Penn State to the Alamo Bowl

From the Alamo Bowl's Web site:
11/30/2007, San Antonio, TX –The Pennsylvania State University (8-4) has accepted an invitation today to play in the 2007 Valero Alamo Bowl on Saturday, December 29 at 7:00 p.m. CST in San Antonio’s 65,000-seat Alamodome.

“San Antonio football fans should be excited to see Penn State back in the Valero Alamo Bowl,” said John Yantis, Valero Alamo Bowl Chairman. “Penn State is one of the nation’s most tradition-rich programs and this selection continues a streak of the biggest names from the Big Ten after hosting Ohio State, Michigan and Iowa the previous three years.”

Penn State will be making its second appearance in the Alamo Bowl with their first coming in the 1999 SYLVANIA Alamo Bowl against Texas A&M in front of a standing room only crowd of 65,380 which ranks second in all-time Alamo Bowl attendance.

“We are looking forward to playing in the Alamo Bowl and meeting a very good team from the Big 12 Conference,” said Penn State Head Coach Joe Paterno, who is in his 42nd season as head coach and has an overall mark of 371-125-3 (74.6). “This team has worked hard all season and has been a great group to work with. I’m happy for the squad that their efforts will be rewarded with an opportunity to go to San Antonio, where we had a great experience the last time, and be involved in a good, tough game.”

This year’s game will be the 15th installment of the Valero Alamo Bowl and the inaugural game with new title sponsor Valero. Since 1995, the game has matched the Big Ten and the Big 12 Conferences. This combination has produced eight of the Top 20 most-watched games in ESPN bowl history and has averaged a 4.5 rating.

The last two Alamo Bowl games (Michigan vs. Nebraska and Texas vs. Iowa, respectively) currently rank as the #1 and #2 most-watched games in ESPN bowl game history and trail only the BCS and Capital One Bowl ratings overall.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming the Nittany Lions to San Antonio and the Valero Alamo Bowl,” said Mike Ciskowski, Valero Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. “In our first game as title sponsor, we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to host Penn State under the leadership of Hall of Fame Coach Joe Paterno that will help us continue the Valero Alamo Bowl’s growing track record of capacity crowds and top ESPN ratings.”

“We're delighted to have the opportunity to return to the Valero Alamo Bowl,” said Tim Curley, Penn State Director of Athletics. “Everyone from Penn State had a wonderful experience during our previous trip to San Antonio. The hospitality extended to our team and fans was outstanding. This will provide a chance for some of our alumni in the Southwest to see our team play in person. The Valero Alamo Bowl has been a great partner with the Big Ten and all the Conference schools and we’re excited about returning to San Antonio.”

Ticket prices for the 2007 Valero Alamo Bowl are $32-$67 and can be purchased by calling Ticketmaster at (210) 224-9600 or visiting www.ticketmaster.com. Fans can also purchase tickets at the Alamodome Southwest Box Office from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

The Valero Alamo Bowl will announce Penn State’s Big 12 opponent (either Texas Tech or Texas A&M) on December 2 at 5:00 p.m. CST as part of the Fleming’s Steakhouse Team Announcement Party. The press conference will be held in conjunction with the party at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar in the Quarry Market at 255 E. Basse Road.

To download the Valero Alamo Bowl logo, request a credential or view a tentative media schedule, please visit the Media Center section of the bowl’s website. For more information, please call Rick Hill at (210) 704-6388 or Lara Smedley at (210) 704-6389.

About Valero--Valero Energy Corporation is a Fortune 500 company based in San Antonio, with approximately 21,000 employees and 2006 annual revenues of more than $90 billion. The company owns and operates 17 refineries throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean with a combined throughput capacity of approximately 3.1 million barrels per day, making it the largest refiner in North America. Valero is also one of the nation’s largest retail operators with approximately 5,800 retail and branded wholesale outlets in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean under various brand names including Valero, Diamond Shamrock, Shamrock, Ultramar, and Beacon. Please visit www.valero.com for more information.

ESPN’s Top 5 Most-Watched Bowl Games are as follows (rating—household impressions):
1. 12/30/2006 ALAMO BOWL TEXAS vs. IOWA (6.0—5,521,220)
2. 12/28/2005 ALAMO BOWL NEBRASKA vs. MICHIGAN (5.4—4,875,543)
3. 12/30/2005 PEACH BOWL LSU VS. MIAMI (5.2—4,706,275)
4. 12/30/1998 HOLIDAY BOWL NEBRASKA vs. ARIZONA (6.0—4,556,937)
5. 12/29/2005 HOLIDAY BOWL OREGON vs. OKLAHOMA (5.1--4,555,583)

The Valero Alamo Bowl boasts the #3 highest attendance among the 21 ESPN bowl games. Listed below is the all-time list of Alamo Bowl attendances:

•65,875* Alamo Bowl, December 30, 2006 (Texas vs. Iowa)
•65,380 SYLVANIA Alamo Bowl, Dec. 28, 1999 (Penn State vs. Texas A&M)
•65,265 MasterCard Alamo Bowl, Dec. 29, 2004 (Ohio State vs. Oklahoma State)
•65,232 SYLVANIA Alamo Bowl, Dec. 29, 2001 (Texas Tech vs. Iowa)
•64,597 Builders Square Alamo Bowl, Dec. 28, 1995 (Michigan vs. Texas A&M)
•62,016 MasterCard Alamo Bowl, Dec. 28, 2005 (Michigan vs. Nebraska)
•60,780 Builders Square Alamo Bowl, Dec. 29, 1998 (Kansas State vs. Purdue)
•60,028 SYLVANIA Alamo Bowl, Dec. 30, 2000 (Nebraska vs. Northwestern)
•56,229 MasterCard Alamo Bowl, Dec. 29, 2003 (Nebraska vs. Michigan State)
•55,677 Builders Square Alamo Bowl, Dec. 29, 1996 (Texas Tech vs. Iowa)
•55,552 Builders Square Alamo Bowl, Dec. 30, 1997 (Oklahoma State vs. Purdue)
•50,690 Alamo Bowl presented by MasterCard, Dec. 28, 2002 (Wisc. vs. Colorado)
•45,716 Builders Square Alamo Bowl, Dec. 31, 1993 (California vs. Iowa)
•44,106 Builders Square Alamo Bowl, Dec. 31, 1994 (Washington State vs. Baylor)
* The 2006 Alamo Bowl featured the largest sports crowd in Alamodome history.

