IT IS TIMES LIKE THIS THAT I MISS BOB HOPE

Remember all those Bob Hope Christmas Specials? Okay, neither do I, save for one thing -- Brooke Shields and the AP All-America Football team. Actually, I could care less about Shields, but I thought it was cool that Bob would have all the first team All-Americans on the show, in uniform. If you close your eyes and pretend, you can visualize that this year's special with Bob talking to LB Paul Posluszny and DE Tamba Hali, probably mispronouncing both of their names. Fly baby!

Somebody needs to have an annual special again and bring the All-Americans on. Of course, it would probably be Ryan Seacrest, so maybe not.

Posluszny, Hali make All-America first team; Zemaitis, Brown on second team - AP/CDT

Labels: PSU Football 2005

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posted by WFY @ 5:47 AM | |

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ON PENN STATE FOOTBALL...

QB Mike Robinson finished fifth in the Heisman voting (50 Yard Lion on pennlive.com), which about where he should have been. No New York invitation though.

Paul Posluszny won the Butkus Award (CDT) for being the nation's top linebacker, which kind of surprises me. I figured A.J. Hawk would win it because he is a senior and Poz is just a junior, but I cannot argue with the decision. Posluszny is just excellent, period. Looks like that Sports Illustrated cover story went a long way...

So it is the Orange Bowl against Free Shoes University...okay, I can get excited -- a chance for Joe Paterno to pick up some wins on Bobby Bowden. One drawback -- I don't really know any Seminoles to make some sort of wager. I had been hoping for Miami (my cousin went there), but they laid an egg against Georgia Tech. I was then hoping for Virginia Tech, but Marcus Vick must have been thinking about underage girls again (MSNBC) and the lost the ACC Championship to the seemingly inferior FSU. Oh well, should be fine either way. Dag gummit!

Penn State picked up I-AA Youngstown State to fill a hole created by Louisiana Tech backing out of the September 16 game next year. This is a TRAP game, because Youngstown State is historically an excellent program. Jim Tressel was their coach before going to The Ohio State. One upside, the nickname is Penguins and as longtime WWN readers know, I enjoy it when my teams beat flightless birds. Speaking of Penguins, sorry Sam and Jake...

Labels: PSU Football 2005

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posted by WFY @ 8:36 AM | |

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PLAYER SHUFFLE

Bowden Heats Up the Stove - The Post
DC baseball champion Tom Boswell analyzes the overall moves made by Jim Bowden this year, but does make a frightening point right up front--with no owner and a ballpark deal gone completely awry, Jim Bowden is the best thing the Nats have right now, for better or worse. That's kind of a bleak assessment, yes?

Soriano Jockeys for Position- The Post
The age-old question, varied for the Nats: now that they have Soriano, what do they do with him? Second base is covered by Jose Vidro, and I've already heard one report that will put Soriano in the outfield.

More from The Wash. Times: The Soriano questions

Wilkerson Shocked, but Calls Rangers a 'Positive Situation' - The Post
I have to admit, I have mixed feelings about Brad Wilkerson being traded away. It's hard to let go of his achievements in the inaugural season, most notably the Nats' first cycle. (And who can forget those Chevy Chase bank commercials?)

Council set to debate lease agreement, cost estimate - The Times
May God have mercy on us all.

---

BOWL NEWS

State College Is the Place to Be - The Post
Wow! How often does my alma mater make The Post? Mostly about recruiting, but I had to post it for the very fact that it made a Washington paper.

With game nearly 4 weeks away, Bowden and Paterno go face to face - The Patriot-News
Like the famous coffeeshop scene in Heat, where Al Pacino and Robert De Niro have an amicable meeting with mutual respect and admiration, but silently vow to take the other down, so do JoePa and Bobby Bowden meet face to face.

---

Today's postings brought to you by Deputy Editor Fritz Hamme, who isn't afraid of an inch of snow.

Labels: Nats/MLB 2005, PSU Football 2005

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posted by Fritz @ 8:58 AM | |

I would like to go on record that this bowl matchup sucks. It's a lose-lose, where if we win then so what. If we lose, uggh... Plus even if we win, we could still get jumped in the polls by Ohio State if the Buckeyes beat Notre Dame.

# posted by  Brad Stratton : Friday, December 09, 2005 7:44:00 PM  

AN ANGRY JOE!

Angry Paterno trashes media- The Patriot-News
Newsflash: JoePa doesn't like the media! This was never more evident than yesterday when he lambasted the media. As an alum, I can't help but love it when JoePa gets mad--but then again, it's mostly at football games that it's exciting to see that side of him.

Even after 31 trips, bowls don't get old - The Patriot-News
And after 4 losing seasons out of 5, it feels glorious to be in a bowl matchup again!

---

WHAT'LL YOU TAKE IN TRADE?

Nationals Get a Big Bat in Soriano - The Post
Washington bids adieu to Brad Wilkerson and Terrmel Sledge, and in exchange gets 2nd baseman Alfonso Soriano.

No news on the ballpark today. I guess they were too busy haggling over the smoking ban.

---

SNOW OR ARMAGEDDON?

Messy Winter Storm Heads Toward Region- The Post
I'm recalling the night before Thanksgiving, when William, Erica, and I were leaving the MCI Center. Snow was falling to the ground, and in quintessential William fashion, he shouted out, "SNOWWWWW!!!!! Bread, milk, eggs!!! Close all the schools, abandon your cars!! We're all gonna die!!!" Yup, that about sums it up. One of these days DC will learn how to handle snow. One day... Being a Pennsylvania boy myself, I was used to going to school in much worse than this, and still managing to get on with my life.

---

Today's postings brought to you by Deputy Editor Fritz Hamme, who's the only one in his apartment building who a) owns a shovel, and b) knows how to use it.

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posted by Fritz @ 1:10 PM | |

Actually, it is BREAD! MILK! TOLIET PAPER!

# posted by  WFY : Tuesday, December 13, 2005 5:58:00 AM  

ORANGE BOWL!!!

Coaching matchup dominates Orange Bowl hype - ESPN.com
It's official! Penn State is going head-to-head with Florida State in the Orange Bowl! My father called me tonight to tell me the news, and personally, I was hoping for a Notre Dame matchup, but I can easily wait until September to clobber the Irish again. But truth be told, I'm just happy to be in a bowl matchup again after so many losing seasons!!!

William would like to take this moment to chime in from afar:

Ha! Good job Virginia Tech. While this seems lopsided, you know Free Shoes University has the athletes and will bring their "A" game. This is a great chance for Joe Paterno to pick up ground on Bobby Bowden's overinflated win total too remind everyone that the REAL winningest coach in I-A is in Happy Valley. Also, check the similarities -- people think the game has passed Bowden by and he needs to let his offensive coordinator son go.

---

Today's posting brought to you by Deputy Editor Fritz Hamme, with distant input from William himself--both of us proud Penn Staters!

Labels: PSU Football 2005

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posted by Fritz @ 8:21 PM | |

WWN PENN STATE PREGAME #11

#5 Penn State at MICHIGAN STATE

Everybody excited?! Even though Ohio State had more hype, this is the BIGGEST game that Penn State has played since 1994, because the stakes - a Big11Ten championship/BCS bid -- are the highest since then. If they win, they are in, if they lose, they probably head to Orlando or Tampa and somebody like Ohio State or Michigan will get the BCS bid.

Perhaps showing the significance of Penn State's resurgence, or just boredom with Columbus and Ann Arbor, ESPN College GameDay will be in East Lansing (The Collegian) for the game. I guess I will have to watch some of it this week. The university is also doing a send-off and welcome back event.

Despite the apparent mismatch based on the standings, I have butterflies in my stomach over this one; the Spartans are very dangerous, averaging 500 yards a game on offense. Dave Jones of the Patriot-News warns us that since 1997, the Spartans are 9-1 vs. top ten teams. He offers a great way of describing MSU:

Ever know a hot chick in college who, down deep, was never very happy; never really had her life together, but instead seemed to take great pleasure in messing up other people's lives?

The Spartans are that girl. Talented. Look great on paper. But always carrying around a suitcase full of issues so that they never really accomplish anything themselves.

Adding to that, the team in Ann Arbor is still in the race, and that always makes me nervous. As Admiral Ackbar would say, "it's a twap, it's a twap!"

LAST WEEK

The Lions were off. How did you enjoy your off week?

THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT: MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS

Penn State may be #4 in the BCS, but when the Land-Grant Trophy is up for grabs, all bets are off.

When Penn State joined the conference, Michigan State asked to be our designated rival, something Paterno alludes to in this week's press conference. The Lions have played the Spartans more than any other Big11Ten school, holding a 9-4 edge since joining the conference. Somebody decided this rivalry needed to be a trophy game and since both institutions were founded in 1855 as land grant schools for their states, it was decided to create the Land Grant Trophy.

Historically, the Spartans have been a hot and cold team. This year, they started off hot, beating Notre Dame, but have been cold since then, losing five in a row. They need to win to be bowl eligible.

Overall, games in the series tend to be either close or complete blowouts. Here is a look at the matchup since I started following the Lions.

1995 - A last second strike from Wally Richardson to Bobby Engram won the game in East Lansing.
1996 - A Brent Conway field goal in the last minute iced the game, 32-29, in frigid Beaver Stadium.
1997 - Michigan State pulled away in the second half behind power running (two backs with over 200 yards EACH) and routed PSU 49 - 14, costing the Lions a Bowl Alliance/coalition game.
1998 - Another lopsided game, this time in Penn State's favor, 51-28 on Thanksgiving Saturday.
1999 - The Lions lose a thriller in East Lansing, 35-28. They had rallied from 21-0 to tie, but simply could not get over the hump during their awful November.
2000 - Revenge! The underachieving Lions scored on their first four possessions to go up 28-0 and crush the Spartans. The lone, obnoxious Spartan fan who had been taunting us throughout the pregame was gone before the first half was over.
2001 - Penn State came back from a 24-7 deficit and won 42-37 to keep bowl hopes alive.
2002 - Larry Johnson went over 2,000 yards a TD run in the second half and the Lions rolled to a 61-7 victory.
2003 - The Lions played uninspired football and lost 41-10 in East Lansing.
2004 - Zack Mills had a senior day to remember with the Lions winning, 37-13 in a game where the score was not very close.

So, for any dismissiveness we may have for this rivalry, it has produced some exciting games.

NEW RANKING

Even though Penn State was idle, they still picked up a spot in both major polls to reach #5 due to Alabama losing to LSU. Even better news is that the Lions are #4 in the BCS poll.

PRESS CONFERENCE RECAP

Here is the press conference transcript from goPSUsports.com and audio from FightOnState.com. Some points: Mike Robinson does not get enough credit and not paying attention BCS.

YOU GOTTA LIKE MIKE!

In what can best be described as a sea change, Penn State is actually promoting one of its players for postseason awards. QB Mike Robinson's season is being celebrated here.

ARTICLES FROM THIS WEEK

Always moving forward, but when will Paterno move on? - USA Today
In shocking news, Paterno says the he wants to coach another four or five years. No, this article was not written in 1983. But seriously, it is a bit in depth about the greatest living coach in the twilight of his days.

Fall and rise of Paterno's Nittany Lion empire - YDR
Another article on the resurgence of the Nittany Lions that once again points to the goal-line stand at Indiana last year. You may recall that last year, Jay Paterno had this to say about that stand:

We felt the whole year, if we can just get one win, we might not lose for two years. And [last week's win over Indiana] might be -- 20 years from now we might look at it, and that goal-line stand might be the most important four plays in the history of Penn State football, who knows. And we're gonna try and make it that way.

Jay is looking a little prophetic...so far. Beating the Spartans this Saturday would go a long way.

PSU fans, players celebrate at lovefest with an electric beat - Post-Gazette
A lengthy look at Zombie Nation's Kernkraft 400 and Guido D'Elia, director of communications and branding, behind using it at Beaver Stadium. I was hard on D'Elia earlier in the season for the hamfisted approach to stadium music. To his credit, he addressed it and listen to the concerns of alumni like me and toned down the hip hop.

ESPN crew films Posluszny feature - The Collegian
A Collegian reporter tags along with the camera crew during the Paul Posluszny feature taping. He is finalist for the Lombardi (Post-Gazette) and Butkus (Patriot-News) awards.

Inconsistent Spartans cannot be taken for granted - Post-Gazette
Another series of warnings about MSU, whom in a roundabout way Paterno said was a rival. There is also a photo of the Land Grant Trophy.

BEANO WATCH

Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) had his last chat of Penn State's regular season. He let them off pretty easily for a change.

Alex, Columbia, SC: Who do you think is coming off a bigger win last week, South Carolina or Clemson and how will that effect the game this week?

Beano Cook: I think this is the game to be at. Steve Spurrier, if he wins this game and Penn STate loses, Spurrier should be coach of the year. If Paterno wins, he's the coach of the year. SC-Clemson is the most intriguing game of the day. I loved the T-shirt after SC beat Florida. It said 'It was big and it was easy.'

Even if Penn State wins, I have to wonder if Paterno really deserves coach of the year. Penn State is supposed to contend for the Big11Ten title in my book, though I am not opposed to Paterno being named coach of the year.

Jim (Phila.): Beano, do you think JoePa has it turned around at Penn State, or is this year a one time thing, like in 2002.

Beano Cook: No, I don't know if they're going to win 9 of 10 next year, but he had a couple of bad years. They'll lose a lot of players, next year will be tough. But in 2007 they'll be tough. The schedule will be in their favor that year. Paterno will coach at least through 2008 if his health remains the way it is now. Shame on those people who wanted to see Paterno retire. Shame, shame, shame, shame.

Beano Cook: Isn't it strange that this Saturday Michigan fans will be rooting for Michigan State? If MSU beats Penn State and Michigan beats OSU, Michigan is in a BCS bowl.

I agree that it is too early to say that PSU has turned it around, a few years of sustained winning with some excellent seasons sprinkled in will tell me that Penn State is back.

Abraham: , San Diego: Who would win if Penn State played UM in the Orange Bowl ?

Beano Cook: Miami.

Beano does not even give reasons for his position, which is unusual for him. I have to think this means he feels strongly about it.

TELEVISION

The contest is being televised nationally on ESPN at 4 p.m. Mike Tirico, Mike Gottfried and Alex Flanagan will be the calling the action.

PREDICTIONS

Like many of the games in the series, I expect this one to be a little wild. MSU may even have a lead for a while and Penn State having trouble putting them away. Nevertheless, I predict a 34-26 victory for the Lions with a big sigh of relief (and bourbon) at the end.

MORE COVERAGE

Penn State Football Official Site - from the "Kremlin"

CDT coverage

Patriot-News coverage

Post-Gazette coverage

Tribune-Review coverage

50 Yard Lion Blog - an Altoona dentist; daily

PA Sports Blog - mostly recruiting, if that is your thing

Nittany Lines Blog -- sports ed. from The Morning Call

Dan Victor's Front Row -- student football columnist at the CDT

Ask Jeff Q & A

FightOnState.com -- free

Blue White Illustrated -- Phil Grosz, subscription required

IN CLOSING

GO STATE, beat SPARTANS!

Labels: Beano Watch, PSU Football 2005

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posted by WFY @ 8:59 PM | |

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BEANO WATCH

Penn State may have a bye week, but that does not mean that Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) did not have a few things to say about the Nittany Lions during his weekly ESPN SportsNation chat.

Larry (Wash., D.C.): Hey Beano! What's the biggest story in college football this year thus far?

Beano Cook: Notre Dame, Penn State, Alabama and USC.

Okay, I will go along with that, except for Notre Dame. Two losses a bandwagon should not make.

Steve Hershey PA: Why isn't Michael Robinson listed with the Heisman Contenders?

Beano Cook: Because he isn't one. He is, but not in the top echelon. He has had a great season, but realistically the top four will be Bush, Young, Leinart and Quinn, not necessarily in that order. I know there are plenty of other quality guys who deserve consideration. The top four will be those guys.

Beano is right, MRob has had quite a season, but he is not one of the four best players in the country. He might be second team All-Big11Ten.

Brian (Chicago, IL): Will Kurt Ferentz be the next coach at PSU?

Beano Cook: First of all, it is Kirk, not Kurt. Paterno will be there for at least three more years, so if Ferentz wants to wait...Paterno stays in Happy Valley unless there are health problems.

Remember when this sort of question was asked weekly? Bradley will get an interview, but Big11Ten regulations may make it hard for Ferentz to move to PSU.

Jacob (Greenwich, CT):
I personally am tired of ND getting preferential treatment not only by their exclusive clauses in the BCS but also by the media and the pollsters that continue to overrate them.

