Zombie Nation: December 2007

12.29.2007

Southern Charm at its Best

Real nice, Texas. Reeeeaaaalllly nice:

Officials at Texas A&M have apologized for inappropriate and offensive comments about Penn State football coach Joe Paterno.

During an A&M pep rally Thursday at San Antonio's Riverwalk, one of the Aggies' yell leaders said Paterno is on his deathbed and somebody needs to find him a casket.

The comments drew boos from people from both schools attending the rally.

I didn't hear any of that, Paterno said at a Friday news conference. I think everybody's got to take things with a grain of salt. It's some young guy up there and he's trying to be funny. Maybe he's accurate, I don't know."

Paterno, who turned 81 years old last week, is in his 42nd season as the Nittany Lions coach.

The schools meet Saturday at San Antonio's 65,000-seat Alamo Bowl, which is sold out.
Copyright 2007 by United Press International

12.26.2007

Valero Alamo Bowl Preview: Penn State vs. Texas A&M

School: Texas A&M University (A&M), Aggies
Conference: Big XII
Head Coach: Gary Darnell (interim coach), 0-0 overall
Last Game: Defeated No. 11 Texas, 38-30
Record Last Five Years (sans 2007): 31-29 overall; 0-2 in bowls; 12-6 non-conference

Key Players, Defense: LB Mark Dodge, CB Marquis Carpenter, LB Misi Tupe

Key Players, Offense: QB Stephen McGee, RB Jorvorskie Lane, TE Martellus Bennett

What to look for: D – The famed A&M “Wrecking Crew” defense showed up this season--sometimes. Any offense with a pulse moved the ball with ease against the Aggies, and even bad teams like Miami, Fla. And Fresno State put up 34 and 45 points, respectively. If A&M can’t throw a wrench into the PSU offense, this one could get ugly in a hurry. It will start with the outstanding linebackers Dodge and Tupe, who combined for 197 tackles this season. Both are good at getting to the ball, and can also get a hand up in coverage, with Dodge notching five pass breakups and Tupe picking off one for a big return. Big plays are an absolute necessity if A&M pulls off the win. Getting a few sacks or interceptions could give A&M a mental boost, if anything. Carpenter was excellent at finding the ball in the air, and had four picks to show for it. This could come down to whether or not the “Wrecking Crew” actually makes an appearance.

O – This offense isn’t designed to work itself out of a deficit. The running game is A&M’s bread and butter, with McGee, Lane and RB Mike Goodson all rushing for more than 715 yards. The problem for the Aggies is that their leading rusher is the quarterback. If McGee can’t get the defense spread out and off balance, he doesn’t have the arm to stand in the pocket and bomb away. For the north-south running game, the 270-pound Lane is easily the hardest to take down, maybe in the whole nation. He’s only lost nine total yards the entire season on 159 carries. When A&M does go to the air, not many options exist outside of Bennett. He’s been good, but hasn’t gotten many opportunities to show his skills in this offense with only 45 grabs--tops on the team. PSU’s had some difficulty with tall receivers, so Bennett’s 6’7” frame could become a huge asset for the Aggies’ red zone attack.

ST – A&M will hope this game doesn’t come down to a field goal. K Matt Szymanski has been unreliable at best, connecting on fewer than 60 percent of his field goal attempts. In a tight loss to Texas Tech, he missed two attempts from 41 and 34 out. A&M lost that game by one point. Other than the field goal unit, A&M’s special teams are nothing to cringe at, but don’t turn any heads either.

C – Turbulence is the name of the game since Dennis Franchione was fired, oddly enough after his second straight victory over archrival Texas. Interim coach Darnell will get his team as fired up as possible, but this is really a meaningless game from a coaching standpoint. The real work will begin this spring, but a bowl win would send the seniors out on a great note, and maybe pour some momentum into the off-season and incoming coach Mike Sherman.

Interesting Stat: A&M has been a fourth-quarter team in 2007, scoring 131 points. Unfortunately, so have their opponents, which have scored 91 fourth-quarter points of their own.

