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.
Capital One Bowl prediction: Penn State vs. LSU - William World News
Friday, January 01, 2010
Capital One Bowl prediction: Penn State vs. LSU
Over the last few days, I made up my mind that Penn State would beat LSU today in the Capital One Bowl. Then, I saw that Jinxy, Dave Jones of the Patriot-Newspredicted a Nittany Lions victory as well. Uh oh. Midstate Man is going to be really upset.
Penn State has the better defensive line and maybe an even better offensive line, if that can be believed. The Nittany Lions also have a better, more experienced quarterback in Daryll Clark who has his legacy on the line whether he likes it or not. LSU has better wideouts, but Penn State's are not too shabby. They also have the advantage of having played on less than ideal fields and the turf at Florida Citrus Stadium or whatever it is called, is awful. That favors Penn State. The blue and white also have better linebackers, but the Tigers have the better secondary. The one major mismatch -- LSU return man Trindon Holiday. He is scary fast, as in 100 meter sprint champion fast. Kick away from him and he can't hurt as much. P Jeremy Boone needs to be on his game today.
Regardless of what Jones says, I am sticking to my gut and predicting a victory for the Nittany Lions.
Penn State: Walk-on Tom Golarz is playing through liver disease - William World News
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Penn State: Walk-on Tom Golarz is playing through liver disease
MIKE LOPRESTI - Illness has Penn State walk-on facing bigger opponent off field - USA Today Until this morning I was somehow unaware of Tom Golarz. The Penn State walk-on special teams player is on the team despite living with sclerosing cholangitis, the same liver disease that killed Walter Payton. Golarz was diagnosed at 17, so he is hoping he can live a long enough for better treatments to help him out. A transplant is likely someday, but he is hoping to avoid it.
Look for #39 in tomorrow during the Capital One Bowl, that's Golarz.
Todd Blackledge interviews Joe Paterno - William World News
Monday, December 28, 2009
Todd Blackledge interviews Joe Paterno
Paterno Exclusive Interview Pt. 1 - ESPN Penn State football coach Joe Paterno is interviewed by one of his best quarterbacks, Todd Blackledge. They won the 1982 National Championship together.
I have not watched these yet, but I am eager to see what these two Penn State greats have to say to each other.
Paternomas: A new holiday for Penn Staters - William World News
Friday, December 18, 2009
Paternomas: A new holiday for Penn Staters
A while back in a moment of of whimsy I came upon a new holiday idea -- Paternomas! Since Joe Paterno's birthday is December 21, why not set that day aside for giving Penn State gifts to each other and singing carols i.e. Fight on State, The Nittany Lion, etc., wearing Penn State clothes, eating Penn State food and sharing the joy of being a Penn Stater.
I know its short notice, but how about it Nittany Nation?
Another Rutgers to the Big Ten suggestion - William World News
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Another Rutgers to the Big Ten suggestion
DAVID JONES - Big Ten expansion talk? Again? - Patriot-News The Big Ten is looking at adding a 12th team again, but only over the next 12-18 months. The list of candidates is numerous but there is not another Penn State-type school out there that brings the complete package of tradition, academics, fanbase, new territory and television market to the table. Obviously, they'd love to add Notre Dame, but that seems unlikely unless NBC loses interest in broadcasting Fighting Irish home games. Jones thinks Rutgers is the best possible choice as it gets the latter two -- the populous state of New Jersey as well as the gigantic New York television market. He oversells the campus (I've been there and it reminded me of George Mason) though. Rutgers football tradition pretty much amounts to two things, albeit great ones -- birthplace of college football and Paul Robeson. I think Rutgers would be hard-pressed to do any better in the Big Ten than the Big East, so I would be surprised if they accept an invitation.
It would be nice having a natural rivalry for the Nittany Lions though.
Jones also points out why Pitt and West Virginia don't make a lot of sense (no significant new TV markets and they don't fit the Big Ten profile for campus or academics, respectively) to add. I don't have strong feelings about it frankly and think in the end, the Big Ten is going to conclude that there is no ideal 12th team.
Penn State: Early LSU, Capital One Bowl previews - William World News
Friday, December 11, 2009
Penn State: Early LSU, Capital One Bowl previews
LSU fans are ho-hum about 9-3 record, Capital One Bowl berth - Patriot-News LSU provides perfect consolation prize for PSU - The Collegian LSU has offensive line problems, great linebackers, a strong secondary, a scary kick returner and suspect late-game coaching from Les Miles. The Capitol One Bowl is a big challenge for the Penn State Nittany Lions -- LSU isn't that far removed from two national championships and are 4-0 in bowl games under Miles. This is an excellent opportunity for the Nittany Lions for a big win.
Blue White Roundtable: Pre-Capital One Bowl edition - William World News
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Blue White Roundtable: Pre-Capital One Bowl edition
Blue White Roundtable has risen from the dead! Devon Edwards of Nittany Whiteout provided the main questions. I asked the primary BCS one. Frankly, I think it should have been Zombie Nation, given the "hiatus."
1. Penn State finished off this season with 10 wins, but lost the only two games that were really in question. What will your lasting memory of the 2009 season be?
I am afraid my lasting memory of the 2009 season will be the Iowa game. It was so dispiriting to see the Nittany Lions lose to them again and in the fashion they did with the offensive line completely submitting to Iowa's d-line.
2. Though they miss out on a BCS Bowl, the Nittany Lions will face off with a highly ranked SEC opponent in a New Year's Day bowl. What are your initial thoughts about the matchup with LSU in the Capital One Bowl?
It seems like a good matchup, two big name programs in slightly down years. LSU has lost three games, but two of them were to Florida and Alabama who were #1 and #2 in the BCS they played each other. This is an opportunity for a quality win to validate the season and Daryll Clark's legacy.
Plus LSU coach Les Miles is ballsy/batsh*t crazy enough to possibly give Penn State the game on a bizarre coaching decision. Of course, it could go the other way too, but the possibility of a entertaining, chaotic game is very high with LSU.
3. When it's all said and done, where will Daryll Clark rank among Penn State QBs? What will you remember about Clark thinking back on the 2008 and 2009 seasons a few years from now?
I really cannot say how Clark will rank, since he still has one game to play. At the beginning of the year, I was thinking a great Penn State quarterback, but I think he's been downgraded to very good. He needs a win on Jan 1. if he is to truly be considered a great QB. Still, he is only the third Penn State QB to win a Big Ten title and that counts for a lot. He was certainly hampered by a bad offensive line this year and he gets too fired up sometimes. Overall, I've enjoyed his tenure at QB and hope he elevates himself to great status again.
4. Which seniors are you most sad to see go? If you could bring one of them back in 2010, who would it be?
I am saddest to see OLB Sean Lee go because I don't think he was able to maximize his potential due to injuries. A healthy Sean Lee probably would have been greater than Dan Connor and not far behind Paul Posluszny. By the way, I think if Navarro Bowman comes back he could exceed Connor and Lee, but that seems unlikely.
I wouldn't mind having Clark back next year since his understudy has no experience. I'll also miss MLB Josh Hull, who exceeded all expectations. DT Jared Odrick was a beast whose value we'll probably appreciate even more next year after he is gone. P Jeremy Boone will also be missed.