Penn State Notes

Penn State in 2007: The Nittany Lions bring an 8-4 record into their 40th bowl game all-time. Three of the losses were by seven points or less. Penn State won 30 of its last 39 games overall and ranks among the Top 15 nationally in best cumulative record from 2005-07 (28-9).

Joe Paterno: The Valero Alamo Bowl will be Joe Paterno’s 500th as head coach of the Nittany Lions. In his 42nd season as head coach, Paterno owns a career record of 371-125-3 (74.6) and ranks second in victories among major college coaches and fourth among coaches across all NCAA divisions. He ranks fourth among active coaches in winning percentage (10 years or more).

Paterno is the all-time leader in bowl appearances (34th) and bowl victories (22-10-1 record). His 68.2 bowl winning percentage is third-best all-time among coaches with at least 12 bowl appearances.

Second Time Around: This will be Penn State and Joe Paterno’s second appearance in the bowl. The Nittany Lions are 1-0 in the bowl, defeating Texas A&M in the 1999 SYLVANIA Alamo Bowl 24-0.

Bowl Success: The Nittany Lions are No.3 in the nation with 25 post-season victories and first nationally in bowl winning percentage (66.7, 25-12-2) among schools with at least ten bowl wins.

Three Senior Starters: Penn State had just three senior starters for the last two games of the season: linebacker Dan Connor, tailback Rodney Kinlaw and quarterback Anthony Morelli. The Nittany Lions will return 21 starters for the 2008 campaign – nine on offense, ten starters on defense and both specialists.

Five Lions First Team All-Big Ten: Five Nittany Lions earned first team All-Big Ten honors, the second-highest total among all teams. A total of seven Penn State players earned all-conference recognition. Penn State’s five first team honorees were second only to Ohio State.

Senior All-America linebacker Dan Connor and junior cornerback Justin King were selected first team All-Big Ten after earning second team all-conference honors in 2006. Connor leads the league with 136 tackles and King leads the Big Ten with 17 passes defended.

Also garnering first team all-conference honors were freshman punter Jeremy Boone, sophomore defensive end Maurice Evans and junior center A.Q. Shipley. Junior linebacker Sean Lee and junior guard Rich Ohrnberger earned second team honors.

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Paterno's salary: $500k. Really?

OK, so Paterno's announced base salary is $512,664, according to The Daily Collegian. Can everyone now take a deep breath and rest easy, knowing he makes less than most SEC waterboys? Sure, he gets those freebees all the time from Nike and such, but a half-million dollar salary--for what he does--is NOTHING.

Makes you wonder just how schools like Alabama and Texas A&M feel, after dishing out millions per year for their coaches to lose five and six games, and drop one at home to a certain Sun Belt team. Does this make Penn State fans feel better, knowing their years of tuition aren't really going towards a coach who wins eight or nine games?

I frankly couldn't care what Joe Paterno makes. But I does make me giggle to know he makes less than most decent lawyers. Maybe his father had the right idea when he wanted his son to go to law school. If this doesn't cement Paterno's legacy as a selfless coach who only cares about the game, then I don't know what else people are looking for.

Yeah, I'm a little nieve on this one, but why bother getting worked up about this. What really matters right now? How much Paterno makes, or the possibility that 2007 should never have been thought of as the year, and that 2008 is setting up to be the typical Penn State every-three-year title run. I think we all know that answer.

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100th Post: VOTE FOR JOE '07

For my 100th post on this blog, I'm sending out a rallying cry.

ESPN and the Rose Bowl, Presented by Citi, are hosting a vote for the Greatest College Football Coach of All Time. Now, I'm not really sure why Joe Paterno, or Bobby Bowden is not leading the race so far. Obviously, people don't care that these two men have done as much for the game as anyone. The real eyebrow-raiser to me is Tom Osborne. Now, I know he was a great coach. But was he really one of the two best? No. And that's not just because I still think he was handed his first National Championship in 1994, over a Penn State team that would have crushed the '94 Huskers. It baffles me, when looking at the stats that ESPN provides for the voters, how people are breaking down each coach's career. Oh well.

VOTE FOR JOE PATERNO AS THE GREATEST COLLEGE FOOTBALL COACH OF ALL TIME.

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My favorite South Park

While this has almost nothing to do with Penn State or college football, I'm bored at work. There's not much in the way of depth to my favorite South Park episode--Red Hot Catholic Love (first aired 7/3/02)--but what's lacking in the main storyline is more than made up for in the secondary storyline. In case you still don't know which episode I'm talking about it's when Cartman makes a bet with Kyle that he could shove food up his ass and crap it out his mouth. Well, I don't know about any of you, but what follows is one of the greatest works in television history. The sheer hilarity when any of the characters poops out of their mouth is classic, mainly due to the sound they make. I highly recommend this episode to anyone needing a good giggle.

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ZN Top 25: Week 13

*This is it, the final weekend of regular-season college football.