School: The Pennsylvania State University (PSU), Nittany Lions
Conference: Big Ten
Head Coach: Joe Paterno, 42nd Year, 371-125-3
Last Game: Lost to Michigan State, 35-31
Record Last Five Years (sans 2007): 36-25; 1-1 in bowls; 7-4 non-conference

Key Players, Defense: S Anthony Scirrotto, LB Sean Lee, DE Maurice Evans

Key Players, Offense: RB Rodney Kinlaw, WR Derrick Williams, QB Anthony Morelli

What to look for: D – The 2007 season was not a vintage performance by this PSU unit. Sure, there were two shutouts, but I’m sure PSU would have traded those for two wins. In the final two losses the defense gave up 37 to Ohio State and 35 to Michigan State, 28 surprisingly in the second half to the Spartans. Of course, those teams had good quarterbacks. McGee is not bad, but he’s not great, and PSU will key off of his inability to carry the Aggies on his back with his arm. Senior captain LB and Bednarik-winner Dan Connor is almost a given to have a great game, but sometimes in 2007, his defensive teammates couldn’t help him out. Stopping the A&M run game with the front four, led by tackles Phil Taylor and Olie Ogbu will be important to forcing A&M to pass. If PSU can force the pass, Evans and DE Josh Gaines can tee off and pound McGee in the pocket. If McGee and Bennett hook up, it will be up to the suspect secondary to put a quick end to it. Throws over the middle haven’t ended well for opponents, with playmaker Scrirrotto always up for a big play.

O – Can PSU keep up with A&M if the defense doesn’t hold up as well as expected? Morelli had arguably his best game against a good team in the 2007 Outback Bowl against No. 22 Tennessee. And outside of the last four throws of the Michigan State game, he had a great final stretch. But a lot of that had to do with the emergence of Williams as a go-to receiver, after moving to the slot. Morelli does well when asked to manage a game, not win it. Over the last few games, he made nice, easy throws to Williams and WRs Deon Butler and Jordan Norwood. PSU does have the options in the running game, and if it gains a lead by halftime, watch for a healthy dose of Kinlaw and RB Evan Royster. In order for the PSU offense to be effective in this game, it can’t have the mental breakdowns and turnovers that plagued it in key situations in key losses this season.

ST – PSU gave up two touchdown kick returns in 2007. One of them was overcome in the win over Purdue, but the other foreshadowed the implosion against Illinois earlier in the season. A&M isn’t known for its return game, so there shouldn’t be any issues for PSU, considering the special teams have spent extra time on kick coverage. K Kevin Kelly has been very good all year, and hasn’t cost PSU games the way he might have last season. P Jeremy Boone could mean the difference in field position, and thus winning and losing the Alamo Bowl. But above all, PSU doesn’t want to lose the return game, and getting a few good returns from Williams and KR AJ Wallace is a must.

C – This is the complete opposite of A&M. Paterno has been on the same sideline since 1950. The key to another bowl win is allowing the players to do what they do well. That was evident in the loss to Michigan State, as the run game was blasting away, but the staff decided to throw the last four downs with plenty of time. If one aspect of PSU’s offense is clicking, Paterno and his staff have to go with it.

Interesting Stat: PSU has outscored opponents in the second quarter 114-21.

GAME PREDICTION:

PSU 31, A&M 14

VEGAS:

PSU (-6) A&M

ACTUAL SCORE:

PSU --, A&M --

12.25.2007

Merry Christmas

and a Happy New Year!

12.24.2007

Review, Hawai'i Bowl (Dammit)

I know it wasn't the Broncos of old, but c'mon people!

32. Sheraton Hawai’i: No. 24 Boise St. over East Carolina (ECU won 41-38 on a last-second field goal)

12.23.2007

Review, bowls 1-5

Well, not bad, 5-0 through the first few days of bowl games. I really lucked out on that BYU/UCLA Las Vegas Bowl. That was one of the better, albeit sloppy, games I've seen outside of the big-time bowls. I really couldn't believe that the kick was blocked.

Just to review my picks:

26. Papajohns.com: No. 22 Cincinnati over Southern Miss (Cincy won 31-21)
12. Pioneer Las Vegas: No. 17 BYU over UCLA (BYU won 17-16)
5. San Diego County Credit Union: Utah over Navy (Utah won 35-32)
3. New Mexico: New Mexico over Nevada (New Mexico won 23-0)
2. R+L Carriers New Orleans: Florida Atlantic over Memphis (FAU won 44-27)

12.21.2007

10,000th unique visitor

Yup, that's something (however petty) I'm pretty proud of right now. In the past two days, ZN has gotten more than 400 unique visitors, blowing past the 10,000 mark for this blog's existence. Not bad for only six months old. Keep coming, and thanks to everyone.

Rodriguez Fires UM Staff

This is huge. Not only has the hiring of Rich Rodriguez meant the possibility of a transition year at Michigan, but now he's eliminated the entire coaching staff that's beaten Penn State every meeting since '97.