5. What are your feelings on the Fiesta Bowl matching up the two undefeated mid-majors, instead of setting up Iowa-Boise State and Georgia Tech-TCU matchups? Does it support a playoff argument?
I think the Fiesta Bowl is setting up for sending the message of "we tried having mid-majors and the TV ratings were terrible and the stadium didn't sell out, so we won't do it again" but we'll see what happens.
This season, with five undefeated teams going into bowl season, is the strongest argument for a playoff yet. I just wonder how long until the backlash really starts hurting college football. This might be the year.
Lightning round
1. Do either Bowman or Royster (or both!) skip their senior seasons and enter the NFL Draft?
I wouldn't be surprised if OLB Navarro Bowman doesn't return to Happy Valley after the bowl game, he's gone. Though another year would do him a lot of good as a player, I can't argue a decision to follow the money.
I think RB Evan Royster sticks around, even though the offensive line next year won't be great on paper.
2. Who wins the MNC Game, Alabama or Texas? 'Bama
3. Will you be heading down to Orlando to watch the Capital One Bowl live? Who wins?
I will not be in Orlando, I'll be at work. I think Penn State pulls it out, despite a 1-3 record in Orlando.
4. Predict the draft stock of the following Nittany Lion seniors:
[Bowman/Royster] --Bowman 1st Royster (stays at Penn State)
Jared Odrick -- late 1st
Sean Lee -- 3rd
Andrew Quarless -- 4th
Dennis Landolt -- undrafted
Daryll Clark -- 5th
Mickey Shuler -- undrafted
A.J. Wallace -- undrafted
Bonus question: How does the BCS work?
The Bowl Championship Series was created to maintain the status quo for the four major bowls, the Rose, Orange, Sugar and Fiesta and keep the major conferences; Big Ten, SEC, Big XII, Pac-10, ACC and Big East plus Notre Dame (when they win enough games) in contention for the mythical national championship. Basically, it freezes out smaller conference teams and keeps the power and money with the big teams/conferences. Essentially, those four bowls and six conferences created a cartel that other conferences have trouble breaking through. Some say simply "It doesn't work."
I completely agree that a healthy Sean Lee would have created a new level of linebacker and student athlete greatness at Penn State. He was incredible in his early years at Penn State. As it is, he definitely lived up to his "hype" - he had the raw, angry talent of Connor, coupled with the disciplined intensity of Pozluzny.
Great, now I'm sad.
# posted by PSUgirl :
Thursday, December 10, 2009 1:55:00 PM
Penn State: Daryll Clark co-winner of Silver Football (Big Ten MVP) - William World News
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Penn State: Daryll Clark co-winner of Silver Football (Big Ten MVP)
Split decision for Chicago Tribune's Silver Football Trophy - Chicago Tribune Penn State QB Daryll Clark is a co-winner of the Tribune Silver Football trophy, awarded annually since 1924. Also winning the award is Michigan DE Brandon Graham. This is the first year that the Silver Football has been a tie. The voting comes from the 11 Big Ten coaches. Both Clark and Graham had three first place votes and one second place vote.
Penn State vs. LSU in 2010 Capital One Bowl - William World News
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Penn State vs. LSU in 2010 Capital One Bowl
Penn State headed to Capital One Bowl - CDT Orlandeaux! LSU to Play Penn St. in Capital One Bowl - LSUSports.net We're getting confirmation that Penn State will be playing LSU in the 2010 Capital One Bowl in Orlando, Fla. on January 1, 2010 at noon on ABC. The Big Ten's second bowl bid went to Iowa in the Orange Bowl, certainly a surprise based on past TV ratings and fan support that Penn State has provided. Given that the Fiesta Bowl went with TCU vs. Boise State, I have to wonder if the BCS decided to base matchups strictly on rankings rather than TV ratings, fan support. I don't have a problem with that mind you, but I would not have been heartbroken to see the Nittany Lions in the Orange Bowl.
I'll have more to write about over the next several days. The two teams have met in January before and overall, I think it is a good matchup.
Penn State is probably wearing blue (yay) for the game, since LSU favors wearing white almost all the time.
It wasn't a dreadful decision from the BCS' point of view. Iowa Nation may not be the size of PSU's, but they'll send plenty of fans to the Orange Bowl.
# posted by Hendo :
Sunday, December 06, 2009 8:46:00 PM
There must have been some back-room arm-twisting to make that happen. It was pretty clear after the Michigan State game that the Orange Bowl wanted PSU. I had figured that the Fiesta would grab Iowa and not give them a choice. However, from a personal standpoint, it'll be much easier to enjoy the game at 1pm on New Year's Day than at 8:30-midnight on a Monday or Tuesday evening. Iowa deserved to go, but I was a bit surprised that PSU didn't get it. (Although I think PSU can get more mileage out of beating an SEC team than they could against Boise or Georgia Tech).
# posted by TMBC :
Sunday, December 06, 2009 9:07:00 PM
What color are the fans supposed to wear for the Capital One Bowl on New Years Day 2010? Will they do a white-out or wear blue like the team? Thank you!
# posted by Anonymous :
Friday, December 18, 2009 9:19:00 AMPost a Comment
Dennis Dodd does not seem to care for Joe Paterno - William World News
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Dennis Dodd does not seem to care for Joe Paterno
DENNIS DODD - Bowden's departure harbinger of doom for Penn State's Paterno - CBS Sports I wonder why Dodd is openly hoping for Joe Paterno to come to the same end as Bobby Bowden? Two very different people that just happen to have won a lot of college football games. Penn State tried to get Paterno to step down once and that failed, thankfully. By the way Dodd, Paterno and Bowden say they are friends and JoePa likes a drink now and then too.
I would have thought that the end of the Bowden era would be more satisfying, but it isn't. Orson Swindle of EDSBS, a long-time Bowden hater, seems to feel the same.
He does make a good point, in that "success" can turn quickly. And given that next year certainly appears to be a down year, I wonder how folks will react if Penn State turns in say, a 7-5 record. I think Joe Pa has one great team left in hi, in the 2011 season. He may hang it up after that?
# posted by TMBC :
Tuesday, December 01, 2009 10:04:00 PM
Penn State or Iowa likely headed to Fiesta Bowl - William World News
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Penn State or Iowa likely headed to Fiesta Bowl
Okie State's loss makes PSU a Fiesta player - Patriot-News Dave Jones thinks that Oklahoma shutting out Oklahoma State yesterday has changed the BCS bowl picture enough that the Fiesta Bowl will likely grab the Big Ten at large team. That's bad news if you were hoping for a trip to the Orange Bowl, but as Jones points out, Penn State and the Fiesta Bowl, held in Glendale, Arizona (suburban Phoenix), have a very good history together. That is bad news for Iowa, but I'm not crying any tears for them.
