Welcome to the my Web site, v. XII. The blog is typically published Monday - Saturday. My primary topics tend to be the Nats, Penn State (esp. football), BeltwayLand, transportation, media, photos and more. The rest of the site gets updated as warranted and is noted on the blog.
Revisiting 2006 PSU football predictions - William World News
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Revisiting 2006 PSU football predictions
Right before the 2006 Penn State football season began, I posted predictions from 35 members of the media connected with the Nittany Lions. I also posted my prediction (10-3). I thought they'd pull a 3-1 September.
Soothsayers (9-4)
Frank Bodani - YDR Todd Brown - WPHB Andy Elder - BWI Amanda Gifford - ESPN Radio Jack Kerwin - BWI Tricia Lafferty - Tribune-Review Mike Poorman - BWI Sam Ross - Tribune-Review Rob Biertempfel - Tribune-Review Mimi Coppersmith Fredman - Town & Gown Football Annual David Pencek - Town & Gown Football Annual
Expecting just a little more out of the Nittany Lions (10-3)
Frank Bodani - YDR Todd Brown - WPHB Andy Elder - BWI Amanda Gifford - ESPN Radio Jack Kerwin - BWI Tricia Lafferty - Tribune-Review Mike Poorman - BWI Sam Ross - Tribune-Review Rob Biertempfel - Tribune-Review Mimi Coppersmith Fredman - Town & Gown Football Annual David Pencek - Town & Gown Football Annual
Picking with their hearts (11-2)
Phil Grosz - BWI Scott Moskovitch - BWI
Irrational Exuberance (12-1)
Nate Bauer - pennlive.com Jerry Fisher - SportsJam Radio Network
Let me just say, it is great to be wrong on this one!
BOURBON! This is a top shelf win too.
RB Tony Hunt was just a beast today. He may be better than I thought. He might be better than a 3rd down back in the NFL. He was a battering ram. Player of the game and offensive player of the season. I wish he could have gotten a TD at the end.
MLB Paul Posluszny had a monster third quarter, getting a bunch of TFLs. Did you notice he was not wearing a knee brace? He will be missed as he was quite possiblely the best Penn State player, over the course of a career, since I became a Nittany Lion in 1995.
OLB Sean Lee was a having a pretty bad game until he caused the fumble that Tony Davis took in for a touchdown.
Anthony Scrirotto is really turning into a great safety. If he can keep improving on his tackling, he should be all Big11Ten.
T Levi Brown was offsides again. For as much as he was hyped, he took a lot of penalties.
Overall, a strong performance by the offensive line.
DT Jay Alford had a pretty good game with a few flashes of domination.
Penn State is still the worst 3rd and really long team in history. Right before they gave up a 3rd and 23 I think I said that "the Vols have us right where they want us."
The 92 yard drive was the best Penn State has had in years.
Joe Paterno might have smiled twice during the whole game, at least in the shots of him we saw. I am not sure how he was contributing to the game though, since he had no headset and did not appear to be talking to anyone. At the end did you see that Fran Ganter was in the box with him?
K Kevin Kelly could be the death of Paterno.
CB Justin King is living up to his early billing, more so than WR Derrick Williams. He'll be an All-American before he is done and probably the best ever at the position for Penn State.
Finally QB Anthony Morelli finally played a good game againist decent competition. He was sharp thourghout, played with confidence and even looked like he was having fun. I feel a lot better about him as the starter now. He has shut up the critics for the offseason.
<h1>2006 <i>WWN</i> PENN STATE PREGAME #13</h1> - William World News
2006 WWN PENN STATE PREGAME #13
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Tennessee Volunteers
Penn State makes it two new year's bowl games in row with a date in the Outback Bowl. It is an 11 a.m. kickoff, so wipe the sleep from your eyes, have a glass of water and get in front of the television.
Penn State played down to the competition and barely beat Michigan State, 17-13 on Senior Day. A win is a win is a win. More
THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT: TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS
Penn State's Outback opponent is the Tennessee Volunteers, a team Penn State blew away in two bowls games in the 1990s. Overall, the series is tied at 2-2, with the two UT victories coming in back to back seasons in the 1970s. I'll admit, I know very little about the Vols. Here is what I do know:
The Vols had a tough 2005 season, going 5-6 after starting #3 in the polls. The rebounded pretty well.
The fanbase has an unhealthy love for Peyton Manning. They whined when Manning came in second to Charles Woodson for the 1997 Heisman. Some fans cried racism for Manning's second place finish instead of him never beating Florida. A street was named after the choking dog.
Manning's replacement Tee Martin did win the National Championship but there was controversies over whether he deserved a street named after him. It eventually happened. Also, I recall Martin was also paid off by a Tennessee booster.
Head coach Phillip Fulmer is seemingly unloved by all. Some think he orchestrated a coup to take over for Johnny Majors. He also told the NCAA about Alabama's recruiting violations.
The Vols do have a great end zone though -- orange and white checkerboard.
This is a tough one. Penn State can run the ball better and has a better defense than Tennessee, but Tennessee has a better offense. Rain helps Penn State I think, but there is only a 50-50 chance of it.
I can't decide. My gut says the Lions feel slighted by the Vols, but the off-field distractions and general offensive crumminess hurts the cause. The defense/special teams probably need to score a TD to win the game. No one at the Patriot-News thinks Penn State has a chance, but the CDT is predicting victory.
Reluctantly, I say Vols 20 Lions 16. Penn State has not proven anything to me this year. I want to be wrong.
Bob Flounders of the Patriot-News has just posted on the blog No Cheering Aloud that Austin Scotthas been sent home for "unspecified reasons." Given that Scott has been with the program for four years and was a redshirt this past season, one has to wonder if this is the end of his Nittany Lion career.
Scott came to Happy Valley with great promise and had a solid freshman campaign, but his attitude and punctuality got him in Joe Paterno's doghouse. With Tony Hunt emerging as a hard working, hard running tailback who could block, Scott was redshirted this year with the expection he would be the #1 in 2007. Given all that has happened, I don't expect Scott to return.
This is yet another cautionary tale of why I don't follow recruiting. Scott was a "can't miss prospect" coming out of high school, yet he probably doesn't even have 1,000 yards for his career. You just never know how an 18 year old kid is going to react to the collegiate expereince. It is too bad it has worked out this way for him. Thankfully, Hunt was up for the challenges of showing up on time, having a good attitude and possibly most importantly, blocking in the backfield.
Penn State is finished with Ed Johnson - William World News
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Penn State is finished with Ed Johnson
Defensive Tackle Suspended - Fight On State Ed Johnson is suspended for the Outback Bowl, ending his Penn State career. The talented but troubled DT is allegedly out for smoking weed. He missed the 2005 season after being disciplined by the university, so you have to wonder, if the allegations are true, just how dumb is he? I don't want someone so stupid affiliated with my alma mater. It is not difficult at all to turn down an offer of pot; is weed better than a free trip to Florida in the wintertime with your teammates? I'm no expert, but I really doubt it.Questions still loom for Nittany Lions - CDT Ten questions looking at the Lions matchup with the Vols.RON BRACKEN - Connor's career in limbo - CDT OLB Dan Connor will not decide if he is going pro or not until after the bowl game. I think he stays, he's good, but another year of seasoning is worth risking injury methinks.
JayPa tackles family business - The Collegian A looooooooonnnnnngggggggg profile of the oft criticized quarterback coach. I'll grant that he is probably a nice guy, just not a very good quarterback coach.
JayPa is a tool. I had him as a counselor for the Adventure Park day camp back in my extreme townie days. If he couldn't handle a bunch of 8-11 year olds 20 years ago, I don't think he's really capable of handling 18-23 year olds now.
I really think if Bradley does get the nod (which is looking more and more the case), he would do well to jettison JayPa.
# posted by Muha :
Thursday, December 14, 2006 8:49:00 PM
Another 2-in-a-row for Posluszny - William World News
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Another 2-in-a-row for Posluszny
Posluszny, Jarrett repeat on AP team - AP/Patriot-News Last week, it was a second Bednarik Award, this week ILB Paul Posluszny was named to the AP All-America Football Team for the second year in a row. He is the first Nittany Lion so honored. I just wish Bob Hope were still alive to congratulate him.
Since there is no Penn State pregame until late December, weekly commentary of Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) ESPN chat will run as a standalone feature.
Luke (Memphis): Beano, can Penn State score enough to hang with Tennessee?
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:17 PM ET ) Oh i think so. It's going to be tough. But if you look at Penn St. defeats it came to ND, Wisconsin, Michigan, and OSU. They lost to some very good teams. And three of them were on the road.
Beano's right, but what he overlooks is that Penn State struggled againist just about everyone who had won a game.
Elisha (chapel hill): Beano! What do you think is a better job, Miami or Rutgers? I understand it's a cushier job, theres no other college team up there and Schiano is a hero... but if you want to win titles theres only 1 team with 5 rings in 25 years!
SportsNation Beano Cook: Well things have changed at Miami...the academics have gone up. but Greg Shiano wants the Penn St. job, and if he took the job, he wouldn't have a shot. But the next coach at Penn St. is Bradley. But don't be surprised if JoPA is there in the 22nd century.
"but Greg Shiano wants the Penn St. job, and if he took the job, he wouldn't have a shot." Huh?
I think Beano's prediction about Paterno being there in the 22nd century is more likely than Tom Bradley getting the gig. That's just the way it has worked out for the assistant coaches.
Travis (State College, PA): Do you think penn state has a shot at another BCS game next year (if not national championship)?
SportsNation Beano Cook: Yes. It depends on the QB, and they have to beat Michigan, and they don't do that often. Since Penn St. entered the Big 10, it's a different game. And I thought Penn St. would have won more Big 10 titles in their 14 seasons in the conference. Their combined record against Michigan Wisconsin and Ohio St. is terrible...but I think they will be very good next year. National Championship will be difficult, but not impossible.
I like to think PSU has a shot, but you know who it really depends on? The o-line. If they can't block, nothing else matters.
Nittany Lions, Vols to meet in Tampa - CDT The Outback Bowl is set with the Nittany Lions facing Tennessee. Back in the 1990s, the Lions whipped the Vols twice hopefully that will continue. Like Penn State, Tennessee (9-3) had problems with ranked teams.
Penn State linebacker Paul Posluszny was selected the Academic All-American of the Year for the University Division in voting by members of the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA).
Also, Penn State athletes graduate at an 86% rate (Tribune-Review), including 80% of the football team.
I am pretty sure Penn State will be the home team, so they will probably be wearing blue. CBS Sportsline and Fox Sports project the Lions will play Auburn, while ESPN is saying LSU. Joe Paterno may be able to coach the game from a cart on the sideline. I hope it has a good battery.
Wow, what a stinky, stinky game from the Nittany Lions. How bad must the Spartans feel for losing that game?
Four turnovers in the first half! How many teams can overcome four turnovers in the first half?
Final score: 17-13
The bend but don't break defense Penn State used had to make Jerry Sandusky smile. MSU would get lots of completions underneath, but they got stuck when it got to be 3rd and short. PSU finally wore them down with some hard hitting.
Many of those hits won't show up in the stats because they came on incomplete passes or after throws. However, I think they did the most damage.
Play of the game: the non-fumble fumble near the Penn State goal line. Justin King appeared to strip the receiver, forcing the ball to roll out of the end zone for a touchback. It was overruled by instant replay, but it forced MSU to attempt a field goal, which they missed. If MSU had scored, they probably would have won.