1. Missouri (LW: 3) Would you want your team to face the Tigers?
2. Ohio State (4) The Buckeyes' loss to Illinois is better than...
3. West Virgina (5) The Mountaineers' loss to South Florida.
4. Kansas (1) This is still a great team that will, unfortunately, win nothing more than a bowl game this season.
5. Virginia Tech (6) Frank Beamer's finally got an offense to go along with his special teams and defense.
6. Georgia (8) The best team in a "down" year for the SEC. Yes, I said it.
7. Hawai'i (13) Week after week, still undefeated.
8. Illinois (12) If the Illini defeated any team ranked above them, would it really be an upset?
9. Oklahoma (11) This team is amazing when healthy, but take away their skill players and they're doomed.
10. Florida (14) Then you wonder how this team lost three games.
11. Boston College (15) Isn't it great that two former Big East teams will play for the ACC title?
12. LSU (2) Over-rated! (clap1 clap! clap clap clap!) A team should never be ranked No. 1 just because they're in the SEC.
13. Virginia (9) Still a great turnaround season for the Cavaliers, and 10 wins are certainly possible.
14. USC (17) OK, so you beat up on a good Sun Devils team. You want a freaking medal?
15. BYU (20) The Cougars are sliding up the rankings, completely under the radar... again.
16. Tennessee (NR) The win over UK might have just allowed Phil Fulmer to save his job in the SEC title game.
17. Clemson (23) Good game, but the Tigers, again, fell short of their potential.
18. Arizona State (7) No one in Tempe should be upset, this was a great resurgent year under Erickson.
19. Cincinnati (22) The Bearcats' three losses were by a combined 16 points this season.
20. Oregon (10) This team was toast after Dixon went down, good luck in the bowl game.
21. Texas (16) You never want to be the last team a coach beats, especially when that coach is alread fired when he beats you.
22. Penn State (24) I have nothing to base this ranking on other than that I still believe PSU is one of the 25 best teams in the nation.
23. Wisconsin (25) No way do I rank the Badgers ahead of PSU, after getting smashed 38-7.
24. Boise State (19) Don't feel bad Broncoes, no other team beat Hawai'i either.
25. Connecticut (18) A nice bowl win will make everyone forget about getting pantsed by WVU.

Dropped Out:
Texas Tech (21) Winning seasons are about all you can expect from a program like this, so with that: another good job by Mike Leach.

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Oregon State to replace ASU in 2008

BWI's Phil Grosz reported last week that Oregon State of the Pac-10 conference will replace cupcake Arkansas State on Penn State's 2008 schedule.

BWI has been told by all three of our contacts on campus that in mid-December, that Oregon State will replace Arkansas State on Penn State's schedule for Sept. 6, 2008.

Frankly, it's a real ballsy move by PSU to put a decent BCS school on the schedule. Maybe, just maybe, PSU is trying to improve its strength of schedule for 2008. Title run anyone?

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ZN Top 25: Week 12

*I know this took forever, but I'm away visiting family, and I finally got to a computer today. And sorry, no comments this week.

1. Kansas (4)
2. LSU (3)
3. Missouri (6)
4. Ohio State (5)
5. West Virgina (7)
6. Virginia Tech (9)
7. Arizona State (8)
8. Georgia (10)
9. Virginia (11)
10. Oregon (2)
11. Oklahoma (1)
12. Illinois (14)
13. Hawai'i (13)
14. Florida (12)
15. Boston College (18)
16. Texas (16)
17. USC (17)
18. Connecticut (24)
19. Boise State (NR)
20. BYU (NR)
21. Texas Tech (NR)
22. Cincinnati (20)
23. Clemson (19)
24. Penn State (15)
25. Wisconsin (23)


Dropped Out:
Kentucky (21)
Tennessee (22)
Michigan (25)

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All-Big Ten Teams, Awards

From BigTen.org:

Big Ten Announces 2007 Football All-Conference Teams and Individual Honors
Ohio State's Laurinaitis and Gholston Named Defensive Player and Lineman of the Year, respectively; Illinois' Mendenhall, Benn and Zook Sweep Offensive Player, Freshman and Coach of the Year Honors; Michigan's Long Repeats as Offensive Lineman of the Year

Nov. 19, 2007

Park Ridge, Ill. - The Big Ten announced the 2007 All-Conference football teams and individual award winners tonight as selected by the coaches and a media panel. After leading Ohio State to a third straight conference title for the first time since 1977, linebacker James Laurinaitis was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year by both the coaches and media while defensive end Vernon Gholston was honored as the Defensive Lineman of the Year by the coaches. Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long became the first Big Ten standout to earn back-to-back Offensive Lineman of the Year laurels since 1996 after leading the Wolverines to a second-place finish in the conference standings. Illinois tied Michigan for second in the Big Ten standings and racked up nine overall wins, an improvement of seven triumphs over last season, to sweep the remaining individual honors. The coaches and media selected running back Rashard Mendenhall as the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year and chose wide receiver Arrelious Benn as the Freshman of the Year while Ron Zook was the media's pick as the Dave McClain Coach of the Year.

After earning consensus All-America honors last season, Laurinaitis returned to Columbus to spearhead a Buckeyes defense which led the Big Ten in total, rushing, passing and scoring defense during conference play. The Big Ten's preseason Defensive Player of the Year boosted the Buckeyes to a third straight championship for the first time since the 1977 season and back-to-back outright titles for the first time since 1954 and 1955. In all games, the junior linebacker led Ohio State with 103 tackles while also collecting 8.5 tackles for loss, five sacks, two interceptions and a fumble recovery in 12 games. Laurinaitis is the third Buckeye in the past five years to be named Defensive Player of the Year by both the coaches and the media along with A.J. Hawk in 2005 and Will Smith in 2003. Laurinaitis, the reigning Nagurski Trophy winner as the nation's top defender, is a finalist for the Butkus Award and Nagurski Trophy and a semifinalist for the Walter Camp Player of the Year, Bednarik and Lombardi Awards.