The Nittany Lions are 6-0 in the Fiesta Bowl and won their second national championship there on January 2, 1987 against Miami in the most watched college football game of all time. Even prior to that epic win, Penn State's previous trips helped legitimize the Fiesta Bowl, a fact not likely lost on soon to retire Fiesta Bowl CEO John Junker. Barring any major upsets in conference championships, Jones thinks Penn State will play Boise State (who won a spectacular game against Oklahoma in the 2007 Fiesta Bowl) in the Fiesta Bowl on Monday, January 4, 2010.
Rumor: Penn State vs. WVU at FedEx Field in 2011 - William World News
Rumor: Penn State vs. WVU at FedEx Field in 2011
I'm not big on rumor-mongering, but when it involves Penn State playing close to D.C., I jump. PSUGirl heard on Twitter that West Virginia is being recruited by the Washington Redskins to host Penn State in a 2011 game at FedEx Field in Landover, Md. That would be two seasons in a row that the Nittany Lions would visit the D.C. area -- another game we could Metro too!
Penn State is already "visiting" Indiana in 2010 at FedEx Field and that crowd is certain to be predominately a Penn State crowd. West Virginia would send a lot more of its fans and possibly have the majority of the 90,000 seats. Even then, there is a lot to like about this potential matchup:
Old rivalry
Legitimate non-conference opponent
Since it would not be in Morgantown, fewer whiskey bottles being thrown by the Mountaineer fans -- they won't be issued out at FedEx Field like they are in Morgantown.
The aforementioned Metro accessibility.
Indirectly helps recruiting -- Penn State can't talk to recruits since they'd be the road team, but it can't hurt.
The great John Denver song "Country Roads" is played at WVU games because the lyrics include "West Virginia, mountain mama." However, the actual inspiration of the song was a drive along suburban Maryland's Clopper Road. So, in a sense, they'd be coming home or something. It is a weak tangent, I know, but I had to mention it.
I really hope this happens. FedEx Field could become like Giants Stadium was like in the 1980s and 1990s -- Penn State's second home. I would have thought that WVU would have had more pride than to sell a home game to a neutral site.
Its more complicated than it needs to be. Big surprise, I know. The first part of the program deals entirely with seat transferring, which has no affect on me. As for the second part, my seats are in EJU, so I will not have to pony up any extra money beyond what I give now. That would not be true if I sat in say, EGU.
BTW, I hated the opening of the letter that said "Penn State Athletics is pleased to announce..." They are pleased to announce they are trying to get more of our money!
# posted by TMBC :
Wednesday, November 25, 2009 8:29:00 PM
Penn State: Daryll Clark is consensus Big Ten QB of the year; Jared Odrick coaches pick for defense - William World News
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Penn State: Daryll Clark is consensus Big Ten QB of the year; Jared Odrick coaches pick for defense
All-Big Ten Conference football teams - complete media and coaches' lists - Patriot-News QB Daryll Clark was named Big Ten quarterback of the year as selected by both the coaches and Big Ten media. Remember who the preseason pick was Terrelle Pryor. Of course, Pryor quarterbacked the conference champion, so he gets the last laugh.
On the defensive side of the ball, Big Ten coaches picked DT Jared Odrick as player of the year for overall defense and the defensive line.
Other Penn State selections:
FIRST TEAM QB Daryll Clark (coaches, media) RB Evan Royster (coaches, media) C Stefen Wisniewski (coaches, media) T Dennis Landolt (coaches) DT Jared Odrick (coaches) LB Navarro Bowman (coaches, media)
SECOND TEAM T Dennis Landolt (media) LB Sean Lee (coaches, media) LB Josh Hull (media) DT Jared Odrick (media) P Jeremy Boone (coaches, media)
Not a bad turnout, though I am not seeing the same thing with Wisniewski and Landolt that they are seeing.
Penn State bowl picture is uncertain - William World News
Penn State bowl picture is uncertain
DAVID JONES - Michigan State win gives some clarity to Penn State's bowl picture ... but not much - Patriot-News Penn State's 42-14 win over Michigan State clinched a ten-win season, kept the Nittany Lions in the top 14 of the BCS standings and appeared to help their cause with the Orange Bowl representative in Spartan Stadium. Jones spent some time talking to him and several key points emerged. The Orange Bowl committee's goals are, in no particular order:
Potential tourism and economic impact in south Florida.
Success of the candidate programs, not limited to just this year but historically. The programs' national followings and how strong they are historically.
Potential ticket sales of the candidates. For the Orange Bowl, a sell-out is vital.
A compelling story about the team is also helpful.
Considerations of stakeholders – television (this year, that's Fox). Fed-ex and other sponsors.
Appeal to the fanbases. Travel distance and accessibility from schools. How easy it is for fans to get to Miami.
Penn State fares very well by that criteria, though Iowa is not a slouch. On the television front in particular, Penn State fares very well. Sports Media Watch reported that "Penn St./Michigan St. topped both the SEC on CBS (2.6) and Notre Dame football on NBC (2.5) head-to-head" this Saturday. Also, I saw somewhere, but can't find it again, that Penn State had much better ratings in the 2006 Orange Bowl than Iowa did in the 2003 Orange Bowl. Penn State should get full consideration from the Orange Bowl officials if they get a chance to pick a Big Ten team. Of course, if the Fiesta Bowl picks Iowa, which Big Ten commissionerJim Delanyis apparently lobbying for (@scrappled, AKA RUTS), the Capital One Bowl will almost certainly invite the Nittany Lions. I'm not crazy about Delany doing that but in the end, I won't begrudge Iowa for getting a BCS bid over Penn State because the Hawkeyes won it.
We won't know anything until December 6 either way.
Penn State 42 MICHIGAN STATE 14 - William World News
Monday, November 23, 2009
Penn State 42 MICHIGAN STATE 14
I did not have a good feeling going into yesterday's game, but I picked Penn State to win because David Jones of the Patriot-News picked them to lose. Thanks, Jinxy!
Tight first half with the Penn State offense having trouble getting going. For the bowl game, I just want them to pretend they are starting the second half.
QB Daryll Clark is one of the slowest starters I have ever seen. He just gets too worked up. After he settled down, he could do no wrong, missing on only three of his last twenty passes. His 4 TDs gave him single season and career touchdown pass records for Penn State. He was Big Ten offensive player of the week.
RB Evan Royster had a great first half and not just for his long runs. Some of his 3 yard runs were huge because he eluded Michigan State tacklers in the backfield. Being able to maneuver out of trouble is what sets him apart. He sees the field so well.
OLB Navarro Bowman was a beast, especially in the first quarter. He lived up to his #11. He was named Big Ten defensive player of the week.
OLB Sean Lee also made some critical stops and big hits.
MLB Josh Hull got flagged for an iffy pass-interference call.
LOVE THE DRAKE! WR Curtis Drake has a very promising future ahead of him -- maybe he is the next Derrick Williams.
Great job by TE Andrew Quarless fighting for Drake's TD pass. That turned the game around
WR Graham Zug had another drop, possibility costing Penn State a touchdown, late in the first half. It would be his last as he caught 2 touchdown passes in the second half, stretching out over the goal line for one of them.
FB Joe Suhey caught his first career touchdown pass too, going up high to reel in a Clark pass that was a little off target.
K Collin Wagner needs to improve an awful lot if he wants to keep his job. He missed two field goals, though one was from about 50 yards out.