Check out the line from MSU QB Brian Hoyer: 30 of 61 passes for 291 yards, 1 TD.
It was nice not needing a poncho for a change.
All the linebackers played well. I am really going to miss Paul Posluszny. Dan Connor better return next year. He, too, had a great game and made some big hits.
Someone in the seats near us had a Dan Connor poster that had a picture like this on it:
Morelli holds on to the ball too long. Throw it away Anthony!
It is still weird not having Joe Paterno on the sideline.
We could see our breath for most of the game.
Since MSU attempted over sixty passes, I would have liked to have seen more sacks and some interceptions.
Aside from the fumbles, Tony Hunt was solid.
We won the game despite winning the PSU vs. MSU blood drive. The winner of the blood drive usually loses the game.
Wiley, Tony, me, Fritz
photo by Ron Hamme
For the first time in a while, we grilled stickies during the postgame tailgate. Sooooo good.
Penn State continued its winning streak with me in attendance. The last time the Nittany Lions lost in my presence was the 2004 Northwetern game. It also continued the winning streak with me wearing my #11 jersey.
This was easily the ugliest PSU vs. MSU game I have ever seen. Penn State now leads the all-time series 12-11-1. Penn State has played no other Big11Ten team as much as the Spartans.
The Outback Bowl seems all but assured for the Lions. How great is it that such a crummy Penn State team can still play on New Year's Day? Looks like I am going to have to upgrade my cable TV package to get ESPN.
Typical Big11Ten officiating yesterday.
The Lions will probably get killed by whatever SEC team they have to play.
Well, you can always come over here and view the game with us. I've got a small crock pot for some pork and kraut, just for good luck.
We'll talk.
# posted by Muha :
Sunday, November 19, 2006 10:23:00 AM
Aw, looks like we missed a great tailgate. Next year!
# posted by Anonymous :
Tuesday, November 21, 2006 11:32:00 AM
Post a Comment<h1>2006 <i>WWN</i> PENN STATE PREGAME #12</h1> - William World News
Friday, November 17, 2006
2006 WWN PENN STATE PREGAME #12
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Michigan State Spartans
Happy Senior Day! It's the last chance to see Paul Posluszny, Tony Hunt, Tim Shaw, Levi Brown, Donnie Johnson, Jeremy Kaponis and others play at Beaver Stadium.
Penn State ran through Temple like Charlie Weis through a buffet. It simply was not fair. More
THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT: MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS
You throw the records out the window when the Land Grant Trophy is on the line. Or is it your record yourself throwing the Land Grant Trophy out the window? I can never keep it straight. While the trophy is much maligned the "rivalry" has been more interesting than many series. Generally, games tend to be high scoring and very close or absolute blowouts.
This is a particularly extreme year for the bipolar Spartan program, best illustrated by their loss to Notre Dame. Unlike the Nittany Lions, Sparty had the Fighting Irish on the ropes with an upset in the making. They choked in a big way though, blowing a three score lead which sent their season into despair. They showed signs of life against Northwestern though, coming back from a 38-10 defict to win. That was not enough to save head coach John L. Smith's job; he will coach his final game in green and white will be Saturday.
Carroll H. Cook (Pitt '54) had a little bit to say about the Nittany Lions this week.
John (Boston, MA): Hey Beano, Did you hear they moved Paterno's College Football HOF induction ceremony to Dec '07- because he wont be allowed to attend this year?
SportsNation Beano Cook: Yes, this is true. It is a shame that Paterno and Bowden will not be honored together on the same stage. I look forward to Paterno being able to attend next year. He clearly deserves such a lofty honor.
It is really just a shame for Bowden, who will not get to bask in the glory of Paterno.
TELEVISION
ESPN2 has the game at noon in a national telecast.
TAILGATING
The plan is to tailgate before and after the game in lot 12/13. Brunch will be served before the game and hamburgers and hotdogs will be served after the game. Hot beverages will also be available. Parking may be an issue though.
WEATHER
Cold, but dry, high only 46°. Dress warmly. This might be the second best weather of the season.
You never know if Michigan State has taken their meds, so this is typically a scary matchup. However, I expect Penn State's defense to dominate in Posluszny's final home game. Normally, I would say a linebacker of his caliber would tackle an opposition player, kill and butcher him with his bare hands, and devour him right on the field, but as well all know, Posluszny is a scholar and a gentleman so that won't happen. Perhaps Dan Connor will fill that role next year. Anyhow, I'll take Penn State 31-16 over Michigan State.
SuePa: Paterno will coach Saturday - The Collegian Score one for The Collegian. The newspaper published independently by students at Penn State University interviewed Sue Paterno for today's edition. She revealed that Joe Paterno will be coaching from the booth on Saturday and should return to practice today.
I knew Temple was bad, but not that bad. It was a bloodbath out there. I don't think I have ever seen a football team play so badly. They were unlucky too.
What did we learn about Penn State yesterday? Nothing.
The downpour started at about 2:15 and did not let up for more than three minutes at a time.
I wonder what Tony Hunt's ypg would have been if his first three carries weren't for losses. Once he got going he was unstoppable. It just wasn't fair.
Anthony Morelli settled down as the game wore on, but he still suffers from too many tipped passes.
It was very weird not having Joe Paterno around.
I never realized how much radio personalities Guy Junker and Pat Boland sound the same.
Bob Flounders accurately predicted the final score (47-0) in the Patriot-News.
When was the last time it rained this much during a Penn State season?
To earlier winners this season, I picked up your stickies yesterday.
It was great seeing some many of the reserves get on the field. One of the reasons that Penn State has not been reloading like they used to is they have stopped blowing out teams like they used to and thus getting the younger players in more frequently. That and the crummy offensive lines.
I think Paterno was going to be released from the hospital yesterday no matter what; it wouldn't be fair to the patients and staff to have him there during a game.
In his Penn State Sports Network interview Paterno seemed tired, but enthasiastic. He appears to be taking being off the sideline better than I would have expected. Of course, it could all be a front.
Penn State's record with my folks around is now 5-2, I think.
<h1><i>WWN</i> PENN STATE FOOTBALL PREGAME #11</h1> - William World News
Friday, November 10, 2006
WWN PENN STATE FOOTBALL PREGAME #11
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Temple Owls
On Saturday Penn State will play its first game without Joe Paterno on the sidelines since 1977. Many of the readers of this blog weren't even born yet. Anyhow, I've covered his situation plenty, so I won't dwell on it. This week's opponent is a good one for a team without a head coach -- Temple!
Penn State couldn't get going offensely, falling 13-3 to Wisconsin. It was a completely uneventful game. More
THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT: TEMPLE OWLS
Yup, it's Temple. That kind of says it all, doesn't it? They have a bunch of Penn Staters on the coaching staff, including Al Golden in the #1 spot. They stink, as they always have and are lucky to be in I-A. They hope to be the next Rutgers I suppose. Until then, they are Temple. At least they went back to their smart looking T helmets.
Carroll H. Cook (Pitt '54) has lost interest in Penn State.
TELEVISION
ESPN Regional/GamePlan/Plus/etc. has the game so some markets might have to order it PPV or go to a bar. It is suppossed to be broadcast by MASN, Peter Angelo$' network, in the D.C./Balmer area. The last time MASN "broadcasted" the game there was no sound. That might be good enough for Baltimorons, but Washingtonians expect a little more.
<h1>PATERNO WILL NOT COACH ON SATURDAY</h1> - William World News
Thursday, November 09, 2006
PATERNO WILL NOT COACH ON SATURDAY
UPDATE: PATERNO TO MISS FIRST PSU GAME SINCE 1977 - CDT Joe Paterno will not coach Saturday's game vs. Temple. The coordinators (or whatever Penn State calls them) will coach their respective units. Final decisions will be made by Tom Bradley if there is disagreement between the coaching staff.
Paterno may not coach on Saturday - William World News
Paterno may not coach on Saturday
PSU Football: No sideline coaching for Paterno - Post-Gazette Yesterday, while most of the papers of record for Penn State were running articles indidcating Joe Paterno will coach from the pressbox on Saturday, the Post-Gazette indicated that he may not. That will be a gameday decision made by Dr. Wayne Sebastianelli, Penn State's director of athletic medicine. Paterno is still at Mount Nittany Medical Center. He is being described as "not the best rehab patient."
Wisconsin kickoffs; Paterno still hospitalized - William World News
Wisconsin kickoffs; Paterno still hospitalized
I'm posting this because there is a lot of interest in it. Personally, I've moved on.
In other news, Joe Paternois still hospitalized (AP/CDT)at Mt. Nittany Medical Center. He may be released today. Am I the only one who finds it odd that he has been there so long?
Lastly, Dave Jones of the Patriot-News has an insightful column on Penn State's philosophy too.
I don't think dl004d saw Paterno's last game on the sideline - William World News
Monday, November 06, 2006
I don't think dl004d saw Paterno's last game on the sideline
I expect Joe Paterno on the sidelines this Saturday one way or the other. Whether it is on a "rascal" or in a wheelchair I think he will be on the field rather than in a booth. I like to think he'd powering his own wheelchair, rolling back and forth down the sidelines. Either way, I can't see him being content in the booth and I cannot imagine the other coaches would enjoy that scenario much either. If he tries the booth, he'll only be up there for the first half.
I think I have already mentioned that Joe and Sue will probably have a lot to talk about this offseason. If his health does not change, I do not see a scenario where he steps down. If the team plays poorly, he'll want to fix it. If the team plays well, he'll think they are almost back to 2005 levels.
Thanks for posting. I wonder if I witnessed Paterno's last game on the sidelines. (I assume he'll be coaching from the press box for the rest of the year.)
As for Craig James, he could have easily praised Bielema for exposing the clock-rule loophole without resorting to name calling. But I agree -- who cares?
It was worse that Lee Corso said before the game that Wisconsin hasn't played either Ohio State or Michigan and then ESPN repeated it again after the game (and ESPNEWS had that statement in its loop the rest of the weekend).
(Who does ESPN think Wisconsin lost to?)
# posted by Anonymous :
Monday, November 06, 2006 10:08:00 AM
Well, poor choice of words, but look who STILL has his coaching job. Wasn't ol' Craig implicated in the first ever death sentence for the rampant violations at SMU? If that's the case, I'd watch that tongue if I were Craig James.
# posted by Muha :
Monday, November 06, 2006 6:27:00 PM
Post a CommentCraig James is not the problem - William World News
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Craig James is not the problem
A lot of Penn State fans are quite upset about what Craig James had to say yesterday during the ABC College Football studio show:
In case you missed it, here is what James said.
On the set with host John Saunders and fellow analyst Doug Flutie, James was talking about Paterno walking off the field at halftime, when the coach yelled at an ABC cameraman to back away.
"So JoePa goes in at halftime, and I mean the camera crew is following him, and JoePa's Geritol, the Geritol that he had too much of this morning, kicks in," James said. "Must of had, must of had bad beans in his soup last night. Man JoePa is fired up and ready to get after him."
Later in the halftime report, the panel discussed Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema's strategy of having his team purposely run offside on back-to-back kickoffs late in the second quarter to run time off the clock.
"They just happened to be offside…" James said. "Way to go Coach Bielema."
Then James raised his fist in the air and said, "Give it to the old fart."
Paterno was injured in the third quarter of the game, when two players crashed into him on the sideline. He was forced to leave the field and fly home to State College for medical treatment.
