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Revisiting 2006 PSU football predictions - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
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 - YDRTodd Brown - WPHBAndy Elder - BWIAmanda Gifford - ESPN RadioJack Kerwin - BWITricia Lafferty - Tribune-ReviewMike Poorman - BWISam Ross - Tribune-ReviewRob Biertempfel - Tribune-ReviewMimi Coppersmith Fredman - Town & Gown Football AnnualDavid Pencek - Town & Gown Football AnnualExpecting just a little more out of the Nittany Lions (10-3)Frank Bodani - YDRTodd Brown - WPHBAndy Elder - BWIAmanda Gifford - ESPN RadioJack Kerwin - BWITricia Lafferty - Tribune-ReviewMike Poorman - BWISam Ross - Tribune-ReviewRob Biertempfel - Tribune-ReviewMimi Coppersmith Fredman - Town & Gown Football AnnualDavid Pencek - Town & Gown Football AnnualPicking with their hearts (11-2)Phil Grosz - BWIScott Moskovitch - BWIIrrational Exuberance (12-1)Nate Bauer - pennlive.com Jerry Fisher - SportsJam Radio NetworkA little skepticalRon Bracken - CDTCynicism (6-6)David Jones - Patriot-NewsLabels: PSU Football 2006
posted by WFY @ 12:18 PM |
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<h1>WOOOOOOO!</h1> - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, January 01, 2007
WOOOOOOO!
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.Labels: PSU Football 2006, PSU Football 2007
posted by WFY @ 3:04 PM |
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<h1>2006 <i>WWN</i> PENN STATE PREGAME #13</h1> - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
2006 WWN PENN STATE PREGAME #13
Penn State Nittany Lions vs. Tennessee VolunteersPenn 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 Gameday Central - Intercollegiate AthleticsLAST GAMEPenn State played down to the competition and barely beat Michigan State, 17-13 on Senior Day. A win is a win is a win. MoreTHIS WEEK'S OPPONENT: TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERSPenn 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.
NO RANKINGCheck back in 2007.
PRESS CONFERENCEOutback Bowl Head Coaches Joint News Conference
IMPORTANT ARTICLESPaterno's recovery remarkable - Patriot-News
Paterno has exceeded expectations in his recovery. He might be on the sidelines on Monday.
Outback Bowl Notebook: Paterno wants to be on sideline - Post-Gazette
Outback Bowl: PSU's wants to bring SEC up to speed - Post-Gazette
UT thinks Penn State is slow. Is it SEC arrogance or is there something to it?
Lions say they've got speed - Patriot-News
The Lions are sticking up for themselves when it comes to speed.
Penn State notebook - Tribune-Review
THE PENN STATE MATCHUP - Patriot-News
Paterno keeps sunny mood - Tribune-Review
JoePa is just happy to be there to some degree.
FINAL BOW - Patriot-News
This is the best Penn State senior class since 1999.
DEFENSE
Cloned Lions - CDT
Posluszny and Connor are very different off the field, but on it they are so similar. They play their last game together on Monday.
Posluszny winds down illustrious Penn State career - Tribune-Review
More the great Pos.
OFFENSE
Nittany Lions' offense has the most to prove - The Inky
Yup. They have not had a decent win all season.
Penn State QB Morelli hopes for tidy end to 2006 - AP/CDT
Morelli needs a good game. When was the last time he had a good game that wasn't against Temple?
Outback Bowl Notebook: Morelli's anti-Gordon rant drew plenty of support - Post-Gazette
Morelli won't stop whining about his high school coach. Just shut up an play Anthony.
More from Patriot-News: Morelli isn't backing off on his feud
Lions' Hunt turns his anger into fuel for success - Post-Gazette
Who knew Tony Hunt was such an angry young man?
Heat's on PSU line - Patriot-News
Just to be different, the o-line ought to try playing well in the Outback Bowl.
TENNESSEE
Vols' DC in heavy demand - Patriot-News
The Vols have a good defensive coordinator.
Outback Bowl: Morelli's ordeal at Penn State familiar to Volunteers' Ainge - Post-Gazette
Though he has not been called dumb by a high school coach, Vols QB Eric Ainge has his critics.
Vols' Ainge a new man - Patriot-News
Ainge has played well this season though.
BEANO WATCHWas already posted this week.