Gholston led the Big Ten with 10.0 sacks during conference play to become the fifth Buckeye to nab Defensive Lineman of the Year laurels and the first since Smith was honored in 2003. In all games, the junior defensive end ranked second in the conference and sixth nationally with 13.0 sacks to equal the school single-season record set by Mike Vrabel in 1995, when he won the first of two straight Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year awards. Gholston was part of a pass-rushing unit which tied for second in the Big Ten and fourth nationally with 42 sacks on the season. OSU currently tops the country in all games by allowing only 10.7 points, 225.2 yards of total offense and 148.2 yards of passing offense per game while ranking third nationally by giving up only 77.1 rushing yards per outing.

Long becomes just the fourth standout in conference history to collect back-to-back Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year accolades, a prestigious group that includes Ohio State's Orlando Pace (1995-96) and Korey Stringer (1993-94) and Michigan State's Tony Mandarich (1987-88). The senior offensive tackle gives the Wolverines three Offensive Lineman of the Year awards in the last four seasons, as David Baas was honored in 2004. Other Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year honorees from Michigan include guard Steve Hutchinson (2000) and tackles Jon Jansen (1998) and Greg Skrepenak (1991).

Mendenhall shattered the Illinois school single-season records for rushing yards and touchdowns to become the first Fighting Illini standout to be named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year. The junior running back led the Big Ten with 1,526 rushing yards in all games this season to surpass the school's single-season record of 1,330 yards set by Antoineo Harris in 2002. Mendenhall added 16 rushing scores to break the previous program-high of 15 touchdowns established by Howard Griffith in 1990. Illinois ranked sixth in the country with 266.2 rushing yards per contest. In conference games only, the Illini led the Big Ten in rushing for the first time since 1953 with 262.0 yards per outing. Mendenhall is a semifinalist for the Maxwell Award, given to the nation's top player, and the Doak Walker Award, earned by the country's top running back.

Benn becomes Illinois' first offensive player to earn Freshman of the Year accolades and the second Illini to be so honored along with defensive end Simeon Rice, who picked up the award from the media only in 1992. The freshman wide receiver leads the team with 49 receptions and 596 receiving yards and 235 kickoff return yards, including a 90-yard touchdown sprint against Penn State. Benn has established new Illinois freshman records in both receptions and receiving yards, breaking the previous high of 511 yards by Brandon Lloyd in 1999 and 43 catches by Ty Douthard in 1993.

In his third-year in Champaign, Zook became the fourth Illinois mentor to earn Big Ten Coach of the Year honors after guiding the program to a seven-win improvement over last season, the largest turnaround in the nation. After winning only two games last year, Zook led the Fighting Illini to a second-place finish in the Big Ten and a 9-3 overall record, the school's first season with nine or more triumphs since producing 10 victories in 2001. In fact, Illinois' nine wins this season surpasses the program's combined total of eight victories over the last four seasons. Zook's seven-win improvement over a year ago leads the country, followed by current five-win improvements for Air Force, Connecticut and Kansas. Zook joins former Illini mentors Ron Turner (2001), John Mackovic (1988, 1989) and Mike White (1983) as Big Ten Coach of the Year honorees.

Overall, there are 21 individuals repeating as members of the All-Big Ten first or second team from a year ago, including seven first-team selections from 2006 who are on this year's first team - Illinois' J Leman, Michigan's Adam Kraus, Long and Mario Manningham, Ohio State's Malcolm Jenkins and Laurinaitis and Wisconsin's Jack Ikegwuonu.

The conference office also announced honorees from each team for the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award. The student-athletes chosen are individuals who have distinguished themselves through sportsmanship and ethical behavior. In addition, the student-athletes must be in good academic standing and have demonstrated good citizenship outside of the sports-competition setting. Honorees for football are Leman of Illinois, Josiah Sears of Indiana, Tom Busch of Iowa, Chad Henne of Michigan, Javon Ringer of Michigan State, Amir Pinnix of Minnesota, Tonjua (T.J.) Jones of Northwestern, Brian Hartline of Ohio State, Anthony Morelli of Penn State, Jaycen Taylor of Purdue and Luke Swan of Wisconsin. These 11 student-athletes are now candidates for the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award, as the conference office will honor one male and one female student-athlete from each institution at the end of the school year.

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2007

Every game preview for 2007.
Sept. 1 - W 59-0, FIU; BTN, 12 PM
Sept. 8 - W 31-10, ND; ESPN, 6 PM
Sept. 15 - W 45-24, UB; BTN, 12 PM
Sept. 22 - L 14-9, @ UM; ABC, 3:30 PM
Sept. 29 - L 27-20, @ Illinois; BTN, 12 PM
Oct. 6 - W 27-7, Iowa; ABC, 3:30 PM
Oct. 13 - W 38-7, Wisconsin; ABC, 3:30 PM
Oct. 20 - W 36-31, @ Indiana; ESPN, 12 PM
Oct. 29 - L 37-17, Ohio State; ABC, 8 PM
Nov. 3 - W 26-19 Purdue; ESPN, 12 PM
Nov. 10 - W 31-0 @ Temple; ESPN-U 12 PM
Nov. 17 - L 35-31 @ Michigan St.; ABC, 3:30 PM
Valero Alamo Bowl:
Dec. 29 - W 24-17 @ Texas A&M; ESPN, 8 PM

BCS National Championship Preview
Ohio State, 24 vs. Louisiana State, 38 - Jan. 7; Fox 8:30 PM

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Carr's retirement

"They were probably cheering like hell," Lloyd Carr said when asked how his players felt when he met with the team to announce his retirement yesterday.