Beano Cook: That's your opinion.

Beano Cook: Believe me, I am not a particular fan of Notre Dame, but give credit where credit is due. The Irish will always play a quality non-league schedule. Next season Michigan and Penn State visit South Bend early.

It will be interesting to see how many Penn Staters make it into South Bend next September.

Frank (Cincinnati): Any truth to rumors that Galen Hall might leave PSU for another job?

Beano Cook: If he was offered a head coaching job, perhaps. If he is offered a coordinator position, no.

This is the first I have heard this rumor, so methinks it is not a strong one. Galen Hall is on the record as saying he is sticking around as long as Joe Paterno is head coach and I doubt he has much incentive to go back on that statement. It has to be a lot more fun for him this year.

Well, that is all, kind of a ho-hum Beano Watch this week, but I fully expect him to have more to say over the next two weeks.

Labels: Beano Watch, PSU Football 2005

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posted by WFY @ 5:25 AM | |

WWN PENN STATE POST-GAME

#10 PENN STATE 35 #14 Wisconsin 14

This past Saturday was just about as perfect a football Saturday as you can get. The weather was great, the tailgate (biggest of the year) was lots of fun, and the Lions got a big win over a ranked team, their closest competitor for the Big11Ten title. I also won a year's worth of bragging rights over a couple of people.

As for the game itself, it reminded me of all those games in the '90s when Penn State would pounce on an opponent and then had trouble putting them away. Though the game was not really in doubt, the Lions never broke the Badgers will, which is saying something. The defensive line had a fantastic day in the Badgers backfield, picking up nine sacks and many tackles for a loss. Incredible. The only thing stopping the Penn State offense was itself, with Michael Robinson having tough times in the middle of the game after taking a big hit in the second quarter. Thankfully, he had already gotten the Lions up 21-0, so it hardly mattered. In the end, he regained his form and the Lions finally put the Badgers away.

Roar to the Fore - CDT
PSU's defense places clamps on Wisconsin - Patriot-News
Boxscore - ESPN.com

NEW RANKING

The big win vaulted Penn State all the way up to #6 in the rankings in both major polls, leapfrogging Notre Dame. Even more important is the #5 BCS ranking.

MORE ARTICLES

Dave Jones of the Patriot-News thinks if Penn State defeats Michigan State it would probably wind up in the Orange Bowl against either Florida State or Miami, which are both appealing matchups. Penn State could clinch the conference this weekend during the bye week if the right teams win/lose. The normally grumpy Bob Smizik of the Post-Gazette has a column about how the Lions could get to the Rose Bowl. Don't count on it.

THE HOT LIST - Patriot-News

Not much has changed with Paterno - Post-Gazette

PAT FORDE - Confidence fuels Nittany Lions revival - ESPN.com

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME

A little tough this week, because despite having a lot of total yards and TD passes, Mike Robinson had 2 INTs. Tony Hunt had 151 yards on the ground and a TD. I think I have to go with him because he consistent throughout the game, whereas MRob had a tough time in the late second quarter into the fourth. It's really a tough call.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME

For the second week in a row, it is Tamba Hali. He had four sacks and 7 TFL. He probably just made himself millions of dollars by assuring a higher position in April's NFL draft. LB Paul Posluszny also had an outstanding game and indicated he will almost certainly be back next year.

MORE NOTES

This was the second largest crowd at Beaver Stadium ever.

Robinson got the loudest ovation during the Senior Day ceremonies.

Senior CB Anwar Phillips was again victimized on a long pass. He will not be missed.

PR Calvin Lowry had the longest punt return of his career, but otherwise still stunk.

Justin King is playing tenative on offense.

I won a blog bet with my friend Brenda. Go to her blog and take in the victory!

Regular WWN commenter (or would that be commentator?) David, a Wisconsin grad, blogged his thoughts (and photos) on his trip to Happy Valley today. He liked it.

Wisconsin never gave up and kept fighting all day long. In particular, QB John Stocco was tough as nails, getting sacked 9 times, but never giving in or losing his poise.

We scored a yellow parking pass from a scalper. He said it cost $30, but he would give it to us for $25. Fool! I told him it cost $10 and I would give him $15. It was worth an extra $5 to park in Lot 12. He was naive to try and charge folks wearing blue that exorbanant rate, maybe the folks in red would have fallen for it.

The Giant on North Atherton has trouble keeping Nittany Lion beef franks in stock.

We had our best turnout for a tailgate all year.

Kim had to be carted away from the post-game tailgate with a severe ankle injury. Get well wishes to her.

Kim is carted off Lot 12 by Penn State EMTs. She is listed as doubtful for Michigan State.

The cops and EMTs who helped Kim out were professional and did not get in the way of a good time. Granted, we were all behaving well, so they had no reason to give us a hard time.

All the majorettes twirled flaming batons during halftime, which was pretty cool.

We were set up right next to the Blue Band building, so we got to see the band march in and out to bookend our day of tailgating.

Programming note: Beano Watch will still appear on WWN even though there is no game this week.

Penn State won despite no pregame prediction from the esteemed Maryland Bureau Chief, Sam Basile. He will be excused this time (his first child was born), but subsequent absences will be treated accordingly.

MORE COVERAGE

Penn State Football Official Site - from the "Kremlin"

CDT coverage

Patriot-News coverage

Post-Gazette coverage

Tribune-Review coverage

50 Yard Lion Blog - an Altoona dentist; daily

PA Sports Blog - mostly recruiting, if that is your thing

Nittany Lines Blog -- sports ed. from The Morning Call

Dan Victor's Front Row -- student football columnist at the CDT

Ask Jeff Q & A

FightOnState.com -- free

Blue White Illustrated -- Phil Grosz, subscription required

Labels: Beano Watch, I Was There, PSU Football 2005

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posted by WFY @ 7:43 PM | |

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PATERNO AND RACE

Paterno links black athletes to increased scoring - ESPN.com
An old friend out in San Francisco asked me in an e-mail if there would be any fallout from Joe Paterno's statements on black athletes during the Big11Ten conference call yesterday. Off Wing Opinion also noted it.

You have to be careful the way you say things sometimes. Poor [Air Force coach] Fisher DeBerry got in trouble, but the black athlete has made a big difference. They have changed the whole tempo of the game. Black athletes have just done a great job as athletes and as people in turning the game around.

I don't see anybody getting terribly upset about this as it comes across a little more articulate than what Fisher DeBerry was saying. Plus, Paterno has national credibility that DeBerry does not have and a strong record in racial matters. I think ESPN is just looking for a story.

Labels: PSU Football 2005

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posted by WFY @ 6:59 AM | |

ESPN changed the headline to "Penn State coach offers his take on black athletes." The article has a 3:48 p.m. timestamp on it now.

(Thanks to Off Wing Opinion for pointing this out)

This is a non-story and I only posted it because I was specifically asked about it.

# posted by  WFY : Friday, November 04, 2005 5:25:00 PM  

WWN PENN STATE PREGAME #10

#10 PENN STATE vs. #14 Wisconsin

Happy Senior Day! Saturday is the last appearance for a whole lot of Nittany Lions (Post Gazette) in Beaver Stadium including most of the lines, all of the secondary, the starting quarterback and the special team standout and underachiever. It should be a heck of a crowd; tents are already going up at Gate A (Front Row/CDT) and the student section will be having another White Out and pep rally.

Football vs. Wisconsin Game Notes (PDF)

TAILGATE

For the last time in 2005, we will be in Lot 11 or 12. Look for the Yurasko flag. Expect the usual assortment of delights as well as more cider and hot chocolate.

LAST WEEK

Penn State came out a little flat (as did the crowd) and generally played a little sloppy in a 33-15 win over Purdue. Mike Robinson was not sharp and was getting blitzed frequently. Calvin Lowry continued his assault on the art of returning punts with another stupefying performance. The big bright spot was the ground attack, which had over 300 yards on the day against a previously tough Boilermaker defense. Tony Hunt was the player of the game with 129 yards. WWN Recap

THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT: WISCONSIN BADGERS

Okay everyone, say it with me:

Badgers? Badgers! We don't need no stinking Badgers!*

In addition to Penn State's return to the upper echelon of the Big11Ten, Wisconsin's 8-1 season is one of the bigger surprises in the conference this year. This is Barry Alvarez's last season as head coach there, which is probably good for the Lions. Under him, the Badgers are 3-1 at Beaver Stadium. This is far from all that Alvarez did though, he led Wisconsin to three Rose Bowl victories and heights not reached in Madison in generations (if ever). He is a class act, but I am not going to say that we will miss him.

*Drinks on me for the first person to get me that sound file. Offer expires 12:00 p.m. Friday. We have a winner -- my brother Christopher found the file. Thanks!

His final team was expected to be in the middle of the pack of the Big11Ten, so this season is already a success for them. However, I am sure the squad will not be content to just have an above average year, they want the conference title and are going to play hard for it.

This week, as a special to WWN, Wisconsin grad David I. Leavitt offers an assessment of the Badgers:

Wisconsin's defense is beat up. Their entire front four (literally) from last year went to the NFL. So they started the season with some new guys. And since then, it's gone downhill. Three out of the four new starters have suffered season-ending injuries. So our defensive line play has been TERRIBLE.

At defensive back, Brett Bell is a senior. But he's been benched recently in favor of a platoon of freshman and sophomores who haven't done much better.

In short, the defense -- which used to be our strength -- doesn't do very much. That is, they get no pressure on the QB and they can't tackle people coming right at them. (This is great news, as last year's Badgers took out two QBs in the first quarter)

On the other hand, the offense is one of the best in school history. Brian Calhoun has better per-game numbers at this point in the season than Ron Dayne had during his Heisman year. He's a little guy, but he makes good reads and his hard to tackle. Best of all, he's a great receiver. Look for them to dump the ball off to him or get the ball to him via screen plays. To be honest, he's pretty much the whole offense. If he's in the game, they hand the ball to him or they throw it to him nearly every play.

Wisconsin runs a lot of screen plays. In obvious passing downs, watch for it. Especially the middle screen to TE Owen Daniels.

Our starting WRs are both seniors. Orr is the so-called deep threat, although his size makes him a better possession receiver in my opinion. Brandon Williams, who also returns kicks and punts, is the No. 1 receiver.

Our starting fullback, Matt Bernstein (I remember what Matt Bernstein did to us after the sun went down last year. He will not be missed by Lions fans!), is out for the year with an injury (see a pattern here?). As a result, the blocking hasn't been great. But our backup FBs, including Pressley, seem to be doing pretty well.

So far, Wisconsin has won games based on its offense and special teams. (Our punter seems to get one of his kicks downed inside the 5 yard line each game.) (Hmmm, a good punter is bad news for the Nittany Lions with Calvin Lowry still inexplicably returning punts.)

My fear is that Penn State will be able to run on Wisconsin, given our poor tackling, and that's going to be bad news, since it seems like the only way to beat Penn State is to force Robinson to beat you through the air.(Robinson has shown he is capable of this but is historically inconsistent).

Last week, the Illinois QB broke a school record by scrambling for 140 yards against us. (I think he had 120 total, but that was due to a couple sacks.) And we all know how bad Illinois is.(Ouch!)

So, there you go. I'm afraid to say I think this is Penn State's game to lose. If you give Wisconsin a lead based on, say an early turnover or something, I have confidence that Calhoun and our offense can do some things. But since our defense hasn't really been able to stop anyone (just look at the scores of some of our games), I don't see any other way we can do it.

Still, I'll be there wearing red and hoping Wisconsin pulls it out.

Thanks for the analysis, David, have a good time in Happy Valley.

PRESS CONFERENCE RECAP

Here is the transcript from goPSUsports.com, I guess the Post-Gazette never got around to it this week. Audio is available at FightOnState.com. Paterno's main point -- we are only looking at Purdue and not ahead of them. Also, he acknowledges the similarities between the '05 Boilermakers and the '04 Nittany Lions but says that Purdue is the better of the two.

BOWL SCENARIOS AND OTHER ARTICLES

David Jones has another rundown on bowl scenarios for the Nittany Lions and it looks positive, even so much so that he thinks a win vs. Wisky and a loss vs. Michigan State could still mean BCS. Pittsburgh's Tribune-Review also notes that Fiesta Bowl could be in Lions' future.

Posluszny hasn't ruled out leaving school early - Tribune-Review
I think the chances of Paul Posluszny leaving early for the NFL draft are slim and he would be better served by another season at PSU. Don't do it Poz!

THE HOT LIST - Patriot-News

OFF WISCONSIN!

There is yet another Wisconsin connection this week. For the second consecutive year, my friend Brenda, a MPA/JD student in Madison, and I are doing a blog bet on the game. Regrettably, she won last year and I had to post "On Wisconsin" on the blog and give her a concession speech. We talked about doing the mayor's bet (wagering regional foodstuffs) but came to the conclusion that the universal currency of respect/admiration or humiliation would be sufficient.

BEANO WATCH

Well, you certainly had to wade through a lot to get to this point, the review Carroll H. Cook's ('54 Pitt) weekly ESPN SportsNation chat.

Rob (Detroit): Answering your question about the Big Ten. If either Wisconsin or Penn State win out, they'll go. If Penn State and Iowa beat Wisconsin then PSU loses one of their final two games and if Michigan can win out, they'll go. If Ohio State wins out and Penn State loses, they'll likely go over Wisconsin.

Beano Cook: Let's wait and see. I guess I made a mistake asking the question this early, but that would be a wild scenario. If I had to bet on one team right now to go, it would be Penn State. Though facing Brian Calhoun of the Badgers won't be easy.

What Rob is saying makes little sense according to what we have read elsewhere. Beano is right that Wisconsin will not be easy.

Ken (New York, NY): Beano, Is this the best job Joe Paterno has done at Penn State? Do you think Paul Posluszny wins the Butkus award?

Beano Cook: I think he has a very good chance. He, AJ Hawk, Spencer Havner and DeMeco Ryans could be the top four right now. Paterno has done a great job and I don't know why people are surprised...they will be good for the next few years. It should be pointed out that against Michigan, Ohio State and Wisconsin, Paterno is 11-21. That is a stat that can't be ignored.

I cannot disagree with anything Beano says here, though someone else does...

Derek (Switzerland): I hate to burst your bubble, Beano, but you said Penn State will be good the next few years. I am a huge Nittany Lion fan, but they are losing 4 DB's to the NFL, their WHOLE O-line, Michael Robinson, one of the best scrambling QBs, and Tamba Hali, who should be a top 10-20 pick in the NFL draft. So how will they be good next year?

Beano Cook: If they don't play well, I hope people will forget what I said.

I think the Lions will be good, but not "great" like they *might* be this year. Let's think about next year, next year and focus on Wisconsin.

Funny, non-Penn State quote:

Joe, Metairie, LA: beano, what are your thoughts on florida and va tech's HORRID uniforms? What's with the mismatched orange shoulder? Are they Stormtroopers out looking for droids on Tattooine?

Beano Cook: You are talking to a person whom Howard Cosell once said I would come back as an unmade bed...you are asking the wrong person.

Hmmm, there are probably a few ways you could deconstruct that Cosell line, but it is probably for the best that we do not. As for the orange sleeves, Nike (the designer) should have to appear at The Hague for this crime against humanity.

I was expecting Beano to make PSU vs. UW his weekly prediction, but he went with Texas Tech vs. Texas A&M instead.

WEATHER

The forecast looks good, even better than last week. Highs will be in the lower sixties with lows in the 50s, which means that one university administrator I have been sitting near will be able to wear his PSU Hawaiian shirt. Even more important than Dr. Hilton's choice of attire is the fact that the weather will be dry.

TELEVISION

Maryland Bureau Chief Sam Basile tipped us off that the game is televised regionally by ABC and this week and thankfully that includes Washington's WJLA Channel 7. Hopefully, we will have a better result than the last time the Lions were shown on 7. If you happen to go to Rhino Bar (I don't know why you would) make sure you don't chant CHANNEL SEVEN because the wussy bartenders can't handle it.

Baltimore's WMAR Channel 2 is NOT televising the game though -- no word if Peter Angelo$ had anything to do with that decision.

Here is the coverage map (PDF) to find out if it is available in your neck of the woods.

PREDICTIONS

Well, the Badger contributor is saying that it is Penn State's game to lose which is a little stronger than I would put it, but I think Brenda will be calling me with a concession speech. Penn State will be victorious, 28 - 17, but it won't be easy. Penn State is good enough on both sides of the ball to win, the crowd will be jumping, and the seniors, especially Michael Robinson will be very determined to get it done. Now, we just need a prediction from the Maryland Bureau Chief and we will be set.