Another effective day of punting for Jeremy Boone. He pinned MSU back often. He exceeded expectations during his career.
One could get dangerously intoxicated playing a Mike Patrick drinking game. The ESPN play-by-play announcer was often wrong, especially in the first quarter.
QB Kevin Newsome saw spot duty in the second half, at least a series too late. He did score a TD, but did not attempt a pass. Matt McGloin (not Mike!) got in as well for some reason.
No less than three shots of P.J. Maierhofer in the crowd during the second half.
Penn State is ranked #13 in the BCS Standings. I will have more on that situation today or tomorrow.
This was Penn State's best effort of the season. The Spartans had advantages in the kicking game and typically play tough. That didn't happen and Penn State really put it together in the second half. Excellent half-time adjustments by the coaching staff.
Coverage Map: Penn State vs. Michigan State on ABC or ESPN - William World News
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Coverage Map: Penn State vs. Michigan State on ABC or ESPN
College Football TV maps: Week 12 - The Post Most of the nation will get Penn State at Michigan State on ABC. The only part of the country getting the game on ESPN is ACC country -- basically Washington D.C. down to the Florida panhandle.
By the way, the 126th edition of The Game is on Vs. at noon as Yale hosts Harvard at Yale Bowl.
Penn State football tickets will have different system soon - William World News
Penn State football tickets will have different system soon
Penn State is considering annual fees for season ticket holders, sources say - Patriot-News One thing's for sure: PSU fans, open wallets - Patriot-News This past Saturday, rumors about major changes to Penn State football ticket distribution got covered by a major media outlet for the first time. RUTS mentioned them a few weeks ago during one of my weekly chats. This is going to upset a lot of people as lots of ticketholders between the 40 yard lines (and maybe elsewhere) are going to have to pay more to retain their seats. Paying the minimum contribution will no longer be enough if you have really good seats. Nittany Lion Club points are also not going to be much or any of a factor either, so I'm really glad I never joined. Basically, loyalty is no enough to keep your tickets, you have to open that wallet now. Loyalty doesn't pay for athletes scholarships, facilities, travel and so on -- money does.
RUTS, in a very thorough analysis on Black Shoe Diaries, is seeing this as an opportunity for other (i.e. younger) fans willing to spend the money to move up to much better seats. That's true and if you have the money but could never get close to midfield, this is good news for you. In general though, this is a big money grab that is going to make Penn State football more expensive for fans. There will certainly be backlash, but how much? Frankly, that is really going to depend on if Penn State is winning and to a lesser extent, what the home schedules look like. Some problems Penn State potentially faces:
Personally, I do not relish the idea of paying more just for the privilege of buying tickets to see Penn State play someone like Indiana State and I bet some of you don't either.
The gameday experience at Beaver Stadium has really suffered since Guido D'Elia was put in charge of it -- I'm sick of hearing about the "Greatest Show in College Football." Every time I go (less and less since I am now a father) I like it less. Too much piped in music, not enough Blue Band.
There is not as much parking and that does make it take longer to get to the game.. I don't mind it so much since the mission of the university is not to provide football parking. I welcome the arboretum and (ugly) law school building as those will get used a lot more often the football parking.
Some fans may be more content to just stay home and watch games on their big HD TVs. Remember, there is no blackout rule in college football like the pros.
Okay, those are some downside to Penn State doing this, there may actually be some upsides:
More revenue might mean they are going to be willing to spend money on the next football coach. Joe Paterno makes very little compared to his peers at other top 25 programs. If they want a big name next time, they have to open up the wallet. That may be one of the reasons they are jacking up football ticket prices.
Left unsaid in any of the articles I have seen, fans outside of the 40s may get less desirable seats as other fans get downgraded since they won't pony up.
That may be true of other sports as well. The new wrestling coach was quite a coup and they spent a lot of money for him.
More, younger fans in key positions could make the stadium a lot louder and improve the atmosphere, though pricing out the "average fan" has a way of having the opposite impact.
Maybe we'll get that hockey arena after all.
In the end, this reeks of hubris and could blow up in Intercollegiate Athletics face, but it probably won't and most fans will just go along with it, grudgingly.
Oh and the student section is going to be moved around so it is completely in the south endzone. That frees up seats on the east sideline for more alumni. Juniors and seniors lose in this deal, but ultimately, that could make the south end zone much louder, so that's a win.
We came within a safety of my 33-20 prediction from the end of Friday's chat coming true. So close...
Man oh man that was some bad football by Penn State in the first half. Two really bad Daryll Clark interceptions and two lost fumbles on special teams. There was another one that the Nittany Lions got back. Joe Paterno's "playing it safe" on punt returns really blew up in his face. The idea of playing for the fair catch doesn't work too well when the returners can't hold onto the ball. Unbelievable.
Against any other Big Ten team on the schedule, those 4 first half turnovers would have made for a loss.
Clark was too wound up in the first half. That is his biggest problem, his fiery emotions get the best of him. He settled down nicely in the second half.
Getting that touchdown to tie the game going into the half was huge and yes Bill Lynch, that was probably holding on Penn State. Good tirade though.
Excellent interception return for a touchdown Navarro Bowman, but I still don't think you are ready for the NFL. Come back and get your technique perfected.
OLB Sean Lee had a great final game at Beaver Stadium with over 10 tackles and 4 passes defensed. He also got robbed of an interception by a penalty.
Indiana looked better than they had in a long time. Ben Chappell is solid quarterback that is going to be trouble for the Nittany Lions next year at FedEx Field.
Once again, the defense yielded an early score and then made the adjustments they needed to make.
RB Evan Royster had just shy of 100 yards, but scored two TDs. He'd be stupid to go pro by the way.
RB Brandon Beachem looked to have a pretty serious knee injury.
Guess who is BCS eligible again? Win next week and maybe another BCS bowl, even if they don't deserve it.
Nick Horvath column attacks Penn State athletic department - William World News
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Nick Horvath column attacks Penn State athletic department
NICK HORVATH - PSU content to be pretender - Patriot-News Horvath slams Intercollegiate Athletics for making Penn State college football's elite for raising revenue and bricks-and-mortar, but not on the field. The scheduling is specifically called out. There are lot more truths in column than we may want to admit.
He makes some good points, but I'm tired of the scheduling argument. Yes, the schedule is terrible, but does anybody really think that if they had scheduled say, Alabama and USC this year instead of the two gimmies, that they would still be 8-2? No, they'd be 6-4.
Besides, their non-conference schedule last year was filled with cupcakes and they still managed to win in Columbus, so that argument doesn't hold water. The fact is they just weren't good enough. Period.
Oh, I don't think 80% of the commonwealth is dying to see Pitt vs. PSU. Maybe 80% of Pittsburgh residents, though I doubt the number would be that high even for Pitt fans.
# posted by TMBC :
Thursday, November 12, 2009 10:36:00 PM
Joe Paterno press conference transcript & video 11.03.2009 - William World News
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Joe Paterno press conference transcript & video 11.03.2009
Joe Paterno News Conference - Intercollegiate Athletics In case you were worried Paterno was going to tell you what you wanted to hear about special teams, those worries were unfounded!