Immediately after the game, James indicated his halftime comments about Paterno were a joke.
Later, in the ABC pregame show before the 8 p.m. Miami-Virginia Tech game, James apologized for using an inadvertent comment about Paterno and said he hoped the coach would be OK.
gopsf.com, the multimedia site for Penn State football is asking fans to contact ABC/ESPN, etc. about the remarks. I suppose that is a much more appealing thing for gopsf.com to highlight than the fact that the team has scored about four offensive touchdowns in the Big11Ten this season. THAT is the problem, not what some has-been gasbag thinks about the coach.
Bonnie Bernstein has been on the sidelines for two Penn State games this year where Joe Paterno had to leave the sideline and the team failed to score a touchdown.
The first time I saw the hit that Paterno took on the sidelines I feared a very serious knee injury, but the second time I saw the video I felt as though it was not as bad. Still, it is very unfortunate and I expect Sue will have a little bit to talk about this offseason if not sooner.
If Lynn Swann is not rehired by Wednesday afternoon, I will be very disappointed.
Next year there will be the "Bielema Rule" in the Big11Ten. The two offsides on the kickoffs were pretty clever though, if not the best example of sportsmanship.
What was John Stocco doing throwing the ball with a 10 point lead late in the game while nursing a bad shoulder? i think his coaches let him down.
Since I did not watch a lot of Sunday Night Football in the past, I did not know just how bad Paul MacGuire is in the booth. It seems pretty clear his partners do not care for him or his dietary choices. Bob Griese should have kept it to himself though.
Wisconsin wears black shoes again, good for them.
Pitching the ball on 4th and 1 is stupid with the line Penn State has this (any) year.
By the way, Wisconsin won 13-3. I skipped the scores in previous post-game rants.
Badger LBs have mohawks.
The punt from FG formation was a great call by Penn State that almost worked out.
Again, too much Mellancamp.
I do like the Nissan Titan ad though. I can't figure out what the boulder represents though.
Oh, poor Anthony Morelli doesn't like the critcism he gets because it is hard on his family. Two things -- play better and, um, get over it; you are a D-IA quarterback - it comes with the territory.
Did you notice he has a new, bigger facemask?
Another strong defensive performance wasted.
Yale won and leads the Ivy League by two games with two left to play.
Congratulations to Tortcaesar and dl004d on the victory. I'll call tomorrow TC.
This is the worst bowl-eligible Penn State team I have ever seen. I think the 5-6 2001 team may have actually been better than this outfit.
Prior to today, Penn State was undefeated in games watched from Fritz's apartment.
At the stadium, I was furious with the first offsides, thinking it was yet another special-teams goof. When it happened again on the next play, I realized Bielema was doing it on purpose. People have complained about these clock rules all season long -- I hope the fact that Bielema made a mockery of them means that they'll reinstate the old clock rules. (Side note: Bielema could have gone a step further by taking intentional delay-of-game penalties in the 4th quarter. Since the clock runs after a penalty, he could have ended the game by taking 20 straight penalties.)
You're right about Stocco. He shouldn't have been throwing that pass. We'll need him to beat Iowa.
I never saw Paterno's injury. I saw him being attended to and had no idea what had happened. I'll have to watch my recording of the game when I get back to D.C. I hope it turns out that he's okay.
I thought it was rude that the PA system at Camp Randall constantly played loud music during the time outs when Penn State's band was playing.
Meanwhile, where are my Grilled Stickies?
:)
# posted by Anonymous :
Saturday, November 04, 2006 9:49:00 PM
I'm all for getting rid of the clock rules, but I would have rather the mockery of them been made elsewhere.
I don't know that you need Stocco to beat Iowa. Northwestern (even we beat them) defeated the Hawkeyes on Saturday. What you really need is to get rid of that junior backup, because I do not believe the world can accept Wisconsin starting a quarterback for only one season instead of the usual six.
The injury video is now up.
Rude PA systems are becoming the rule in college football. Why do the Guido D'Elia's of the world want to make college football seem less like college football?
Your stickies probably have not even been baked yet. I'll get them on Saturday...
# posted by WFY :
Monday, November 06, 2006 6:11:00 AM
Post a Comment<h1>2006 <i>WWN</i> PENN STATE PREGAME #10</h1> - William World News
Friday, November 03, 2006
2006 WWN PENN STATE PREGAME #10
Penn State Nittany Lions at #17 Wisconsin Badgers
The Battle for 3rd Place? The Little 9 Championship? Call it what you will, but this weekend's Penn State vs. Wisconsin game is a pretty big deal. Saturday is a chance for the Nittany Lions to earn a big win in what has been a somewhat mediocre season. This is in fact the only chance left to make a statement about the season. Anthony Morelli, Derrick Williams and the rest of the offense (other than Tony Hunt) I'm looking at you.
In a windy West Lafayette, Ind., the Nittany Lions held Purdue and its formerly explosive offense scoreless. The offensive line came together against poor competition and made enough room for Tony Hunt to take over the game. The defense did not allow the Boilermakers in the red zone. The game also ended on a play that had about ten laterals and nearly saw Penn State score a defensive touchdown. More.
THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT: WISCONIN BADGERS
When it come down to it, I like the series between the Lions and Badgers. Under former coach and current A.D. Barry Alvarez, Wisconsin has become a great program all around, aside from the white shoes and fake grass at their stadium. Also, a couple of Badgers are regular WWN readers, so there is a little rivalry there. For the second year in a row one of them, dl004d has been kind enough to add a preview to the the WWN Pregame:
34-year-old Bret Bielema has replaced Barry Alvarez as head-coach. The differences have been that Wisconsin has been much more aggressive. They've gone for it on 4th down all over the place (not to much success so far, though), they've attempted fake punts, they call time-outs on defense at the end of the half to get the ball back, they don't take a knee with a few seconds left and instead go deep.
As I've said, very little of that aggressiveness has actually worked. In fact, it's burned us more than a few times.
Wisconsin's schedule has turned out to be pretty crummy. But unlike other years, the Badgers pounded the bad opponents instead of merely squeaking by. In three straight games, Wisconsin scored the most points of any three-game B10 stretch in school history:
52-17 over Indiana 41-9 over Northwestern 48-12 over Minnesota
Is it just me or is dl004d being pretty hard on a 8-1 team? I wish I had his problems.
But the Badgers turned in a clunker last week, beating Illinois 30-24 after being down by 18 points.
I know that clunker, I have seen that clunker. Illinois is growing up quickly.
The Wisconsin papers have reported that ABC wanted to make this a night game, but Joe Paterno vetoed it (as is the right of the visiting team for last-moment schedule changes). Wisconsin isn't too pleased with the 11 a.m. (local time) start. You'll see a lot of empty seats in the north endzone when the game starts, as the students typically don't show up until the middle of the 2nd quarter. (They don't sell beer at games, so students hang out at house parties until the last moment.) (This is a source of frustration among die-hard fans.)
Re: fans -- Penn State has similar problems and I share the frustration of the latecoming students, though I don't mind beer is not for sale in the stadium.
Side note: the Penn State folks treated me well last year in Happy Valley. I hope Wisconsin fans will be as hospitable.
Well, Madison survived Halloween, so maybe there is hope. I really wanted to be one of those fans, but it did not work out this year. Maybe in 2008.
Weaknesses:
Wide receiver. Wisconsin's only loss (against Michigan in Ann Arbor) really highlighted this as a problem. Our WRs have had problems getting open and holding onto wide-open passes. Paul Hubbard is a speedy wideout Â? a track star, actually Â? who can't always hold onto the ball. And Luke Swan has shown flashes of competence but has been inconsistent.
Good news for PSU since the DBs are young, but improving.
Kick and punt returns. Wisconsin has muffed at least four punts and fumbled on several kickoffs this season. Returns have been a big problem. In the Michigan game, our only loss, we rarely started with the ball outside our own 20.
More good news, other than placekicking, Penn State has been better than average on special teams this year.
Strengths:
Quarterback. John Stocco is a 5th-year senior and clearly the leader of the team. Don't let Wisconsin's running tradition fool you Â? he'll stand in the pocket and air it out. He steps out of pressure well, but he doesn't actually scramble well. He's not a fluid runner. Sometimes his toughness can be used against him because he'll stand in the pocket a little too long.
Doesn't it seem like Wisconsin always has a QB who has started for 5 or 6 years?
Tight end. Travis Beckum leads the B10 in receiving yards per game (conference games only). Beckum is especially impressive since he was a defensive end last year.
Penn State has shown to be quite vulenrable to throws underneath, so this is very troubling.
Cornerback. Jack Ikegwuonu is a shut-down corner. Until this past week, Michigan's Mario Manningham was the only reciever to catch a TD pass against Wisconsin.
Not good news for a struggling corps of wideouts.
Offensive line. Left tackle Joe Thomas is a Lombardi Award semifinalist predicted by Mel Kiper to be a 1st-round pick in the NFL draft.
Our defensive line is improving, but still quite vulenrable.
Question mark:
Running game. This continues to be Wisconsin's bread and butter. And indeed freshman P.J. Hill has continued the tradition well Â? after seven games, only Marshall Faulk, Emmitt Smith and Adrian Peterson had rushed for more yards as a freshman in the history of college football. However, Hill got hurt in last week's game and there seems to be a big drop-off to the backup running backs (Lance Smith and Dywon Rowan). His health and playing status will be very important in determining whether Wisconsin is a strong favorite to win the game.
With a healthy P.J. Hill, I predict a 26-20 Wisconsin victory.
By the way, I welcome these contributions from fans of the opposition for every game.
NO RANKING
Penn State is still unranked but has an opprutunity to get back in it this week. A win in Wisconsin equals Top 25.
Carroll H. Cook (Pitt '54) has literally been phoning in his chats for years - he doesn't have a computer. As of late though, it seems he is figurateively phoning them in. He seems annoyed by the whole enterprise. I mean, when was the last time you heard him mention Casablanca? Anyway, he kind of talked about Penn State this week.
Bernard (Princeton, NJ): Penn State vs Wisconsin this weekend for #3 in the Big Ten. Any thoughts?
SportsNation Beano Cook: Wisconsin has been one of the surprise teams of the year and the transition to Bielema has been smooth. It has been a disgrace that the league did not go to nine league games, and the Badgers don't play Ohio State this season or next. A key is RB PJ Hill, who is back in practice now and that helps. Wisconsin will probably be in Florida for its bowl if it wins this game.
Wisconsin and Penn State will probably be in Florida either way, they are playing for Orlando over Tampa, Disney over Busch Gardens.
Paul (Seattle, WA): Beano - any predictions on which coach will finish their carrer with more wins, Paterno or Bowden. Two years ago I thought Bowden would run away from Parterno, but now I am not so sure.
SportsNation Beano Cook: I think Paterno has a good chance to pass Bowden. Paterno has a chance to make up some more ground this season.
That would be great, but generally, whatever Beano predicts about Penn State goes the other way.
TELEVISION
ABC is broadcasting the game as a split national telecast. Brad Nessler, Bob Griese, Paul Maguire and Bonnie Bernstein will be involved. They could probably do without th e last two. I used to think Bernstein was one of the better sideline reporters, but I don't like the way she talked about Paterno during the Ohio State game this year. Coverage Map.
Speaking of sideline reporters the best all-time sideline reporter will probably be available to return to the airwaves by Wednesday morning.