But other than a few jokes, it was a sad moment, hearing Carr announce his retirement. But, didn't it sort of sound like a Lifetime Achievement Award speech at the Academy Awards? Carr thanked everyone but God (thankfully), but remained extremely classy in his departure.

Carr really did mean a lot to college football. He remained true while many other programs fell to the popular curves and quick fixes. I really enjoyed his comments on how coaches, specifically in today's collegiate world, have to take much more responsibility for his players and help them understand how life works, rather than just baby them and cover up whatever problems they may have.

You probably realize by now that I'm writing this as Carr is on TV live. Something I just noticed on screen is how ESPN made sure to let viewers know that UM was held to 91 total yards versus Ohio State. That was a bitch move if I ever saw one. Is it really necessary, under these circumstances, to show that stat? Is it relevant to his retirement? ESPN would like you to think so. The media would love to churn up controversy whenever possible, and if it can relate the OSU loss to his retirement, then that works for ratings and readership. Now, I'm tuning into ESPNews, and what is prominently displayed next to the video feed? Carr's record and stats versus OSU.

Now I realize a UM or OSU coach is and will always be judged by his record versus the other rival. But this is not the place to do it. I really don't believe Carr is being pushed out because of his recent struggles against OSU. When asked about some saying he was tired of coaching, he said jokingly, "I'm not tired. I may look tired, but I'm not."

"This program will continue to abide by the standards that were established by Bo Schembechler, to win with integrity. In the big picture, character of Michigan will be defined by how this program has been run," Carr said. Let's hope so.

I'll have more on the Michigan coaching hunt during the next few weeks. It should be really fun.

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The Odd Couple: Beano Cook and Joe Paterno

What? Beano actually agrees with Joe on something? In one of his patented rants about the Big Ten (usually causing listeners to think he was just taken in for DUI), Cook actually defends Paterno's stance, saying the conference should allow Big Ten games after Thanksgiving. (Scroll down to his video window on the right side of the article.)

I have to say, he's right. Both he-s are right. The Big Ten has been sniffing its own farts for too long. First, it was the Rose Bowl agreement with the Bowl Alliance, then the BCS, screwing up national title after national title. (Think 1994 and 1997) There really is no real good reason to stop playing before Thanksgiving. I really try hard to defend this conference, but sometimes it's impossible.

After all, most of the Big Ten presidents oppose a playoff system, so should it surprise anyone that they want the schedules played their way too? This increasingly disturbing trend across the BCS conferences gets me ripping. It sort of reminds me of when the teams did away with the "classic" games. You know, the Kickoff Classic, Pigskin Classic, Eddie Robinson Classic. Games that actually created some interesting match ups of teams that did well the previous year. After all, at least those games took teams that were decent, unlike the big-name, signed contracts for schools to play one another, like that all-timer pitting PSU against Notre Dame. Cough, Cough.

How great would it be if PSU and Pitt played every year in the snow? or at least PSU and Michigan State? This will someday come to a head, but not any time soon enough.

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Newsweek's Starr needs a proctologist

It must be nice. It must be nice to be a national sports writer who delves occasionally into whichever sport topic you feel you're qualified to discuss. Yesterday, Newsweek senior editor and Boston bureau chief Mark Starr wrote that the Big Ten is basically worse than the MAC since the 2007 BCS National Championship Game. Ok, so those weren't his exact words, but he definitely gave that impression.

Actually, I'm not too upset with what he said–I'm not going to repeat his words, they were too pathetic. Any college football writer could have said those things about the Big Ten, and sure, I would have been mad, but I'd still respect his or her opinion. That's not the case with this no-so-star Starr.

Now, I ask the man directly...

Where do you get off, mister "I'm a big-time writer, so I'm qualified to opine on anything I want, even if I don't have any clue what I'm writing about." You biography, which is so prominently offered under your staff photo, you list all of your very respectable, and admirable journalistic qualifications. You've covered eight Olympics, the Nancy Kerrigan-Tonya Harding story, figure skating, speed skating, a few NFL personalities, a few NBA personalities, pro tennis, pro soccer, gymnastics and boxing. You've also written for The Wall Street Journal, the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle and the San Jose Mercury-News. Your background also includes some politics on the state and national scale. Your degrees from Cornell and Stanford are wonderful accomplishments.

But... what the hell are you doing talking about college football?

Last I remember, your home town of Boston isn't too fanatical about college football, and Cornell and Stanford are hardly Penn State and USC. You have as much experience covering college football as I do, and if you count this blog, you actually have less than I do.

Your article on the Big Ten's mediocrity in 2007 is totally unfounded. Your entire argument is based on what the conference's national perception by the public. If you took any time at all to research the league, you'd know that your argument is unfounded, especially for a nationally-respected journalist. A large chunk of what you say is based on the 2007 national championship game, which Ohio State got slammed by Florida. So, that means that it's perfectly fine that Oklahoma lost 55-19 to USC in 2005? That the loss didn't lower the publics perception of the Big XII? I know USc was supposed to win, but should it have been THAT bad?

I won't go into my argument for the Big Ten, as while I think it's a definite "down" year for the conference, that means nothing when considering how many of the teams are vastly improved. Should the Big Ten be penalized because Indiana, Northwestern, Michigan State and Illinois are all finally winning conference games? I guess you'd rather it be Ohio State, Michigan, Wisconsin and Penn State beating all those teams every year for a top-heavy conference? Alabama lost to a mediocre Mississippi State team, Auburn lost to South Florida, USC lost to Stanford, Oregon lost to Arizona (I'm watching Wildcats fans storm the field as I write this), Oklahoma lost to Colorado, and there are a bunch more I could list. Why is it OK for those teams to suffer those losses, but not the Big Ten?