MORE COVERAGE

Penn State Football Official Site - from the "Kremlin"

CDT coverage

Patriot-News coverage

Post-Gazette coverage

Tribune-Review coverage

50 Yard Lion Blog - an Altoona dentist; daily

PA Sports Blog - mostly recruiting, if that is your thing

Nittany Lines Blog -- sports ed. from The Morning Call

Dan Victor's Front Row -- student football columnist at the CDT

Ask Jeff Q & A

FightOnState.com -- free

Blue White Illustrated -- Phil Grosz, subscription required

IN CLOSING

GO STATE, beat BADGERS!

Labels: Beano Watch, PSU Football 2005

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posted by WFY @ 5:10 PM | |

I didn't mean to sound so down on my own team. But I'm trying to be realistic -- Wisconsin is an 11-point underdog. Their defense gave up 42 points to Bowling Green, and in conference play has given up 20, 24, 51, 34, 20 and 24 points in the six games so far. Hey, if our defense shows up then we'll have a great game because I have confidence in our offense. Calhoun, who is a junior and sat out last year after transferring from Colorado, is a joy to watch.

# posted by  dl004d : Friday, November 04, 2005 7:59:00 AM  

Don't worry about sounding down on the Badgers, Penn Staters can go head to head with anyone when it comes to being cynical about their own team.

# posted by  WFY : Friday, November 04, 2005 8:37:00 AM  

WWN PENN STATE POST-GAME #9

#11 PENN STATE 33 Purdue 15

Another one in the win column for Penn State. It was not a terribly pretty victory over Purdue, but I am not going to complain too much about a 33-15 final.

After weeks of saying "Tony Hunt is going to have a breakout game" he finally did. He ran for 129 yards and put the game away in fourth quarter. Mike Robinson, despite seemingly getting stopped for not much yardage on most runs, somehow gained 97 yards. The defense was fairly solid, but gave up a 1st half TD on a short field and a fourth quarter TD when they were too busy going for interceptions instead of making tackles.

The special teams continued to be mixed. Kevin Kelly had a strong outing with four field goals and Ethan Kilmer excelled as the gunner on punts. Calvin Lowrey continued to frustrate everyone with his terrible play as punt returner. He boggles the mind, but perhaps what is most flabbergasting is the coaching staff's reluctance to put someone else in there.

PSU still on track - CDT
Not perfect ... not needed - Patriot-News
Boxscore - ESPN.com

NEW RANKING

With #6 Georgia losing to Florida, a bunch of teams behind them have moved up one, including the Nittany Lions who re-enter the AP Top Ten at #10.

JOEPA FALL DOWN GO BOOM

Joe Paterno pulled a Velma -- getting knocked down without his glasses, when Jim Shaw ran into him during warmups. He was okay.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

This was is easy -- Tony Hunt. The junior RB had 129 yards on 20+ carries, easily his best outing of the season. He rarely goes down on first contact, and often spins off of tacklers. His running put the game away in the fourth. He has been overdue for a breakout.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME

If you went by official stats, DE Tamba Hali's performance did not standout. However, the Purdue player blocking him got whistled for five penalties. That speaks volumes. He has really become a standout player since moving from DT to DE.

SPEICAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE GAME

Ethan Kilmer has continued to amaze on special teams (Patriot-News). He made SIX tackles on punt coverage on Saturday. He is just so fast and has a nose for the ball. What would Fisher DeBerry say about him?

TRAFFIC WOES

On the way up US 322 WEST, traffic through Seven Mountains was backed up about a mile. The primary reason -- rubbernecking due to a t-shirt stand that had set up just beyond the lane drop. Ridiculous.

On the way back, traffic was stopped on US 22/322 EAST coming out of Lewistown for about 45 minutes, for no apparent reason.

MORE COVERAGE

Penn State Football Official Site - from the "Kremlin"

CDT coverage

Patriot-News coverage

Post-Gazette coverage

Tribune-Review coverage

50 Yard Lion Blog - an Altoona dentist; daily

PA Sports Blog - mostly recruiting, if that is your thing

Nittany Lines Blog -- sports ed. from The Morning Call

Dan Victor's Front Row -- student football columnist at the CDT

Ask Jeff Q & A

FightOnState.com -- free

Blue White Illustrated -- Phil Grosz, subscription required

Labels: I Was There, PSU Football 2005

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posted by WFY @ 8:30 PM | |

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WWN PENN STATE PREGAME #9

#10 PENN STATE vs. Purdue

Happy Homecoming! Get ready for fall foilage, hot apple cider, the Alumni Blue Band, and sorrority girls in new windbreakers. Oh yeah, there is a football game too.

The Lions return from a two game, 1-1 roadtrip to face the Boilermarkers, who are a surprising 2-5, though 4-3 Indiana are probably a bigger suprise in the Hooiser state. Due to Big11Ten scheduling quirks, Purdue is playing in Happy Valley for the second consecutive year. Last year's contest, a 20 - 13 loss for the Lions, was also played on Homecoming.

The Big11Ten is pretty top heavy with a handful of teams with one loss in conference play. Penn State pretty much controls it's own destiny though -- win out and win the conference (outright if Michigan stumbles) for the second time. But let us not get ahead of ourselves, because Purdue is going to be hungry for a win and beating Penn State would salvage their season for at least a week.

TAILGATE

We will be hosting the tailgate again after three long weeks. We will be in Lot 11 or 12. Look for the Yurasko flag. We will have the usual goodies as well as some hot apple cider and coccoa to help us with the seasonable weather.

LAST WEEK

After a skaky start on defense, the Lions offense took over and proved unstoppable, lead by Mike Robinson's 4 TD passes and 2 TD runs. The defense buckled down and the Lions coasted to a 63 - 10 win. It got hard to watch.

THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT: PURDUE BOILERMAKERS

Going into the season many picked Purdue to win the Big11Ten because they had 11 starters coming back on defense and avoided Ohio State and Michigan. Thus far, they are 2 - 5, including a the current five games skid (Patriot-News), so that is not going to happen. They have not been blown out though and have lost twice in overtime. Is Joe Paterno concerned? You betcha and I am too. A team as well-coached as Purdue does not take to going 2 - 4 well, particularly when they are as senior laden as this one. This is probably "their Rose Bowl," so expect them to play very hard.

PRESS CONFERENCE RECAP

Here is the transcript from the Post-Gazette. Audio is available at FightOnState.com. Paterno's main point -- we are only looking at Purdue and not ahead of them. Also, he acknowledges the similarities between the '05 Boilermakers and the '04 Nittany Lions but says that Purdue is the better of the two.

THINKING TOO FAR AHEAD

In Tuesday's Patriot-News, Dave Jones was talking BCS possibilities and Bob Flounders was stumping for Michael Robinson to get invited to the Heisman Trophy presentation. Fellas, there are still three games (over four weeks) left to play for the Lions, and then the conference championship games in December. Nothing is going to be decided for almost two months. I hope the team is not looking that far ahead.

BEANO WATCH

For years, Carroll H. Cook's ('54 Pitt) comments on Penn State football have a vital part of my pregame coverage. More than one person has said Beano Watch was their favorite part, so imagine my dissapointment when he blew off Penn State in this week's chat. He only mentioned Penn State a few times and never answered a specific Penn State question, including my excellent one about Casablanca being written by a Penn Stater.

Will (PA): Beano,Do you see Charlie Weis ever returning to the NFL to coach? Will ND run the table and get a BCS bearth?

Beano Cook: I think Notre Dame will run the table but would have to fight to get a BCS berth, battling UCLA, Georgia and Alabama, as it stands right now. If Penn State wins the Big Ten, I feel ND vs. Penn State in the Fiesta Bowl...we will see. I think Weis will be at ND for at least five years but I don't think he will be there 10 years. He will win a national championship very shortly. We are not hearing anything about the tough academics at Notre Dame any more, as we?

Dave Jones also suggested that as a possible scenario for the Lions. That would be something, playing Notre Dame twice in three games as the second game of the 2006 season is PSU at ND.

John (Boulder): Beano - Is there any chance Northwestern could win the Big 10?

Beano Cook: If the Wildcats didn't lose a big lead vs. Penn State, they would be in the driver's seat. Penn State completed a 4th and 15 pass and then scored with 52 seconds left in that game. Northwestern had a chance.

As much as we wonder "oh what might have been" over the last play two weeks ago, Northwestern is in the same boat as us with the 4th and 15 conversion.

That is all Beano had to say about the biggest program in the east, no prediction either. I wonder why he is ignoring the Lions and if that is good or bad.

WEATHER

As of Thursday morning, the forecast for Saturday has been upgraded to DRY. State College based Accuweather says the high will be 49F and the low will be 36F, so Nittany Kittens are going to need their mittens and blankets. It snowed earlier in the week in Central Pennsylvania and there may be a mix of it on Friday too.

TELEVISION

Alas, the ABC Regional telecast does not include Washington. WJLA is putting Maryland vs. Free Shoes University on instead. Here is the coverage map anyway, for those of you living in the Northeast and Midwest. You can always go to aMetro Washington Chapter of Penn State Alumni Association viewing site (other than Rhino Bar of course) to watch the game. Uncle Jed's in Bethasda seems to be the least crowded and has excellent wings.

PREDICTIONS

Penn State gets more of a game than it would like, but in the end they Nittany Lions are too good for the Boilermakers. I think the final score will be 31 - 20.

MORE COVERAGE

Penn State Football Official Site - from the "Kremlin"

CDT coverage

Patriot-News coverage

Post-Gazette coverage

Tribune-Review coverage

50 Yard Lion Blog - an Altoona dentist; daily

PA Sports Blog - mostly recruiting, if that is your thing

Nittany Lines Blog -- sports ed. from The Morning Call

Dan Victor's Front Row -- student football columnist at the CDT

Ask Jeff Q & A

FightOnState.com -- free

Blue White Illustrated -- Phil Grosz, subscription required

IN CLOSING

Go STATE, beat BOILERMARKERS!

Labels: Beano Watch, PSU Football 2005

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posted by WFY @ 5:28 AM | |

One correction to the Pre-Game: PSU doesn't need Michigan to stumble to win the conference outright. PSU wins the conference outright if they win out, and the Northwestern-Ohio State winner (they play in November) picks up a loss somewhere else. I still think winning out will be enough to put them in the BCS. The BCS is about money, and if they can pick PSU, they will.

# posted by  Sam B : Friday, October 28, 2005 9:31:00 AM  

Thanks for the clarification Sam, I thought they had a tiebreaker advantage over us if they won out.

I think you owe us a prediction though.

# posted by  WFY : Friday, October 28, 2005 12:46:00 PM  

WWN POST-GAME #8

#12 Penn State 63 ILLINOIS 10

The first question the comes to mind is whether Penn State can score as many points aganist Illinois in men's basketball as they did in football. I do not believe that they can.

Ladies and gentleman, what we witnessed last night on ESPN2's national telecast was a good old-fashioned rout, like the kind Penn State used to have a couple of times a season back in the '90s. After an initial opening drive where the only that stopped the Illini offense was a holding penalty ended in a field goal, Penn State came to life. Mike Robinson began his assault on the Illini, leading seven consecutive touchdown drives. The defense buckled down and scored on a LB Dan Connor fumble return and a CB Nolan McCready interception. It was just complete domination by superior athletes with chips on their shoulders. I think everyone got caught off guard by that, but especially Illinois.

Popping Champaign - CDT
Flawless half makes history - Patriot-News
Boxscore - ESPN.com

DAVID JONES - No moping on Michigan was allowed - Patriot-News

NEW RANKING

With #10 Texas Tech losing to #2 Texas and falling to #17, the teams right behind them all picked a spot in the AP Top 25 College Football Poll, including the Nittany Lions who move up to #11. BCS Standings come out tomorrow. The ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll has PSU at #12 now.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME

Who else could it be but Mike Robinson? The last player to have that good a half in Illinois was Red Grange Four touchdown passes and two touchdown runs in 30 minutes. I doubt MRob has ever had a practice that good. He has really grown into the role and looks like a much different quarterback than he did in game one.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME

For the first time in a long time, LB Paul Posluzny is not the DPOTG. For the first time, that honor goes to Posluzny's fellow backer, Dan Connor. The true sophomore led the team with nine tackles and scored on a fumble return.

MORE NOTES

WR Ethan Kilmer was listed as a starter and scored on a slant pattern. He is a senior and a walk-on who started college at Shippensburg University. It was great to see him to score, but I could not help but wonder how much better we could have been if he had been here all four years. He is so fast.

Also, I have been remiss in commenting on his excellent special teams coverage this season. Is it too late to wonder if he can return punts?

DE Tamba Hali simply lit up QB Tim Brasic with a devestating, but clean, sack. Hali came in without being touched. It was a like a movie I once saw.

I would have liked to have seen the starters pulled earlier than they were, but Paterno let them finish the first half.

Anthony Morelli finally got some time in at QB, though he only attempted two passes.

RB Austin Scott saw the most action of the season, getting 14 carries in mop-up duty.

Tony Hunt showed us in six carries why he is the starter, as he was hard to get down. One
of these days, he is going to get to have a big day and carry the team.

By the beginning of the second quarter it was quite clear that Illinois had lost the will to play, if not to live. It may have happened earlier, but on TV that was the point when it was plainly obvious.

I did not mind the last minute touchdown by Illinois, they needed for something to go right.

We saw a rare ejection, after Illini player swung at three times at a Penn State player's helmet (Anwar Phillips?) on a punt.

Penn State set a personal record for first half points with 56.

Two quotes come to mind from last night's game:

"Stop, stop he's already dead."

Oh the humanity!

While I hate to bring up the 6-4 debacle aganist Iowa last year, take comfort in fact that coach Al (D'oh) Groh lead #23 THE UVa. to a 7-5 loss to UNC yesterday.

Beano Cook successfully picked Penn State to win again for the third time in four weeks. He is 3-0 picking the Nittany Lions this season.

MORE COVERAGE

Penn State Football Official Site - from the "Kremlin"

CDT coverage

Patriot-News coverage

Post-Gazette coverage

Tribune-Review coverage

50 Yard Lion Blog - an Altoona dentist; daily

PA Sports Blog - mostly recruiting, if that is your thing

Nittany Lines Blog -- sports ed. from The Morning Call

Dan Victor's Front Row -- student football columnist at the CDT

Ask Jeff Q & A

FightOnState.com -- free

Blue White Illustrated -- Phil Grosz, subscription required

Labels: Beano Watch, PSU Football 2005

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posted by WFY @ 3:41 PM | |

Another 3:30 kickoff...this time for Wisconsin. That's 8 out of 10 games starting at 3:30 or later. Is that a record?

# posted by  Sam B : Monday, October 24, 2005 7:38:00 PM  

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WWN PENN STATE PREGAME #8

#12 Penn State at ILLINOIS

We no longer have the burden of wondering whether Penn State will get left out if there is a glut of undefeated teams on Jan. 1. That being said, there is still the chance of winning the Big11Ten, which the Lions are leading (with Wisconsin). The run for the conference title continues this Saturday at 7 p.m.

Nittany Lion Football Gameday Central - goPSUsports.com

LAST WEEK

Let's face, the loss to Michigan had been beaten to death already by Monday morning. It stunk but life goes on. You can relive it (why?) if you would like with the Postgame.

THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT: ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI

is it just me or does Illinois seem to be the Big11Ten school that generates the least amount of interest as a matchup? Maybe it is because we did not play them the first two years of my college career, but I simply cannot find anything interesting about playing the Illini. I mean, even Indiana gets me a little excited because they have been dominated by the Lions all these years and the Northwestern series has had some exciting and meaningful games too. Keeping all this in mind, I am perfectly content for it to remain and unexciting matchup, if you get my drift.

The latest coach to try and turn around the Illini is Ron Zook, who was run out of Florida after chasing down some frat boys or something. Oh, and for not being Steve Spurrier. I wonder if he just chose the first school available with uniforms similar to the Gators. His new team is winless in the Big11Ten and 2 - 4 overall. They did beat a resurgent Rutgers in OT though, for whatever that is worth. Illinois is also coming off a bye-week.

Penn State leads the overall series 8-1. Hopefully they can get a rout going early so that they can get Anthony Morelli (remember him?) some snaps.

PRESS CONFERENCE RECAP

Joe Paterno was not too talkative during the press conference; still exhausted from arriving back in Happy Valley after 2 a.m. due to plane problems. The main point -- he did not want to touch the officiating with a 10-foot pole. Good move, coach.

