this past weekend is not a bad start. A big performance in a high profile game against that porous ND defense would not hurt his exposure and name recognition. Having to face the juggernauts of Temple and Buffalo may well put 12-14 td passes under Morelli's belt by the time they open conference play.
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:08 PM ET ) Absolutely. Most teams face a Buffalo and Temple, a couple of breathers. If he goes to Michigan and has a great day, he will be in the running. First he has to beat Notre Dame, which he will do.
Whoa, whoa Antony Morelli Heisman talk? Seriously? I guess it is possible, after all Michael Robinson was not on anybody's Heisman radar in 2005 until mid-season, but really? This reminds me of when Beano said that Mike McQuearey might be a candidate after the opening game in 1997.
I'm troubled by Beano saying Morelli will beat Notre Dame because Beano is usually precisely wrong.
That's all Beano had to say, I was sure he would predict the score of this game, but he went with Mississippi vs. Missouri. I guess Beano figured he couldn't miss.
I once had my PSU question answered during a Beano Cook chat prior to the 2004 season. Beano predicted we'd win 7 or 8 games and get back to a bowl game, and we all remember how that season ended up. Beano is such a "kiss of death." I may have to retract my ND predictions after reading this blog post.
# posted by Happy Hour Valley :
Wednesday, September 05, 2007 11:08:00 PM
While people like those who make up Blue White Roundtable and the reporters on the Penn State beat are very insightful, I think it is fair to say that the authorative source for Penn State football prognostication is actually someone who rarely leaves his Pittsburgh apartment. I am of course talking about Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt). There is one caveat to this claim though -- Beano is wrong about 80% of the time. As I understand it, the man is a living reverse lock when it comes to Penn State football. Please keep that in mind as you read the following transcript and commentary.
Travis (Madison): Hey Beano, Who will replace Joe Paterno when he retired in 1989?
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:08 PM ET ) When he is 89, he may retire. I believe the next Penn State coach eventually will be Tom Bradley.
Travis doesn't make any sense, but Beano is answering what he thinks to be the question. Sure, Tom Bradly being the next head coach of Penn State is the conventional widsom, but given Beano's rate, I'd be polishing up the resume if I were him.
Jeremy (Newark, Ohio): I know everyone is saying Ohio State is going to be the 3rd or 4th best team in the big ten, but i was wondering if you thought this team could be another 2002 Ohio State team where no one thought they would go anywhere but they ran the table. The similarities are there. They have a new quarter back and will rely heavily on the backfeild. So what are your thoughts?
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:09 PM ET ) Number one, in 2002 they played Penn State and Michigan in Columbus; they face both of them on the road this season. The non-conference schedule is easy and they could be 8-0 before truly being tested. They have to go to Michigan and Penn State and those are both very tough.
There is no denying that Ohio State has had its share of troubles in Happy Valley, winning by no more than three in the two victories since 1994.
Kevin (Tempe): Beano, I never hear you comment on the ACC, but how do you think Miami and FSU will do this year?
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:15 PM ET ) Most people feel Virginia Tech is the team to beat. Florida State will be better with Jimbo Fisher running the offense. That Florida State-Clemson game is a very attractive Monday night game. The Seminoles play a pretty tough non-conference schedule. Penn State has Notre Dame plus three opponents that won a combined total of three games--Temple, Buffalo and Florida International.SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:16 PM ET ) By the way, by the end of the year, Paterno may catch Bobby Bowden in total wins. Right now he is three behind. That is one reason Penn State plays an easy non-conference schedule while Bowden takes the high road and schedules tough games.
Ah, that's the Beano we love, taking a shot at Penn State. I'm afraid this one is valid though to a point -- I don't think these teams showed up on the schedule to pad Paterno's all-time victory total, merely the season victory total.
Jeff (NYC): Hey Beano while you were whining about JoePa's wins all your tears seemed to have flooded the midwest. Why don't you clear your eyes and realize the truth; that Bowden is counting 31 1-AA wins which places him well behind JoePa. It's ok, you can admit that you're slipping, you're getting older, but JoePa can still hack it!
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:18 PM ET ) I don't make the rules, though is some ways I agree with you. I don't think they should count but they do.
Beano agreeing that Paterno has the legitimate win total? Curious.
Juan (New York, NY): Hey Mr. Bean(o). How do you feel about Wisconsin being ranked in the top 10 and only recently have they named a starting QB? Pollsters jumping the gun and over-rating the team and the conference?
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:21 PM ET ) I think Wisconsin is overrated going into the season...that's just my opinion. Look it, this program has been impressive. They get Michigan at home but go to Penn State and Ohio State.
he's talking up the toughness of playing in Happy Valley again...
Mike, Happy Valley : Hey Beano, do you think Penn State is flying under the radar right now or do think it's known around the country they are a legit contender?
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:33 PM ET ) They are a legit contender but the rankings have them a little underrated. I believe Penn State will win the Big Ten this year. I feel a lot depends on Morelli.
Whoa! Penn State winning teh Big11Ten title? I'd like to see it and acknowledge the possiblity, but I can't go out and actually predict it. If Penn State doesn't win it, we'll know why.
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:54 PM ET ) It is time for my picks. For the national title, LSU over Penn State. My typist just fell on the floor. Notre Dame 28, Georgia Tech 14 is my pick for this week. Thanks for joining me, see you at the same time next week, Wednesdays at 3 pm ET all season. You can also catch my podcast with Ivan Maisel on ESPNradio.com.
My jaw hit the floor when I read that statement. Beano predicting Penn State to play for the title? Seriously. Can I rationalize him saying Penn State will lose to mean Penn State will win?
This is old (two weeks ago) and I missed it on the first go round. I almost wish I hadn't seen it because anyone familiar with Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) knows tha this prognostication history with Penn State suggests the opposite of what he says tends to happen .
Chris (Kalamazoo, Michigan): Wait one sec...Michigan and ND love their rivalry. And how can you say Big Ten teams only want to play easy nonconference games? Texas vs OSU; ND vs Michigan, MSU, Penn State, Purdue. I think your are thinking of the SEC.
SportsNation Beano Cook: No. The Big Ten plays four non-conference games...look at penn State's beside the ND game. Michigan does play Oregon and notre Dame. This year Ohio State plays Akron, Kent State, Youngstown State and at Washington. In most cases the Big Ten will play one tough non-league game.
Like I said, this is outdated. He is right about Penn State's weak out of conference schedule though, so we can't bash him for something we all say ourselves.
Phil (New York): Beano, How do you feel about Joe Paterno's punishment of the entire team for the actions of a few players. Personally I feel it's sending a good message while building team unity? Others may see it as a cop out and a way to deflect criticism away from the players who committed the crimes?
SportsNation Beano Cook: I have no problem. Joe Paterno took the action that he deemed best. I don't disagree with him.
Beano siding with Paterno and not taking a cheap shot?
Mikey (Philly): Beano, who do you see as a sleeper national title contender?
SportsNation Beano Cook: Penn State. They are 30-1 to win the national title. Paterno has a dangerous team.
Well that puts the NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! in Beano, doesn't it? Oh man, that's like getting punched in the stomach. Are you sure you wanted to talk about Penn State football, Maryland Bureau Chief?
Carroll H. Cook is a senile old man. William, honestly, why do you put your stock in some washed up Pitt grad that doesn't know anything? I remember after the '97 meeting between Penn State and Michigan, there were guys from Ann Arbor (that whore) telling Beano to eat crow at the Gameday set over by the BJC.