Penn State might still be in BCS bowl mix - William World News
Penn State might still be in BCS bowl mix
DAVID JONES - PSU not out of BCS yet - Patriot-News After taking some shot at the fanbase, Jones rationalizes how Penn State could get to a BCS bowl. They have to take care of business first and win their next two games though.
This is going to be one of the few bowl speculation posts I am going to do since about 500 variables are at work here. I'll do more when they are narrowed down.
Tell Mr. Jones he should really try not to alienate the same "fans" who also serve as his customers. And as usual, he offers no evidence to back up his claim about PSU fans. Are there some fanatical PSU fans who complain about officiating? Of course. I also know similar fans who root for Tennessee, WVU, Pitt, Ohio State, and Notre Dame who make the same claims.
# posted by TMBC :
Wednesday, November 11, 2009 1:51:00 PM
11/14/2009 INDIANA 12:00 p.m. Big Ten Network 11/21/2009 at Michigan State 3:30 p.m. ABC/ESPN/ESPN2
The coverage map will likely be available on Wednesday, November 18.
I think almost all of games between the two teams since 1993 have been 3:30 kickoffs. For a while, it was given that kickoff time before the season began. This year's matchup is in East Lansing. Penn State currently holds the Land Grant Trophy.
Having the Land Grant trophy on November 22nd means a New Year's Day game in Tampa, right?
# posted by TMBC :
Monday, November 09, 2009 1:12:00 PM
It is too early to say, though I'll get some bowl scenarios up over lunch.
# posted by WFY :
Tuesday, November 10, 2009 6:09:00 AM
Post a CommentOhio State 24 PENN STATE 7 - William World News
Saturday, November 07, 2009
Ohio State 24 PENN STATE 7
Well that was the opposite of good, wasn't it?
I'm saying the player of the game is Ohio State's DE Cameron Heyward. Ironhead's son had a spectacular day, creating lots of havoc in the Penn State backfield. That is what I'd expect from the son of someone best remembered for holding a "thingie" in a soap commercial. Sadly, said commercial is not on youtube. RIP Ironhead.
QB Daryll Clark didn't play badly for the most part, but he didn't play well either.
Said aloud the following name: Derek Moye. Okay, that's the first time that wideout's name was called today.
Sadly, OLB Sean Lee got pancaked a couple of times. It appears that injuries kept us from seeing him reach his potential. He could have been better than Dan Connor had he been healthy.
OLB Navarro Bowman missing QBTerrelle Pryor on OSU's first touchdown is another example of why I think he should stick around one more season at Penn State. He's not all the way there yet.
Speaking of Pryor, he made a lot of people eat their words today. That stupid t-shirt didn't help matters, let that be a lesson Penn State Marketing Association.
Back to linebackers, Josh Hull made several special teams tackles.
Speaking of special teams, they still stink. P Jeremy Boone out punted the coverage reguarly, an indictment on the coverage I suppose, but Boone needs more air under his punts too. He did make a great open field tackle though.
Graham Zug had a big first half. He's faster than people think.
Why would you pitch the ball outside to Evan Royster on 3 and 1? If that's going to be the call, use Stephfron Green.
Penn State needs to figure out its offensive line issues soon. Do they need more bulk? Or just more experience. They probably need both.
Andrew Quarless did not have a good game. I think he had more penalties than catches.
Dave Witovet and his officiating crew seemed to be in Penn State's corner this evening.
The crowd was barely a factor. That might be giving it too much credit.
Two good things about the telecast -- no ED or prostrate ads for a change.
I thought the officiating was awful on both sides. That called the play with Zug a fumble in the 2nd quarter even though anybody with one eye could have seen Zug was clearly down. I also thought they missed numerous holding calls. That said, the officials are not why PSU lost. Special teams, poor line play and the Beano curse!
Oh, I didn't make it to the game yesterday as I've been pretty sick, so I still have your mayor's bet winnings.
# posted by TMBC :
Sunday, November 08, 2009 10:56:00 AM
Carroll H. Cook ("54 Pitt) chatted again this past Wednesday and Penn State was mentioned a few times.
Matt (Philadelphia): Beano, need a clarification on something from your podcast a couple weeks back. In 1969, did Penn State simply choose not to play the Texas-Arkansas winner in the Cotton Bowl? If so why was Paterno so mad?
beano cook: The players voted 33-30 to play Missouri. Penn State turned down the bid to play the highest ranked team available. The following year Notre Dame did not. For the millionth time, Penn State has a complaint about 1994, but none whatsoever about 1969.
It is worth noting that the players voted on what bowl they would attend and the vote was for the Orange Bowl. In short, black players were concerned about the treatment they would received in Dallas at the Cotton Bowl. It is also worth noting that the team Richard Nixon proclaimed as national champion, the Texas Longhorns were not integrated at the time.
Wayne (Carlisle, PA): Beano, OSU or PENN STATE? and why?
beano cook: I think Penn State will win.
BEANOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
We're doomed, the Beano reverse lock has been set. DAMN DAMN DAMN
Penn State vs. Ohio preview and prediction - William World News
Penn State vs. Ohio preview and prediction
I have a bad feeling about this…
Since Blue White Roundtable has apparently died from apathy, I have decided I am going to preview each of the remaining Penn State games. Saturday, the Nittany Lions host the Ohio State Buckeyes at 3:30 p.m. from Beaver Stadium. It is not expected to rain and temperatures will be in the 40s. It is fair to say that Ohio State is the team that I most look forward to seeing Penn State play every year since it has been a pretty good rivalry, at least when played in Happy Valley. Some of my favorite games have been against the Buckeyes. It is also the most aesthetically pleasing game with the Blue and White of Penn State complimented quite nicely by the Scarlett and Gray of Ohio State.
The recent history of the series has a few slugfests and field position battles. Last year it was 13-6, Penn State winning after converting a QB Terrelle Pryor fumble into a touchdown drive. The two previous years were perhaps an exception, with Ohio State winning big, but the 2006 game was tight going into the fourth quarter before Anthony Morelli had two interceptions returned for a touchdown. The 2005 game was a 17-10 nail biter in Happy Valley. The 2004 and 2003 games also were tightly fought, with Ohio State winning both, although the ’03 game came down to a 60 yard field goal that Penn State missed by about three yards. OSU also had the benefit of a egregious call on their final drive, when the ball clearly bounced off the turf into a tight end’s hands. The 2001 game was an epic comeback win for the Nittany Lions to seal coach Joe Paterno’s 324th career win, then the all-time record. The 1997 and 1995 games were tight, high scoring games that the teams split in Happy Valley.
This is really hard game to pick. #10 Penn State is 8-1 and #12 Ohio State is 7-2. Both have lost Big Ten games; Penn State to undefeated Iowa, and Ohio State to often defeated Purdue. The Buckeyes also lost at home to USC. PSU seems to be firing on all cylinders since losing to Iowa; the same can be said about OSU after their loss at Purdue. The big question for the Buckeyes is Pryor. The Pennsylvania native (and subject of a stupid t-shirt this week) has yet to play well against a good team. His mechanics often are poor and he does the most damage on the run. Penn State is likely going to set it up so that he has to win with his arm, a solid strategy as Pryor has not shown he can do it and does not have the same level of wideouts he did last year. On paper, the typical bend-but-don’t-break Penn State defense is the right way to go – protect against the big play and force Pryor to march his offense down the field.