Here is the transcript from the Post-Gazette. Audio is available at FightOnState.com.

BEANO WATCH

It is now time for the real reason you are here -- a recap of Carroll H. Cook's ('54 Pitt) weekly ESPN SportsNation chat:

Mike, Michigan: hey Beano, How do you feel about the officiating in the Michigan vs PSU game this weekend? I am a big michigan fan and will take the win, but I feel we would have lost if it wasnt for multiple officiating mistakes that went our way(ie: the time being added to the clock, Hart's fumble which they called down so it wasn't reviewable, Avant's catch that should have been reviewed). your thoughts?

Beano Cook: Penn State for years got all the calls at Happy Valley. Nebraska got the shaft in 1982 and without that win they don't get the national title. Alabama in '83 as well. One thing I learned over the years watching sports...the gods even things up. In many ways Penn State is getting paid back for what was done to many opponents over the years, Penn State once had the father of a former player working Penn State games as an official. The son played for the team and after the kid graduated, he officiated. Did you think the Big Ten was going for that?

Is it just me or is it not terribly believable that a Michigan fan could be so humble? I think it is a Penn State fan incognito. Either way, it gives Beano a chance to engage in his favorite hobby -- complaining about officiating at Penn State games in the 1980s.

Travis (Norman, OK): How can the pollsters justify Colorado not being in the Top 25 of the BCS. They played at #2 Texas and at #6 Miami. Yet, ND is ranked #16 in the BCS. The voting is a joke. Why is voting now based on the short term feel good stories of the week by the media/pollsters? ND started out at #45 in the AP and CU started out at #32 in the 2005 AP Preseason Polls. Is there a distaste of the Big XII in the Media/Pollsters eyes? In the 19 years of religiously watching College Football, I have never seen a greater jump into the top 10. Notre Dame jumped 35 spots in the first two weeks. That is very unfair to more deserving programs.

Beano Cook: I don't pay much attention to those until November.

Beano Cook: What is amazing is the Big Ten has seven teams within one game of each other, and only two teams really out of the race for the title. Penn State had a wonderful chance to distance itself and move closer to being BCS representative, but the game was one second too long.

This is a long way to go for Beano to point out a negative about Penn State. He is dead on though.

Mike (Harrisburg): Beano do you think PSU regroups after 2 tough losses (Michigan and Williams) and wins the rest of their games on route to a BCS bowl game for the first time ever?

Beano Cook: Penn State will beat Illinois, Purdue and Wisconsin. A lot will depend on the Michigan State game. Paterno cancelled practice Monday because it was a devastating defeat. I think Paterno felt that a win over Michigan would have led to them going unbeaten. Penn State can't blame the officials or anyone else. They needed to make one more play and they didn't do it.

Beano is right, the Lions cannot blame the refs, they DID need to make one more play and did not. I am concerned about him saying PSU will win the next three though, that is the kind of pronouncement that has been known to precede a losing streak.

paternoville: Paterno cancelled practice monday because they sat on a broken airplane after the michigan game and didn't get home until 3 a.m., not because they were sad they lost!

Beano Cook: If they had won, they would have had practice.

Beano disagrees about Penn State calling off practice, even when presented with facts.

Beano Cook: Time for the pick. Penn State 26, Illinois 17. See you next week.

Wow, another Penn State game for pick of the week. Beano only hates us so much because he wants to love us even more. Anyhow, he is 2-0 so far picking PSU and hopefully his luck will continue.

TELEVISION

No worries about coverage maps this week since the game is on ESPN2. As long as you have cable TV you should be set. For those of us who gave it up, we will have to look elsewhere, just skip Rhino Bar in Georgetown.

PREDICTIONS

Coming off a tough stretch of games, Illinois comes at a perfect time for Penn State. As long as they do not get cocky they should be able to take care of the Illini. I expect to see more of Tony Hunt this week as well as more deep throws. In the end, I think Penn State wins 30 - 17.

MORE COVERAGE

Here are the old reliable links to coverage:

Penn State Football Official Site - from the "Kremlin"

CDT coverage

Patriot-News coverage

Post-Gazette coverage

Tribune-Review coverage

50 Yard Lion Blog - an Altoona dentist; daily

PA Sports Blog - mostly recruiting, if that is your thing

Nittany Lines Blog -- sports ed. from The Morning Call

Dan Victor's Front Row -- student football columnist at the CDT

Ask Jeff Q & A

FightOnState.com -- free

Blue White Illustrated -- Phil Grosz, subscription required

IN CLOSING

Go STATE, beat Illini!

Labels: Beano Watch, PSU Football 2005

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posted by WFY @ 8:42 PM | |

I predict an ugly 26-16 victory. I agree with William that we will see more of Tony Hunt, but I think the slow start will be more due to the "hangover" effect from having the undefeated season being yanked out from under us. We will win, but it won't look pretty and we may struggle for a while.

# posted by  Sam B : Friday, October 21, 2005 9:50:00 PM  

So much for an ugly win, eh???? I love being wrong.....

# posted by  Sam B : Saturday, October 22, 2005 11:50:00 PM  

WWN PENN STATE POST-GAME #7

#8 PENN STATE 17 MICHIGAN 27

Lousy stinking Donegan, this is all his fault!

Ugh, what a horrible result of a good football game -- to be a great football game, we would have had to win, right? Sooooooo close to the payoff -- bourbon, only to be denied with no time left. We instead mourned at Sine Irish Pub, since we figured an Irish Wake would better than an Italian wake where all the women are crying, or at least that is what Joe Paterno says.

It turns out all the men were crying inside (we sat outside) because of USC's last second win over Notre Dame, so we were wrong. Just another crazy day in college football (AP/CDT), just ask Minnesota.

Before we get to down on the Nittany Lions, let us take stock in the fact that 6 - 1 is beyond our wildest expectations. This could still be an excellent season with a New Year's Day bowl and possibly even a Big11Ten championship. Hopefully the players and coaches will recognize that and not beat themselves up. One game at a time, one game at a time.

Desperate 'House' wins - CDT

Boxscore - ESPN.com

NEW RANKING

In the AP Top 25 College Football Poll Penn State dropped four spots to #12, which is about right. In the ESPN/USA Today Coaches Poll, Penn State fell to #15, BEHIND Ohio State, which has two loses including one to the Lions. This is the type of thing that makes me take the AP Poll more seriously.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME

If this was based purely on the best offensive performance of the game, it would be Tony Hunt, who ran for 102 yards and got Penn State back in the game with 61 yard run in the fourth quarter to set up the Lions first touchdown. However, like most games this year, the most important player on offense was Mike Robinson, for good or ill. He fumbled in the first half and in the 4th quarter he telegraphed a pass that was picked off. He did regain his composure to lead PSU down the field for the game's penultimate touchdown, which he scored, with :53 left. His two turnovers were very costly, even though Michigan did not convert either of them into points.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME

Another difficult decision, because no player dominated. Paul Posluzny had an off day, only 11 tackles. Alan Zemaitis stripped the football out of Chad Henne's grasp and took it to the endzone, untouched, which shocked the crowd and put Penn State ahead. However, he was also about four steps behind Mario Manningham on the game's final play. Zemaitis has been underwhelming this season.

Posluzny did have gash on the bridge of his nose that was bleeding from the first quarter on though, so I think he gets the honor.

SPECIAL TEAMS SHOULD RIDE THE SHORT BUS TO THE STADIUM

A diastros day for the special teams, PSU should fire the special teams coach. Oh wait, THEY DON'T HAVE ONE. The need for (a good) one was made quite clear yesterday. Two missed field goals and terrible kickoff coverage cost PSU the game, more than anything else, even more than the officiating. There was also a bad snap on the extra point after the second TD, but K Kevin Kelly was able to pick it up and take it in for a two point conversion -- a great run by him that would have redeemed a poor outing if the defense could have held for another second.

I don't even want to talk about PR Calvin Lowry.

ANN ARBOR OFFICIATING: SNAFU

No, the officials did not lose the game for Penn State, but they made it a little harder. I used to believe that Big11Ten team with the best record got the calls, but it is getting harder to deny that a Michigan bias looks awfully believable.

As usual, the zebras ignored holding throughout the game. My biggest beef was the missed penalty for an illegal block in the back on Michigan's final kickoff return.

RHINO BAR: BAD STAFF AT ANOTHER VIEWING SITE

Fritz and I went to Rhino Bar in Georgetown to watch the game. We choose it because it was pleasant day to walk from Rosslyn Metro to Georgetown via Key Bridge.

Inside, the place was packed. They had a good deal on wings (a quarter each) and $6 Yuengling pitchers. That much, we liked about the place. HOWEVER, they dropped the ball. Around 3:38, they still had not switched the TVs to Channel 7 WJLA, which was broadcasting the game, a 3:30 start, 3:42, so I started a little chant -- CHANNEL SEV-EN! CHANNEL SEV-EN! etc. It was well received by fellow Penn Staters, some of who joined in, but one of the bartenders did not like it so he told me to "F@CK OFF." Really. I'm not kidding. Do you think that is a lot of attitude for a harmless chant?

So, with that attitude, I did not spend another dime there -- no establishment that values their customers would have such a belligerent reaction. It was weird.

As you can imagine, I will not be returning to Rhino Bar and I discourage anyone else from going there. It is not our fault that the bartender choose the wrong occupation.

MORE NOTES

In addition for winning for winning's sake, it would have been great if the Lions could have won to knock that stupid smile off Henne's face. I have never seen a football player smile so much during a game, it is kind of creepy.

Steve Breaston did a lot of damage to Penn State, but I have to think I would enjoy visiting a place with his last name.

Lynn Swann made an excellent point about spiking the ball on first down right after a close call that might be reviewed. He really is the best all-time sideline analyst. I hope he does not run for governor of Pennsylvania because I enjoy him so much on television. It certainly would be an interesting contest though.

Derrick Williams left the game in pain during the fourth quarter. He was clutching his left upper body, so it could be any number of things. That could be a huge loss for the Lions.

Paterno kept the players from talking to the media. I am not sure how much that helps.

Prior to this game I got rid of two anti-Michigan items I owned - a "Calvin shirt" (classless, I know, it was a total impulse buy) and an inflatable X-Men Wolverine that I was going to lynch. I got these prior or during the losing streak and hoped to get rid of any bad karma that they carried. A CDT blogger took the theory even farther.

All is not lost!

MORE LINKS

Penn State Football Official Site - from the "Kremlin"

Football Letter - password required, check the back of The Penn Stater UPDATED ON MONDAY

CDT coverage

Patriot-News coverage

Post-Gazette coverage

Tribune-Review coverage

50 Yard Lion Blog - an Altoona dentist; daily

PA Sports Blog - mostly recruiting, if that is your thing

Nittany Lines Blog -- sports ed. from The Morning Call

Dan Victor's Front Row -- student football columnist at the CDT

Ask Jeff Q & A

FightOnState.com -- free

Blue White Illustrated -- Phil Grosz, subscription required

Labels: PSU Football 2005

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posted by WFY @ 2:59 PM | |

Ah, but William, therein lies the problem...

The AP pulled the poll from the B(C)S because they realize the system is broken, so what does that get us? About as much respect as the Old Grey Lady giving us the national championship in 1994.

I'd be interested to see what the other polls yield. Going by the computers, I don't think we'll fall too far, so our position in the "equation" shouldn't be too bad. We just need to get up, dust ourselves off, and just keep on truckin'.

# posted by  Spooky : Sunday, October 16, 2005 4:18:00 PM  

According to GoPsuSports.com, Derrick Williams will be sidelined for the rest of the season with a broken left arm. UUUUGGGGHHHH!!!

# posted by  Sam B : Sunday, October 16, 2005 4:51:00 PM  

MORE PSU COVERAGE

Paterno Finds the New Age for His Unbeaten Team - The Times
More positive national press for JoePa.

CARL WILLIOT - On game day, State U trumps Yale - Yale Daily News
A Yalie who wishes he was a Penn Stater, at least for football. It is pretty funny, since I am a Penn Stater who wishes he had a rivarly as good as Yale-Harvard.

My favorite line:

Once a week they get to act like Ted Kennedy.

Well, not quite, but a funny line nonetheless. I have a feeling that Teddy is much more charming than some of the troglodytes (the ones who throw stuff at visiting bands) at the games. Most of the crazy people at Penn State are just dumb frat boys.

Labels: PSU Football 2005

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posted by WFY @ 10:20 AM | |

WWN PENN STATE PREGAME #7

#8 Penn State at MICHIGAN

It has been three years since the Lions played the Maize and Blue and sadly, nine years since we beat them. Two entire generations of Penn State students have gone from their freshman to senior year without seeing a Penn State victory over the sanctimonious school in Ann Arbor. Let's hope that ends Saturday.

LAST WEEK

Penn State battled their mirror image, Ohio State, and won 17 - 10. With teams so similar, victory went to the team that got the turnovers. You can read all about it in the WWN Post-Game #8.

THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT: MICHIGAN WOLVERINES

Simply put, under Lloyd Carr, Michigan has had our number. Since the last win in 1996, Michigan has beaten Penn State every time they played each other, including two shutouts. The most recent meeting was the game that finally got the Big11Ten to look into instant reply. That game ended 24 - 27 in overtime.

This week, the odds are looking a little better. Michigan is down, only 3 - 3 thus far, losing to Notre Dame, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. They have lots of injuries, but then again, who doesn't? The Lions should be able to run on them better than they did against OSU. Also, Michigan has shown to be vulnerable to a QB who can run (CDT).

A major subplot of the game is Chad Henne (Patriot-News), their quarterback. Lots of fans were fawning over him and convinced that he was going to Penn State and were very upset when he choose maize and blue over blue and white. So far, it has worked out quite well for him, having led the Wolverines to the Rose Bowl as a true freshman.

PRESS CONFERENCE RECAP

Here is the transcript from the Post-Gazette. Audio is available at FightOnState.com.

Paterno's main point -- even at 3 - 3 Michigan is tough, especially in Ann Arbor. Makes a lot of sense to me.

FANS GOING TOO FAR

Sadly, Penn State is not much better than their Big11Ten brethren when it comes to treatment of visiting fans (CDT). Of course, that happens for day games at a lot of places too. At Penn State, really bad fans, like Edgar Winter, only come out at night. Throwing stuff at a marching band is inexcusable wherever it happens.

DON'T ROLL 'EM UP JOE!

Somebody noticed that JoePa is not rolling up his pant legs (AP/CDT) for home games any more. Paterno said he would start again. When you are 6 - 0, you have to keep doing what you are doing, so let them get a little dirty, coach!

MORE ARTICLES

MAN OF IMPACT - Patriot-News
Dave Jones of "The Courtship of Derrick Williams."

Penn State midterms: A study in Revival - Post-Gazette
So far, Chico Harlan says Penn State has 3.2 GPA this season.

A 'revolution' in helmets - YDR
Did you notice how weird looking and misshapen Penn State's helmets look this year? It turns out they are using a new model called the Schutt DNA Skydex. It is supposed to be much safer.

THE HOT LIST - Patriot-News

Also, as Maryland Bureau Chief Sam noted, Paul Cronin is off the team for a punk in drublic citation or something along those lines. As my father would say, "TURKEY!"

BEANO WATCH

Who'd of thought that Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) would correctly pick two consecutive Penn State victories? I know I did not and frankly, I do not know what to make of it. Perhaps I ought to make nothing of it and just enjoy the Lions being ranked #8.

Pitta (Miami): Should we expect a letdown by PSU at Michigan this weekend?

Beano Cook: Penn State will not suffer a letdown. If they lose that game there is no excuse. If they win that game, I feel they will finish 11-0. Michigan has been a disappointment, clearly.

I would not as far to say that losing to Michigan in Ann Arbor is inexcusable, but maybe that is the proper attitude, but coming from Beano, it is very self-serving. If the Lions win, he says "of course they did;" if they lose "No excuse!"

Dave (NH): Beano, I owe you an apology. I said there was no way my alma mater could handle Ohio State last weekend. I will never doubt your weekly pick again.

Beano Cook: If I was you, I would keep my wallet in my pocket. I am 3-3 this year, and I don't sell myself as a tout. I try to have fun, nothing more.

Beano's recent streak is confusing to me too and has made me question other truisms in my life. Well, not really, but his precision prognosticating is puzzling.

Kid who got maced by cops at Beaver Stadium: Big Bean, the PSU student section was pretty impressive Sat. night with their organized white out. Where's the best student section you've ever seen?