The season will unfold however it decides to unfold. Will it be like previous campaigns (read: 2004), where one play could have easily given the Lions the edge they needed to win, or will it be like the 2005 campaign, where we were 1 second from perfection and a shot at the national title?
I think that D-Will had the best approach. Let's give it one week at a time. Until then, Beano can talk all he wants, and it doesn't make a lick of difference, because he's really not playing. He's just jealous because we really don't care what anybody who graduated from Oakland really thinks.
# posted by Muha :
Thursday, August 09, 2007 11:48:00 PM
Please. Penn State, as much as I love them, were not 1 second away from a potential national title. I guarantee an 11-0 Penn State team wouldn't have gotten a sniff of the Rose Bowl with the love that the media was throwing at Texas and USC that year.
# posted by Brad Stratton :
Friday, August 10, 2007 10:08:00 AM
Post a CommentBeano Watch 05.09.2007 - William World News
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Beano Watch 05.09.2007
Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) made returned for his monthly ESPN.com chat yesterday. He came out swinging.
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:12 PM ET ) By the way, there is nothing like a Brewers-Nationals afternoon game. I tried to get box seats for that game, but I failed. Besides, I wouldn't want to miss this chat. 1-1 in the 8th by the way.
Given that the Brewers are the best team in baseball right now, that was clearly a shot at the Nats. Ouch, they are the National Punchline now.
Rob (Baltimore): How do you like Penn St.'s chances this year? Is this the year Derrick Williams finally lives up th the hype?
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:32 PM ET ) First, the schedule is favorable. Most of the tough games are at home.Penn State's success depends on QB Anthony Morelli. All of the other pieces seem to be in place. Penn State is currently 30-1 to win the national title.
Morelli is a big factor, but I'll argue the offensive line is probably the biggest.
Rob (Baltimore): Song girls, dotting the eye and touchdown jesus, blah blah blah. Were you ever in Beaver Stadium during a white-out and heard the student section sing "hey baby"? That is pretty amazing.
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:33 PM ET ) You have your three, I have my three...No, I have never been there in Corvallis.
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:34 PM ET ) The last time I was in Oregon I was trying to get a part in Animal House. I know you are wondering, but I would have made a great D-Day. Blutarsky was taken.
Um, Beano...
Rob (Baltimore): Beano, Beaver Stadium is home to Penn St.
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:37 PM ET ) My fault...Obviously you meant University Park, not Corvallis...we saw Beavers and thought about Oregon State. I was talking about Oregon for Animal House.
Beano really wasn't on his game yesterday. In fact, he left abruptly at about 3:43 p.m., seventeen minutes early. Who'd have thunk he was so into Animal House though?
Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) recently finished up his chats for the 2006 season. Below are his responses from the last two Wenesday discussions.
charlie (alaska): what coach has the most to prove next year
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:26 PM ET ) The way that Michigan fans complain, Lloyd Carr has to satisfy them every year. Alabama fans won't be patient so Nick Saban has something to prove. Karl Dorrell at UCLA is one under the gun. Tyrone Willingham has to continue to show improvement. Bobby Bowden now that the Seminoles have made some changes to the coaching staff will have increased expectations again. A prediction here...Paterno within two years will catch and pass Bowden in career wins.
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:27 PM ET ) Paterno will be facing easier schedules than Bowden.
BEANO CURSE ALERT!!!!
Clearly Beano was taking a shot at Penn State with this backhanded compliment; sadly he is correct about the schedule. Of course, Bowden had an easy ride with Howard/Samford, so it evens out. The Michigan fans comment is quite astute, no?
Cory(PA): Would you consider saying that next season Anthony Morelli is a top-10 QB?
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:30 PM ET ) I would say Penn State is going to be awful good and the answer will depend on how Morelli plays. I feel Penn State and Michigan will fight it out for the Big Ten.
Morelli might be a top-10 QB in the Big11Ten, but probably not the nation. My Morelli prediction is no better than 2nd team, Big11Ten.
eric (wi): what about wisconsin in the big ten?
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:34 PM ET ) Pj Hill is back, I like what Bieliema did this season. Wisconsin has to play at Penn State.
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:35 PM ET ) I don't see the Big Ten guys coming after me.
Did Beano really say anything here? No. What? Even less than usual...
Kenton (Indianapolis, IN): Beano, What do you make of Penn St. beating Tennessee and Wisconsin beating Arkansas? Can we say that the SEC might be a bit overrated and the Big Ten a bit underrated?
SportsNation Beano Cook: No. Those were good victories for the Big Ten, but the last time I looked the conference was 2-4 in bowl games. I don't just judge a conference by one season. I feel strongly that overall from top to bottom the Big Ten is as strong as the SEC.
It is really hard for me to get worked up about conference ratings and I am pretty ambivilant about the SEC.
<h1>2006 <i>WWN</i> PENN STATE PREGAME #13</h1> - William World News
Monday, January 01, 2007
2006 WWN PENN STATE PREGAME #13
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Tennessee Volunteers
Penn State makes it two new year's bowl games in row with a date in the Outback Bowl. It is an 11 a.m. kickoff, so wipe the sleep from your eyes, have a glass of water and get in front of the television.
Penn State played down to the competition and barely beat Michigan State, 17-13 on Senior Day. A win is a win is a win. More
THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT: TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS
Penn State's Outback opponent is the Tennessee Volunteers, a team Penn State blew away in two bowls games in the 1990s. Overall, the series is tied at 2-2, with the two UT victories coming in back to back seasons in the 1970s. I'll admit, I know very little about the Vols. Here is what I do know:
The Vols had a tough 2005 season, going 5-6 after starting #3 in the polls. The rebounded pretty well.
The fanbase has an unhealthy love for Peyton Manning. They whined when Manning came in second to Charles Woodson for the 1997 Heisman. Some fans cried racism for Manning's second place finish instead of him never beating Florida. A street was named after the choking dog.
Manning's replacement Tee Martin did win the National Championship but there was controversies over whether he deserved a street named after him. It eventually happened. Also, I recall Martin was also paid off by a Tennessee booster.
Head coach Phillip Fulmer is seemingly unloved by all. Some think he orchestrated a coup to take over for Johnny Majors. He also told the NCAA about Alabama's recruiting violations.
The Vols do have a great end zone though -- orange and white checkerboard.
This is a tough one. Penn State can run the ball better and has a better defense than Tennessee, but Tennessee has a better offense. Rain helps Penn State I think, but there is only a 50-50 chance of it.
I can't decide. My gut says the Lions feel slighted by the Vols, but the off-field distractions and general offensive crumminess hurts the cause. The defense/special teams probably need to score a TD to win the game. No one at the Patriot-News thinks Penn State has a chance, but the CDT is predicting victory.
Reluctantly, I say Vols 20 Lions 16. Penn State has not proven anything to me this year. I want to be wrong.
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.
Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) was talking about Penn State again in his weekly chat.
Nick (Pensacola, FL): Beano, what chance do you give Penn State of winning the Big 10 next year? I think JoePa's boys will take the nation by storm!
Beano Cook: I think penn St. is a dark horse next year, I agree. They play Michigan. and Michigan will be the favorite at Michigan. But OSU is at Penn St. Their offense needs to improve, because if it dosen't they will finish third or fourth.