Wisconsin is just too balanced and is playing at home. I just don't believe the Penn State offense is running smooth enough to pull an upset. Sadly, I predict the Nittany Lions will fall 24-16.
If only the band was on the field - William World News
Saturday, October 28, 2006
If only the band was on the field
Let's give thanks to Purdue for making the final seconds of the game more interesting than the previous 3596. I think they lost 40 yards on the laterals. Such a shame Josh Gaines couldn't stay on his feet, it would have been one of the greatest touchdowns ever.
Offenisve line! Granted it was against no one, but heh, it was enough.
Shutout for the defense!
Paul Posluszny is a force again, yea!
Anthony Morelli still looks troubled.
Pretty good job by the coaches today.
Deja vu all over again -- Like Illinois, if Purdue could complete some passes it would have been a very different game.
DB Nolan McCready made two crucial tackles late.
Illinois gave Wisconsin a scare too, but thankfully the Badgers came back. Madison is hard enough to play in with a tough loss fresh on the Badgers' minds.
Penn State got very lucky to get Tony Hunt's fumble reversed.
Penn State was lethargic for most of the game, but the defense, aided by some key dropped passes, kept the Illini out the end zone long enough to get some turnovers and let the offense wake up a little bit. Most troubling sign -- the defense scored 9 points in the redzone, the offense 7. More
THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT: PURDUE BOILERMAKERS
This is only the second time Penn State has visited West Lafyette in the 21st century. Penn State owns the series, losing only once.
Purdue and Penn State have identical 5-3 records. Neither team has beaten anybody of significance and both have some weaknesses. Not surprisingly for Purdue, it is the defense. For Penn State it is the offensive line. Last week, Purude's offense couldn't do anything and lost to Wisconsin. Penn State's couldn't do anything aganist Illinois, but found a way to win.
NO RANKING
Penn State is still unranked in the major college polls and will be for sometime. The next opprutunity to get back in is winning the next two games. They probably aren't the best 5-3 team in the country.
Penn State's defense is better than Purdue's offense. Penn State offense is good enough against Purdue's defense, but it is still close. Penn State wins 27-20.
Big Ten Honors 2 Lions - CDT MLB Paul Posluszny was named as defensive Big11Ten Player of the Week. He had 13 tackles and a forced fumble that was returned for a touchdown.
P Jeremy Kapinos took home the special teams award after averaging 45.6 yards on 8 punts.
That's what Joe Paterno said about Penn State's performance on Saturday. It works for a lot of reasons, namely that the Lions' defense scored more red zone points (9) than the offense (7). Normally, that means you lose, but when you play Illinois you can get away with it. For now.
More thoughts:
Welcome back to MLB Paul Posluszny who played his best game of the year with 13 tackles and a forced fumble, which was returned for a touchdown.
OLB Dan Connor also had a monster game, getting about a dozen tackles and scoring a safety.
Anthony Scriotto had two interceptions in the 3rd quarter, which is two more passes than Illinois caught in that period. He dropped another, but atoned for it by returning the onside free kick for a TD. The CDT picked a good day to make him the cover boy of the pregame wrap.
The sequence that included the safety and free kick TD was one of the oddest I have ever seen. The safety occurred on 4th and very long inside the ten. In the stands we wondered if they would have to punt or go for it. They went for it and gave up a safety. Then the had an onside free kick, something that had never occurred to me.
Justin King may have made a game saving tackle in the third quarter when he ran down Rashard Mendenhall, who had gone 79 yards. I missed the play (the only one I missed all day) and wondered if the quarter had changed when I saw Illinois on that side of the field.
The offensive line has seriously regressed in the last couple of weeks. I though they had come together fairly well before the Michigan game, but now they are awful.
An ugly win is still a win. They Lions need victories any way they can get them, because Purdue and Wisconsin will be tough on the road and you never know which Michigan State team will show up. 7-5 looks like a real possibility all of the sudden and sadly, 6-6 is possible too.
Penn State got pushed around and beaten up by Michigan, yet came within a touchdown of tying at the end of the game with a third string quarterback. All is not lost.
THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT: ILLINOIS FIGHTING ILLINI
Of all the Big11Ten teams Penn State plays, Illinois is one of the least interesting. Maybe I feel this way because they were not on the schedule the first two years I was a student. The series, a nice and lopsided one, has not given me much to get excited about either. Also, it seems like Illinois is always our homecoming opponent when they play in Happy Valley, like Purdue and Minnesota used to be.
This year's edition of the Illini is better than last year's, but they still have a long way to go. They lost last week to Ohio, 20-17. No, I did not miss the "State," they lost to Ohio of the MAC.
NO RANKING
Penn State is still unranked in the major college polls and will be for sometime. The next opprutunity to get back in is winning the next three games. Some wag did say that the Lions were the best 4-3 team in the country which is a pretty useless statement.
<h1>2006 <i>WWN</i> PENN STATE PREGAME #7</h1> - William World News
Saturday, October 14, 2006
2006 WWN PENN STATE PREGAME #7
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Michigan Wolverines
Saturday is the easily the biggest home game of the season and I won't be there. While it is disappointing, I have made my peace with it and will be watching from the confines of my apartment.
Penn State barely beat Minnesota in overtime. They had an iffy pass interferance call go their way and benefited from a missed PAT in overtime. Still, a win is a win. Offensive player of the game -- Tony Hunt. Defensive player of the game Paul Posluszny.
THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT: MICHIGAN WOLVERINES
Here comes the last monster game of the season for Penn State. Michigan comes to Happy Valley with a ten-year winning streak over the Nittany Lions. I was a sophomore the last time Penn State beat the Wolverines. The last time Michigan lost in Happy Valley, I was a freshmen, and there was over a foot of snow ice in the stadium.
The reason to hate Michigan are many. A lot of people are still upset about the Chad Henne fiasco -- he had made a verbal committment to Penn State, and then signed with Michigan without telling Penn State; exhibit A about why I don't get into recruiting, I don't want to worry about where a 17-year old goes to college. To me, this whole thing is not a worthy enough reason to hate Michigan, there are plenty of others.
Obviously, the seven game losing streak is a source of frusturation, but there is so much more. Some examples:
Attitude -- Michigan acts as though it invented college football. That of course is false, if you want to be very specific, it was Rutgers and Princeton with Yale and Walter Camp picking up the ball and running with it.
Not as good historically as they made themselves out to be: Michigan has exactly 1/2 a National Championship in the last 50 years.
Lloyd Carr: Michigan's head coach is a whiner who has a decent season about every three years. He gets lots and lots of calls too. Not all of them, but most of them. By the way, Penn State beats Ohio State more often than Michigan
The 1993 game: The first Penn State vs. Michigan game was at Beaver Stadium. It was the home team's 1000th game too. The crowd was so loud that Michigan could not hear their signals, so QB Todd Collins complained to the officials who warned the crowd to quiet down or Penn State would be enforced a 15-yard personal foul for unsportsmenlike conduct. That, above all else, is a great reason to hate the Wolverines. Shame on the Big11Ten for letting that happen.
In short, I'd really like to see Penn State win this one. Since Michigan ruined an undefeated season for us, I would like the "favor" returned.
With the hope of fixing Penn State's luck against the Wolverines, I am ditching the favored #11 jersey I was given in 1999 for the #14 jersey (the Blackledge jersey) I bought in 1996. That last time we beat Michigan, I was wearing that one. A friend is also going to be sporting a vintage #39.
NO RANKING
Penn State is still unranked in the major college polls, but if they win this week, they hit the top 20, maybe the top 15. Let's not get ahead of ourselves though.
Not surprisingly, Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) started by caarping on the officiating going Penn State's way.
Jamaal (Marlton, NJ): Hey Beano, will my beloved Wolverines take an L on Saturday at Penn State without Mario Mannigham?
Beano Cook: That makes it tougher for the Maize and Blue. Michigan has won the last seven meetings. Since Penn State has entered the Big Ten its record against Michigan and Ohio State are terrible. Officials are not giving Penn State all the calls any more. The Nittany Lions did get a favorable call against Minnesota last week.
Beano seems obscessed about all the calls that Penn State apparently gets. He is right about last week though.
Craig (PA): Every week all you can say about Penn State is the back in the day they used to get calls by the refs. What gives, did Joe Pa steal your girl back in 1908 or something?
SportsNation Beano Cook: Put it this way...I gave him a good struggle. He has an Ivy League education, and that is tough to beat.
At last, we know the truth!
TELEVISION
The contest is being televised in primetime by ABC in the Eastern and Central time zones. Coverage starts at 8 p.m.
WEATHER
The first cold game of the season, lows dropping into the 30s, but at least it will be dry.
I'm going with my head instead of my heart. Until Penn State proves they can beat Michigan, I can't make the pick I want to make. I think it will be close going into the fourth quarter, but Michigan will hold on and win 22-16.
How Penn State can win: Better play in the redzone, better special teams and no turnovers. Anthony Morelli is going to have to be sharp, because Michigan will focus on Tony Hunt. The defense is going to have to knuckle down and play hard every play and watch out for the pass underneath. It is possible for the Lions to win, but they have to play an A game.
<h1>2006 <i>WWN</i> PENN STATE PREGAME #6</h1> - William World News
Saturday, October 07, 2006
2006 WWN PENN STATE PREGAME #6
Penn State Nittany Lions at Minnesota Golden Gophers
We have wondered for weeks whether this game would be played today and then we need to know what channel it would be broadcast on. It turns out the game will be played, at noon, on ESPN Regional. In D.C., the game is being shown on MASN. Who'd have thunk it?
Penn State struggled inside red zone but got good kicking from Kevin Kelly, strong running from Tony Hunt and a record breaking day from Deon Butler to drop 33 on the Mildcats of Northwestern. The defense was stout as well, yielding only 7 points.
THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT: MINNESOTA GOLDEN GOPHERS
If things continue to proceed in this series the way they have we might have a rivalry on our hands. Going back as far as 1997 there have been some pretty intense games between the two schools. In the '97 edition , the Gophers nearly upset #1 Penn State before the Lions rallied late to win 16-15. That was the game that Aaron Harris got his ACL destroyed by a Tyrone Carter great tackle. I will not discuss 1999 as it is still too painful to think about 7 years later. The 2003 matchup, a 20-14 loss for the Blue and White, was also incredibly frusterating to the Lions, who had a chance to win at the end and blew it, cauisng Fran Ganter to throw off his headset and disgust. One year later was not much better as the Nittany Lions stunk up the Metrodome with no offense and fell 16-7.
Last year, the tide turned with a furious wave of Penn State offense led by Michael Robinson. It was the first statement game of last season with Robinson dramatically asserting himself as the team leader and quarterback. His hit on Brandon Owens set the tone for the rest of the season as the Lions rolled to 11-1.
This is likely the last visit to the Metrodome for the Nittany Lions. The Golden Gophers move outdoors to an on-campus facility in a couple of years. Good for them.
NO RANKING
Penn State is still unraked in the major college polls.
Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) had more say about Penn State this week.
Scott (New York City): What has changed at Michigan? Are the coaches finally letting the players play the game and not playing not to lose? Or is their new success from some other source?
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:14 PM ET ) Michigan usually plays Notre Dame in a non-conference game and that is not easy. They play Ohio State and Penn State every year. The criticism of Lloyd Carr has been unfair. Michigan has a lot of things going for them and maybe they should have done better in past years, but I think they have confidence and a healthy Mike Hart. I am the only person who feels they should be concerned with the night game against Penn State. Paterno has had very little luck against Michigan. Give Michigan's defense some credit too...The Wolverines have not allowed one rushing TD all season.