Beano Cook: Hard to say. There have been a lot of great student sections I've seen over the years. The one in Florida is pretty good, the West Point Cadets are good.

Fair enough, one game does not make Penn State the greatest student section of all time.

AP Reporter: Bigger Story in 2005? Notre Dame winning a lot or Oklahoma losing a lot?

Beano Cook: I would say Joe Paterno and Notre Dame are the two biggest stories so far. I predicted before the season that those would be the two biggest stories, so far so good.

So far, I agree with him, but there is still over 40% of the season to play.

Kevin, Atlanta: Beano...the better offense...PSU '94, USC '05?

Beano Cook: That's a good one. That's like asking who is the better president, Abraham Lincoln or Thomas Jefferson. The difference is Reggie Bush, but you could make a case for both. Just my opinion, but I would go USC '05.

Once again, too early to tell.

In his weekly column, Beano also noted:

Ironically, all this excitement about Penn State doesn't exist if Michael Robinson doesn't hit Isaac Smolko for 20 yards on fourth-and-15 deep in PSU territory with two minutes left at Northwestern. If PSU finishes unbeaten, that will be the most important play of the year.

Once again, Beano is on the mark.

MORE CHATS

Mike Robinson was on ESPN Insider today and The Post handled a lot of Nittany Lions questions in their weekly College Football chat.

TELEVISION

D.C.'s Channel 7 WJLA must have heard about the kind of ratings (second highest in the network's history for college football) that ESPN got for last Saturday's PSU game and wised up, because they are televising the 3:30 p.m. game. Way to go WJLA! Just do not take the wrong feed like the last time the two teams met in 2002.

The Penn State Newswire has posted the ABC Coverage Map

PREDICTIONS

Another tough task for the Nittany Lions this week. Michigan, while down (3 - 3) is still...Michigan. The game is at Ann Arbor, which may not be after 100,000 quietest college football fans after all the press Penn State got last week. They are having a MAIZE-OUT as well, so expect to see lots of people wearing yellow.

Despite this and a sure to be fired up Wolverines squad, I predict that Penn State will end the nine-year losing streak by a score of...let's say 31 - 24. Look for Issac Smolko to have a bigger factor in the passing game.

MORE LINKS

Here are the old reliable links to coverage:

Penn State Football Official Site - from the "Kremlin"

CDT coverage

Patriot-News coverage

Post-Gazette coverage

Tribune-Review coverage

50 Yard Lion Blog - an Altoona dentist; daily

PA Sports Blog - mostly recruiting, if that is your thing

Nittany Lines Blog -- sports ed. from The Morning Call

Dan Victor's Front Row -- student football columnist at the CDT

Ask Jeff Q & A

FightOnState.com -- free

Blue White Illustrated -- Phil Grosz, subscription required

IN CLOSING

Go STATE, beat Michigan!

Labels: Beano Watch, PSU Football 2005

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posted by WFY @ 8:44 PM | |

Say it with me kids...

...ANN ARBOR IS A WHORE!

And even though we're not from O-hi-o, we should also not give a damn for the whole state of Michigan.

# posted by  Spooky : Friday, October 14, 2005 6:19:00 AM  

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WWN PENN STATE POST-GAME #6

#16 PENN STATE 17 #6 OHIO STATE 10

That was a big win, hopefully another in a line of big wins. The crowd (second largest ever) was amazing, loud and proud throughout the game. Good job students, just remember to bring it in three weeks. Don't riot either.

Penn State was opportunistic, getting two critical turnovers -- the first, a Calvin Lowry interception, put Penn State on the 2 yard line and wound up being a touchdown; the decisive points in the game. The second, was a fumble recovery by Scott Paxson off of a Tamba Hali sack of OSU's Troy Smith sealed the game.

As great a win as this was, the actual game was not as good as some previous editions. The second half was a maddening strategy of play-it-safe on offense and let the defense win the football game, by Penn State. Those two teams are so similar that it figures the only difference was who got the turnovers and who did not. In the end though, it is just as satisfying as the '97 win, so don't think I am disappointed.

NEW RANKING

The win over Ohio State vaulted the Nittany Lions into the top ten for the first time since Nov. 1999. They now stand at #8 in the AP poll. However, despite what many are saying this does not mean much. We are only in October and have not even had homecoming, so please

STOP SAYING PENN STATE IS BACK.

In order for that to be true, the Lions need to have sustained excellence over an entire season or two. Let's not get ahead of ourselves and think beyond next week, Michigan is going to be a tough, tough road trip. Remember when the Lions "were back" in 2002? They followed that up with their worst season ever.

GOING BOWLING

By winning their sixth game, Penn State is bowl eligible for the first time since 2002 and only the second time in the 21st century.

STUCK SITTING NEXT TO AN OSU CHUMP

Oh lucky us, some OSU fans infiltrated the seats next to me. The fellow did not particularly represent his favorite college team very well, carrying a drunken swagger and sense of entitlement. I also clearly heard him say "spearchucker" in their somewhere. Classy.

So, in addition to my jubilation of the outcome of the game was my satisfaction in not having to listen to this jerk beyond the early second quarter. He got really quiet after the first Penn State touchdown and remained that way until he left with about a minute left in the game.

This was not the first time that a visitor's hubris added to my gameday. Back in 2000, when Michigan State came to town for the last game of a disappointing season, Erica and I got stuck in the visitors section. Seated next to us was a very inebriated MSU fan sitting by himself. His isolation made his taunting so unusual; typically these sorts are cowards who only get like this when they have the safety of numbers, so in a way, I almost respected him. Well, not really. Anyway, he went on and on through the pregame about how bad our cheers were and how much we sucked, kind of typical stuff. Anyway, I do not recall if he left after the third consecutive Penn State touchdown or after the fourth one to start the game.

BEANO WAS RIGHT, SAM WAS WRONG

what is the world coming too? Beano Cook has accurately predicted a Penn State victory two weeks in a row. Sam thought we were going to lose by a touchdown. Ye of little faith!

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME

This is a tough one, because there was no standout player, particulary in the conservative second half. I think I have to go with Mike Robinson again. He scored a TD and played just well enough to win. His performance had more in common with John Shafer than Kerry Collins. Hey, either one went undefeated in their senior year, so I would take either.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME

Another tough one to call, since it is the same cast of characters each week. Lowry made the play of the game with an interception return to the 2 that set up the winning touchdown in the 2nd quarter. Hali was a menace in the backfield and created the fumble that clinched the game. However, when it comes down to it, Paul Posluzny was again player of the week. He had about 14 tackles and made the Buckeyes pay when he hit them. He was also named Big11Ten Defensive Player of the week for the third week in a row which is unprecedented.

MORE NOTES

The new turf held up well in the wet conditions. It may have gotten a little torn up after the game though when students stormed the field.

The OSU band was there, but like the Blue Band, did not march due to the weather.

P.J. Maierhofer had a great night as Blue Sapphire. During halftime, she twirled not one, but TWO flaming batons. I had never seen that before, not even from Bobbie Jo. Impressive. Most impressive.

The students had their section full 20 minutes before gametime.

The crowd was able to force OSU to burn at least one, but probably two timeouts.

The Blue Band and piped in music was drowned out by crowd noise.

Jeremy Kapinos had a tough night punting, having 11 and 22 yard punts.

Ted Ginn, Jr. was neutralized.

Jim Tressel is even more conservative than Paterno.

MORE LINKS

Penn State Football Official Site - from the "Kremlin"

CDT coverage

Patriot-News coverage

Post-Gazette coverage

Tribune-Review coverage

50 Yard Lion Blog - an Altoona dentist; daily

PA Sports Blog - mostly recruiting, if that is your thing

Nittany Lines Blog -- sports ed. from The Morning Call

Dan Victor's Front Row -- student football columnist at the CDT

Ask Jeff Q & A

FightOnState.com -- free

Blue White Illustrated -- Phil Grosz, subscription required

Labels: Beano Watch, I Was There, PSU Football 2005

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posted by WFY @ 8:45 PM | |

I have to give credit where its due--a nice column by Dave Jones in the Patriot News. Keep them coming!!

On another note, I think all this talk about Penn State being back is fair. But to be back for good, we need to be in New Year's Day Games every season. I don't think we'll have multiple undefeated seasons anymore like the Pre-Big Ten days. The competition in this conference is too tough, and good teams can lose 2-3 games each year. But regardless of what happens in Ann Arbor, they are in the right track.

# posted by  Sam B. : Tuesday, October 11, 2005 7:09:00 PM  

Woo hoo---guess what game WJLA is showing on Saturday? FINALLY--PENN STATE-MICHIGAN! http://www.wjla.com/programming/schedule.hrb?d=10/15/05

Of course, watch them change at the last minute....

# posted by  Sam B. : Tuesday, October 11, 2005 7:14:00 PM  

WWN PENN STATE PREGAME #4

Penn State at NORTHWESTERN

After three straight victories at home aganist patsies, the Nittany Lions hit the road for the first time in the 2005 season. The timing could not be better.

Official Intercollegiate Athletics release PDF

LAST WEEK

The Lions defenseive line beat up on poor Central Michigan, registering 8 sacks and holding them to 39 yards rushing on 4 carries. The final was 40 - 3, but it did not seem that close.

More: WWN PENN STATE POST-GAME #3

WHERE TO WATCH THE GAME

The game is televised nationally on ESPN2. If you feel like checking it out with other Penn Staters, the Metro Washington Chapter of Penn State Alumni has three official sites. This week, I will be at Uncle Jed's in Bethasda. Fritz will be hosting on behalf of the chapter.

THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT: NORTHWESTERN WILDCATS

The last two seasons, the Wildcats have had State's number, which it turns out was 7 -- the number of points the Lions were able to score in the last two meetings. There is hope for blue and white fans though. In last week's loss to Arizona State, the Wildcats gave up over 700 yards of total offense. While I would not expect that kind of performance from Penn State, it does bode well for the young speedy wideouts.

PRESS CONFERENCE RECAP

Here is the transcript from Intercollegiate Athletics.

BEANO WATCH

Carroll H. Cook (Pitt '54) featured Joe Paterno in his ESPN Insider column this week. Some excerpts:

From early season results, it looks as if Paterno has an excellent chance of winning eight or nine games for two basic reasons: Three cupcake nonconference games and playing in the Big Ten, which is not the toughest conference in the country...

The conference schedule seems to favor Penn State. Road games at Northwestern and Illinois seem to be certain wins.

When the season began, Penn State's toughest conference road game seemed to be Michigan. But all that changed Saturday when the country saw a gutty Michigan State team blow a big lead but manage to win 44-41 in overtime, in a hostile environment at Notre Dame.

However, Penn State's most difficult games seem to be at home: against Minnesota, which has been a PSU nemesis, Ohio State, Purdue and Wisconsin.

The chance for Penn State to be 5-0 when it plays Ohio State at night on Oct. 8 seems likely.

Paterno has changed his philosophy lately as he's injected some speedy freshman receivers who have added some needed spark to the Lions' attack.

The notion that Paterno might retire after this season, no matter what the record is, probably won't happen despite an outcry from younger alumni.

Paterno made a commitment to the current incoming freshmen that he will be there at least four years if his health permits. The older alumni remain much more appreciative of what Paterno has accomplished in making Penn State a national power.

He did for Penn State what Knute Rockne did for Notre Dame.

This begs the question -- why do you hate freedom Beano? Eight or nine wins?! We are DOOMED!

He had a little bit to say in his recent chat:

Jason (washington): Beano!! Do the Wildcat DB's have any chance at slowing down those speedy PSU wideouts? Did I just use speedy and PSU in the same sentence?

Beano Cook: Very good humor, Jason! I think Penn State is a sleeper in the Big Ten. They are vastly improved on offense, but I would have more respect for them if they played tougher non-conference games. But that's helping right now so I can't argue.

While I am worried that Beano calls PSU a sleeper, I am kind of happy he does not respect our non-conference schedule.

PREDICTIONS

This is a big test for the Lions, if they don't win this game, they are in big trouble. If they win it, they are well on their way to post-season. Loss it and they are facing an uphill climb to get to six wins. I think they still could, but seven would be a long shot.

Given the woodshed beating that Northwestern took last week, I expect them to bounce back to a large degree. No team in the country loses as many routs as they and still stays in bowl contention; they just brush off defeats.

In the end, I see Penn State winning 30 - 23.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

WWN not enough Penn State football for you? Check out these links:

Penn State Football Official Site - from the "Kremlin"

CDT coverage

Patriot-News coverage

Post-Gazette coverage

Tribune-Review coverage

50 Yard Lion Blog - an Altoona dentist; daily

PA Sports Blog - mostly recruiting, if that is your thing

Nittany Lines Blog -- sports ed. from The Morning Call

Dan Victor's Front Row -- student football columnist at the CDT

Ask Jeff Q & A

FightOnState.com -- free

Blue White Illustrated -- Phil Grosz, subscription required

IN CLOSING

I hope you enjoy the game, come up to Uncle Jed's if it strikes your fancy.

Go STATE, beat Wildcats!

Labels: Beano Watch, PSU Football 2005

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posted by WFY @ 7:32 AM | |

My prediction: Penn State 37, Northwestern 26

# posted by  Sam B : Saturday, September 24, 2005 9:22:00 AM  

Damn, Sam was close on that score. Got the total right, and he gave the 3 point swing to us. That could have been worse. A lot worse.
- Muha

# posted by  Anonymous : Sunday, September 25, 2005 8:00:00 AM  

WWN 2005 PENN STATE PREGAME #3

Central Michigan at PENN STATE

While it is actually game 3 of the 2005 season, for most of us, it is game 2. It will be good to get back up there and cheer on the Lions. It is another late kickoff, at 3:30 p.m. The Lions look at have their first 3 - 0 start since 2002.

Official Intercollegiate Athletics release PDF

TAILGATE

Erica and I will be hosting this week's tailgate, in the usual vicinity, which almost certainly means lot #11 off of Park Ave. Look for the Yurasko flag.

LAST WEEK

Penn State came alive in the second half with Michael Robinson completed 3 passes of over 40 yards to pull away from Cincinnati. WWN recap.

THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT: CENTRAL MICHIGAN CHIPPEWAS

They may not have a point on the compass in their name, but Central Michigan is basically a directional school.

I know very little about the program and university. Here are the four things I do know:

The NCAA recently went after CMU for using the Chippewas nickname, but backed off because CMU does not use "hostile and abusive" imagery.

They beat defending MAC East champion Miami 38 - 37 last week.

Two players were charged with 2nd degree murder (Free-Press) recently.

On a lighter note, their most famous former player is probably Gary Hogeboom, whom you may remember as Danny White's competitor for the quarterback position for the Dallas Cowboys in the early 1980s. White was my favorite pro player ever. As for Hogeboom, apparently he is on some TV show right now.

TRAFFIC AND PARKING ADVISORIES

Construction along US 22/322 may cause some delays through the Lewistown Narrows, so you may want to consider taking an alternate route. Also, there have been changes to stadium parking due to the new ballpark being built at the corner of Porter and Curtin, but that should not directly impact anyone planning on parking along the Park Ave. corridor.

PSU game, road work force traffic restrictions - CDT

Football Fans, Motorists Advised of Gameday Traffic Patterns, Parking Procedures - goPSUsports.com

PRESS CONFERENCE RECAP; DAN CONNOR A PAWN?

Joe Paterno did not want to talk about LB Dan Connor during his Tuesday press conference (transcript Post-Gazette | audio FightOnState.com). Connor is cleared to practice again (CDT), but do not expect him to play this weekend (The Collegian). The CDT's Walt Moody thinks there is something fishy about the Connor situation. David Jones offers a must-read column that lends credence to Moody's suspicion and is sure to get more than just the conspiracy theorists all worked up. Among other things, Connor would have had to sell programs at Beaver Stadium on gamedays. It would appear that Jones is privy to some serious insider knowledge. Also, the Post-Gazette's Chico Harlan spoke to Connor's mother too.

In other news, Paterno was also concerned that Lions were tired (Patriot-News) on Saturday, which contributed to poor tackling (Patriot-News). He also noted that he expected to play Anthony Morelli (The Collegian) more.

BLUE BAND -- FASHIONABLE

While Guido D'Elia and co. might think that the Blue Band is a relic that gets in the way of their playing hip-hop and metal at obnoxious volumes, noted fashion designer Marc Jacobs disagrees:

In a twist that had even the most seasoned fashion critics grinning, Jacobs kicked off his spring fashion collection presentation with the Penn State marching band performing Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" on the catwalk. - USA Today

Now, does it not seem odd that the Blue Band which D'Elia is seemingly phasing out for not meeting some sort of hipness quotient, is the toast of NYC Fashion Week? Give us back our Blue Band!