TELEVISIONESPN at 11 a.m.
MORE COVERAGEPenn State Football Official Site - from the "Kremlin"
CDT coverage
Patriot-News coverage
Post-Gazette coverage
Tribune-Review coverage
50 Yard Lion Blog - an Altoona dentist; daily (Patriot-News)
PA Sports Blog - mostly recruiting, if that is your thing
NittPickers - fans who work for the Patriot-News
No Cheering Aloud - sportswriters at the Patriot-News
Nittany Lines Blog -- sports ed. from The Morning Call
Jeff Rice's blog -- PSU football beat writer at the CDT
Ask Jeff Q & A (CDT)
Monday Morning QB - Steve Smith (CDT)
FightOnState.com -- free
Blue White Illustrated -- Phil Grosz, subscription required
Black Shoe Diaries
Run Up the Score
PREDICTIONThis 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.
GO STATE, BEAT VOLS!Labels: Beano Watch, PSU Football 2006, PSU Football 2007
posted by WFY @ 7:45 AM |
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Austin Scott sent home - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Austin Scott sent home
Bob Flounders of the Patriot-News has just posted on the blog No Cheering Aloud that Austin Scott has 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. Labels: PSU Football 2006
posted by WFY @ 11:47 AM |
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JoePa's recovery from SuePa's perspective - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, December 22, 2006
JoePa's recovery from SuePa's perspective
Paterno's wife helps with recovery, homework - Tribune-ReviewThe most detailed article I have seen about how Joe Paterno is recovering from a broken leg. Labels: PSU Football 2006
posted by WFY @ 5:23 AM |
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Happy Birthday Joe Paterno - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Happy Birthday Joe Paterno
The real winningest coach in I-A college football is celebrating his 80th birthday today ( AP/CDT). Thanks for all you have done Joe, beat Tenneessee. Labels: PSU Football 2006
posted by WFY @ 5:22 AM |
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Penn State is finished with Ed Johnson - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Penn State is finished with Ed Johnson
Defensive Tackle Suspended - Fight On StateEd 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 - CDTTen questions looking at the Lions matchup with the Vols.
RON BRACKEN - Connor's career in limbo - CDTOLB 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. Labels: PSU Football 2006
posted by WFY @ 1:00 AM |
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Jay Paterno profile - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Jay Paterno profile
JayPa tackles family business - The CollegianA 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. He did laugh at the infamous " This game is fixed!" sign though. Labels: PSU Football 2006
posted by WFY @ 5:19 AM |
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Another 2-in-a-row for Posluszny - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Another 2-in-a-row for Posluszny
Posluszny, Jarrett repeat on AP team - AP/Patriot-NewsLast 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. Labels: PSU Football 2006
posted by WFY @ 12:55 PM |
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Paterno press conference - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Paterno press conference
Joe Paterno met this media to talk about his new look and the Outback Bowl. Transcript and photo from pennlive.com. Audio from fightonstate.comTHIS JUST IN:Posluszny repeats as Bednarik Trophy winner - CDTLabels: PSU Football 2006
posted by WFY @ 9:12 PM |
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Beano Watch - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Beano Watch
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. Labels: Beano Watch, PSU Football 2006
posted by WFY @ 5:19 PM |
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Any Volunteers? - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, December 04, 2006
Any Volunteers?
Nittany Lions, Vols to meet in Tampa - CDTThe 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. Paterno still plans to coach forever too ( AP/ESPN). More from Intercollegiate Athletics: Penn State-Tennessee Clash Set for Outback Bowl on January 1 & Outback Bowl: Volunteers to Face Penn State in Outback BowlLabels: PSU Football 2006
posted by WFY @ 5:41 AM |
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Posluszny is smart - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, December 01, 2006
Posluszny is smart
Posluszny named Academic All-American of the Year - CDTPenn 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. Labels: PSU Football 2006
posted by WFY @ 12:04 PM |
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Let's go Outback - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Let's go Outback
It is official, Penn State will be playing in the 2007 Outback Bowl against a SEC team. Press releases:Penn State Selected To Play in Outback Bowl on January 1 - Intercollegiate AthleticsPenn State Headed to Tampa For Outback Bowl - Outback BowlI 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. Labels: PSU Football 2006
posted by WFY @ 7:17 PM |
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Land Granted - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Sunday, November 19, 2006
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