I'm getting really sick and tired of writers taking a stab at something just because it's what's been "going around."

Mr. (not-so) Starr, when it comes to college football, please close the word document and hit "don't save." You'll be doing us all a favor. Oh, and if you readers are still wondering what the headline meant: Mark Starr needs to get his head removed from his ass!

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No. 22 Penn State vs. Michigan St., Preview

School: Michigan State University (MSU), Spartans
Conference: Big Ten
Head Coach: Mark D’Antonio, 24-22 overall
Last Game: Defeated Purdue, 48-31
Record Last Five Years (sans 2007): 26-34 overall; 0-1 in bowls; 12-7 non-conference

Key Players, Defense: DE Jonal Saint-Dic, CB Otis Wiley, LB Kendell Davis-Clark

Key Players, Offense: RB Javon Ringer, RB Jehuu Caulcrick, WR Devin Thomas

What to look for: D – This really depends on which MSU defense decides to show up this week. This unit has the playmakers in guys like Saint-Dic (14 TFL, 10 Sks, 8 FF) and Wiley (4 INT), but lacks consistency to come up big when the team needs it. Against Michigan, they couldn’t prevent the long passes mixed with Mike Hart’s running. MSU is giving up a mediocre 351 ypg and 26 ppg, and has to have one of its better days against PSU to win. Getting pressure on the PSU passing game is a must, even if it doesn’t generate sacks. Forcing early throws and getting PSU out of its rhythm is essential. MSU can’t allow PSU to establish its short passing game to set up the run, as it’s done in most of the 8 wins. PSU has been suspect to turnovers, and that falls right into MSU’s lap. Get a few of those, and this one could get ugly, for once in MSU’s favor.

O – There’s no questioning MSU’s ability to put up points, but against the only really good defense it’s faced in 2007–OSU–it managed only 3 points. This won’t be a repeat of the 2006 game, where MSU QB Brian Hoyer threw 61 passes for 291 yards. D’Antonio is an old fashioned Big Ten coach with a modern twist. MSU is averaging 200 rush ypg and 221 pass ypg, one of the most balanced attacks in the nation, but the key will be the run game versus PSU’s front seven. Ringer (1298 rush yards) and Caulcrick (20 rush TDs) have been ramming it down opponent’s throats all year, and MSU needs them to keep the offense balanced. The only way to crack PSU’s defensive brick wall is to tire it out with first downs and more first downs. While the run game is a key factor for MSU, using it to set up the pass will only work if guys like Thomas can get the ball enough. He’s quietly been one of the best WRs in the conference with 1087 receiving yards and 168 rushing yards in 2007. Oh yeah, and he’s also really good at…

ST – returning kickoffs. MSU leads the conference in kickoff returns at 28.9 ypr, which bodes well against PSU, which has been suspect against good returnmen. The best thing MSU can hope for is solid play on both return units and coverage teams, with a big play or two from Thomas. In 2005, a blocked punt in the end zone broke the game open in PSU’s favor. Playing smart special teams might be the deciding factor in this one.

C – In 2003, when John L. Smith led MSU to a bowl game, there was renewed optimism around the program, but this is different now with D’Antonio. Smith brought excitement and flash, but D’Antonio has brought quiet confidence and discipline, something MSU desperately needed. The MSU coaches have the tools to beat PSU, but can they use them effectively enough to get this one in the W column?

Interesting Stat: MSU defensive ppg in 6 wins: 20; ppg in 5 losses: 34.2.

School: The Pennsylvania State University (PSU), Nittany Lions
Conference: Big Ten
Head Coach: Joe Paterno, 42nd Year, 372-123-3
Last Game: Def. Temple, 31-0
Record Last Five Years (sans 2007): 36-25; 1-1 in bowls; 7-4 non-conference

Key Players, Defense: LB Dan Connor, DE Maurice Evans, DT Phil Taylor

Key Players, Offense: RB Rodney Kinlaw, WR Derrick Williams, OTs Dennis Landolt and Gerald Cadogan

What to look for: D – Stop the run, plain and simple. Turning MSU one-dimensional should almost guarantee a win. PSU needs a huge game from the front seven, and more importantly, the front four. Taylor has been emerging as a big-time player, and his ability to get into the backfield before the runner can get to the line will be a huge factor this week. When MSU decides to pass, PSU can’t give Hoyer any time. Evans and Josh Gaines have to play big and get in Hoyer’s face. Don’t give MSU time, or you’re dead. Connor has become the best LB in the country, hands down, and can nearly lock up his awards with a good showing and a win this week. Although the PSU secondary has been playing a bit lax lately, I don’t expect them to have much trouble, as this whole game is about stopping the run. If PSU gets a lead, the defense has to play like every down is their last. Don’t give MSU an inch until the final whistle.

O – Don’t turn the ball over, Anthony Morelli. A fumble on the one-yard line against Temple had the PSU fans grimacing, but everyone knew it wouldn’t matter in that game. Well, against MSU, that kind of mistake will matter. PSU has had some trouble pass protecting, but the run blocking has been more than solid. That’s a bit deceiving, as PSU does much better when using the pass to set up the run. Kinlaw had the game of his life against a pretty bad team, but can really cement his legacy this week. Another career day came in the form of Williams’ 100 yard receiving yards. I’m not sure why it took so long, but he’s finally gotten the ball more where he can make a difference. He has to keep up his stellar play and break a few big ones against MSU. But the biggest match up will be the PSU OTs against Saint-Dic. Neutralizing his pass rush could save the day for PSU.