BEANO WATCH

We knew it would not be long before Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) said something damning Penn State to a season of mediocrity -- or worse.

Jeff Barnes (Boulder, Colorado): Beano, Do you think Penn State can give Michigan and Ohio State a run for their money?

Beano Cook: Yes. PSU was 9-1 to win the league before the year, but in the Big Ten they have a shot to fight for the title. Maybe not in the SEC, but let's wait and see. They will be 5-0 going into the Ohio State game and we'll find out the real answer on Oct. 8.

So, it looks like a 2 - 3 start, if only because we cannot 0 - 5 after starting 2 - 0. Beano's powers are strong, but not that strong...I hope.

TELEVISION

The game is being televised by ESPN Plus (pay per view) and FSN Pittsburgh.

Next week's tilt at Northwestern will be a noon kickoff and televised nationally by ESPN or ESPN2.

PREDICTIONS

Penn State starts hitting on most cylinders and wins, 31 - 13, pulling away in the third quarter. The defense buckles down, particularly against the pass and the Lions head to Northwestern half way to bowl eligibility. How do you think the game is going to turn out?

FIELD GOAL CHALLENGE

...returns! Since no one was at the game, we skipped the field goal challenge last week. The previous week, Wiley was the big winner with 4 of 5 kicks. Sam came in second with 3 of 5 while Fritz and I both hit 1 for 5, respectively.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

WWN not enough Penn State football for you? Check out these links:

Penn State Football Official Site - from the "Kremlin"

CDT coverage

Patriot-News coverage

Post-Gazette coverage

Tribune-Review coverage

50 Yard Lion Blog - an Altoona dentist; daily

PA Sports Blog - mostly recruiting, if that is your thing

Nittany Lines Blog -- sports ed. from The Morning Call

Dan Victor's Front Row -- student football columnist at the CDT

Ask Jeff Q & A

FightOnState.com -- free

Blue White Illustrated -- Phil Grosz, subscription required

TICKETS

I may have some extra tickets for this weekend. Let me know if you are interested.

IN CLOSING...

We hope to see you at the tailgate. It starts around noon, off of Park Ave.

Go STATE, beat Chippewas!

Labels: Beano Watch, PSU Football 2005

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posted by WFY @ 6:24 PM | |

Thank you Beano for screwing things up for us--AGAIN! I see Penn State winning handily, lets say 38-16. The offense will look solid and the defense great until they tire down in the second half because the offense won't need to hold the ball very long to score. Sadly, this will give us a false sense of hope. Combined with Beano's forecasts for us, I forsee a 3-2 record entering the Ohio State game. In fact, I expect us to lose 4 in a row after this week. I guess we should enjoy the bourbon while we can!!!!

# posted by  Sam B : Wednesday, September 14, 2005 9:30:00 PM  

Some advice needed for someone interested in going to the Penn State/Wisconsin game:

+ What's the best way to find tickets?
+ About how much should I expect to spend per ticket (bad seats are fine)?
+ How long is the drive from D.C.?

# posted by  dl004d : Friday, September 16, 2005 8:56:00 AM  

WWN PENN STATE POST GAME #2

PENN STATE 42 Cincinnati 24

I missed Saturday's game, only the fourth home game I have missed since '95. I really do not have much to add other than links.

Boxscore - ESPN.com

AIR PATERNO

In the second half, Penn State really opened up offensively with three completions over 40 yards.

DAVID JONES - Valley's happy, quick as 1-2-3 - Patriot-News

GOOD AIR DAY - CDT

DAN CONNOR

Sophomore linebacker Dan Connor is serving a ten-day deferred suspension that began Sept. 8. That means his missed yesterday's game and will miss next week's too because he cannot attend extracurricular activities until the punishment is served. Connor is thinking of redshirting, but the coaches are not high on the idea. Dave Jones has the complete story in Saturday's Patriot-News.

THIS JUST IN... Linebacker Connor cleared to resume practice - CDT
Connor has returned because fulfilled the conditions of the expulsion -- 10 of the required 20 hours of community service and a letter of apology to the alleged victim of the calls -- earlier than required.

ALONG CAME MORELLI

Anthony Morrelli got some playing time this week in mop up duty. He went 4 for 5 and ran for a 1 yard touchdown.

STADIUM MUSIC

Yesterday, The Collegian had a number of letters to the editor (scroll down) in-line the WWN position on stadium music. A co-worker who watched the game said he could hear it being pumped in over the speakers. Oh and Guido D'Elia did not respond to my e-mail from last week. If things have not improved on Saturday, I will be escalating this to AD Tim Curley and University President Graham Spainer.

Today's Collegian editorializes that the music at Beaver Stadium should reflect the tastes of the 20% of the crowd whose tickets are heavily discounted and are in the stands for the least amount of time.

STUDENT SECTION PERFORMANCE -- MIXED

If you have not added Dan Victor's Front Row blog to your regular surfing, you need to do so. You may remember him for his "Dan the Fan" columns in the CDT's defunct Blue publication. He writes the best "Joe Sixpack" sports columns that I have seen anywhere, his defense of crappy stadium music notwithstanding. Some recent observations:

Apparently the freshmen section still has not figured out how to do "We are..." I never recall previous frosh classes having problems with this really simple cheer. Zombie nation indeed...

On the flipside, the students did redeem themselves by taunting the Cincinnati kick returner so well that he ran to the wrong end of the field in the fourth quarter.

BIG11TEN WOES

Beano Cook may have been right when he piled on the Big11Ten last week. Presumed frontrunners, Michigan and THE ohio state lost nationally televised games on Saturday, as did Iowa.

TICKETS AVAILABLE

So, who all is planning on going to the game? Does anyone need tickets? I told the guy I buy tickets from that I would ask for him.

Labels: PSU Football 2005

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posted by WFY @ 5:40 AM | |

William, personally, I would NOT approach Spanier about discussing the music situation. In some discussions with insiders and alums of the Blue Band, Spanier approached Dr. Bundy about increasing the size of the band. Now, I've seen Dr. Bundy take stands before on changes to the band, such as telling Nike where they can put their Swoosh on the uniforms, working out a drum contract with Yamaha, etc., but the fact that he increased the block size at Spanier's request after years of resistance to changes is preposterous. 45 more people in the pregame block is not necessarily a good idea. I heard the that Floating LIONS drill looks like crap. They took away the "Drunken Trombone" slot! They messed with tradition. If that's the case, do you think that they'll necessarily listen to calls to tone down the piped in crap? I personally don't think so.
-Muha

# posted by  Anonymous : Tuesday, September 13, 2005 9:06:00 AM  

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WWN 2005 PENN STATE PREGAME #2

Cincinnati at PENN STATE

As the Post-Gazette reminded us the other day, the Week 2 result usually foretells Lions' fate. Since the Big11Ten era began, the Lions have gone onto the postseason every time they won the second game. Every time they lost game 2, the missed out. So, this is an important game, which means we must all be roaring to get to Happy Valley for it...

TAILGATE

...um, no one from the crew is making the trip this weekend. No one. I have to go to Jersey for some family business and a number of people have baby related events (shower, birth?) too. If you are in the D.C. area, you may want to check out Uncle Jed's in Bethesda where the Metro Washington D.C. Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association are holding a viewing party. WWN's own Fritz Hamme is the host. Next week, tailgating will resume, as will the Field Goal Challenge.

LAST WEEK

I covered last week's lackluster 23 - 13 victory in the WWN Post Game #1. A few more thoughts:

One tailgater, in his fifth decade of going to Penn State games, thinks that Mike Robinson needs to be replaced at quarterback and the reluctance of Joe Paterno to recognize that is why the coach needs to step down.

We toast to victories with a little bit of bourbon, something that presumably Paterno does too. We started the practice after the thrilling come from behind victory over Northwestern in 2001. Following the win, his 323rd, Paterno said "I'm going to go home, get in trouble with a good stiff bourbon and then watch some Ohio State tapes."

So, that is why we toast to victories with bourbon. However, ever since the practice started, this may be the victory that seemed least deserving. Typically, Beam has been the choice, but this victory seemed unworthy of that good a bourbon, it was Old Crow or at best, Old Grandad.

The Ombudsman, a bit under the weather in NYC, may have had the most appropriate toast on Saturday -- Robitussin.

Sam came very close in predicting the correct score; he guessed 24 - 13.

THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT: CINCINNATI BEARCATS

81 - 0. Read that again: 81 - 0. That was the final the last time the two squads met up. It was in 1991 , the first game after Beaver Stadium expanded with an upper deck. Call it a hunch, but someone snuck an "81 - 0" sign into the Bearcats locker room. I would expect a very motivated team to be coming out of the visitors tunnel. The '83 edition upset the Lions in Happy Valley.

What we know about the 2005 Bearcats: Their head coach, Marc Dantonio, was defensive coordinator at Ohio State, so he knows what to expect from the Lions and has had success against them. The Bearcats also run the ball well.

Official Penn State release for Cincinnati game PDF

9.6.2005
Transcript of Joe Paterno Press Conference Previewing Cincinnati Game

ARTICLES FROM THIS WEEK

CDT

Paterno now happy with offensive performance
On second thought, Paterno was happy with the offense on Saturday. On THIRD thought, I still think they are in need of dramatic improvement.

---

Position Player
Paul Cronin is a utility DB.

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Kapinos improves control of punts
Remember when Virginia coach got overwhelmed by Penn State and their kicker power? That was before Kapinos was even on campus. Groh would probably have a heart attack now.

Patriot-News

University investigating Connor situation
Judicial Affairs has a tendency to be very heavy handed in punishments. We may not see Dan Connor play all year now. Paterno will announce his punishment after JA has their way.

---

Posluszny says defense still needs work
The junior captain makes an accurate assessment of the current defensive situation.

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Paterno: I can't trust media anymore
This is not even newsworthy, fans and media have known for years his feelings on reporters.

TREV TRACKER

...has been cancelled because HE WAS FIRED! Hallelujiah! Apparently, Trev "did not want to play a second fiddle role any more" and stopped showing up for work. Do not expect to see him on national TV ever again. He has now washed out of the NFL and ESPN. Good riddance chucklehead!

More from Chicago Tribune: ESPN fires no-show Alberts

I can think of just the person to take his place...

BEANO WATCH

Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) returned to ESPN Insider for his weekly chat this week and naturally he fielded a Penn State question.

Craig (PA): Beano, what do you feel about Joe Pa's comments about not trusting the media? Do you think this will be his last year at Penn State?

Beano Cook: I think he is 100 percent wrong. Penn State had a controlled press in the central part of the state at one point, but it is not longer there. Centre Daily Times in many ways was the second school paper for Penn State, but that is not the case any more. Part of the problem is Paterno's attitude. He gets nasty with the media. Joe should remember the papers come out every day...he doesn't come out at all. That was the same advice LBJ gave to Spiro Agnew.

I find myself in the uncomfortable position of agreeing with Beano on Paterno's attitude. Those are some pretty harsh words for the CDT too, though not without some merit. What do you expect though? Almost all sports sections are full of homer-isms.

Beano also took a swipe at the Big11Ten:

3FF (Arlington, VA): Just a comment: Big Ten 10-0 in their first week games (heck, even IU and Illinois won)

Beano Cook: OK, every so often France has a good afternoon. Rutgers blew a 27-7 lead against Illinois but give Ron Zook and his team credit for coming back. The Indiana win over Central Michigan, well, I had planned to go to Bloomington but I ended up with other plans.

C'mon Beano, that's just harsh.

MORE ON THE MUSIC IN BEAVER STADIUM

Penn State Faces the Music - FightOnState.com
More about the music that is being forced on fans at Beaver Stadium. They are going to change the playlist, but when it comes down to it, they need to eliminate it.

The article reveals that the person responsible for the music is Guido D'Elia, Penn State's director of communications and branding for football. It seems odd that somebody with branding in his title would choose to take a wonderful brand like Penn State and tarnish it with the constant audio assault that is heard in most professional arenas. After all, isn't the point of branding is to distinguish the brand, not make it more generic?

I have decided to e-mail Mr. D'Elia to voice my displeasure with the current situation. If you want to do the same, you can e-mail him at gnd3@psu.edu. That is what I wrote:

Mr. D'Elia

I went to my first Penn State game ten years ago today. Since that time, I have been to all but three home games.

Last Saturday's game was probably the least enjoyable victory I have ever experienced at Beaver Stadium. A big part of that was the constant barrage of hip-hop and Guns N' Roses that was been piped through the public address system at obnoxious volumes. This is not the Beaver Stadium that I know and love. This kind of atmosphere more like a typical professional sporting event, and a bad one at that.

I find it very discouraging that Penn State feels it need to make such a grand event as a football game a generic experience in order to entice people to attend. One of the things that have made Penn State games so wonderful is that they used to be free of the aural assault that occurs in most venues. Please, respect history and tradition and get rid of the piped in music and give us back our Blue Band.

Keep Penn State, Penn State!

Respectfully,

William F. Yurasko ('99 Media Studies)

There is a letter to the editor in The Collegian on the topic as well.

DAVE JONES WANTS A TRAIN

DAVE JONES - Train to State College makes sense - Patriot-News
Jones takes a break from his usual topic (how bad Penn State has become) and makes a good case for having passenger rail service to Happy Valley on football weekends. While a Maglev may be pie in the sky, a standard train makes a lot of sense to me. Not just for football games either.

PREDICTIONS

While the Bearcats will run the ball, I expect Penn State to be much more settled on offense and play more seriously on defense. Still, it will be a little tight. Penn State will win 27 - 19.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AND BLOGS

WWN not enough Penn State football for you? Check out these links:

Penn State Football Official Site - from the "Kremlin"

50 Yard Lion Blog - an Altoona dentist; daily

PA Sports Blog - mostly recruiting, if that is your thing

Nittany Lines Blog -- sports ed. from The Morning Call

Dan Victor's Front Row -- student football columnist at the CDT

Ask Jeff Q & A

post-sellout PSU Playbook -- free

Blue White Illustrated -- Phil Grosz, subscription required

TELEVISION

The game is on ESPN Plus (Pay Per View) at noon.

IN CLOSING

I hope you enjoy the game if you get to see it.

Go STATE, beat Bearcats!

Labels: Beano Watch, PSU Football 2005

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posted by WFY @ 5:20 AM | |

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WWN POST GAME #1

PENN STATE 23 SOFLO 13

The first game of the 118th season of Penn State football is in the books and it goes down as a "W." However, it was a sloppy game that was hard to watch at times.

BULLISH BEGINNING - CDT | Boxscore - ESPN.com

SLOPPY JOE

Neither side of the ball played to the caliber that they any of us could have reasonably expected. Mike Robinson showed that there is a reason it took about six attempts to get his first win as a starter, having fumbled a couple of times and thrown an interception. He was 9 for 15 for 90 yards on the day throwing and ran for 39 yards on 18 carries. He did score a TD in the fourth quarter.

Generally, the defense played uninspired and lazy football. While they did get a couple of picks, they routinely let SoFlo wideouts get open. If they could have made half of the catches they dropped, this would have been a very different game. Both SoFlo touchdowns came on fades to the endzone that our senior cornerbacks made little effort in trying to defend. On the bright side, Matt Rice had a really good game. Chris Harrell got an INT and Alan Zemaitis picked up a fumble and ran it in for a touchdown.

Speaking of Zemaitis, he held the ball out at about the three yard line on his return, which was stupid showboating that probably aggravated Joe Paterno. He is lucky the ball was not knocked out.

The big pick-ups Derrick Williams and Justin King had good debuts. On the first play of the game, Williams had his man beat for a TD, but the defender interfered with him to prevent the score. It turned out to be a good decision, since Robinson turned the ball over later in the drive.

King had a 61 yard run, but fumbled out of bounds at the end of the run. After that, he made only a few more appearances on offense.

RB Tony Hunt had two good runs on the day of 33 and 70 yards. As a team, the Lions ran up 264 yards, but more than 50% of it was on three runs.

Fans got to witness a punters duel. State's Jeremey Kaponis put a few inside the 20 and kicked a 60 yarder into the end zone. SoFlo had a 70 yard punt too.

As expected, one of Penn State's freshman kickers missed a kick; an extra point in the fourth quarter. Kevin Kelly, did a decent job on kickoffs though.

TAILGATING

We had a great tailgate, I got to break in my new Coleman Tailgate Grill. It was novel having a grill that could actually cook food rather than just heat it. Beer dogs, wings, and burgers were on the menu, along with blue and white tortilla chips and salsa, cheese and crackers, and a cooler full of beverages.