Beano is correct that Michigan should be concerned with Penn State because it is a nasty to place to play at night. My hope is Michigan won't be and gets ambushed.
Dave, Ann Arbor: How do you see Michigan finishing? Can they go undefeated, or do I need to prepared for a stumble (or two)?
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:43 PM ET ) I think if I had to make a prediction now, I would say Michigan would enter the Ohio State game unbeaten, and I did not feel that way going into the season. I still feel Penn State has the potential to give them a very tough game.
Penn State has frequently given Michigan tough games, but always find a way to lose, usually with help from the zebras.
TELEVISION
The contest is being televised by ESPN Regional at 12:00 p.m. MASN has actually picked up the game for the D.C. region which will be very odd.
Prior to last year, Penn State had not played well on the road for several years and so far they are 0-2 away from Happy Valley. Granted those two loses were to top 3 teams, but still it represents a troubling trend. Minnesota will be very fired up because of what happened to Brandon Owens last year. Put that all together and it is what I call an Admiral Ackbar game -- it's a TWAP! Nevertheless, I expect Penn State to win 26-13.
The CDT'sMonday Morning QB blog has learned that Homecoming (vs. Illinois) will be a noon kickoff. I was beginning to wonder if we would ever have a Penn State game start at noon again. The upshot of all this is Erica and I will be doing to a brunch tailgate for the first time in nearly two years. Now, all I need to do is take care of tickets.
Also, Saturday's game vs. Minnesota will either be on ESPN2 or ESPN Regional, depending on what happens in the MLB playoffs. I think for those of us who want to watch it at home are rooting for A's and Cardinals to sweep.
<h1>2006 <i>WWN</i> PENN STATE PREGAME #5</h1> - William World News
Friday, September 29, 2006
2006 WWN PENN STATE PREGAME #5
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Northwestern Wildcats
For the second time in two seasons, the Northwestern game appears to be a turning point for the Nittany Lions. Last year, the Lions, especially QB Mike Robinson, played a sloppy game, yet somehow overcame the Wildcats. After that, they rolled through the Big11Ten schedule (for the most part) and to the #3 ranking.
Penn State kept it close, but was not agressive enough around the goal line and fell at #1 Ohio State. Recap
THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT: NORTHWESTERN WILDCATS
Northwestern lost their head coach, Randy Walker, over the summer to a heart attack. Their new coach, Pat Fitzgerald, was a star there in the mid-90s and was being groomed to take over for Walker in a few years. Fitzgerald was coached by current Lions linebacker coach Ron Vanderlinden, then assistant head coach, at Northwestern.
So far, the Wildcats are 2-2 with loses to Nevada and New Hampshire, the #1 team in I-AA. They beat Miami, Walker's alma mater, in an emotional season opener.
NEW NO RANKING
The loss at OSU pushed Penn State into the "others recieving votes" category. It could be weeks before they return to the top 25.
Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) had nothing to say about Penn State. Nothing. A shut out. Goose egg. Nil.
TELEVISION
The contest is being televised by ABC at 3:30 p.m. some of the nation, but not WJLA-TV 7 in Washington. Coverage Map
WEATHER
State College-based Accuweather says the high will be 60°F, but it will feel like 56°F, with clouds and sun. Some light rain may show up later in the day. Other than the rain, it looks like perfect football weather.
TAILGATING
I'm hosting a tailgate in either lot 12 or 13. Look for the Yurasko flag.
This is a big game for the Nittany Lions and I think they will respond. Last year's Northwestern game was the turning point and this year will be, too. A loss this weekend pretty much ends the season, while a victory keeps it going.
There is no way that the Wildcats can keep up with the Nittany Lions. I expect Penn State to establish the run and take more shots downfield. Getting Anthony Morelli comfortable is the #1 priority in my mind. Wideouts Derrick Williams, Deon Butler, and A.J. Wallace all need more touches on Saturday.
Defensively, Penn State will be fine, the unit is really starting to come together, especially CB Justin King.
I expect Penn State to win 30-17, not an overwhelming victory, but a victory nonetheless.
Rest assured I was on the Internet within minutes registering my disgust throughout the world - William World News
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Rest assured I was on the Internet within minutes registering my disgust throughout the world
RB Tony Hunt played a fantastic game, but why weren't his lineman helping him up in the fourth quarter? He was clearly gassed and needed all the help he could get. A new pair of pants too.
QB Anthony Morelli had fear in his eyes at the start of the game and really locked on to the wideouts in the fourth.
Not going for it inside the five bothered me.
Hero Donnie Johnson played a great game.
I hope Joe Paterno does not look at too much film, he is sick enough.
The defense played pretty well.
It looked like Tamba Hali was on the sidelines. Ki-Jana Carter too.
OSU "fixed" what wasn't broken when they changed their jerseys.
Paul MacGuire had one useful thing to say in a three hour telecast.
Bonnie Bernstein was only slightly more useful than MacGuire. There, now I'll get lots of hits from sideline reporter fetishists.
Good use of a Simpsons quote. Bonnie Bernstein's "usefulness" apparently only lends itself to RFK-type situations, according to UMD football players back when she was in college...
# posted by Anonymous :
Saturday, September 23, 2006 9:49:00 PM
I don't put a lot of stock in what comes out of the locker room. I used to think Bernstein was one of the better ones. I'm really not the arbiter of sideline reporters anyway.
My all-time favorite sideline reporter is currently trailing by double digits to Ed Rendell.
# posted by WFY :
Sunday, September 24, 2006 8:30:00 AM
Not going for it inside the five REALLY upset the Hammes. The elder Hamme felt that it signaled our surrender of the game, which I'm inclined to agree with.
# posted by MC Hamme :
Sunday, September 24, 2006 9:35:00 AM
I forgot one detail: the source of the Bernstein info wasn't actually a football player, he just looked like one- which I guess was enough for Bonnie.
# posted by Anonymous :
Sunday, September 24, 2006 11:11:00 AMPost a Comment
<h1>2006 <i>WWN</i> PENN STATE PREGAME #4</h1> - William World News
2006 WWN PENN STATE PREGAME #4
#24 Penn State Nittany Lions at #1 Ohio State Buckeyes
This is a big one. It has been been many years since Penn State played #1 on the road -- the '98 Buckeyes. That was an ugly one, played in bad weather by a Lions team that was easily deflated. Well this year be a repeat?
LAST WEEK
Penn State played sluggishly for the first twenty minutes of the game, then came to life and finished off Youngstown State 37-3. Recap
THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT: OHIO STATE BUCKEYES
If we have a biggest rival in the Big11Ten, the Buckeyes, a mere one state over, are probably it. A number of games with them have been excellent, but none of those have been in Columbus. Penn State has not won there since before Woody Hayes met Charlie Bauman and Art Schlicter was role model.
The Buckeyes also have a fanbase that is more myopic than ours. Frankly, I think their sense of entitlement is way too high.
On paper, I though this was an excellent opportunity for the Nittany Lions to finally get one in Columbus, but as the season has played out, I really have my doubts. Ohio State has reloaded, while Penn State seems to be a little closer to rebuilding. This year, the Bucks appear to be a team possessed. Last year, they only lost twice, both in night games aganist what wound up being the #1 and #3 teams in the country. So far, they have knocked off #1 Texas and handled a pair of Ohio opponents. Their QB Troy Smith is a Heisman contender and scarygood. They run the ball better than they have since Maurice Clarett was just annoying and not a threat to society. Their defense is really good considering it has nine new starters.
By the way, check out Buckeye Buzz, for a little more information.
Also, I have put up a box of grilled stickies vs. buckeye candy on this one with someone I know in Ohio.
It was like old time when Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) was on ESPN SportsNation on Wednesday. He was quite talkative on the subject of football and the Pennsylvania State University.
Tony(Chatt TN): Beano, In wake of the OU/OU game,In your lifetime which university have you seen get the most favorable calls at home? Penn State?
SportsNation Beano Cook: I always say in the Joe Paterno era, visiting teams have gotten the shaft at PSU on a consistent basis. The two that stick out happened in the 80s. One against Nebraska. Apparently PSU has smaller end zones than other universities. PSU would be a good choice. A lot of teams have gotten the shaft at Penn State.
There goes Beano whining about something that allegedly happened twenty-five years ago. He must had some money aganist Penn State in those games.
Chris (Kalamazoo, Michigan): What kind of side dishes would you like with your crow? Do you have any new insight on the Wolverines of Michigan? They looked tough against your Irish!
SportsNation Beano Cook: Well, first, even though I'm 50% Irish, ND is not one of my favorite teams. Believe me they aren't. Michigan has a good chance to come into the Ohio State game 11-0. Nobody believes me, but Michigan will have its hands full against Penn State. Michigan now has to be considered a contender for the national title. However, the Ohio State game is on the road and in the last five games, Michigan has only won once.
First off, note how Beano does not use his partial enthnicity to jump on the Notre Dame bandwagon. Also, he is praising Penn State again and thinking they have a shot at Michigan. I think he is correct which means he is probably wrong. Historically speaking, that is the way Beano works.
Matt (DC): Your predictions for the Penn State vs. Ohio State game on Saturday?
SportsNation Beano Cook: I think Ohio State's going to win, but whether if they'll win as much as Vegas thinks, I don't know. Joe Paterno as a member of the Big 10, has not won at Ohio State. This is the 16th season in the Big 10 for Penn State and Paterno is 0-7 at Columbus. His combined recored against Michigan and OSU, if I remember correctly, is 15-21. If I'm wrong, please someone correct me.
He's wrong as the next poster notes.
George (Columbus, OH): Beano,JoePa is 8-16 against Ohio State and Michigan since Penn State joined the Big 10. He's also never beaten the Buckeyes at Columbus in that time span and lost 7 straight to that team up north.
SportsNation Beano Cook: Thank you. I was way off on my figures. I don't know where I came up with them, but I knew it wasn't good for JoePa and PSU.
Sad but true.
bret (york): joe pa is actually only 0-6 at columbuswhen you are constantly bashing psu please get the facts right
SportsNation Beano Cook: Remember, I said he hasn't won yet against Ohio State in the Big 10. Call me next week and he'll be 0-7. The point is that it's harder to win the Big 10, it's a lot harder then trying to beat Temple and Rutgers.
That is true, but the Big11Ten has had its share of patsies. Wisconsin, Purdue, and Northwestern were not any good for a generation. Penn State played their share of heavyweights before the Big11Ten era and Beano knows it. Let's throw Pitt in with Rutgers and Temple too.
WFY (Penatgon City, Va.): Beano, as a Penn Stater, I am pleased to see you being tough on PSU again. It is just another reminder that things are normal in Happy Valley again. Having you stick up for Paterno and Penn State during the down years was uncomfortable for all involved I think.
SportsNation Beano Cook: My opinion was that Paterno was not washed up. He proved that last year at 11-1. If Joe wants to coach another 5-6 years, let him. He still has Ohio State and Michigan. He has Iowa, OSU and Michigan next year.
I got one in!
TELEVISION
The contest is being televised by ABC at 3:30 p.m. across much of the nation, including WJLA-TV 7 in Washington. Coverage Map
Sadly, Penn State is probably in over their heads. Until they can win a big road game (name the last one - Michigan in '96, Wisconsin in '02?) they do not get the benefit of the doubt I am afraid. A terrible history in Columbus is a factor too. As much as I hoped that streak would end, I just cannot see it happening. Final score, OSU 27 PSU 16.