On the other sideline, Penn State has to worry about its offensive line; can it hold up against the OSU front seven? That is the biggest challenge facing the Nittany Lions tomorrow. If QB Daryll Clark has a little time, he should get a number of opportunities to stretch the field throwing to his tall wideouts. That is probably the best gameplan for Penn State; will Paterno go with it?
The other area of concern of course is Penn State’s not-so-special teams. Two punts have been blocked, they don’t have much of a return game and the kick coverage is poor. On the opposite side, the Buckeyes lost their starting kicker.
Okay, I’ve written a lot, and I thought about this a lot more, too much I suppose. I expect the game to be higher scoring than last season, considerably so. I believe that Jim Tressel is going to attack Penn State more and vice-verse. With uncertainly in his kicking game, I think Tressel will be more aggressive in the red zone, since he can’t count on getting 3 points as much with an unproven kicker on the road. On the other side, I expect that Paterno will attack more like he did against Michigan, since he has a lot of trust in Clark as quarterback. My big concern with Clark is that he’ll get too fired up like he has against Iowa in the past. Keeping Clark calm is going to be very important. Overall, I think that Penn State is just a better team this year and will pull it out win, let’s say 24-20. It isn’t going to be easy and will be very stressful. In the end, I expect it to be exhilarating.
Why didn't anyone tell me the '97 Penn State vs. Ohio State game was on - William World News
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Why didn't anyone tell me the '97 Penn State vs. Ohio State game was on
Oh man, ESPN Classic reran the epic 1997 Penn State vs. Ohio State game last night. I didn't find out about it until it was too late. That was the best game I ever saw and I would have loved to recorded it. I've inquired with ESPN Classic to see if it is being run again.
We'll just have to settle for the Penn State Football Story video of that game (via Facebook) which is sadly not embeddable. Running backs Curtis Enis and Aaron Harris were so powerful, too bad the former went crazy and the latter got hurt a week later.
Coverage Map: Penn State vs. Ohio State - William World News
Wednesday, November 04, 2009
Coverage Map: Penn State vs. Ohio State
College Football TV maps: Week 10 Washington D.C., the entire Northeast, Big Ten country (except Iowa), the far West and most of Florida will get #11 Penn State vs. #16 Ohio State on ABC. Everywhere else gets that game on ESPN2. The telecast begins at 3:30 p.m.
Penn State Football: Joe Battista calls out student section - William World News
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Penn State Football: Joe Battista calls out student section
Hey, Students! On Nov. 7 Attendance Is Mandatory…And I Will Be Taking Attendance - statecollege.com The "best student section" in the nation is getting called out by Joe Battista Executive Director, Nittany Lion Club and former Icers coach. The students aren't showing up for kickoff or even filling their section. Preach it JoeBa, preach it!
I have not been doing Beano Watch lately for a couple of reasons 1.) Carroll H. Cook ('54 Pitt) has missed some chats 2.) He is not offering much about Penn State beyond "bad non conference schedule." This week is a little better.
pete caroll (USC): Hey Beano, some idiot from pa on the maisel chat thought Pennstate should be ahead of USC cuz their loss is better...do these people fail to realize the other 11 games on the schedule...i think USC's wins at ohiostate cal and nd are slightly better than beating sisters of the poor, akron, syracuse and my highschool team at home man people are jealous of the best huh
Beano Cook: First off, USC clearly plays a tougher schedule. If these teams met in the postseason, the Trojans would win. I still feel Penn State has a good chance of finishing the regular season 11-1 for a second straight year, both losses to Iowa. Going 22-2 over two seasons is impressive. If they meet in the Rose Bowl, USC will win. I agree with you that the Penn State non-conference schedule is not exactly challenging.
I'd love to see a rematch of Pen State and USC. I would kind of like Penn State's chances this time around. Nice of him to compliment Penn State's record, but too many people are acting as though the Nittany Lions going 11-1 is fait accompli.
Lou (Rockville, MD): You really think a 10-2 Notre Dame would get a bid over 11-1 PSU?
Beano Cook: Yes, the Irish probably will. I am not saying they should, just answering a question and making a prediction.
Really? Penn State travels as well as anybody and has actually won a bowl game not played in Hawaii this decade.
George A Gionis (Blue Bell): Any shot of a Pitt PSU Fiesta Bowl. That would be something, now wouldn't it?
Beano Cook: Number one, it is unlikely. It would be interesting.
There was a lot of talk about this earlier in the week for some reason. Beano's right that it is unlikely and it would be kind of interesting, but I'd rather Penn State get another shot at USC, if everything lines up. There are still four games to play and a lot can happen to either team.
Lets hope the players don't think an 11-1 is an automatic thing either. They have at least two very loseable games left, plus a tricky one this week if they aren't focused.
# posted by TMBC :
Thursday, October 29, 2009 4:41:00 PM
My thoughts on the Joe Posnanski SI article on Joe Paterno - William World News
Monday, October 26, 2009
My thoughts on the Joe Posnanski SI article on Joe Paterno
JOE POSNANSKI - Joe Paterno Top Of The World, Pa! - Sports Illustrated I finally read this article on Paterno after my copy of SI arrived on Friday. It is a fantastic article, despite it being written as a letter to the late Angelo Paterno, father of Joe, who died in 1955. It contains new insights like this fun one:
Even the Penn State uniforms and helmets stayed the same—as white and clean and plain as Pennsylvania snow. Joe unknowingly picked those uniforms as a young man, back in 1943, before coaching was even on his mind, when his old high school coach, Zev Graham, took him to a World Series game between the Cardinals and the Yankees. Graham pointed out that the Cardinals' shoes were scuffed, their uniforms untucked, their pantlegs all different lengths. The Yankees, of course, were pin-striped and immaculate. "Now," Zev said, "guess who is going to win the World Series?" The Yankees won, and Joe would forever believe in the power of looking businesslike. If Zev had taken him to the 1942 World Series, when the unkempt Cardinals pounded the Yankees in five games, there's no telling what Penn State uniforms would look like.
Ha! Paterno being the son of Brooklyn, was a Dodgers fan, though.
Perhaps the best quote of the whole story was this:
"You'll understand, once you have kids, that life changes. You'll find that your happiness is defined by your least happy child. You'll understand. Every player we have, someone—maybe a parent, a grandparent, someone—poured their life and soul into that young man. They are handing that young man off to us. They are giving us their treasure, and it's our job to make sure we give them back that young man intact and ready to face the world."
That really speaks for itself.
The other great insight was that Adam Taliaferro's injury, a broken neck that had him briefly paralyzed, was much tougher on Paterno than we had known. If you haven't read it yet, read it now, even if you aren't a Penn State fan.