ST – What’s happened to PSU’s return game? I know, it’s not too bad, but it was supposed to be one of the best in the nation. The only big play this season came in week two against Notre Dame. Otherwise, the return men haven’t made that much of a difference. Williams is hot, and he can gain huge momentum going into the bowl game if he can launch a big return against MSU. This could be a low-scoring game, and a spark from the return game could make the difference.

C – Don’t get tight. The PSU staff has to get the ball to the playmakers. If Williams doesn’t touch the ball at least 12 times, there’s a problem. The play calling was good enough last week to beat Temple, but can the staff get enough going to beat a Big Ten team coming off a good win over 7-4 Purdue?

Interesting Stat: PSU is 11-3 against MSU since joining the Big Ten in 1993, but all three losses were in Spartan Stadium. Most of the time, PSU got embarrassed, 49-14 in 1997, 35-28 in 1999 and 41-10 in 2003. Sorry, I know, but PSU has to be careful this week.

GAME PREDICTION: I’d really like to see this one turn into a slugfest, the kind PSU loves to play. If it comes down to defenses, PSU’s should be able to hold its own against an inconsistent MSU offense. Look for a boring game through he first half; with either team possibly holding a slim lead. It’s really hard to call this one, as I don’t know if PSU will take advantage of its talent on offense. If PSU plays loose and smart, they can secure another 9-win season. If PSU comes out flat, and allows MSU to get a few energizing plays, a trip to the Champs Sports Bowl is almost certain for 2007. I think MSU will keep it very close, if not lead into the second half, but PSU has just too much talent to lose. Kinlaw gets another big day. Williams scores a TD. MSU logs less than 350 yards of offense, most of which comes in the first half.

PSU 27, MSU 23

VEGAS:

PSU (-2) MSU

ACTUAL SCORE:

PSU 31, MSU 35

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PSU's last visit to East Lansing

It was a fun one back in 2005: The quick 17-0 lead, the leftover snow, College Gameday, and of course, the broken bleachers in the PSU student section. One thing in it all that sort of pissed me off though was following the game. As all of the players came over to celebrate, drunken students 20-25 rows back somehow thought it was possible that if they just pushed hard enough, their arms could reach down to touch the likes of Tamba Hali and Mike Robinson. Ah, the craziness of winning a Big Ten Championship!



Some memorable moments:







Let's just hope we don't see another 2003.

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Some respect for JoePa

In his Cavalcade of Whimsy this week, CollegeFootballNews.com writer Pete Fiutak wrote about media and fans piling on Charlie Weis. Fiutak somewhat defended Weis' decision to negotiate for a huge contract extension, which eventually (as we all know) worked. But in his argument, saying how pretty much anyone would do what Weis did, he there in this quote:

"With the possible exception of Joe Paterno, there's not a coach in the history of the planet who wouldn't take advantage of the situation that Weis was in to get more money. That's not questionable character; that's good business."

That's actually the first time in, well, forever that I've heard an unnecessary complement about Joe Paterno by the Media. Thanks CFN.

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ZN Top 25: Week 11

*What a great weekend for PSU fans. Sure, while it would have been nice for OSU to go and win a National Championship, I couldn’t help but revel in the fact that both OSU and Michigan lost on the same day. Too bad they can’t do that again when they face off in Ann Arbor this weekend.

1. Oklahoma (3) - There’s no way anyone can say which team is definitely No. 1. So, I’m just going with OU this week.
2. Oregon (2) - Didn’t play, but can make one last statement against OSU. For UO’s sake, it better be a blowout.
3. LSU (4) - Like OU, there’s not much more to prove until the conference championship games.
4. Kansas (6) - Even though this is probably the best run team in the nation, I’m not yet ready to put them up there. KU vs. Mizzou will mean more than ever.
5. Ohio State (1) - OK, so one loss by 7 points; not bad, except for the fact that it was at the ‘Shoe, on senior day. Pathetic.
6. Missouri (8) - Watch this match up with KU, with two of the best QBs in the nation in Chase Daniel and Todd Reesing.
7. West Virgina (5) - A big sluggish, which will hurt the ‘Neers when it comes to the bowl picture. UConn could be tricky, but WVU will pull another win.
8. Arizona State (9) - This is a fun team to watch, and if it can win out should lock up a BCS berth.
9. Virginia Tech (11) - Wow, where did that VT offense come from? I mean, really, 40 points against FSU? Nice job.
10. Georgia (12) - I don’t know, but don’t you think UGA would love to have that Tennessee loss back right about now?
11. Virginia (18) - Talk about taking UM to the woodshed, the VT/UVA rivalry just got A LOT more interesting.
12. Florida (16) - I just don’t understand why UF is still so high in the polls. Beating SC four weeks ago would have been impressive, but you don’t get credit for beating “used to be” teams.
13. Hawai'i (14) - Again, undefeated.
14. Illinois (NR) - I don’t feel so bad now knowing PSU lost to Illinois, but it just thrust Ron Zook back into the national spotlight, this time, in a positive way.
15. Penn State (20) - OK, yeah and? PSU should have beaten Temple that way, nothing super here.
16. Texas (17) - That was a lot of points to give up, even against TT.
17. USC (19) - Like UF’s win over SC, the Trojans’ win over a shell of a Cal team doesn’t carry as much weight now.
18. Boston College (7) - It must be “East Coast Choke” year in college football.
19. Clemson (24) - Creepin’ and crawlin’ towards the ACC championship game.
20. Cincinnati (25) - I know I’m to blame also, but why isn’t this team getting more respect nationally?
21. Kentucky (21) - That win wasn’t too impressive; after all, this is the only team to beat LSU.
22. Tennessee (NR) - Shutting down Darren McFadden warrants praise, regardless of how up and down this team is.
23. Wisconsin (NR) - Without its best players, UW still gave it to UM.
24. Connecticut (10) - It can redeem itself against WVU, but I just don’t see that happening.
25. Michigan (13) - I don’t care how many players are out; the defense was intact and still sucked. Don’t count on UM pulling an upset this week, because this defense isn’t nearly as good as Illinois’ was against OSU.