I can't find any disagreement with Beano here which is kind of a scary prospect, but what is the opposite of darkhorse? The opposite of what Beano say usuually comes true. Does that mean Penn State will be ranked #1 again in preseason?
Adam, PA: Beano, do you see Dan Connor filling Posluszny's void at Penn State next year?
Beano Cook: I think he is good. To say he will be as good I don't know. Penn St. is going to be good. But everything depends on the QB.
No, everything depends on the offensive line. If you have a good offensive line, you have a good QB. Or RB.
Since there is no Penn State pregame until late December, weekly commentary of Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) ESPN chat will run as a standalone feature.
Luke (Memphis): Beano, can Penn State score enough to hang with Tennessee?
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:17 PM ET ) Oh i think so. It's going to be tough. But if you look at Penn St. defeats it came to ND, Wisconsin, Michigan, and OSU. They lost to some very good teams. And three of them were on the road.
Beano's right, but what he overlooks is that Penn State struggled againist just about everyone who had won a game.
Elisha (chapel hill): Beano! What do you think is a better job, Miami or Rutgers? I understand it's a cushier job, theres no other college team up there and Schiano is a hero... but if you want to win titles theres only 1 team with 5 rings in 25 years!
SportsNation Beano Cook: Well things have changed at Miami...the academics have gone up. but Greg Shiano wants the Penn St. job, and if he took the job, he wouldn't have a shot. But the next coach at Penn St. is Bradley. But don't be surprised if JoPA is there in the 22nd century.
"but Greg Shiano wants the Penn St. job, and if he took the job, he wouldn't have a shot." Huh?
I think Beano's prediction about Paterno being there in the 22nd century is more likely than Tom Bradley getting the gig. That's just the way it has worked out for the assistant coaches.
Travis (State College, PA): Do you think penn state has a shot at another BCS game next year (if not national championship)?
SportsNation Beano Cook: Yes. It depends on the QB, and they have to beat Michigan, and they don't do that often. Since Penn St. entered the Big 10, it's a different game. And I thought Penn St. would have won more Big 10 titles in their 14 seasons in the conference. Their combined record against Michigan Wisconsin and Ohio St. is terrible...but I think they will be very good next year. National Championship will be difficult, but not impossible.
I like to think PSU has a shot, but you know who it really depends on? The o-line. If they can't block, nothing else matters.
<h1><i>WWN</i> PENN STATE FOOTBALL PREGAME #11</h1> - William World News
Friday, November 10, 2006
WWN PENN STATE FOOTBALL PREGAME #11
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Temple Owls
On Saturday Penn State will play its first game without Joe Paterno on the sidelines since 1977. Many of the readers of this blog weren't even born yet. Anyhow, I've covered his situation plenty, so I won't dwell on it. This week's opponent is a good one for a team without a head coach -- Temple!
Penn State couldn't get going offensely, falling 13-3 to Wisconsin. It was a completely uneventful game. More
THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT: TEMPLE OWLS
Yup, it's Temple. That kind of says it all, doesn't it? They have a bunch of Penn Staters on the coaching staff, including Al Golden in the #1 spot. They stink, as they always have and are lucky to be in I-A. They hope to be the next Rutgers I suppose. Until then, they are Temple. At least they went back to their smart looking T helmets.
Carroll H. Cook (Pitt '54) has lost interest in Penn State.
TELEVISION
ESPN Regional/GamePlan/Plus/etc. has the game so some markets might have to order it PPV or go to a bar. It is suppossed to be broadcast by MASN, Peter Angelo$' network, in the D.C./Balmer area. The last time MASN "broadcasted" the game there was no sound. That might be good enough for Baltimorons, but Washingtonians expect a little more.
<h1>2006 <i>WWN</i> PENN STATE PREGAME #10</h1> - William World News
Friday, November 03, 2006
2006 WWN PENN STATE PREGAME #10
Penn State Nittany Lions at #17 Wisconsin Badgers
The Battle for 3rd Place? The Little 9 Championship? Call it what you will, but this weekend's Penn State vs. Wisconsin game is a pretty big deal. Saturday is a chance for the Nittany Lions to earn a big win in what has been a somewhat mediocre season. This is in fact the only chance left to make a statement about the season. Anthony Morelli, Derrick Williams and the rest of the offense (other than Tony Hunt) I'm looking at you.
In a windy West Lafayette, Ind., the Nittany Lions held Purdue and its formerly explosive offense scoreless. The offensive line came together against poor competition and made enough room for Tony Hunt to take over the game. The defense did not allow the Boilermakers in the red zone. The game also ended on a play that had about ten laterals and nearly saw Penn State score a defensive touchdown. More.
THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT: WISCONIN BADGERS
When it come down to it, I like the series between the Lions and Badgers. Under former coach and current A.D. Barry Alvarez, Wisconsin has become a great program all around, aside from the white shoes and fake grass at their stadium. Also, a couple of Badgers are regular WWN readers, so there is a little rivalry there. For the second year in a row one of them, dl004d has been kind enough to add a preview to the the WWN Pregame:
34-year-old Bret Bielema has replaced Barry Alvarez as head-coach. The differences have been that Wisconsin has been much more aggressive. They've gone for it on 4th down all over the place (not to much success so far, though), they've attempted fake punts, they call time-outs on defense at the end of the half to get the ball back, they don't take a knee with a few seconds left and instead go deep.
As I've said, very little of that aggressiveness has actually worked. In fact, it's burned us more than a few times.
Wisconsin's schedule has turned out to be pretty crummy. But unlike other years, the Badgers pounded the bad opponents instead of merely squeaking by. In three straight games, Wisconsin scored the most points of any three-game B10 stretch in school history:
52-17 over Indiana 41-9 over Northwestern 48-12 over Minnesota
Is it just me or is dl004d being pretty hard on a 8-1 team? I wish I had his problems.
But the Badgers turned in a clunker last week, beating Illinois 30-24 after being down by 18 points.
I know that clunker, I have seen that clunker. Illinois is growing up quickly.
The Wisconsin papers have reported that ABC wanted to make this a night game, but Joe Paterno vetoed it (as is the right of the visiting team for last-moment schedule changes). Wisconsin isn't too pleased with the 11 a.m. (local time) start. You'll see a lot of empty seats in the north endzone when the game starts, as the students typically don't show up until the middle of the 2nd quarter. (They don't sell beer at games, so students hang out at house parties until the last moment.) (This is a source of frustration among die-hard fans.)
Re: fans -- Penn State has similar problems and I share the frustration of the latecoming students, though I don't mind beer is not for sale in the stadium.
Side note: the Penn State folks treated me well last year in Happy Valley. I hope Wisconsin fans will be as hospitable.
Well, Madison survived Halloween, so maybe there is hope. I really wanted to be one of those fans, but it did not work out this year. Maybe in 2008.
Weaknesses:
Wide receiver. Wisconsin's only loss (against Michigan in Ann Arbor) really highlighted this as a problem. Our WRs have had problems getting open and holding onto wide-open passes. Paul Hubbard is a speedy wideout Â? a track star, actually Â? who can't always hold onto the ball. And Luke Swan has shown flashes of competence but has been inconsistent.
Good news for PSU since the DBs are young, but improving.
Kick and punt returns. Wisconsin has muffed at least four punts and fumbled on several kickoffs this season. Returns have been a big problem. In the Michigan game, our only loss, we rarely started with the ball outside our own 20.
More good news, other than placekicking, Penn State has been better than average on special teams this year.