Post-game was more of the same, along with the traditional victory toast of bourbon.

PAMMY JO?

After going with without a Blue Sapphire (you know, the only majorette who does not wear blue) last season, the position has been filled. Pamela Jo Maierhofer succeeds the immortal Bobbie Jo Solomon. You almost have to wonder if having "Jo" as part of the name is now required for the position, but it turns out Miss Maierhofer goes by P.J.. She has the Bobbie Jo endorsement too.

More from The Collegian: Majorettes find new gem

STADIUM P.A. -- VERY BAD

For some reason, the "braintrust" in Intercollegiate Athletics has decided that Penn State fans need costant prompting from the p.a. system in the form of loud hip-hop and Guns N' Roses. I was insulted and irritated by this decision. One of the things that makes college football great are the marching bands. Choosing to play piped in music over the Blue Band -- the 2005 Sudler Trophy winning Blue Band -- is asinine. If this path is continued, Penn State will cease to be unique and special and feel like generic like a pro game.

FIELD GOAL CHALLENGE

Another football season means a renewal of the Field Goal Challenge. We go up to the IM football fields during every tailgate and attempt field goals on one of the goal posts. Here is who we staked up this week:

Wiley 4-5
Sam 3-5
Fritz 1-5
William 1-5

NEW END ZONE

I don't like the block lettering, it is boring. Bring back the logo-ed endzone! Also, they need to outline the yard numbers in blue again.

PHOTOS

The photo galleryfrom the game is now up.

MORE FROM THE PUNDITS

RON BACKEN - There were highlights, problems in season opener - CDT

JEFF RICE - PSU has more in its arsenal - CDT

DAVID JONES - Hey, O-line, where's the fun? - Patriot-News

Don't judge PSU just yet - YDR

Labels: I Was There, PSU Football 2005

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posted by WFY @ 8:30 AM | |

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WWN 2005 PENN STATE PREGAME #1

South Florida at PENN STATE

It is that time again, some would say, the most wonderful time of the year. This is the first edition of the WWN Penn State Pregame, which succeeds the Yurasko College Football Newsletter & Tailgate Advisory. I am going to try and do it in the same spirit as YCFN&TA. This one comes a little later than I would like because I have been very busy at work.

TAILGATE

Erica and I will be hosting this week's tailgate, in the usual vicinity. Look for the Yurasko flag. We will be serving all of the old favorites and more. We will be starting around noon-ish, e-mail me if you would like more information.

TRAFFIC AND PARKING ADVISORIES

Construction along US 22/322 may cause some delays through the Lewistown Narrows, so you may want to consider taking an alternate route. Also, there have been changes to stadium parking due to the new ballpark being built at the corner of Porter and Curtin, but that should not directly impact anyone planning on parking along the Park Ave. corridor.

PSU game, road work force traffic restrictions - CDT

Football Fans, Motorists Advised of Gameday Traffic Patterns, Parking Procedures - goPSUsports.com

THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT: SOUTH FLORIDA BULLS

The first opponent is the University of South Florida (SoFlo), an obvious name for an school located in Tampa. We have never played this squad, though they beat Pitt, 35 - 26 in 2001 at Heinz Field. The Bulls, in their first year as part of the Big East, only began playing football in 1997. Last year, they were 4 - 7 and they return something like 18 starters, which may sound slightly familiar. Former Nittany Lion Mark Robinson does color commentary for them on radio. You may recall that Robinson was a big part of the 48 - 14 win over Pitt in '81 that exposed Dan Marino as a choking dog in big games. The Patriot-News has more on the rise of SoFlo. The Tribune-Review says that the Lions are taking SoFlo very seriously.

BEANO WATCH

Pitt alumnus Carroll H. Cook ('54) has returned to ESPN Insider for another year of Wednesday college football chats. As always, I will be posting his comments about Penn State and providing commentary. Also, thanks to a friend (who for his own protection from ESPN/Disney lawyers shall remain nameless) provided me with the copy, because we cannot get it any more unless we pay for the service. To that individual, you can be most secure knowing secret identity is safe with me.

Gary77 (Altoona, PA): Beano, I'm a huge PSU fan, are you as excited as I am to see Justin King and Derrick Williams play for the first time this Saturday?

Beano Cook: I think they will be exciting. I wish it was against tougher opposition, but in the present system, Penn State will play two cupcakes in non-conference. When there are 12 games, they will play three cupcakes. Both players will do well and I feel the Nittany Lions will win eight games. I know I said that last year, but this year I will be right.

Beano thinks the Lions in eight games?! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! That means, if an eight year trend continues, that they will lose eight. I cannot take it! Where is that petition again?

ARTICLES FROM THIS WEEK

Joe Paterno's Tuesday press conference (CDT) started late and he did not want to talk about Dan Connor, so no word on when he will play again. According to the depth chart, it is not going to be this week.

On Sunday, the Patriot-News one of the three major papers of record for Penn State football (the CDT and Collegian) published their season preview. Not surprisingly, there is the standard "this is the new starting quarterback's team article. In 2001, I heard that about Matt Seneca, so we will see about Michael Robinson.

The Patriot-News also notes that the decline of Penn State football has reverberations beyond the gridiron. When it is all said and done though, the Patriot-News gives the Lions a fighting chance.

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WALT MOODY - Paterno inconsistent in handing out penalties - CDT
Moody reminds us that there is no rhyme or reason to the way Paterno punishes players who run afoul of the team/law/etc.

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Shaw took long route to PSU's O-line - Patriot-News
Former DL John Shaw is now on the other side of the ball. Former linemate Tamba Hali had this to say:

"John Shaw is a real strong guy and he comes off the ball real hard," said Hali, a second team All-Big Ten choice last season.

"I even talked to him about it. I told him he's really going to do well this year. When he comes off the ball on his run-blocking, he really hits through you.

"If he does that every down in the game, after a while, [the defender] is going to start folding. I'm impressed with John."

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Analysis: 'Best case' is a lot to ask from Nittany Lions - Post-Gazette
Chico Harlan compares the likelihood of the "best case scenario" vs. the worst case scenario. The article is not terribly promising.

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Robinson wants to show patience in the pocket - CDT
Stop me if you have heard this one before -- a Penn State quarterback (a fifth year one at that) with a natural predilection towards scrambling wants to become more of a pocket passer. The only thing keeping it from being deja vu all over again five years later is that Michael Robinson was not accused of beating up a Hoboken cop.

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JEFF RICE - Looks like a Lone Star season for PSU - CDT
Rice predicts a 7 - 4 season with a trip to the Sun Bowl.

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Joe Paterno pushing the boundaries - Post-Gazette
Chico Harlan compares JoePa to all-time winningest coach John Gagliardi of St. John's (Minnesota), a D-III school; an 80 year old aging researcher and 78 year old Hugh Hefner.

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Kilmer on track as PSU starter - The Morning Call
Another feel good article about Ethan Kilmer.

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D-line focuses on pass rush - The Collegian
If Penn State is going to repeat the success of last year's defense, they are going to have to pressure quarterbacks more.

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PSU kicking game still a question - The Collegian
Looks like a gameday decision for starting kicker tomorrow.

PREDICTIONS

Penn State wins, 26 - 16, but it is closer than we would like. I expect them to miss at least one kick and for SoFlo to keep it interesting heading into the fourth quarter.

For the 2005 season, I expect seven wins and a December bowl game. The Lions should win two out of the Michigan, Ohio State, Purdue, Wisconsin stretch. Austin Scott will be the breakout player with 1,000 yards this season.

Leave your predictions in the comments....

FIELD GOAL CHALLENGE

Along with all the other joy the accompanies football season and tailgating, we have the field goal kicking competition. Last year, Sam won it and I came in second. We will be doing this sometime during the tailgate at the IM Football Fields near the trailer.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AND BLOGS

WWN not enough Penn State football for you? Check out these links:

Penn State Football Official Site - from the "Kremlin"

50 Yard Lion Blog - an Altoona dentist; daily

PA Sports Blog - mostly recruiting, if that is your thing

Nittany Lines Blog -- sports ed. from The Morning Call

Dan Victor's Front Row -- student football columnist at the CDT

Ask Jeff Q & A

post-sellout PSU Playbook -- free

Blue White Illustrated -- Phil Grosz, subscription required

TICKETS

I have some extra tickets for this weekend. Let me know if you are interested.

TELEVISION

The game is on ESPNU or ESPN Plus (Pay Per View).

IN CLOSING...

We hope to see you at the tailgate. It starts around noon, off of Park Ave.

Go STATE, beat Bulls!

Labels: Beano Watch, PSU Football 2005

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posted by WFY @ 6:59 AM | |

I'm thinking 7 wins also, but by a different route. I'm thinking PSU starts 4-0, with Minnesota being the key game on our schedule. If we win that game, its easily 8 or 9 wins. If not, then 6 or 7. Most experts have PSU #5 in the Big Ten and Minnesota #6, so we really need to win that one. Minnesota is really the disdain of PSU football, if you think about it. We've been downhill ever since that game in '99 at Beaver Stadium against the Gophers. I think Glenn Mason should have to give back his membership in the Joe Paterno fan club.

As far as the game tomorrow, PSU wins 24-13. I don't think our kickers are capable of making more than 1 field goal.

# posted by  Sam B : Friday, September 02, 2005 7:42:00 PM  

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IT HAPPENED

7 days until kickoff

Every year, there is the first day that it feels like football. Last year, it came really early, on August 6. Yesterday morning, walking to my car, the air was full of with the sights, sounds, smells, and feel of early autumn. At last, I knew I was ready to return to the alma mater to see them play football. It is just a week away.

When I got to work, I mentioned to a co-worker that I felt football season and we started talking about it and all things that come with it, especially tailgating. He agreed that he was ready too.

The CDT has their first big preview of the season today. They also report that Paterno had an informal chat session that covered topics not related to Dan Connor. Speaking of Connor, he is practicing with the squad, but has lost his first team spot. So, at worst, I think he misses the first game.

Shaws happy to be reunited

Sales charging to make an impact at linebacker

Big Ten previews

2005 roster

An inexact science

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Paterno finds reason to smile - Post-Gazette
More on the informal chat session from yesterday.

Also see, PSU opens practice to media from the Tribune-Review and http://ydr.com/story/psu/82420/ from the YDR.

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Penn State clearly has holes to fill - Patriot-News
Yup, they do.

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Defense faces short-term hurdles - Tribune-Review
Tom Bradley seems to be taking it all in stride.

Labels: PSU Football 2005

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posted by WFY @ 9:16 AM | |

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11 DAYS UNTIL KICKOFF

WR Rubin could miss season - Post-Gazette
The mother of Marc Rubin tells the Post-Gazette that the sophomore reciever injured his ankle before the weekend and could miss the whole season. If the injury proves to be serious, it could strongly jeopardize the Lions successfully integrating a wide-open, spread offense (Tribune-Review) this fall, since they are thin (best WR on the team is playing QB) and raw (Derrick Williams and Justin King are athletic enough, but have no experience) at wideout.

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RON BRACKEN - Question marks linger for Penn State - CDT
The CDT sports editor is not terribly high on the Lions and he hedges a little in his prediction.

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Healthy Snow wants to take charge at fullback - CDT
Junior BranDon Snow is back at his natural position, fullback, and ready to do some damage. The foot he broke last year is also completely healed.

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A position battle? - The (Carlise, Penna.) Sentinel
So, who is Snow going to block for this season? According to this article, both Austin Scott and Tony Hunt.

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Senior quartet leads tough Penn State secondary - AP/Patriot-News
Wire service story about the secondary, which is nothing but seniors.

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Here are a couple of previews about the Lions from papers in Big11Ten markets.

QB wants to make most of last shot - Chicago Sun-Times

Mike Lucas: Lions' Robinson finally clear with his role as QB, leader - The (Madison, Wisc.) Capital Times

Offense, Robinson key to Penn State's turnaround attempt - mlive.com

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DE Chisley to Miss Final Season - FightOnState.com
PSU has lost some depth on the defenseive line, Lavon Chisley is out with a bad knee.

Labels: PSU Football 2005

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posted by WFY @ 6:21 PM | |

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DAN CONNOR SUSPENDED

Penn State linebacker suspended indefinitely from team - CDT
LB Dan Connor's prank calls have gotten him booted from the team indefinitely. At maximum, I could see him missing a game, but I doubt it will come to that point. While I am not pleased with Connor's behavior, I am pleased that Joe Paterno is laying down the law.

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Jay Paterno upbeat despite criticism directed at PSU offense - Tribune-Review
I am a skeptic about Penn State's fortunes as long as Jay Paterno is there until proven otherwise.

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PSU takes it easy with '05 schedule - Post-Gazette
It is a soft schedule, except for Michigan and The Ohio State back-to-back. The Buckeyes are coming off a bye week too.

Labels: PSU Football 2005

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posted by WFY @ 5:29 AM | |

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15 DAYS UNTIL KICKOFF

Penn State's Ganter wants to play Pitt - Post-Gazette
The Pittsburgh media is obsessed with Penn State playing Pitt. As long as Joe Paterno is around, it is not going to happen again.

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PSU trio on 'team suspension' - Tribune-Review
Three players, including LB Dan Connor, are in trouble with the team for making prank calls. They should know better, especially Connor, who is expected to be a team leader. This kind of mischef can only be counterproductive.

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Phillips PSU's 'other' cornerback - Tribune-Review
Anwar Phillips, while a good cornerback does not appear to be a good person. He got suspended by the university for two semesters following an on-campus incidient that led to sexual assault charges. He was acquitted in court, but the university felt he was in the wrong. I would have been happy to see him leave the university.

More from the CDT: Zemaitis has another preseason accolade

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JEFF RICE - Realizing potential on mind of Scott - CDT
Another column on Austin Scott buckling down.

Labels: PSU Football 2005

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posted by WFY @ 7:02 PM | |

17 DAYS UNTIL KICKOFF

Nittany Lions committed to getting more out of their special teams - CDT
The only things Penn State got out of special teams last year were Scott Paxson's 5 blocked field goals and decent punting from Jeremy Kaponis. Having somebody other than Calvin Lowry return punts is probably the best thing they can do. Frosh Derrick Williams is expected to get a shot. Paxson may not get his though, due to offseason problems off the field.

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Beefed-up Shaw set to make impact - Patriot-News
Jim Shaw, a Rice transfer, has gotten bigger and may get to play a lot more with Paxson in the doghouse. His brother, OL John has also hit the buffets and gotten bigger. Paterno cited both of them in the press conference as players he liked.

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WALT MOODY - Living in the past not doing any good - CDT
Moody is critical of Paterno for consistently mentioning that the 2002 squad could have been champions if there had been instant replay.

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Morelli's role a mystery at Penn State - Post-Gazette
More on the odd 2004 season of Anthony Morelli and his uncertain status for 2005.

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Young at heart - Sports Illustrated
JoePa ready to attack his 40th season as PSU coach
Stewart Mandel's lengthly season preview of Penn State. There is also a gallery and list of possible successors.

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Lions hope Scott as good as resume - Daily Local News (Chester, Pa.)
More on the underwhelming Austin Scott.

Labels: PSU Football 2005

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posted by WFY @ 5:45 AM | |

MORELLI SPEAKS

Morelli ready to step under center - CDT
The most popular player on the Penn State team, the second string quarterback, finally gets a chance to speak to the media. This year's model is Anthony Morelli, the highly touted recruit from Western Pennsylvania who spurned Pitt to come to PSU after the Chad Henne fiasco.

Last year, Morelli got to play in four games and threw 13 passes. Even Joe Paterno feels as though he burned Morelli's redshirt. For his part, Morelli thinks he was ready to play last year, as well as right now, but I am not so sure. My gut says Morelli is a bit overconfident of his abilities and has a few yes-men (especially his father, who gets quoted a lot) feeding his ego a little too much. I think he can get there if he learns the playbook well, something many have speculated he had not done last season. Ideally, he will see a lot of action this season, because the Lions are already up by 4 touchdowns at halftime.

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Mature Scott could help Nitanny Lions - Tribune-Review
Entering his junior year, RB Austin Scott claims to have grown up since coming to Penn State. Last year, he spent a lot of time in Joe Paterno's doghouse after missing meetings and a lackadaisical attitude. He had only 55 carries for 312 yards after a freshman season in which he had 100 carries and lead the lions with 436 yards. Scott has also dropped his weight 15 - 20 lbs, which should help his speed.

The one thing that appears to be holding Scott back is his ankle, which he broke during the spring. He says it is at 85%.