Penn State football TV schedule as of 10.26.2009; Ohio State at 3:30 - William World News
Penn State football TV schedule as of 10.26.2009; Ohio State at 3:30
Penn State-Ohio State Clash Set for ABC/ESPN National Telecast - Intercollegiate Athletics I think I was telling my wife yesterday that today we'd find out officially that ABC or ESPN would be covering the November 7, Penn State vs. Ohio State game at 3:30 p.m. Sure enough that's what has happened. It will either be on ABC or ESPN2, depending on what part of the country you are in, coverage maps to come on Wednesday, November 4.Here is the remaining schedule
10/31/2009 at Northwestern 4:30 p.m. ESPN or ESPN2 11/07/2009 OHIO STATE 3:30 p.m. ABC/ESPN2 11/14/2009 INDIANA TBA 11/21/2009 at Michigan State TBA
# posted by WFY :
Monday, October 26, 2009 6:29:00 AM
Post a CommentPenn State 35 MICHIGAN 10 - William World News
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Penn State 35 MICHIGAN 10
Well that's a relief, the last of the losing streaks from my time as an underclassman finally ends. It should not have taken this long for Penn State to win at Michigan, but it did. Hopefully, the Michigan and Ohio State demons have been purged. Now all that is left is Iowa.
I am thrilled that my prediction, UM 26 PSU 22, was wrong.
QB Daryll Clark had his best game of the season to date. Four touchdown passes and no turnovers. He picked up a number of mismatches and made the Wolverines pay.
ALL HAIL ZUG! The folk hero/ruler of the universe caught 3 touchdowns! AMISH LIGHTNING! THE ZUGGERNAUT. ALL GRAHAM ZUG DOES IS CATCH TOUCHDOWNS!
Michigan is terribly coached right now. So many mental errors and dropped passes by them. They lack fundamentals.
The Michigan offense spends more time running horizontally in the backfield than any I have ever seen. Don't they know the object is to move the ball downfield, not across it? I'm not complaining mind you, I just don't think they understand football.
LB Navarro Bowman had two turnovers and a bunch of tackles, but I think he still has much to learn, I really hope he stays for another year. Also, he shouldn't be on the punting team.
Nick Sukay seems to like going for the big hits/interceptions, but rarely gets either.
C Stefen Wisniewski still doesn't put enough zip on shotgun snaps.
Speaking of shotgun snaps, how about the Michigan one that sailed out of the end zone? I was hoping DT Jared Odrick would get a safety, but let's not be picky or greedy.
Coach in charge of the defense Tom Bradley sure does know how to adjust to Michigan these days.
Head coach Joe Paterno finally played to win in Ann Arbor, rather than playing not to lose.
Two penalties in a row on OL Johnnie Troutman?
TE Andrew Quarless is finally reaching his potential after two wasted years in Paterno's doghouse.
FB Joe Suhey even got a few long runs today.
RB Evan Royster got his 100 yards rushing.
QB Derek Moye continues to impress
OLB Sean Lee's name was not called much, I think he barely played.
MLB Josh Hull has become a pretty good football player. He has exceeded expectations, good for him. And us.
Good job by Jeremy Boone drawing a roughing the punter penalty.
Why does Michigan have a fake field? The game is supposed to be played on grass.
Just a little bit of bourbon tonight, as I am not feeling well.
Doc Saturday breaks down Penn State's defense - William World News
Doc Saturday breaks down Penn State's defense
Deconstructing: Penn State's modern take on old-school defense - Doc Saturday Okay, it is just a few minutes before kickoff. I've been meaning to put up a link to this excellent breakdown of the Penn State defense. Now let's hope it doesn't breakdown against Michigan.
Blue White Roundtable: Penn State at Michigan - William World News
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Blue White Roundtable: Penn State at Michigan
Three people contributed questions this week, no lightning round (yet).
1) The Penn State offensive line looked awful against a very good Iowa defense. They looked pretty good over the last three games, against the Big Ten's two worst defenses and a I-AA scrimmage. This week they face a decent, but not great, Michigan defense. Is the O-line up to the challenge and can they block Brandon Graham?
Graham is the big x factor and I think Penn State is going to need running back help on him. He will get his pressures, knockdowns and maybe a couple of sacks, but I don't think that is enough to necessarily beat Penn State. If he can get in Daryll Clark's head though, Penn State is in big trouble. Clark gets pretty worked up sometimes and that causes lots of problems. However, if somebody can keep Clark focused, Graham will probably be a manageable problem.
2) Eric Decker was (for the most part) not a factor in the minnesota game. Was this due to the weather, his being "over rated" or has PSU's secondary, primarily AJ Wallace, benefited from the extra practice and challenges from the coaches?
I think all three contributed to Decker having an off day, but one thing was not mentioned but just as important was the lack of possession for Minnesota on Saturday. The Penn State offense simply had the ball so much Minnesota never got a chance to get going on offense.
3) Tate Forcier captured the eyes of America with some phenomenal late play in some of Michigan's earlier games, with his last-second touchdown drive against Notre Dame drawing enormous praise to the true freshman. However, he found himself riding the bench in the fourt quarter last week against Iowa, and Penn State has been strong against the pass all year. How will the Penn State defense fair at containing Forcier, who is a true dual-threat quarterback?
I think Penn State would be wise to utilize the old "Polish nickel" defense and drop a lot of men back in coverage. Decker is most dangerous on the run, let's see how he does sorting out of a lot guys in white running around the secondary. Make adjustments as needed. I don't know how stubborn Michigan is under Rich Rodriguez, but if he is determined to throw the ball, let him and then make him pay for it.
Lightning Round
Penn State's streak of not allowing a first half TD comes to end this weekend, True or False? True
Who's a better performer in FatBoy Slim's Weapon of Choice video? Christopher Walken or Tate Forcier? Walken, duh Does Penn State win this Saturday in Ann Arbor for the first time since '96? Unfortunately, I have to pick against Penn State in Ann Arbor until proven otherwise
I'm terrified for this game. I think PSU is the better team, but as you know, better teams go to Michigan all the time and lose. And you can never predict how much trouble the officials will be.
# posted by TMBC :
Friday, October 23, 2009 8:41:00 AM
Coverage Map: #13 Penn State at Michigan on ABC or ESPN east of the Mississippi - William World News
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Coverage Map: #13 Penn State at Michigan on ABC or ESPN east of the Mississippi
College Football TV maps: Week 8 - ESPN #13 Penn State at Michigan is going to 45% of the nation. The Northeast and Mid Atlantic, Arkansas and Louisana, plus most of the Midwest excluding Missouri, get it on ABC. The Southeast will get it on ESPN. For the most part west of the Mississippi River needs to order ESPN GamePlan to get the game.
In the Washington D.C. television market, Channel 7 WJLA will have the game.
Joe Posnanski writes about Penn State Nittany Lions head coach Joe Paterno in this week's issue. Heading into a showdown with Michigan do we really need this?
I am going to wait to read it in the dead tree version. Posnanski is a good writer, I expect it to be worth the wait. I just wish SI had waited a little longer to print it. Like the week of the Indiana game. At least he is not on the cover, though they did win their next game after his last cover appearance. Paul Posluszny, also on that cover, got hurt in that game though.
Just a few thoughts on Saturday's game since we're so far removed from it.