Strengths:
Quarterback. John Stocco is a 5th-year senior and clearly the leader of the team. Don't let Wisconsin's running tradition fool you Â? he'll stand in the pocket and air it out. He steps out of pressure well, but he doesn't actually scramble well. He's not a fluid runner. Sometimes his toughness can be used against him because he'll stand in the pocket a little too long.
Doesn't it seem like Wisconsin always has a QB who has started for 5 or 6 years?
Tight end. Travis Beckum leads the B10 in receiving yards per game (conference games only). Beckum is especially impressive since he was a defensive end last year.
Penn State has shown to be quite vulenrable to throws underneath, so this is very troubling.
Cornerback. Jack Ikegwuonu is a shut-down corner. Until this past week, Michigan's Mario Manningham was the only reciever to catch a TD pass against Wisconsin.
Not good news for a struggling corps of wideouts.
Offensive line. Left tackle Joe Thomas is a Lombardi Award semifinalist predicted by Mel Kiper to be a 1st-round pick in the NFL draft.
Our defensive line is improving, but still quite vulenrable.
Question mark:
Running game. This continues to be Wisconsin's bread and butter. And indeed freshman P.J. Hill has continued the tradition well Â? after seven games, only Marshall Faulk, Emmitt Smith and Adrian Peterson had rushed for more yards as a freshman in the history of college football. However, Hill got hurt in last week's game and there seems to be a big drop-off to the backup running backs (Lance Smith and Dywon Rowan). His health and playing status will be very important in determining whether Wisconsin is a strong favorite to win the game.
With a healthy P.J. Hill, I predict a 26-20 Wisconsin victory.
By the way, I welcome these contributions from fans of the opposition for every game.
NO RANKING
Penn State is still unranked but has an opprutunity to get back in it this week. A win in Wisconsin equals Top 25.
Carroll H. Cook (Pitt '54) has literally been phoning in his chats for years - he doesn't have a computer. As of late though, it seems he is figurateively phoning them in. He seems annoyed by the whole enterprise. I mean, when was the last time you heard him mention Casablanca? Anyway, he kind of talked about Penn State this week.
Bernard (Princeton, NJ): Penn State vs Wisconsin this weekend for #3 in the Big Ten. Any thoughts?
SportsNation Beano Cook: Wisconsin has been one of the surprise teams of the year and the transition to Bielema has been smooth. It has been a disgrace that the league did not go to nine league games, and the Badgers don't play Ohio State this season or next. A key is RB PJ Hill, who is back in practice now and that helps. Wisconsin will probably be in Florida for its bowl if it wins this game.
Wisconsin and Penn State will probably be in Florida either way, they are playing for Orlando over Tampa, Disney over Busch Gardens.
Paul (Seattle, WA): Beano - any predictions on which coach will finish their carrer with more wins, Paterno or Bowden. Two years ago I thought Bowden would run away from Parterno, but now I am not so sure.
SportsNation Beano Cook: I think Paterno has a good chance to pass Bowden. Paterno has a chance to make up some more ground this season.
That would be great, but generally, whatever Beano predicts about Penn State goes the other way.
TELEVISION
ABC is broadcasting the game as a split national telecast. Brad Nessler, Bob Griese, Paul Maguire and Bonnie Bernstein will be involved. They could probably do without th e last two. I used to think Bernstein was one of the better sideline reporters, but I don't like the way she talked about Paterno during the Ohio State game this year. Coverage Map.
Speaking of sideline reporters the best all-time sideline reporter will probably be available to return to the airwaves by Wednesday morning.
Wisconsin is just too balanced and is playing at home. I just don't believe the Penn State offense is running smooth enough to pull an upset. Sadly, I predict the Nittany Lions will fall 24-16.
Penn State was lethargic for most of the game, but the defense, aided by some key dropped passes, kept the Illini out the end zone long enough to get some turnovers and let the offense wake up a little bit. Most troubling sign -- the defense scored 9 points in the redzone, the offense 7. More
THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT: PURDUE BOILERMAKERS
This is only the second time Penn State has visited West Lafyette in the 21st century. Penn State owns the series, losing only once.
Purdue and Penn State have identical 5-3 records. Neither team has beaten anybody of significance and both have some weaknesses. Not surprisingly for Purdue, it is the defense. For Penn State it is the offensive line. Last week, Purude's offense couldn't do anything and lost to Wisconsin. Penn State's couldn't do anything aganist Illinois, but found a way to win.
NO RANKING
Penn State is still unranked in the major college polls and will be for sometime. The next opprutunity to get back in is winning the next two games. They probably aren't the best 5-3 team in the country.
Penn State's defense is better than Purdue's offense. Penn State offense is good enough against Purdue's defense, but it is still close. Penn State wins 27-20.
Penn State got pushed around and beaten up by Michigan, yet came within a touchdown of tying at the end of the game with a third string quarterback. All is not lost.
THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT: ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI
Of all the Big11Ten teams Penn State plays, Illinois is one of the least interesting. Maybe I feel this way because they were not on the schedule the first two years I was a student. The series, a nice and lopsided one, has not given me much to get excited about either. Also, it seems like Illinois is always our homecoming opponent when they play in Happy Valley, like Purdue and Minnesota used to be.
This year's edition of the Illini is better than last year's, but they still have a long way to go. They lost last week to Ohio, 20-17. No, I did not miss the "State," they lost to Ohio of the MAC.
NO RANKING
Penn State is still unranked in the major college polls and will be for sometime. The next opprutunity to get back in is winning the next three games. Some wag did say that the Lions were the best 4-3 team in the country which is a pretty useless statement.
<h1>2006 <i>WWN</i> PENN STATE PREGAME #7</h1> - William World News
Saturday, October 14, 2006
2006 WWN PENN STATE PREGAME #7
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Michigan Wolverines
Saturday is the easily the biggest home game of the season and I won't be there. While it is disappointing, I have made my peace with it and will be watching from the confines of my apartment.
Penn State barely beat Minnesota in overtime. They had an iffy pass interferance call go their way and benefited from a missed PAT in overtime. Still, a win is a win. Offensive player of the game -- Tony Hunt. Defensive player of the game Paul Posluszny.
THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT: MICHIGAN WOLVERINES
Here comes the last monster game of the season for Penn State. Michigan comes to Happy Valley with a ten-year winning streak over the Nittany Lions. I was a sophomore the last time Penn State beat the Wolverines. The last time Michigan lost in Happy Valley, I was a freshmen, and there was over a foot of snow ice in the stadium.
The reason to hate Michigan are many. A lot of people are still upset about the Chad Henne fiasco -- he had made a verbal committment to Penn State, and then signed with Michigan without telling Penn State; exhibit A about why I don't get into recruiting, I don't want to worry about where a 17-year old goes to college. To me, this whole thing is not a worthy enough reason to hate Michigan, there are plenty of others.
Obviously, the seven game losing streak is a source of frusturation, but there is so much more. Some examples:
Attitude -- Michigan acts as though it invented college football. That of course is false, if you want to be very specific, it was Rutgers and Princeton with Yale and Walter Camp picking up the ball and running with it.
Not as good historically as they made themselves out to be: Michigan has exactly 1/2 a National Championship in the last 50 years.