How Penn State can win? Apply lots of pressure to QB Troy Smith. He got rattled last year and can be blindsided. Also, Penn State needs an early lead and probably has to get a return (punt, kickoff, or turnover) for a TD to be successful. It just seems like too much to hope for in one game.
For the first 57 minutes, it was an actually decent looking game. A goose egg in the first half is a plus. Desperation football in the last 3 minutes is a minus. All in all, it kept me watching the entire game, unlike the debacle in South Bend two weeks ago.
Well played, gentlemen. You're learning. Nothing to hang your heads about. You took #1 to the mat and showed them you can hang with the big boys. Keep building on that and you'll be better than you think.
Get well, JoePa!
# posted by Muha :
Saturday, September 23, 2006 6:43:00 PM
2006 WWN PENN STATE POST-GAME #3 - William World News
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
2006 WWN PENN STATE POST-GAME #3
#25 Penn State 37 Youngstown State 3
I did not attend this game or watch it live, however, I have thus far seen the first half, courtesy of dl004d, who was kind enough to tape it for me. It proves to be a good test of my love of Penn State football, because I was able to watch a game despite knowning the final score and Mike Tomsczak providing color commentary.
In the end, the game provided little insight other than the Lions are fast in the skill positions.
They ran for 389 yards. Tony Hunt had over 100 of them. Even aganist a D-IAA team that is an impressive number. There is hope.
QB Anthony Morelli was sloppy and Joe Paterno was annoyed. Hopefully it was an abberation (I think it was).
DEFENSE
The defense held the Penguins in check for the first half and the second. Sadly, they could not register the shutout. Paul Pozluszny played better and will be cleared to play without a knee brace by week 5, but don't be surprised if it comes off next week in Columbus.
SPECIAL TEAMS
A missed field goal, an illegal block on a big punt return marred the overall improvement. Kevin Kelly's kickoffs were rarely returnable. Things are looking up, but still not good enough.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME
Tony Hunt's 100+ yards are a good sign, but Frosh A.J. Wallace was provided the big 2nd quarter run that woke up the team, so he gets the honor.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME
Posluszny , in a new knee brace, gets the honor for eight tackles and a QB pressure that became an interception. Good to have you back Pos.
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE GAME
Patrick Weber (longsnapper) and Kevin Shuey (holder) share the honor for improving upon the dreadful Alford-Ganter combination.
OTHER NOTES
One of the Youngstown State QBs wore #24. The last QB to wear a number above #19 that I can recall was Jared Lorezen.
I still have not watched the second half (my apartment is cleaner though); I'll get to it tonight.
<h1>2006 <i>WWN</i> PENN STATE PREGAME #3</h1> - William World News
Friday, September 15, 2006
2006 WWN PENN STATE PREGAME #3
#25 Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Youngstown State Penguins
After losing last week, the Lions should bounce back this week. I don't think anyone I know is going to this game, myself included.
LAST WEEK
The Nittany Lions got blown out buy Subway Alumni State, 41-17. Recap.
THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT: YOUNGSTOWN STATE PENGUINS
This week is the second game of the 2006 I-76 series (which also includes Akron and Temple). You could also say that it is the second game of the 2006 battle for I-80 supremacy, since Penn State, Notre Dame, and Youngstown State are all near I-80. Yes, I try to relate everything to a highway corridor.
Youngstown State is a Division I-AA school that Penn State grabbed when La. Tech backed out of their contracted game. The last time Penn State played a I-AA school was 1984. If there is ever a good time to have a I-AA game it would have to be between road trips to South Bend and Columbus.
Famous Youngstown State alumni: Ron Jaworski, Jim Tressel (coach), Chilly Willy, and Jim Traficant!
NEW RANKING
25th -- Considering what happened in South Bend last Saturday, Penn State is lucky to be ranked at all. I'm not worried about it though, these things work out in the end.
The big topic this week is not a fake quarterback controversey, but what wrong with Paul Posluszny. He denies that his knee or the brace on it is the culprit. He believes his move to the middle is the reason for his subpar play. I remain unconvinced, I think he is a step or two slower. Hopefully, he is right and I am wrong. He admits he has not played up to his own standards.
Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) had very little to say about the Nittany Lions this week. No gloating though, just a joke I have heard previously.
Mark (Kalmazoo): Beano, can U-M harass QB Brady Quinn into a bad game on Saturday? Your prediction?
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:07 PM ET ) The answer is no. I have an explanation why Penn State played so poorly against Notre Dame...the Nittany Lions were looking ahead to Youngstown State. hey, Jim Tressel used to coach there. By the way, Quinn has never passed for 200 yards against Michigan in three prior meetings, though one was as a freshman and he did not play much.
I still think it is a funny joke.
Jim (Hughsville, PA): Was Notre Dame's fake punt with a 27-3 lead late in the 3rd quarter unsportsmanlike?
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:29 PM ET ) Put it this way... you can say yes or no. You can argue it was and you can argue it wasn't.
I cannot get worked up about that decision by Notre Dame. It is up to Penn State to stop it, but if it motivates them next year, that works too.
TELEVISION
The contest is being televised nationally on ESPNU at 3:30 p.m. Since I will be attending my cousin Suzanne's wedding down the Shore, I will not be seeing it live. If someone would be kind enough to tape it for me, please let me know.
Paterno on CBS Evening News tonight - CDT Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno will be featured on the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric tonight.
Senior news correspondent Byron Pitts conducted the interview, which focuses on the "Success With Honor" principles and values of Paterno and Penn State more than football.
Should be interesting to see how it turns out. It was done before the season began.
UPDATE: Here is the full interview (recap) that includes more than the TV story and is much more interesting. Not surprisingly, there is a little bit false modesty in there along with the Paterno charm that comes out for national media, but not local media.
He might get himself in a little bit of trouble too for a few things he had to say.
<h1><i>WWN</i> PENN STATE POSTGAME #2</h1> - William World News
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
WWN PENN STATE POSTGAME #2
#4 Notre Dame 41 #19 Penn State 17
The best quote I have seen about Saturday's disaster was "Penn State was looking ahead to Youngstown State."
What can I say? The Nittany Lions were lethargic on both sides of the ball and worse on special teams. Where was the fire? In my prediction, I just assumed the team would play with passion and heart. What happened?
As much as I hate to say it, egomaniac Charlie Weis lived up to his billing Saturday.
If you were wondering when Derrick Williams would have a bad game, wonder no more! The sophomore dropped at least two passes and did not make any big plays. QB Anthony Morelli was okay, but was unable to create a big play. He also threw an INT and fumbled an ill-concieved option, two miscues born out of desperation. RB Tony Hunt rebounded somewhat from last week with 100 total yards (76 rushing, 24 receiving) but that was still not enough. A clipping penalty, a suspect one at that, wiped out an excellent Hunt run in the first half that swung momentum back to Notre Dame.
DEFENSE
Two games into the season, it is pretty clear that Paul Pozluszny is not the same linebacker that he was last year. He appears to have lost a step or two laterally. I don't know if that is because of his knee injury or the brace he know wears, but it is noticeable. I expect to see him play without a brace later in the season.
Notre Dame took advantage of the zone defense that Penn State used to get a lot of passes completed underneath. With little pass rush, Irish QB Brady Quinn picked the defense apart. Overall, the defense did not play with enough intensity. Two dropped interceptions also proved quite costly. Also, the defense has yet to stop a team on fourth down this season.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Dreadful, absolutely dreadful. No good returns, another botched field goal attempt, and a fake punt by Notre Dame. Easily the most damaging was the bad snap on a first quarter field goal attempt. If the Lions convert there, it is a much different game I think. The Lions need to find someone who can long-snap as well a new holder I think; Jason Ganter is not getting it done
FIELD GOAL CHALLENGE
Unlike the previous week when no one accepted the challenge to kick field goals, the Ombudsman (of all people) did. I wound up winning, going 5 for 10, while he went 1 for 6.
NO PLAYERS OF THE GAME
Nobody deserves it.
OTHER NOTES
Backup QB Daryll Clark played in garbage time and led the Lions to a score. David Jones of the Patriot-News is trying to start up a quarterback controversies based on that performance.
The NBC team were not as openly homers as I expected.
The Vonage ads were good.
Akron beat North Carolina State.
Despite everything, all hope is not lost. Penn State has the talent, but not experience to hang in with the other heavyweights. There is a lot to learn from this game and hopefully that is what the Lions did. I just wish that the lesson did not need to be learned, I really wanted to sing Penn State fight songs down at Sine on Saturday evening.
I do not think the effort was totally lacking, at least in the first half. They moved the ball well but just could not capitalize. Poz does look a little slow, but that is really not unexpected. If Jason Ganter is holding on field goals AGAIN this week, Joe and I are going to have a chat....I stand by my preseason prediction of a 9-3 season.
# posted by The Maryland Bureau Chief :
Wednesday, September 13, 2006 12:09:00 PM
Moving the PSU at Minny game could be convenient for me - William World News
Moving the PSU at Minny game could be convenient for me
Minnesota-PSU officials discuss changing game date - Minneapolis Star Tribune/CDT The Oct. 7 game between the Nittany Lions and the Golden Gophers may be moved due to a possible Twins appearance in the ALDS. This is an ongoing problem for Minnesota, but it will be remedied when they moved into a new outdoor stadium.
One possibility is to make it Thursday, Oct. 5, something Joe Paterno is very against. I am not crazy about it either, because it means staying up late on a work night, which can be a drag.
A more likely scenario would be to move it to Nov. 25, Thanksgiving Saturday. That would result in an open date for Penn State heading into the Michigan game, which means whining from Lloyd Carr. I think I am on board with that plan because in addition to making Carr cry, it would mean that I could go to the Capitals home opener.
By the way, La Coupe Hauxer-types, single-game Capitals tickets go on sale on Saturday. I'll send an email out tonight.
<h1>2006 <i>WWN</i> PENN STATE PREGAME #2</h1> - William World News
Friday, September 08, 2006
2006 WWN PENN STATE PREGAME #2
#19 Penn State Nittany Lions at #4 Notre Dame Fighting Irish
This is a BIG one -- a revival of series between the last two major independents. Tickets on ebay are going for no less than $300 a piece right now and will probably go up even more. Notre Dame has never seen demand this high for a game before.
Penn State defeated Akron, 34-16, in the rain. Recap
THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT: NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH
You're going to hear all about Notre Dame tradition and you know what? It doesn't mean a thing unless Knute Rockne leaps out of the ground and tackles you.... When you put those black shoes on tomorrow, and you put on that jersey without your name on the back and you put that plain helmet on, that's tradition. Penn State tradition!
Joe Paterno, November 6, 1982
Penn State heads out I-80 for a big matchup with the perennially overrated Notre Dame. There has been lots of ink spilled over how great head coach Charlie Weis and QB Brady Quinn are, but so far they have a 10-3 record together. That's good, but hardly spectacular. Just because Weis says he is great, does not mean that he actually is great. Super Bowl rings don't mean a thing in college football.
I'm going to try and keep my reasons for disliking Notre Dame short and sweet because if I don't, I won't have this preview done until November.
Overinflated opinion of itself -- Notre Dame acts as though it invented football (I think Rutgers and Princeton might have something to say about that, not too mention Walter Camp) and that its traditions are greater than all others. Sure, some of them are pretty neat but they are far from the end all, be all.