So much for Eric Decker. The Minnesota wideout, had one catch, a 42 yarder after the game was decided. The Penn State defense gets a feather in their collective cap for this one, especially CB A.J. Wallace.
I expected more from the pass rush, but it turns out it wasn't needed.
Sometimes the best defense is a grinding out the clock offense. Actually, that is most of the time.
A good game for RB Evan Royster, over 100 yards rushing. He is hitting the holes better (okay, maybe there were no holes to hit before) and seeing the field well again.
OLB Sean Lee returned and immediately made his presence known -- with a penalty that gave Minnesota 15 free yards. He barely played, good news considering the field conditions.
Speaking of the officiating, it was not very good. Lots of penalties, many undeserved for both sides.
I was hoping for more snow, but it was just rain. Too bad really.
The student section didn't fill up. Is the myth of great student fandom dead yet?
QB Daryll Clark gets too worked up sometimes; I think that was the case at the beginning of the game on Saturday.
Minnesota did not wear yellow/gold pants. The Nittany Lions have trouble with teams that wear yellow/gold pants.
Matt Millen is a much better color commentator than general manager.
# posted by PSUgirl :
Tuesday, October 20, 2009 4:08:00 PM
I have no idea -- shame on me for shorting the defense.
# posted by WFY :
Tuesday, October 20, 2009 4:26:00 PM
It was a bad performance by the student section. I've seen games against Temple with a better showing. Additionally, the PA guy had to tell the student section to quit throwing snowballs or PSU would get a penalty. I think he made the announcement at least 2-3 times.
Much more music from the Blue Band, and less from the PA, I should add.
# posted by TMBC :
Wednesday, October 21, 2009 7:17:00 AM
The snowballs were probably worse at the '95 Michigan game -- Joe Paterno ran down to the student section to yell at us at least once and probably twice.
Good news about the Blue Band, but my gut instinct says it was probably because it was homecoming.
Frankly, what else was Penn State going to do? There are several inches of snow or slush on the grass lots. Anybody thinking those conditions are good enough for parking cars are kidding themselves. Also, do you think Penn State wanted to lose the $200,000 in revenue?
This has happened before when there were 17 inches of snow before the 1995 Michigan game. Like that time, arrangements have been made to have shuttle buses transport fans to Beaver Stadium from outlying parking lots, like the Wal-Mart on Benner Pike. I'd say that people need to chill out, but the 34° rain and snow will do that for them. I was at that game in '95 and I don't even remember how I got from my car to the game, but I did, so it wasn't a big deal.
Since I mentioned, the '95 Michigan game, I have to show this clip:
To those who are still going to the game, I tip my hat to you. You'll get tell your grandkids about the time you went to the Homecoming game when it snowed.
Oh and my prediction -- PENN STATE 27 Minnesota 10
I agree that PSU made the right decision about the parking, but I wonder how much money they lost? Those of us with prepaid parking passes aren't exactly getting a refund.
# posted by TMBC :
Sunday, October 18, 2009 6:49:00 PM
Paternoville was closed down due to the snow, but the parade is still on. Rain and snow are forecast for the next days -- as Brad would say "football weather." Good luck to my friends in the stands tomorrow.
I wonder how many sorority pledges near College and Allen are getting hypothermia holding a spot for the parade.
Coverage Map: Penn State vs. Minnesota on ABC or ESPN this weekend - William World News
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Coverage Map: Penn State vs. Minnesota on ABC or ESPN this weekend
College Football TV maps: Week 7 - ESPN Here in the Washinton, D.C. TV market, Saturday's Penn State vs. Minnesota game will be televised on ESPN. That is also true of New England (except Connecticut) and areas west of the Mississippi River aside from Minnesota and parts of Iowa. Pennsylvania, New Jersey, most of New York state and the upper Midwest get the game on ABC.
Austin Scott suing Penn State, Centre County - William World News
Austin Scott suing Penn State, Centre County
Scott sues PSU - The Collegian Ex-player files lawsuit - CDT In former Nittany Lion news, Austin Scott, a heralded running back recruit that never lived up to his potential is suing Penn State University, the Penn State police and Centre County. He was charged with rape in 2007, but the charges were dropped before the trial. Scott claims that this hurt his chance to make the NFL.
While just the allocations of rape can damage a man's reputation for life, I ultimately believe the real reason he did not have much of a chance of making the NFL was because he had a terrible college career. Scott broke Tony Dorsett's Pennsylvania high school rushing record, but could never get with the program at Penn State. We got to watch Tony Hunt instead and that was fine with me.
Perhaps the Nittany Lions Shrine should have been guarded earlier - William World News
Perhaps the Nittany Lions Shrine should have been guarded earlier
This Aggression Will Not Stand - Black Shoe Diaries Somebody in Minnesota clothes wrapped up the Nittany Lion Shrine up in a maroon blanket or something. Oddly enough, the person in question is wearing Penn State blue underneath the Minnesota shirt, so perhaps somebody got a little Sue Paterno in him.
Real or not, the Golden Gophers need to pay for this -- crush their bones beneath your feet Nittany Lions.
I'm chatting at noon (previously, the widget said 5 p.m. for some reason)
1.) How does Penn State stop the Minnesota offense (a/k/a Eric Decker)?
Penn State has a big advantage against Minnesota because the Nittany Lions have a strong defensive line and Minnesota's offensive line gives up a lot of sacks. Part of that is because QB Adam Weber doesn't get rid of the ball. I really like this matchup as I see sacks and maybe some interceptions getting created.
WR Eric Decker though will probably have a good day and get in the end zone at least once. He will have to have a great day to beat the Nittany Lions.
2.) Is Minnesota's defense as awful as their statistical rankings make it look?
The Golden Gophers have given up at least 20 points in all but one (Air Force) of their games this season, including Syracuse. Their defense is that awful.
Of course, if Minnesota wears their yellow/gold pants, all bets are off. Seriously, there is no bigger kryptonite for Penn State than yellow/gold pants. After all, Michigan and Iowa wear them all the time, Minnesota some of the time. Hopefully, they will choose one of the white or maroon pants.
3.) Mid-point of the season, which of the PSU freshmen do you project as future stars?
WR Justin Brown has some potential. I have not seen a big enough sample size for QB Kevin Newsome yet though. His mechanics need work.
Lightning round (provided be...me!)
Where were you when Minnesota got lucky because Penn State did not put them away at Homecoming '99?
I was seated near the visiting section with my uncle and aunt, who were attending their first Penn State game. My parents and brother were also in attendance. I wanted to knock the Minnesota mascot's head off after that game. My uncle and aunt have never been to another game. That might be my worse Penn State football memory.
Will Minnesota open with an on-side kick?
Probably not, Glen Mason is now a Big Ten Network color commentator.
What is your best homecoming memory (that you can say in this forum at least :p)?
My best Homecoming memory is marching in the parade with the Metro Washington D.C. Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association.
Penn State, Nittany Lions, college football, LSU Tigers, Capital One Bowl
Facebook | 
Del.icio.us | 
Digg | 
Technorati | 
Blinklist | 
Furl | 
Newsvine | 
Reddit it!