Lloyd Carr: Michigan's head coach is a whiner who has a decent season about every three years. He gets lots and lots of calls too. Not all of them, but most of them. By the way, Penn State beats Ohio State more often than Michigan
The 1993 game: The first Penn State vs. Michigan game was at Beaver Stadium. It was the home team's 1000th game too. The crowd was so loud that Michigan could not hear their signals, so QB Todd Collins complained to the officials who warned the crowd to quiet down or Penn State would be enforced a 15-yard personal foul for unsportsmenlike conduct. That, above all else, is a great reason to hate the Wolverines. Shame on the Big11Ten for letting that happen.
In short, I'd really like to see Penn State win this one. Since Michigan ruined an undefeated season for us, I would like the "favor" returned.
With the hope of fixing Penn State's luck against the Wolverines, I am ditching the favored #11 jersey I was given in 1999 for the #14 jersey (the Blackledge jersey) I bought in 1996. That last time we beat Michigan, I was wearing that one. A friend is also going to be sporting a vintage #39.
NO RANKING
Penn State is still unranked in the major college polls, but if they win this week, they hit the top 20, maybe the top 15. Let's not get ahead of ourselves though.
Not surprisingly, Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) started by caarping on the officiating going Penn State's way.
Jamaal (Marlton, NJ): Hey Beano, will my beloved Wolverines take an L on Saturday at Penn State without Mario Mannigham?
Beano Cook: That makes it tougher for the Maize and Blue. Michigan has won the last seven meetings. Since Penn State has entered the Big Ten its record against Michigan and Ohio State are terrible. Officials are not giving Penn State all the calls any more. The Nittany Lions did get a favorable call against Minnesota last week.
Beano seems obscessed about all the calls that Penn State apparently gets. He is right about last week though.
Craig (PA): Every week all you can say about Penn State is the back in the day they used to get calls by the refs. What gives, did Joe Pa steal your girl back in 1908 or something?
SportsNation Beano Cook: Put it this way...I gave him a good struggle. He has an Ivy League education, and that is tough to beat.
At last, we know the truth!
TELEVISION
The contest is being televised in primetime by ABC in the Eastern and Central time zones. Coverage starts at 8 p.m.
WEATHER
The first cold game of the season, lows dropping into the 30s, but at least it will be dry.
I'm going with my head instead of my heart. Until Penn State proves they can beat Michigan, I can't make the pick I want to make. I think it will be close going into the fourth quarter, but Michigan will hold on and win 22-16.
How Penn State can win: Better play in the redzone, better special teams and no turnovers. Anthony Morelli is going to have to be sharp, because Michigan will focus on Tony Hunt. The defense is going to have to knuckle down and play hard every play and watch out for the pass underneath. It is possible for the Lions to win, but they have to play an A game.
<h1>2006 <i>WWN</i> PENN STATE PREGAME #6</h1> - William World News
Saturday, October 07, 2006
2006 WWN PENN STATE PREGAME #6
Penn State Nittany Lions at Minnesota Golden Gophers
We have wondered for weeks whether this game would be played today and then we need to know what channel it would be broadcast on. It turns out the game will be played, at noon, on ESPN Regional. In D.C., the game is being shown on MASN. Who'd have thunk it?
Penn State struggled inside red zone but got good kicking from Kevin Kelly, strong running from Tony Hunt and a record breaking day from Deon Butler to drop 33 on the Mildcats of Northwestern. The defense was stout as well, yielding only 7 points.
THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT: MINNESOTA GOLDEN GOPHERS
If things continue to proceed in this series the way they have we might have a rivalry on our hands. Going back as far as 1997 there have been some pretty intense games between the two schools. In the '97 edition , the Gophers nearly upset #1 Penn State before the Lions rallied late to win 16-15. That was the game that Aaron Harris got his ACL destroyed by a Tyrone Carter great tackle. I will not discuss 1999 as it is still too painful to think about 7 years later. The 2003 matchup, a 20-14 loss for the Blue and White, was also incredibly frusterating to the Lions, who had a chance to win at the end and blew it, cauisng Fran Ganter to throw off his headset and disgust. One year later was not much better as the Nittany Lions stunk up the Metrodome with no offense and fell 16-7.
Last year, the tide turned with a furious wave of Penn State offense led by Michael Robinson. It was the first statement game of last season with Robinson dramatically asserting himself as the team leader and quarterback. His hit on Brandon Owens set the tone for the rest of the season as the Lions rolled to 11-1.
This is likely the last visit to the Metrodome for the Nittany Lions. The Golden Gophers move outdoors to an on-campus facility in a couple of years. Good for them.
NO RANKING
Penn State is still unraked in the major college polls.
Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) had more say about Penn State this week.
Scott (New York City): What has changed at Michigan? Are the coaches finally letting the players play the game and not playing not to lose? Or is their new success from some other source?
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:14 PM ET ) Michigan usually plays Notre Dame in a non-conference game and that is not easy. They play Ohio State and Penn State every year. The criticism of Lloyd Carr has been unfair. Michigan has a lot of things going for them and maybe they should have done better in past years, but I think they have confidence and a healthy Mike Hart. I am the only person who feels they should be concerned with the night game against Penn State. Paterno has had very little luck against Michigan. Give Michigan's defense some credit too...The Wolverines have not allowed one rushing TD all season.
Beano is correct that Michigan should be concerned with Penn State because it is a nasty to place to play at night. My hope is Michigan won't be and gets ambushed.
Dave, Ann Arbor: How do you see Michigan finishing? Can they go undefeated, or do I need to prepared for a stumble (or two)?
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:43 PM ET ) I think if I had to make a prediction now, I would say Michigan would enter the Ohio State game unbeaten, and I did not feel that way going into the season. I still feel Penn State has the potential to give them a very tough game.
Penn State has frequently given Michigan tough games, but always find a way to lose, usually with help from the zebras.
TELEVISION
The contest is being televised by ESPN Regional at 12:00 p.m. MASN has actually picked up the game for the D.C. region which will be very odd.
Prior to last year, Penn State had not played well on the road for several years and so far they are 0-2 away from Happy Valley. Granted those two loses were to top 3 teams, but still it represents a troubling trend. Minnesota will be very fired up because of what happened to Brandon Owens last year. Put that all together and it is what I call an Admiral Ackbar game -- it's a TWAP! Nevertheless, I expect Penn State to win 26-13.
<h1>2006 <i>WWN</i> PENN STATE PREGAME #5</h1> - William World News
Friday, September 29, 2006
2006 WWN PENN STATE PREGAME #5
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Northwestern Wildcats
For the second time in two seasons, the Northwestern game appears to be a turning point for the Nittany Lions. Last year, the Lions, especially QB Mike Robinson, played a sloppy game, yet somehow overcame the Wildcats. After that, they rolled through the Big11Ten schedule (for the most part) and to the #3 ranking.
Penn State kept it close, but was not agressive enough around the goal line and fell at #1 Ohio State. Recap
THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT: NORTHWESTERN WILDCATS
Northwestern lost their head coach, Randy Walker, over the summer to a heart attack. Their new coach, Pat Fitzgerald, was a star there in the mid-90s and was being groomed to take over for Walker in a few years. Fitzgerald was coached by current Lions linebacker coach Ron Vanderlinden, then assistant head coach, at Northwestern.
So far, the Wildcats are 2-2 with loses to Nevada and New Hampshire, the #1 team in I-AA. They beat Miami, Walker's alma mater, in an emotional season opener.
NEW NO RANKING
The loss at OSU pushed Penn State into the "others recieving votes" category. It could be weeks before they return to the top 25.
Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) had nothing to say about Penn State. Nothing. A shut out. Goose egg. Nil.
TELEVISION
The contest is being televised by ABC at 3:30 p.m. some of the nation, but not WJLA-TV 7 in Washington. Coverage Map
WEATHER
State College-based Accuweather says the high will be 60°F, but it will feel like 56°F, with clouds and sun. Some light rain may show up later in the day. Other than the rain, it looks like perfect football weather.
TAILGATING
I'm hosting a tailgate in either lot 12 or 13. Look for the Yurasko flag.
This is a big game for the Nittany Lions and I think they will respond. Last year's Northwestern game was the turning point and this year will be, too. A loss this weekend pretty much ends the season, while a victory keeps it going.
There is no way that the Wildcats can keep up with the Nittany Lions. I expect Penn State to establish the run and take more shots downfield. Getting Anthony Morelli comfortable is the #1 priority in my mind. Wideouts Derrick Williams, Deon Butler, and A.J. Wallace all need more touches on Saturday.
Defensively, Penn State will be fine, the unit is really starting to come together, especially CB Justin King.
I expect Penn State to win 30-17, not an overwhelming victory, but a victory nonetheless.
<h1>2006 <i>WWN</i> PENN STATE PREGAME #4</h1> - William World News
Saturday, September 23, 2006
2006 WWN PENN STATE PREGAME #4
#24 Penn State Nittany Lions at #1 Ohio State Buckeyes
This is a big one. It has been been many years since Penn State played #1 on the road -- the '98 Buckeyes. That was an ugly one, played in bad weather by a Lions team that was easily deflated. Well this year be a repeat?
LAST WEEK
Penn State played sluggishly for the first twenty minutes of the game, then came to life and finished off Youngstown State 37-3. Recap
THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT: OHIO STATE BUCKEYES
If we have a biggest rival in the Big11Ten, the Buckeyes, a mere one state over, are probably it. A number of games with them have been excellent, but none of those have been in Columbus. Penn State has not won there since before Woody Hayes met Charlie Bauman and Art Schlicter was role model.
The Buckeyes also have a fanbase that is more myopic than ours. Frankly, I think their sense of entitlement is way too high.
On paper, I though this was an excellent opportunity for the Nittany Lions to finally get one in Columbus, but as the season has played out, I really have my doubts. Ohio State has reloaded, while Penn State seems to be a little closer to rebuilding. This year, the Bucks appear to be a team possessed. Last year, they only lost twice, both in night games aganist what wound up being the #1 and #3 teams in the country. So far, they have knocked off #1 Texas and handled a pair of Ohio opponents. Their QB Troy Smith is a Heisman contender and scarygood. They run the ball better than they have since Maurice Clarett was just annoying and not a threat to society. Their defense is really good considering it has nine new starters.
By the way, check out Buckeye Buzz, for a little more information.
Also, I have put up a box of grilled stickies vs. buckeye candy on this one with someone I know in Ohio.
It was like old time when Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) was on ESPN SportsNation on Wednesday. He was quite talkative on the subject of football and the Pennsylvania State University.
Tony(Chatt TN): Beano, In wake of the OU/OU game,In your lifetime which university have you seen get the most favorable calls at home? Penn State?
SportsNation Beano Cook: I always say in the Joe Paterno era, visiting teams have gotten the shaft at PSU on a consistent basis. The two that stick out happened in the 80s. One against Nebraska. Apparently PSU has smaller end zones than other universities. PSU would be a good choice. A lot of teams have gotten the shaft at Penn State.
There goes Beano whining about something that allegedly happened twenty-five years ago. He must had some money aganist Penn State in those games.
Chris (Kalamazoo, Michigan): What kind of side dishes would you like with your crow? Do you have any new insight on the Wolverines of Michigan? They looked tough against your Irish!
SportsNation Beano Cook: Well, first, even though I'm 50% Irish, ND is not one of my favorite teams. Believe me they aren't. Michigan has a good chance to come into the Ohio State game 11-0. Nobody believes me, but Michigan will have its hands full against Penn State. Michigan now has to be considered a contender for the national title. However, the Ohio State game is on the road and in the last five games, Michigan has only won once.
First off, note how Beano does not use his partial enthnicity to jump on the Notre Dame bandwagon. Also, he is praising Penn State again and thinking they have a shot at Michigan. I think he is correct which means he is probably wrong. Historically speaking, that is the way Beano works.
Matt (DC): Your predictions for the Penn State vs. Ohio State game on Saturday?
SportsNation Beano Cook: I think Ohio State's going to win, but whether if they'll win as much as Vegas thinks, I don't know. Joe Paterno as a member of the Big 10, has not won at Ohio State. This is the 16th season in the Big 10 for Penn State and Paterno is 0-7 at Columbus. His combined recored against Michigan and OSU, if I remember correctly, is 15-21. If I'm wrong, please someone correct me.
He's wrong as the next poster notes.
George (Columbus, OH): Beano,JoePa is 8-16 against Ohio State and Michigan since Penn State joined the Big 10. He's also never beaten the Buckeyes at Columbus in that time span and lost 7 straight to that team up north.
SportsNation Beano Cook: Thank you. I was way off on my figures. I don't know where I came up with them, but I knew it wasn't good for JoePa and PSU.
Sad but true.
bret (york): joe pa is actually only 0-6 at columbuswhen you are constantly bashing psu please get the facts right
SportsNation Beano Cook: Remember, I said he hasn't won yet against Ohio State in the Big 10. Call me next week and he'll be 0-7. The point is that it's harder to win the Big 10, it's a lot harder then trying to beat Temple and Rutgers.
That is true, but the Big11Ten has had its share of patsies. Wisconsin, Purdue, and Northwestern were not any good for a generation. Penn State played their share of heavyweights before the Big11Ten era and Beano knows it. Let's throw Pitt in with Rutgers and Temple too.
WFY (Penatgon City, Va.): Beano, as a Penn Stater, I am pleased to see you being tough on PSU again. It is just another reminder that things are normal in Happy Valley again. Having you stick up for Paterno and Penn State during the down years was uncomfortable for all involved I think.
SportsNation Beano Cook: My opinion was that Paterno was not washed up. He proved that last year at 11-1. If Joe wants to coach another 5-6 years, let him. He still has Ohio State and Michigan. He has Iowa, OSU and Michigan next year.
I got one in!
TELEVISION
The contest is being televised by ABC at 3:30 p.m. across much of the nation, including WJLA-TV 7 in Washington. Coverage Map
Sadly, Penn State is probably in over their heads. Until they can win a big road game (name the last one - Michigan in '96, Wisconsin in '02?) they do not get the benefit of the doubt I am afraid. A terrible history in Columbus is a factor too. As much as I hoped that streak would end, I just cannot see it happening. Final score, OSU 27 PSU 16.
How Penn State can win? Apply lots of pressure to QB Troy Smith. He got rattled last year and can be blindsided. Also, Penn State needs an early lead and probably has to get a return (punt, kickoff, or turnover) for a TD to be successful. It just seems like too much to hope for in one game.
For the first 57 minutes, it was an actually decent looking game. A goose egg in the first half is a plus. Desperation football in the last 3 minutes is a minus. All in all, it kept me watching the entire game, unlike the debacle in South Bend two weeks ago.
Well played, gentlemen. You're learning. Nothing to hang your heads about. You took #1 to the mat and showed them you can hang with the big boys. Keep building on that and you'll be better than you think.