The "son, the Lord wants you to play for Notre Dame" recruiting tactics.
Subway alumni -- the legions of poseurs who proclaim undying loyalty to Notre Dame despite no personal connection. How many of these wannabes even know the university is in Indiana? The worst offenders are people at major colleges who pull for Notre Dame over their own school team. And really, "I'm Irish, so they're my team" thing has got to go. I can see a first generation Irish descendents getting worked up about Notre Dame in 1922, but last time I checked the Irish aren't exactly an oppressed minority anymore, there are not any "NO IRISH" signs in employment offices these days. Being 1/4th, 1/8th, 1/128th Irish isn't good enough either.
Annual overrating -- they usually are ranked at least 5 spots ahead of where they should be just for being Notre Dame. Last time I checked, they haven't exactly backed it up on the field.
Weis -- So far, he has proven he is better at convincing the media that he is a god than he has coaching a college football team. With a school with the caliber of athletes Notre Dame has, 9-3 seasons don't exactly earn the genius label in my book. He's also way too into himself, as noted by Mike Joseph.
Also...
George Gipp was a degenerate gambler who got kicked out of school.
Q: What do Georgetown, Dayton, Providence, St. John's, Fordham, and St. Mary's all have in common?
A: They all have as many bowl victories in the past decade as Notre Dame. So, to all those who say "I'm Catholic, so they're my team" I feel obligated to point out that you are not even on the right bandwagon! Boston College meanwhile, has won about 7 bowls in that ten year span.
NEW RANKING
Actually, it is the same as last week, #19 in both major polls. Not much movement in the top 25 this past week overall, only two ranked teams lost.
Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) must be bouncing off the walls, two of his favorite programs go head to head this weekend. He had a lot to say about it too.
sara(chicago): Why did ND fall to #5... they won, and they didnt play N. Texas, or N. Illinois, etc.
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:05 PM ET ) Why were they rated #2 before the season began? Texas was the defending national champion. Look, if Notre Dame wins every game this season, they will play for the national title. Don't worry about where you are ranked in September as long as you are in the top 10. If I was a Notre Dame fan, I would worry a lot more about Penn State than the poll this week.
Right-on Beano, worrying about the polls in September is stupid, worrying about playing Penn State is not.
Shon (Tallahassee,Fl): Mr. Cook after this first round of college games, which teams made you say wow? Also which teams made you say uh-oh?
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:23 PM ET ) Wow for USC...No Bush, Leinart and still put up 50 on the road. Wow...Tennessee...Wow to Anthony Morelli of Penn State...
On the negative side...Stanford looked terrible against Oregon. Colorado lost to I-AA Montana State.
Praise for Morelli? Must be because he is from Pittsburgh. Also, Beano once suggested that Mike McQueary might deserve a Heisman look, so take the praise with a grain of salt.
Dave, State College: No way. Mark it down...PSU will beat ND this weekend. They are playing with a confidence that will lead to victory.
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:38 PM ET ) We will see...write back next week.
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:39 PM ET ) If Penn State upsets Notre Dame, and the Nittany Lions upset Ohio State, Joe Paterno will play for the national title. Penn State's running game is a concern.
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:39 PM ET ) Franco Harris and Lydell Mitchell ran out of eligibility...sorry.
I find it interesting that there were no Notre Dame fans getting their predictions in.
Penn State would still have to run the table even if they beat ND and OSU.
Chad (Charleston, SC): Beano! You said it Penn St's running game is a concern. This will keep ND's offense off of the field. PSU wins 28-24!
SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:41 PM ET ) We will find out.
Indeed we will and there is no Beano prediction hanging over our heads.
TELEVISION
The contest is being televised nationally on NBC (Notredame Brodcasting Company) at 3:30 p.m. The upside is I can actually watch the game on my own TV.
Penn State ruins NBC's dreams of an undefeated Notre Dame season by beating the overrated Irish 27-22. They succceed by passing to set up the run and by confusing Brady Quinn with outstanding linebackers. We will march down to Sine in Pentagon Row and sing Penn State songs while the subway alumni cry in their beer.
Best wishes to the Nittany Lions. The conference is pulling for you. For what it's worth, in the past 10 seasons, Boston College is 6-1 in bowl games.
# posted by dl004d :
Friday, September 08, 2006 2:41:00 PM
Notre Dame 27 - 17. It pains me to say that. It will be more rewarding when beat the Buckeyes in two weeks anyway.
# posted by The Maryland Bureau Chief :
Friday, September 08, 2006 9:25:00 PM
Growing up with the Penn State-Notre Dame rivalry right in my backyard, a loss today to Notre Dame will be totally unacceptable. Trust me--in central PA, losing to Ohio State, Michigan State, or even Michigan pales in comparison to the pain of losing to Notre Dame. I'm betting on a close game, a real nail-biter, with my fingers crossed for a glorious Penn State victory.
# posted by MC Hamme :
Saturday, September 09, 2006 8:17:00 AM
Hey, either way I know y'all will enjoy the game...hope Penn State wins for ya!
<h1>2006 <i>WWN</i> PENN STATE POST-GAME #1</h1> - William World News
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
2006 WWN PENN STATE POST-GAME #1
#19 Penn State 34 Akron 16
On miserable rainy day, the Nittany Lions recorded a sloppy win aganist the overmatched Akron Zips. It was a fairly typical opening game for the Lions, winning without dominating. Joe Paterno always says that good teams always learn more between the first and second games of the year than at any other time. Hopefully, we can expect to see some improvement. Many questions linger (CDT) headed into next week's showdown in South Bend.
The long-awaited debut of Anthony Morelli at QB was a successful one. The junior's first pass was 42 yard bomb to Deon Butler in the end zone to put the Lions up 7-0. He threw two more TDs, including Jordan Norwood's first career TD in the second quarter and another to Derrick Williams in the third. He started having trouble hitting his targets in the second half, but the Lions were already ahead. He did not throw any interceptions or get sacked, though he did fumble. All in all, it was the smoothest debut start for a Penn State QB in a long time.
The running game left an awful lot to be desired (Patriot-News). RB Tony Hunt broke a 19 yard run to start the game, but that was the high-water mark for him. He did not get another 19 through the rest of the game. The run blocking is terrible and it appears that Penn State is going to have to start utilizing a fullback more if it does not improve dramatically. The downside is that takes a wideout off the field.
DEFENSE
After a summer of denials, Penn State went with a 3-4 defense with Tim Shaw playing DE. Some will argue it was still the traditional 4-3 and that is fine. The unit was solid, giving up a mere 225 yards. They did give up 18 first downs (Penn State had only 13) and were on the field for over 37 minutes. The standout player was OLB Dan Connor, who lead the team with 13 tackles, including 3.5 for a loss. Not surprisingly, he was named Big11Ten Defensive Player of the Week. Shaw also had a good game, being a disruptive force throughout the game. Reigning Bednarik/Butkis awards winner Paul Posluszny had a very quiet game, despite 7 tackles, playing in the middle. Some scribes thought his range was less than last year's before his injury. Sophomore Sean Leealso played well (Post-Gazette) in his first significant regular season action.
The defensive backfield played well, though Justin King did not distingush himself as a tackler. Anthony Scirrotto and Nolan McCready had interceptions and Donnie Johnson made a number of great tackles. Tony Davis was also solid.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The special teams had flashes of brillance, but was mostly awful. Holder Jason Ganter botched a fake field goal and fumbled a snap. If your last name is not Hamme, you'll probably blame the coaches for the dubious decision to run a fake in the poor conditions.
Derrick Williams was strong as a returner and frosh A.J. Wallace proved elusive as well, but lost a fumble on the second half kickoff. K Kevin Kelly only managed one touchback and had trouble reaching the goal line on most kickoffs, but he did prove effective at splitting the uprights.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME
Anthony Morelli threw for 3 TDs and no INTs or sacks. He was particularly good in the first half, but did not peform that well in second half, though the game was not on the line. A solid, if not spectacular, debut.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME
LB Dan Connor played an excellent game, recording 10 tackles including three for a loss. Honorable mention to LB/DE Tim Shaw.
MORE NOTES
The rain meant the Blue Band did not march.
The student section never filled up.
The stadium was pretty full, despte the weather.
We parked in Lot 83, which was available since classes had not yet started.
Speaking of classes starting, I believe the decision to have move-in weekend at the same time as the home opener was foolish. Everybody knows it rains on move-in weekend, so why make football fans suffer through it?
Nobody wanted to take the field goal challenge this week with me this week. This might have to be a tiebreaker for me.
I don't think I ever ate so little on a football Saturday.
Erica and I plan resuming tailgating at the Northwestern game. If it is an early kickoff, we'll serve brunch before the game and lunch after the game. I don't think anybody is going to the next home game vs. Youngstown State.
2006 Penn State football predictions - William World News
Thursday, August 31, 2006
2006 Penn State football predictions
before I make my prediction, I thought I would share with you what the pundits are saying. I grabbed most of these predictions from Blue White Illustratedand the Town & Gown Penn State Football Annual.
12 - 1
Nate Bauer - pennlive.com Jerry Fisher - SportsJam Radio Network
11-2
Phil Grosz - BWI Scott Moskovitch - BWI
10 - 3
Frank Bodani - YDR Todd Brown - WPHB Andy Elder - BWI Amanda Gifford - ESPN Radio Jack Kerwin - BWI Tricia Lafferty - Tribune-Review Mike Poorman - BWI Sam Ross - Tribune-Review Rob Biertempfel - Tribune-Review Mimi Coppersmith Fredman - Town & Gown Football Annual David Pencek - Town & Gown Football Annual
9-4
Gene Collier - Post-Gazette Colin Cowherd - ESPN Radio Ray Fittipaldo - Post-Gazette Chris Morelli - BWI Lou Prato - Town & Gown Football Annual & BWI Jeff Rice - CDT Bob Smizik - Post-Gazette Pat Tholey - BWI Mark Brennan - FightOnState.com Jeff Byers - WBLF Bob Flounders - Patriot-News Neil Geoghegan - Journal Register News Service Matt Herb - Town & Gown Football Annual Jerry Kellar - Wilkes-Barre Times Leader Rob Riva - FightOnState.com Neil Rudel - Altoona Mirror Rich Scarcella - Reading Eagle Mark Wogenrich - The Morning Call
8-5
Ron Bracken - CDT
6-6
David Jones - Patriot-News
This is tough because I am convinced that Penn State can beat everyone on the schedule. I almost feel as though I am selling them short with a 10-3 prediction, especially since I think they will be 3-1 in September.
<h1>2006 <i>WWN</i> PENN STATE PREGAME #1</h1> - William World News
2006 WWN PENN STATE PREGAME #1
#19 Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Akron Zips
Last year our good friend Wiley sent me an e-mail titled "the most wonderful time of the year" in reference to the coming season. He is on to something. I look forward to the first Penn State game of the year more than Christmas. This will by my 12th season of Penn State football, the 120th overall.
Also, consider alternate routes to Happy Valley as US 22/322 has been known to flood in the Lewistown Narrows.
From Harrisburg area use US 11/15 NORTH:
Option 1) US 15 to PA 45 WEST to Boalsburg Option 2) US 11 to PA 147 NORTH to I-80 WEST to PA 26 SOUTH
LAST WEEK
They had practice. Last game vs. Florida State -- I think they are still in overtime.