Dropped Out:
Alabama (22) - I realize the game was away, and no one expected a miracle ASAP from Nick Saban, but come on. Playing that flat will always lose games.
Auburn (23) - I really thought this team could bounce back and make some New Years noise. Guess not.

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Southern speed vs. Northern... ???

This is great. It's about time I heard someone other than I who believes that the "SEC is just faster" argument is bullshit. Read this wonderful entry from Yes, I'm Judging You, highlighting the ridiculous Capital One Bowl prediction by YahooSports.com. I think you'll enjoy the argument.

And just to add to the point, here's one of my favorite compilation YouTube videos, highlighting the 2007 Outback Bowl.

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No. 23 Penn State vs. Temple, Preview

School: Temple University (TU), Owls
Conference: Big Ten
Head Coach: Al Golden, 4-17 overall
Last Game: Lost to Ohio, 23-7
Record Last Five Years (sans 2007): 8-50 overall ; 0-0 in bowls; 2-12 non-conference

Key Players, Defense: S Dominique Harris, DE Junior Galette, DT Andre Neblett

Key Players, Offense: QB Vaughn Charlton, RB Jason Harper, WR Bruce Francis

What to look for: D – Pressure, pressure, pressure. TU has to get into the backfield and in the face of PSU QB Anthony Morelli. It actually has a good chance to do so, with its strongest play this season coming from its front four. Galette and Neblett have led the defense with a combined 11 sacks (minus-59) and 4 forced fumbles. While sacks may be hard to come by, pressure can do the trick this week. And once TU gets PSU out of its timing, it can force a few bad throws, right into the arms of Harris. He’s easily the defense’s MVP, leading the team with 60 tackles, 2 INTs and 4 PBUs. TU can’t stop PSU this week, but it can certainly slow them down and be a real pain in the butt.

O – Establishing the run should be out of the equation this week for TU. I know that sounds ridiculous, but considering TU has no chance to win, it might as well give PSU as many headaches as possible. TU can get something going with screens to Harper, and maybe some misdirection bubble screens, but considering Charlton is only starting his second game, easy passes are key. Former PSU QB Adam DiMichele was on a roll for TU, completing 62 percent for almost 1600 yards until he went down in the Miami (OH) win. It’s one thing to lead TU to a win over Miami (OH), but over PSU is another story. If Charlton is going to look for someone to get the ball to, it will be Francis, who leads the team by a long shot with 41 catches and a monstrous 16 ypc and 6 TDs. Get a couple first downs, and TU can call it a victory.

ST – There’s not much that is “special” about this unit. While one of the best return games last season, its numbers have fallen off considerably, mainly with KR Travis Shelton gaining only 21 yards per kick return and no TDs. If TU wants to breathe at all this week, it will have to get the ball outside of the 20 yard line. Last week, Purdue kept the game close by nailing some long field goals, but unfortunately for TU, K Jake Brownell isn’t as reliable. He’s made only 3 of 9 beyond 30 yards, with a long of 41.

C – Where’s one of the most underrated coaching staffs in the nation? Duh, TU. Al Golden is a star in the making. Sure, 3-6 isn’t good for about 80 percent of the rest of the world, but for TU, it’s a miracle. Watch for Golden to try a few wrinkles and give his former head coach a few fits doing it. The defense is run by another PSU grad in Mark D’Onofrio. Although the defense isn’t pumping out NFL picks, it’s done a huge turnaround in only one season’s time.

Interesting Stat: Average score, TU vs. Opponents: 2005-06, 9.9 - 41.4, 2007: 18.9 - 28.2.

School: The Pennsylvania State University (PSU), Nittany Lions
Conference: Big Ten
Head Coach: Joe Paterno, 42nd Year, 370-124-3
Last Game: Lost to Ohio State, 37-17
Record Last Five Years (sans 2007): 36-25; 1-1 in bowls; 7-4 non-conference

Key Players, Defense: CB Justin King, S Anthony Scirrotto, DE Maurice Evans

Key Players, Offense: QB Anthony Morelli, RB Evan Royster, WR Derrick Williams

What to look for: D – This unit’s numbers against Purdue were a bit deceiving, as Curtis Painter threw for a whopping 255 yards. However, PU didn’t reach the end zone after the first play of the game, and the PSU secondary generally held when it counted most. PSU has to take advantage of a TU team that’s reeling after the loss of its heart and soul DiMichele. Getting pressure from Evans and DE Josh Gaines is a must to force errant throws by Charlton. I listed Scirrotto this week mainly because he’s due for a big game. Not many teams have thrown his way this season, but I think TU will be so desperate; it will chuck it around all game long. If the corners can play aggressive as they did against PU, TU doesn’t have a chance.

O – It was about time the coaching staff used Williams the correct way. There was no excuse previously for not getting the ball to him 12 or more times per game. Although there won’t be the need to get him the ball as much this week, PSU has to set the tone for MSU without looking ahead. Watch for Williams to amass another 100 total yards, with one score coming on the ground. Possibly the biggest positive coming out of last week's win was the emergence of Royster as the future of PSU. If he and starting senior Rodney Kinlaw can break a few long ones, it will be mission accomplished. The offensive line has been blocking well the last few weeks, and should look even better against TU. Don't expect any sacks from the first team.

ST – K Kevin Kelly has rebounded from a spotty start to settle down, making 17 of 22 kicks this season. The biggest pro