Get well, JoePa!
# posted by Muha :
Saturday, September 23, 2006 6:43:00 PM
<h1>2006 <i>WWN</i> PENN STATE PREGAME #3</h1> - William World News
Friday, September 15, 2006
2006 WWN PENN STATE PREGAME #3
#25 Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Youngstown State Penguins
After losing last week, the Lions should bounce back this week. I don't think anyone I know is going to this game, myself included.
LAST WEEK
The Nittany Lions got blown out buy Subway Alumni State, 41-17. Recap.
THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT: YOUNGSTOWN STATE PENGUINS
This week is the second game of the 2006 I-76 series (which also includes Akron and Temple). You could also say that it is the second game of the 2006 battle for I-80 supremacy, since Penn State, Notre Dame, and Youngstown State are all near I-80. Yes, I try to relate everything to a highway corridor.
Youngstown State is a Division I-AA school that Penn State grabbed when La. Tech backed out of their contracted game. The last time Penn State played a I-AA school was 1984. If there is ever a good time to have a I-AA game it would have to be between road trips to South Bend and Columbus.
Famous Youngstown State alumni: Ron Jaworski, Jim Tressel (coach), Chilly Willy, and Jim Traficant!
NEW RANKING
25th -- Considering what happened in South Bend last Saturday, Penn State is lucky to be ranked at all. I'm not worried about it though, these things work out in the end.
The big topic this week is not a fake quarterback controversey, but what wrong with Paul Posluszny. He denies that his knee or the brace on it is the culprit. He believes his move to the middle is the reason for his subpar play. I remain unconvinced, I think he is a step or two slower. Hopefully, he is right and I am wrong. He admits he has not played up to his own standards.
Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) had very little to say about the Nittany Lions this week. No gloating though, just a joke I have heard previously.
Mark (Kalmazoo): Beano, can U-M harass QB Brady Quinn into a bad game on Saturday? Your prediction?
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:07 PM ET ) The answer is no. I have an explanation why Penn State played so poorly against Notre Dame...the Nittany Lions were looking ahead to Youngstown State. hey, Jim Tressel used to coach there. By the way, Quinn has never passed for 200 yards against Michigan in three prior meetings, though one was as a freshman and he did not play much.
I still think it is a funny joke.
Jim (Hughsville, PA): Was Notre Dame's fake punt with a 27-3 lead late in the 3rd quarter unsportsmanlike?
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:29 PM ET ) Put it this way... you can say yes or no. You can argue it was and you can argue it wasn't.
I cannot get worked up about that decision by Notre Dame. It is up to Penn State to stop it, but if it motivates them next year, that works too.
TELEVISION
The contest is being televised nationally on ESPNU at 3:30 p.m. Since I will be attending my cousin Suzanne's wedding down the Shore, I will not be seeing it live. If someone would be kind enough to tape it for me, please let me know.
<h1>2006 <i>WWN</i> PENN STATE PREGAME #2</h1> - William World News
Friday, September 08, 2006
2006 WWN PENN STATE PREGAME #2
#19 Penn State Nittany Lions at #4 Notre Dame Fighting Irish
This is a BIG one -- a revival of series between the last two major independents. Tickets on ebay are going for no less than $300 a piece right now and will probably go up even more. Notre Dame has never seen demand this high for a game before.
Penn State defeated Akron, 34-16, in the rain. Recap
THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT: NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH
You're going to hear all about Notre Dame tradition and you know what? It doesn't mean a thing unless Knute Rockne leaps out of the ground and tackles you.... When you put those black shoes on tomorrow, and you put on that jersey without your name on the back and you put that plain helmet on, that's tradition. Penn State tradition!
Joe Paterno, November 6, 1982
Penn State heads out I-80 for a big matchup with the perennially overrated Notre Dame. There has been lots of ink spilled over how great head coach Charlie Weis and QB Brady Quinn are, but so far they have a 10-3 record together. That's good, but hardly spectacular. Just because Weis says he is great, does not mean that he actually is great. Super Bowl rings don't mean a thing in college football.
I'm going to try and keep my reasons for disliking Notre Dame short and sweet because if I don't, I won't have this preview done until November.
Overinflated opinion of itself -- Notre Dame acts as though it invented football (I think Rutgers and Princeton might have something to say about that, not too mention Walter Camp) and that its traditions are greater than all others. Sure, some of them are pretty neat but they are far from the end all, be all.
The "son, the Lord wants you to play for Notre Dame" recruiting tactics.
Subway alumni -- the legions of poseurs who proclaim undying loyalty to Notre Dame despite no personal connection. How many of these wannabes even know the university is in Indiana? The worst offenders are people at major colleges who pull for Notre Dame over their own school team. And really, "I'm Irish, so they're my team" thing has got to go. I can see a first generation Irish descendents getting worked up about Notre Dame in 1922, but last time I checked the Irish aren't exactly an oppressed minority anymore, there are not any "NO IRISH" signs in employment offices these days. Being 1/4th, 1/8th, 1/128th Irish isn't good enough either.
Annual overrating -- they usually are ranked at least 5 spots ahead of where they should be just for being Notre Dame. Last time I checked, they haven't exactly backed it up on the field.
Weis -- So far, he has proven he is better at convincing the media that he is a god than he has coaching a college football team. With a school with the caliber of athletes Notre Dame has, 9-3 seasons don't exactly earn the genius label in my book. He's also way too into himself, as noted by Mike Joseph.
Also...
George Gipp was a degenerate gambler who got kicked out of school.
Q: What do Georgetown, Dayton, Providence, St. John's, Fordham, and St. Mary's all have in common?
A: They all have as many bowl victories in the past decade as Notre Dame. So, to all those who say "I'm Catholic, so they're my team" I feel obligated to point out that you are not even on the right bandwagon! Boston College meanwhile, has won about 7 bowls in that ten year span.
NEW RANKING
Actually, it is the same as last week, #19 in both major polls. Not much movement in the top 25 this past week overall, only two ranked teams lost.
Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) must be bouncing off the walls, two of his favorite programs go head to head this weekend. He had a lot to say about it too.
sara(chicago): Why did ND fall to #5... they won, and they didnt play N. Texas, or N. Illinois, etc.
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:05 PM ET ) Why were they rated #2 before the season began? Texas was the defending national champion. Look, if Notre Dame wins every game this season, they will play for the national title. Don't worry about where you are ranked in September as long as you are in the top 10. If I was a Notre Dame fan, I would worry a lot more about Penn State than the poll this week.
Right-on Beano, worrying about the polls in September is stupid, worrying about playing Penn State is not.
Shon (Tallahassee,Fl): Mr. Cook after this first round of college games, which teams made you say wow? Also which teams made you say uh-oh?
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:23 PM ET ) Wow for USC...No Bush, Leinart and still put up 50 on the road. Wow...Tennessee...Wow to Anthony Morelli of Penn State...
On the negative side...Stanford looked terrible against Oregon. Colorado lost to I-AA Montana State.
Praise for Morelli? Must be because he is from Pittsburgh. Also, Beano once suggested that Mike McQueary might deserve a Heisman look, so take the praise with a grain of salt.
Dave, State College: No way. Mark it down...PSU will beat ND this weekend. They are playing with a confidence that will lead to victory.
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:38 PM ET ) We will see...write back next week.
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:39 PM ET ) If Penn State upsets Notre Dame, and the Nittany Lions upset Ohio State, Joe Paterno will play for the national title. Penn State's running game is a concern.