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The Post-Gazette now has the press conference transcript available.

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posted by WFY @ 4:15 PM | |

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MEDIA DAY RECAP

Joe Paterno had his 40th Penn State Football media day. Offical information for goPSUsports.com:

Roster

Photo Gallery

FightOnState.com (which used to be the non-commerical PSU Playbook) has a recap and audio. I could not find an official transcript.

Here is the media reaction:

CDT

Opening up

Paterno irked by linemen's actions

RON BRACKEN - Salarygate: Do we really need to know?


Patriot-News

Paterno wants PSU's swagger back

DE Chisley hobbled by knee injury

Lions start season with hope


Post-Gazette

Football: Speedy group of new receivers a huge plus

PSU Football Notebook: Uncertainty hangs over offensive line

GENE COLLIER - O'Hora was the 'Best man' Paterno ever knew

Tribune-Review

Paterno punishing 'Arrow-gate' players

Notebook: Paterno unclear on Morelli's role

The Inky

Hope returns to Happy Valley

For Joe Paterno, thrill is still there

At Penn State, young Lions take pride in leadership roles

Lions' Mitchell joins College Football Hall - AP

YDR

Transition time for PSU line

Local brothers might see significant action

Watershed year arrives for the Lions

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The Morning Call

Still more questions than answers for PSU

Labels: PSU Football 2005

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posted by WFY @ 5:53 AM | |

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24 DAYS UNTIL KICKOFF

Another season of Penn State football is approaching. Walking out to my car this morning, it almost felt like "the day" -- you know, that first day in August that gives you a tease of autumn. Today was not quite that day, but it reminded me of it, so this was a tease of the tease that lets us know that football is on the horizon to help us get over the loss of summer.

Anyhow, yesterday it was announced that the third game of the season, against Central Michigan, has a 3:30 p.m. kickoff (CDT) and ESPN Plus telecast. Here is the TV schedule so far:

09/03/05 SOUTH FLORIDA 3:30 ESPNU/ESPN Plus

09/10/05 CINCINATTI 12:00 ESPN Plus

09/17/05 CENTRAL MICHIGAN 3:30 ESPNU/ESPN Plus

10/08/05 OHIO STATE 7:00 or 7:45 ESPN or ESPN2

10/22/05 at Illinois 7:00 ESPN

No other game times have been announced, but with all non-conference games being broadcast, we now know that all Penn State games will be televised this season, since every Big11Ten game goes on at least ESPN Plus.

Many Penn State fans already know about the 2003 accident that nearly killed CB Alan Zemaitis. In a Q & A with Jerry Kellar of The (Wilkes-Barre) Times-Leader, Zemaitis goes into detail about the accident (it is pretty graphic) and his attitude since then. Some people have a chip on their shoulder, but Zemaitis seems to have a block.

In other news, a round-robin schedule is not likely to happen (CDT)anytime soon in the Big11Ten. That is fine with me, I would rather have three or four non-conference games than know I could see Penn State play Indiana, Illinois, and Minnesota every year.

Also, another one of Joe Paterno's friends and mentors, former assistant coach Jim O'Hora (CDT), has died.

On Sunday, Ron Bracken, CDT sports editor, reviewed two of the latest Penn State football books.

The Maryland Bureau Chief will be shocked, shocked that Dave Jones of the Patriot-News had a self-congratulatory column last week. It was about the Erasmus James hit that put QB Michael Robinson on a stretcher last season.

Labels: PSU Football 2005

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posted by WFY @ 4:00 PM | |

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ONE MONTH UNTIL KICKOFF

The Big11Ten Football Kickoff Luncheon was held yesterday in Chicago, meaning that two-a-days are not far behind and the media coverage picks up.

Not surprisingly, much of the focus has been on coach Joe Paterno, some it positive, like Gene Wojciechowski's column (which was the lead story on ESPN.com this morning) and some of it negative, like this artice from the Post-Gazette. Also, to the surprise of probably no one, Michigan is favored to win the conference.

More articles:

Paterno relaxed and ready - The Collegian
According to this article, he's upbeat.

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Paterno's thoughts elsewhere - Tribune-Review
A different take on Paterno -- he is distracted by his wife's latest medical problem (The Collegian).

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Parry: No hard feelings towards JoPa - Tribune-Review
The director of Big11Ten officials is saying the right things about instant replay, which was championed by Paterno after the 2002 season.

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Penn State has plenty of doubters - Tribune-Review
Oh, why is that?

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New offense has Nittany Lions getting excited - The Morning Call
QB Michael Robinson is talking about the new spread offense and having the personnel to run it. I think we have heard this sort of thing before from a few different QBs, but who knows, maybe the time it will happen. Maybe it will work too.

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Big Ten schools looking more and more to Pennsylvania to fill rosters - CDT
Contrary to popular belief, Michigan and Ohio State are not rounding up all the blue chippers in Pennsylvania. In fact, Penn State gets more from those states than they do from PA.

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Rise & Shine - CDT
OL A.Q. Shipley is an early riser.

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PSU tri-captains bring a solid mix to the table - The Morning Call
More on this season's captians...

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Captains sing praises of Penn State's talent - The Collegian
Still more...

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Making freshmen sit? That's no longer a JoePa flaw - CBS Sportsline
Another national columnist with a reputation for being harsh on Paterno weighs in.

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DAVE JONES - PSU's football ticket sales receive rare push - Patriot-News
From last week: A look at the need for Penn State to market (gasp!) football tickets.

Labels: PSU Football 2005

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posted by WFY @ 8:05 PM | |

NATS TAKE FIRST GAME VS. BUCS

Ben's Chili Bowl 7 Primanti Bros. 4

Hernandez, Nationals Don't Miss a Beat - The Post
I listened to most of the game and got to enjoy Jose Guillen hit solo homers, while the resurgent Cristian Guzman and Brad Wilkerson both had two RBIs. ¡LIVAN! pitched well enough, but gave up 4 runs (2 earned) in seven innings. He allowed a number of baserunners as usual, but got four double plays to keep the damage to a minimum. Gary Majewski and Chad Cordero did their jobs in relief, facing four batters each. Cordero now leads the majors with 22 saves and the Nats are up three games on the second place Fleas.

Skipper Frank Robinson served his suspension for the pine tar incident by sitting in the stands.

More from The Wash. Times: Happy return for Nats' Guillen & Post-Gazette: Guillen's 2 homers help knock off Pirates

Boxscore - ESPN.com

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Nationals' Expected '05 Profit Is $20 Million - The Post
That is a lot of money; and noted sport business economist Andrew Zimbalist, who is a professor at Smith College, thinks it could be higher.

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Manager Robinson denied appeal - The Wash. Times
More on Robinson's suspension. Also, P T.J. Tucker is on the DL and 2B Jose Vidro took BP for the first time since May 4.

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Return home not sweet - Tribune-Review
Congratulations Pittsburgh, you have won the Jose Guillen seal of approval! He started his career in the 'burgh, but got exiled to the Devil Rays over questions about his maturity.

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NATIONALS NOTEBOOK - Vidro Takes Rehab Cuts In Pittsburgh - The Post
We know about Vidro already, I am linking to this one because of the Guillen comments about his homers. "I'm just so happy it was not in Washington, I can tell you," Guillen said. They would have been outs? "Easy. Not even close to the warning track."

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The Nationals pastime - CNN.com
More national media for the Nationals, this time for Inside Politics.

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The White House Catches Nats Fever - U.S. News & World Report
For the second time in a week Wonkette finds some content for me. Last time, it was the president praising Joe Paterno, this time it is the whole White House praising the Nats.

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NBA Finals, U.S. Open, Baseball - NPR
"Scott Simon and Chicago Sun-Times sports columnist Ron Rapoport discuss the NBA finals, golf's U.S. Open, and baseball's surprising Washington Nationals."

Labels: Nats/MLB 2005, PSU Football 2005

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posted by WFY @ 5:59 AM | |

JOEPA'S EPIPHANY: SPEED KILLS AND CANNOT BE MEASURED BY CLASS STANDING

BOB FLOUNDERS - Paterno shows he's willing to change - Patriot-News
If you don't want to get into the Penn State football hype, skip this column. Flounders details Joe Paterno's transformation into a modern college football coach. Playing and talking about true freshman, in this case, Derrick Williams and Justin King, by name are no longer verboten. Naming a junior, LB Paul Posluzny, a team captain is now permitted as well.

Fall Saturdays might be fun for something other than tailgating again. Remember, Penn State's magic number is 12.

More from Jeff Rice of the CDT -
Paterno has positive outlook on Pennsylvania tour

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Jay Paterno trades plays for history in Mexico - CDT
Apparently, a coach de futbol Americano coach at a Mexican university has been coming to the coaches' clinic for years, which is why Jay Paterno, Brian Norwood, and a couple of grad assistants returned the favor and went down there recently to conduct a clinic. To the uncharitable fan, this could be seen as attempt by JayPa to destroy football programs in two countries.

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Kelly in, Penn State's Paterno out of coaches panel - USA Today
Paterno will not be voting in the coaches poll this year.

Labels: PSU Football 2005

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posted by WFY @ 5:43 AM | |

PATERNO PREPS FOR 2005

Paterno getting word out about improved team - Patriot-News
Joe Paterno's time down the shore keeps getting interupted by alumni functions, presidents (Wonkette), etc. More importantly, things are looking good for the Lions heading into the fall. The schedule is soft and has seven home games. While there is certainly room for disagreement on whether Michael Robinson should be the QB, his practicing as the #1 QB can only help his development. Perhaps the most important thing is that grayshirt freshmen Derrick Williams and Justin King are in the mix.

More from YDR - Paterno visits to show off freshman and the new Penn State

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Robinson to Big Ten: Watch out for us - Patriot-News
MRob is confident (maybe a little too much) but is generally saying the right things. He ♥'s the blue chip frosh and new spread offense (!) that is being installed.

Labels: PSU Football 2005

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posted by WFY @ 8:08 AM | |

PRESEASON HYPE ALREADY?

Ron Bracken - Preseason hope justified for Nittany Lion faithful - CDT
The CDT sports editor thinks that Lindy's preseason prediction (#25, 8 wins, mid-major bowl) is about right. Still, it is too early for this stuff, we have not even reached the solstice yet.

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Penn State expels football player - CDT
Add Ed Johnson to the list of people who never need to return to Penn State again; he was expelled for sexual misconduct. The former DT who had junior standing started three games last year after being suspended for being involved in that ice rink melee.

Labels: PSU Football 2005

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posted by WFY @ 5:44 AM | |

ANOTHER PENN STATE - PITT COLUMN

Penn State chooses easy route instead of rivaled one - CDT
Another column from the CDT sports editor about how much he would rather see a Penn State vs. Pitt series than another go 'round with Temple.

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With Robinson the No. 1 QB, Morelli remains upbeat about his future at PSU - Tribune-Review
QB Anthony Morelli is content with his role as second string QB right now. At least, that is what he is saying publicly.

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Paterno enjoyed a simpler time - Tribune-Review
JoePa misses the good ol' days. AD Tim Curley wants to have seven homes game annually.

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Graduation crowd cheers Taliaferro - The Inky
Former Penn State cornerback Adam Taliaferro graduated on Saturday. He suffered a serious spinal injury as a freshman, ending his career and leaving him paralyzed for a few months. He is going to Rutgers Law School in the fall.

More from AP/CDT
Taliaferro ready to take graduation walk -

Labels: PSU Football 2005

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posted by WFY @ 5:26 AM | |

TWO & ONE WITH TEMPLE; JOEPA VISITS PITTSBURGH

PSU adds Temple for '06 - Post-Gazette
Penn State and Temple have a verbal agreement to play each other three times in four years, starting in 2006. Included in the deal is that one of those games would be in Philadelphia at Lincoln Financial Field, home of the Iggles, which is great news for Penn State fans. A game in Philly is basically a home game for Penn State, only closer for those of us on the I-95 corridor.

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Paterno puts career on line - Post-Gazette
The lede says it all:

This time, if Penn State labors through another disappointing season, Joe Paterno won't blame his players (because now, he finally likes his team's talent) and he won't blame his assistants (because after all, he recently pleaded to keep his staff intact). One more losing season -- which would be Penn State's fifth in six years -- will only prompt Paterno to blame himself.

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Gene Collier - Football's future troubles Paterno - Post-Gazette
The issues brought up by Paterno are quite valid and things we have heard previously. Most of interesting of all though is Collier suggesting that Pitt should have probably taken Penn State up on a playing a 2 (at Penn State) to 1 (at Pitt) deal.

Labels: PSU Football 2005

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posted by WFY @ 5:42 AM | |

SHOULD WE CARE WHAT PATERNO MAKES?

Newspaper argues that Paterno's salary, others are public - AP/Patriot-News
The Patriot-News is suing Penn State to find out the salaries of Joe Paterno and top university officials. Penn State says it does not have to divulge those numbers because it is not a state institution, merely a state-related one. While I am a proponent of Sunshine Laws, I do not care how much JoePa makes and do not see. For one thing, his salary is paid for by Intercollegiate Athletics, which is 100% self-sustaining, so he is not taking any state money in salary. There are bigger fish to fry and the Patriot should spend its resources going after those instead of JoePa.

Labels: PSU Football 2005

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posted by WFY @ 5:51 AM | |

ZACK IN D.C.?

Mills, 2 others get free-agent deals - The Collegian
Zack Mills is set to sign with Washington, while Derek Wake and Paul Jefferson are headed to the Giants and Browns, respectively.
Looks like we may get to see Zack Mills a little bit more. He is aiming to make the practice squad, which is all he can really hope for with two other young QBs and Mark Brunnell ahead of him. I am just wondering what number he will wear.

I would expect Wake to get on the Giants somehow, he is too good an athlete not to get some playing time. Jefferson can probably make the Browns too.

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Backups fail to impress - Patriot-News
Anthony Morelli and redshirt junior Paul Cianciolo were not impressive at all on Saturday.

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Coach Joe Paterno Press Conference - goPSUsports.com
In case you want to read what he had to say.

Labels: PSU Football 2005

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posted by WFY @ 5:48 AM | |

BLUE WHITE RECAP

When it comes to the Blue White Game, weather tends to be hit or miss. Yesterday, we got hit by lots of rain, off and on, throughout the day. In the second half the threat of lightning caused the game to be called. Interestingly enough, while the P.A. was telling fans to seek shelter, the game continued for a few minutes.

Some observations about what we saw:

Michael Robinson looked comfortable at QB, leading the Blue squad to two touchdowns and inside the five (Tony Hunt fumbled) on his three possessions.

Sophomore Anthony Morelli did not look good, missing receivers and getting hurried in the pocket.

Frosh Derrick Williams, sporting #2 (pictured above), saw a lot of action at WR. He had a handful of passes thrown his way and has nice moves.

The other big frosh, Justin King saw time on both sides of the ball. He was wearing #7.

Media coverage of the Blue White Game:

Just a glimpse - CDT

Paterno projecting positive attitude for upcoming season - CDT

Little Lions shine for Nittany Lions in scrimmage - CDT

Blue, white and gray - CDT

Blue White stats - CDT

PSU OFFENSE OPENS IT UP - Patriot-News

Paxson's future still in question - Patriot-News

Morelli faces ton of pressure - Post-Gazette

Penn State Notebook: Ex-players knock recent teams - Post-Gazette

Penn State's 2 hot freshmen have a lot to give - Patriot-News

King, Williams give a peek at the future - The Morning Call

A silver lining - York Sunday News

Youth being served - York Sunday News

Witman longs for PSU revival - York Sunday News

Robinson helps showcase prized recruits - Tribune-Review

Notebook: Morelli unhappy with Blue-White performance - Tribune-Review

TAILGATING

The weather kept a lot of people from making it up to Happy Valley. Our tailgate wound up being small, but fun nevertheless. The rain at the end of the game deterred us from setting up again. Lot #13 turned into a quagmire after the game, which was great if you were into playing in the mud like a bunch of nearby students (looked like fun!), but no so great if you were trying to drive out. We managed to make it out with a minor detour.

Having a cooler full of food kind of deterred us from wanting to stop somewhere for dinner. Thankfully, the skies stopped dropping rain on the way home. We decided to set up a tailgate after all...

Here, WWN Copy Editor Erica Marker (behind the camera), Deputy Editor Fritz Hamme and I are enjoying some beer dogs at the Midway Service Plaza on the Pennsylvania Turnpike parking lot. This worked out really well, the lot was not crowded and aside from the wind, we had a great tailgate.

Labels: I Was There, PSU Football 2005, Weather

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