THIS WEEK'S OPPONENT: AKRON ZIPS
Penn State's I-76 series (which also includes Youngstown State and Temple) begins with a visit from the Akron Zips. It turns out a Zip is a Kangaroo.
The two programs have met twice previously with similar results. In 1999, the #2 Nittany Lions crushed Akron 70-24. Most recently, the 2004 Lions beat Akron, led by QB Charlie Frye, 48-10. This year's Akron model, coming off a MAC championship, is the best PSU has faced yet. QB Luke Getsy leads a powerful offense that will be a good early test for PSU's young secondary. No word on how he throws a wet football, but Anthony Morelli proved in the Blue White Game he was up to the task.
One last thing -- I am hoping that we get a Goodyear blimp appearance on Saturday, since Akron is Goodyear's home. We can never have enough blimp games.
19th -- Quite a drop from #3 at the end of last year, but that is okay. Penn State has two really good opportunities to climb in the rankings this month.
PRESS CONFERENCE TRANSCRIPT Here is the official Intercollegiate Athletics transcript of Tuesday's press conference.
Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) had a lot to say about the Nittany Lions in his first regular season chat of the 2006 season.
SportsNation Beano Cook: Good afternoon. We start the 138th season of college football with a chat, same time every week until the title is decided. We want to mention that Joe Paterno will be in his 41st season as head coach and his 56th at Penn State. Unbelievable. This weekend, Paterno's first team will hold a reunion and unfortunately, the University is doing it against Akron rather than a good opponent. The '86 national title team will hold one in two weeks, too, and they have to have it during the Youngstown State game.
Beano's taking a little shot at PSU, pay it no mind.
Shane (Lewiston, ID): How is Michigan going to fair this year? Is this the year that leads to Carr getting on the hot seat or is he already there?
SportsNation Beano Cook: If Michigan loses to Ohio State this year it'll be the fifth time in six years and three straight and that won't help matters. Michigan is not the cutthroat athletic department we see oftern nowadays. They are a little more patient, but times change and a bad year could well lead to a change. The road schedule is tough, but Michigan State and Iowa do come to the Big House. Michigan also gets Notre Dame at a good time, the week after the Irish play Penn State. Michigan has dominated Penn State in recent years, but the night game at PSU this year will be a loss and Carr's domination of Paterno will end that night.
Beano predicting a Penn State win over Michigan -- ouch. As much as agreeing his prognostication contradicts established patterns, my gut tells he is right. I hope so.
dallas texas: How do you see Ohio State splitting the two night games in Sept ? UT and Iowa both on the road. Do not sleep on the Hawkeyes at home !!!
SportsNation Beano Cook: There's a chance they could lose them both, but if they win both then you have to say OSU has an excellent chance to play for the national title. I think they will lose one, though, which is why I didn't pick them to play for the title.
SportsNation Beano Cook: Sept. 9 with Penn State-Notre Dame in the afternoon and Ohio State-Texas at night is like seeing a double-feature with the Godfather I and II back-to-back.
Hmmm, Penn State and the Godfather. Let's take a look at the similarities -- two old Italian guys from Brooklyn running the show. Beano might be on to something. Kiss the ring.
Eric Carr Pensacola, Florida: Do you think Notre Dame will make it out of their killer September schedule without a loss?
SportsNation Beano Cook: I think Notre Dame will be playing fo rthe national title, and they could do that at 11-1 as long as they don't lose the season finale to USC. They have more material than Michigan State and Georgia Tech and get Penn State and Michigan at home, but it will still be tough. I think Notre Dame will win all four, though.
I always feel more comfortable when he picks aganist us and my guts says we win in South Bend, sending subway alumni all over America home crying.
TELEVISION
The contest is being televised nationally on ESPN2 at 3:30 p.m. You really should be at the game though.
PREDICTIONS
Even though there are some temptations to look ahead, Penn State is all business, and wins 37-20. Oh and just for a gag, I predict Derrick Williams will line up at QB with Morelli at wideout on the first play.
Look for my season prediction tonight or tomorrow morning.
Last night an enthusiastic Phil Grosz spoke before about 50 area Penn State fans about the 2006 football season. The Blue White Illustrated publisher is expecting great things for this edition of the Nittany Lions. Some of his main points from the evening:
QB Anthony Morelli is scary talented and the offense has been retooled to suit his skills. A couple of coaches visited the Indy to learn the Colts offense a little bit from Jim Caldwell, the current QB coach there and a former PSU assistant. Also, don't buy into the Morelli is dumb rumors, that started because the Pittsburgh media is bitter about him changing his mind about attending Temple West Pitt and heading to Penn State instead.
Speaking of Temple WestPitt, Grosz does not see them coming on the schedule anytime soon, especially on a home and home basis. If Temple West Pitt really wants in, they have to be willing to play Penn State at least 60% of the time in Beaver Stadium. Throughout the history of that series, Temple West Pitt had 75% of the home games. Grosz would rather see more teams like Virginia (though they won't play us anymore, must have been the "kicker power"), Alabama, Virginia Tech, etc. Maryland is a non-starter as well (d'oh!), particularly after Larry Johnson Sr. swooped down and pillaged the Free State for talent last year.
Get used to weak non-conference schedules, everybody is doing them.
Both Rodney Kinlaw (knee, I think) and Austin Scott (ankle) hurt, look for freshman Evan Royster (who blogs, but I cannot find his site) to get involved if his shoulder is okay. Scott's injury does not seem too serious.
FB Brandon Snow will miss a game or two for undisclosed reasons.
It has been widely speculated that Penn State will use a 3-4 defense this season, since State has the best and deepest linebackers in the country. That will happen, but the base defense is going to still be the 4-3. What was really interesting is that the Lions went down to Morgantown to learn about West Virginia's 3-5-3 system. Yes, a 3-5-3. What is this, 1952? Also, since when were Lions and the couchburners/bottlethrowers friends? It should be interesting to see in action.
The Lions can play with anyone, the mental aspect of the game the biggest challenge with so many young players, particularly in the secondary.
Sean Lee is already the 2nd best linebacker on the team.
Special teams should be much, much better.
By the time I had gotten to the Crystal City Sports Pub, most of the buffet was gone; great wings and meatballs though.
Grosz says State should win 11 games this year. He denies he is exaggerating. The last time he was down, he said 8-3. That was 2004 and the less said about that season the better.
# posted by Anonymous :
Wednesday, August 23, 2006 7:22:00 AM
Actually, the Fridge has publicly stated on more than one occasion that he is willing to play State Penn, but St. Penn continues to insist on a 2 for 1 in their favor, and this was before D Will's Daddy started playing games (dude, last year had NOTHING to do with Larry Johnson). I haven't heard any change in the stance since then.
Oh, and two of the guys MD and St. Penn went the hardest after and St. Penn won, neither one of them are happy up there (and the coaches aren't happy with them either) from what I understand and one of them may eat himself off the team before the year is over.
Fact is, no self-respecting Division 1-A school (ie. BCS school) is going to give up a 2 for 1 like St. Penn is demanding.
# posted by Caps Nut :
Wednesday, August 23, 2006 9:22:00 AM
William,
Hope you don't mind I posted a link to your recap on lionnews--
Thought someone there might be able to track down Royster's blog.
DJ in Hbg.
# posted by DJ in DC :
Wednesday, August 23, 2006 9:36:00 AM
To Caps Nut:
Your comment is hilarious: "no self-respecting Division 1-A school (ie. BCS school)..."
Who, outside of the fan base in College Park, MD. actually considers the Terrapins to be a BCS school???
Your comments and rumor-starting show sour grapes...
# posted by Anonymous :
Wednesday, August 23, 2006 10:14:00 AM
11 wins in the regular season, or counting the bowl game? I would take either, but I have a hard time seeing a victory in either South Bend or Columbus. But it would be sweet.....
Why are people still talking about Pitt? Not even Wannstadt can make them relevant. They SHOULD be willing to take a 60/40 deal. We owe them nothing.
# posted by The Maryland Bureau Chief :
Wednesday, August 23, 2006 12:37:00 PM
MaryAnne: Thanks for the BWI post.
CapsNut: Thanks for the Twerps perspective. If you have any sources from accredited media, please pass them along, I know a lot of us would be interested for more information.
I'd love for PSU to play UMd. in a State College-Raljon (or even Balmer) series.
There is an article in today’s Times about non-conference scheduling that I posted over lunch.
DJ: It's all good.
MBC: I agree.
# posted by WFY :
Wednesday, August 23, 2006 1:14:00 PM
Accredited media? Well, I've heard Fridge answer the question about a State Penn matchup the past few years at the booster breakfasts that he hosts. I may not be accredited media, but I've heard it straight from the horse's mouth.
I also follow the UMD recruiting and I am basing my information on people who have been proven to be more right than wrong. There were only two players that St. Penn got last year that UMD was seriously after. Both of those players are not enjoying St. Penn right now and one of those players apparently is about to eat himself off the team already.
And if you want, check out Rivals.com, you'll see of the 7 Maryland recruits that St. Penn got, only three of them had offers from UMD. One of those was a "soft" offer too. The other two, well, as I said, I understand that they aren't happy.
As for non-conference scheduling, ask Mr. Grosz how The Ohio State University was able to get one for one contracts with N.C. State and Texas.
# posted by Caps Nut :
Wednesday, August 23, 2006 1:53:00 PM
The absolute last thing Maryland wants is to be embarrassed on a yearly basis by PSU again. It's bad enough that they can't keep their best players in-state.
Oh, and Hazleton rules.
# posted by Run Up The Score :
Wednesday, August 23, 2006 2:07:00 PM
Is that Grovich?
# posted by WFY :
Wednesday, August 23, 2006 3:11:00 PM
"As for non-conference scheduling, ask Mr. Grosz how The Ohio State University was able to get one for one contracts with N.C. State and Texas."
Something wrong with Nebraska, Miami, Alabama, Noter Damb on the OOC sched over the last few years, dink nut?
Did Alaeze qualify yet?
# posted by LJ :
Wednesday, August 23, 2006 7:01:00 PMPost a Comment
Lunchtime Lions - William World News
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Lunchtime Lions
Practice has begun in Happy Valley (AP/CDT). Kickoff is 4.5 weeks away.
CDT already hyping Penn State vs. Notre Dame
State College's paper of record is already hyping the 18th meeting between the two schools with a special online section. There is a countdown clock and remembrances of games past.
Rating the opposition
Todd Sponsler at pennlive.com's 50-Yard Lion has spent the last two weeks breaking down the difficulties of each of the Lions opponents this year. The #1 most difficult opponent is no surprise, but the #2 might be. dl004d and Tortcaesar will be probably be pleased.
Buck the...
For my job I have to work on an Ohio State Web section every season. The trash-talking has already begun. I had to listen to a Blue Band CD this morning just to purge my system of the toxins. It got me really, really excited for this upcoming season. I am going to have to hold off on listening to it anymore for a while.
Paul Posluszny in ESPN The Magazine
The most recent issue has the All-American LB featured. I do not recall there being anything in the story that had not already been reported.
Hey, we were ranked that in football too
By Washington Monthly's measure, Penn State ranks No. 3 on the list of top universities in the nation, behind Massachusetts Institute of Technology and University of California at Berkeley, respectively.
The periodical ranked schools based on three indicators: its performance as a social mobility engine, its effort to foster scientific and humanistic research and its promotion of an ethic of service to country.
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