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:39 PM ET ) Franco Harris and Lydell Mitchell ran out of eligibility...sorry.
I find it interesting that there were no Notre Dame fans getting their predictions in.
Penn State would still have to run the table even if they beat ND and OSU.
Chad (Charleston, SC): Beano! You said it Penn St's running game is a concern. This will keep ND's offense off of the field. PSU wins 28-24!
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:41 PM ET ) We will find out.
Indeed we will and there is no Beano prediction hanging over our heads.
TELEVISION
The contest is being televised nationally on NBC (Notredame Brodcasting Company) at 3:30 p.m. The upside is I can actually watch the game on my own TV.
Penn State ruins NBC's dreams of an undefeated Notre Dame season by beating the overrated Irish 27-22. They succceed by passing to set up the run and by confusing Brady Quinn with outstanding linebackers. We will march down to Sine in Pentagon Row and sing Penn State songs while the subway alumni cry in their beer.
Best wishes to the Nittany Lions. The conference is pulling for you. For what it's worth, in the past 10 seasons, Boston College is 6-1 in bowl games.
# posted by dl004d :
Friday, September 08, 2006 2:41:00 PM
Notre Dame 27 - 17. It pains me to say that. It will be more rewarding when beat the Buckeyes in two weeks anyway.
# posted by The Maryland Bureau Chief :
Friday, September 08, 2006 9:25:00 PM
Growing up with the Penn State-Notre Dame rivalry right in my backyard, a loss today to Notre Dame will be totally unacceptable. Trust me--in central PA, losing to Ohio State, Michigan State, or even Michigan pales in comparison to the pain of losing to Notre Dame. I'm betting on a close game, a real nail-biter, with my fingers crossed for a glorious Penn State victory.
# posted by MC Hamme :
Saturday, September 09, 2006 8:17:00 AM
Hey, either way I know y'all will enjoy the game...hope Penn State wins for ya!
<h1>2006 <i>WWN</i> PENN STATE PREGAME #1</h1> - William World News
Thursday, August 31, 2006
2006 WWN PENN STATE PREGAME #1
#19 Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Akron Zips
Last year our good friend Wiley sent me an e-mail titled "the most wonderful time of the year" in reference to the coming season. He is on to something. I look forward to the first Penn State game of the year more than Christmas. This will by my 12th season of Penn State football, the 120th overall.
Also, consider alternate routes to Happy Valley as US 22/322 has been known to flood in the Lewistown Narrows.
From Harrisburg area use US 11/15 NORTH:
Option 1) US 15 to PA 45 WEST to Boalsburg Option 2) US 11 to PA 147 NORTH to I-80 WEST to PA 26 SOUTH
LAST WEEK
They had practice. Last game vs. Florida State -- I think they are still in overtime.
THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT: AKRON ZIPS
Penn State's I-76 series (which also includes Youngstown State and Temple) begins with a visit from the Akron Zips. It turns out a Zip is a Kangaroo.
The two programs have met twice previously with similar results. In 1999, the #2 Nittany Lions crushed Akron 70-24. Most recently, the 2004 Lions beat Akron, led by QB Charlie Frye, 48-10. This year's Akron model, coming off a MAC championship, is the best PSU has faced yet. QB Luke Getsy leads a powerful offense that will be a good early test for PSU's young secondary. No word on how he throws a wet football, but Anthony Morelli proved in the Blue White Game he was up to the task.
One last thing -- I am hoping that we get a Goodyear blimp appearance on Saturday, since Akron is Goodyear's home. We can never have enough blimp games.
19th -- Quite a drop from #3 at the end of last year, but that is okay. Penn State has two really good opportunities to climb in the rankings this month.
PRESS CONFERENCE TRANSCRIPT Here is the official Intercollegiate Athletics transcript of Tuesday's press conference.
Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) had a lot to say about the Nittany Lions in his first regular season chat of the 2006 season.
SportsNation Beano Cook: Good afternoon. We start the 138th season of college football with a chat, same time every week until the title is decided. We want to mention that Joe Paterno will be in his 41st season as head coach and his 56th at Penn State. Unbelievable. This weekend, Paterno's first team will hold a reunion and unfortunately, the University is doing it against Akron rather than a good opponent. The '86 national title team will hold one in two weeks, too, and they have to have it during the Youngstown State game.
Beano's taking a little shot at PSU, pay it no mind.
Shane (Lewiston, ID): How is Michigan going to fair this year? Is this the year that leads to Carr getting on the hot seat or is he already there?
SportsNation Beano Cook: If Michigan loses to Ohio State this year it'll be the fifth time in six years and three straight and that won't help matters. Michigan is not the cutthroat athletic department we see oftern nowadays. They are a little more patient, but times change and a bad year could well lead to a change. The road schedule is tough, but Michigan State and Iowa do come to the Big House. Michigan also gets Notre Dame at a good time, the week after the Irish play Penn State. Michigan has dominated Penn State in recent years, but the night game at PSU this year will be a loss and Carr's domination of Paterno will end that night.
Beano predicting a Penn State win over Michigan -- ouch. As much as agreeing his prognostication contradicts established patterns, my gut tells he is right. I hope so.
dallas texas: How do you see Ohio State splitting the two night games in Sept ? UT and Iowa both on the road. Do not sleep on the Hawkeyes at home !!!
SportsNation Beano Cook: There's a chance they could lose them both, but if they win both then you have to say OSU has an excellent chance to play for the national title. I think they will lose one, though, which is why I didn't pick them to play for the title.
SportsNation Beano Cook: Sept. 9 with Penn State-Notre Dame in the afternoon and Ohio State-Texas at night is like seeing a double-feature with the Godfather I and II back-to-back.
Hmmm, Penn State and the Godfather. Let's take a look at the similarities -- two old Italian guys from Brooklyn running the show. Beano might be on to something. Kiss the ring.
Eric Carr Pensacola, Florida: Do you think Notre Dame will make it out of their killer September schedule without a loss?
SportsNation Beano Cook: I think Notre Dame will be playing fo rthe national title, and they could do that at 11-1 as long as they don't lose the season finale to USC. They have more material than Michigan State and Georgia Tech and get Penn State and Michigan at home, but it will still be tough. I think Notre Dame will win all four, though.
I always feel more comfortable when he picks aganist us and my guts says we win in South Bend, sending subway alumni all over America home crying.
TELEVISION
The contest is being televised nationally on ESPN2 at 3:30 p.m. You really should be at the game though.
PREDICTIONS
Even though there are some temptations to look ahead, Penn State is all business, and wins 37-20. Oh and just for a gag, I predict Derrick Williams will line up at QB with Morelli at wideout on the first play.
Look for my season prediction tonight or tomorrow morning.
Thanks go out to Muha who reminded me that Carroll H. Cook (Pitt '54) had a chat yesterday.
Beano kicks off the 2006 season with little to say about Penn State, which I read as a good thing. He mentions them once as part of a Notre Dame answer:
David (Wooster, OH): Beano, what will be the biggest question mark for the Irish this year? I think it will be LB. Most say DB but those guys are all back and Charlie has addressed the DB play this past season.
Beano Cook, chat, college football Penn State, Nittany Lions, college football, Ohio State Buckeyes,
Facebook | 
Del.icio.us | 
Digg | 
Technorati | 
Blinklist | 
Furl | 
Newsvine | 
Reddit it!