As Erik Campbell, receivers coach, put it "But it's all over. It's a new beginning."

Let's hope so.

Open Letter to Joe Paterno

I don't usually do anything this cheesy, but let's give this a shot.

The Honorable Coach Joseph Vincent Paterno:

I'll get right to the point. The ongoing discussion--or lack thereof--of your plans for the program's future is becoming quite troublesome. I rarely ever say anything like this, but I really want to know where the program is going. You and your staff have a right not to care what the future holds, as you have an important bowl game to prep for. But how much would it hurt to say something like "we're going to look at it during the off season, and that's all I can say." I know that's not much, but at least it wouldn't be as condescending as:
"Why do you keep asking that."
"I don't really know what you're talking about."
"Get out'a here with that."
"I'm not going to talk about it."
"You guys really crack me up. I haven't really thought about it."

Sorry, but I've had it. Joe, you're full of shit. You're 81 years old. You don't realize that you'll have to stop coaching soon? I've supported you as long as I've been around PSU. I never said you had to stop coaching or quit. I think you can coach, you haven't lost your ability, and you'll probably get another really good season before you go.

--However--

Do you really want to see this program end up like Michigan did? No, I don't mean landing Dick Rod. I'm talking about going through an embarrassingly long and indecisive hiring process. And if you have a plan--say, promoting Tom Bradley--then why the hell don't you come out with it already?

Sincerely Yours,

The Penn State Faithful

No I don't expect him to read this, never mind answer me, or ever even know who I am. But I'll tell you, I couldn't be more frustrated.

12.20.2007

ZN's official ESPN's Bowl Mania picks

Here's my official entry for ESPN's Bowl Mania, in descending order starting with the highest confidence. Feel free to search for my entry, username ZombieNationPSU (really original, I know). I'm a member of BSD's group, Black Shoe Diaries. The password is joepa. BSD invites everyone to join. I offer a few comments below the picks.

32. Sheraton Hawai’i: No. 24 Boise St. over East Carolina
31. International: Rutgers over Ball State
30. Brut Sun: No. 21 South Florida over Oregon
29. Valero Alamo: Penn State over Texas A&M
28. Tostitos Fiesta: No. 4 Oklahoma over No. 9 West Virginia
27. Allstate Sugar: No. 5 Georgia over No. 10 Hawai’i
26. Papajohns.com: No. 22 Cincinnati over Southern Miss
25. Rose p.b. Citi: No. 13 Illinois over No. 7 USC
24. Motor City: Purdue over Central Michigan
23. Capital One: No. 12 Florida over Michigan
22. Gator: No. 20 Virginia over Texas Tech
21. AT&T Cotton: No. 6 Missouri over Arkansas
20. Outback: No. 18 Wisconsin over No. 16 Tennessee
19. Chick-fil-A: No. 23 Auburn over No. 15 Clemson
18. Insight: Indiana over Oklahoma State
17. FedEx Orange: No. 8 Kansas over No. 3 Virginia Tech
16. Gaylord Hotels Music City: Kentucky over Florida State
15. Texas: Houston over Texas Christian
14. Bell Helicopter Armed Forces: California over Air Force
13. GMAC: Tulsa over Bowling Green
12. Pioneer Las Vegas: No. 17 BYU over UCLA
11. PetroSun Independence: Colorado over Alabama
10. AutoZone Liberty: Mississippi St. over UCF
9. Meineke Car Care: Wake Forest over No. 25 UConn
8. Emerald: Oregon State over Maryland
7. Allstate BCS Championship: No. 1 Ohio State over No. 2 LSU
6. Champs Sports: Michigan State over No. 14 Boston College
5. San Diego County Credit Union: Utah over Navy
4. Pacific Life Holiday: No. 19 Texas over No. 11 Arizona State
3. New Mexico: New Mexico over Nevada
2. R+L Carriers New Orleans: Florida Atlantic over Memphis
1. Roady’s Humanitarian: Georgia Tech over Fresno State

--Of course I picked PSU with higher confidence.
--I really like Illinois to pull the upset. If Stanford can do it in LA, so can the Illini.
--Look, Ohio State has been hearing it for too long. Plus, Jimmy Tressel is too good of a coach to let this one get away.
--Even though Texas' defense is holier than Swiss cheese, I think they really show up for this one. Plus, ASU is still brooding that USC meltdown.

There you go. My picks for all the bowl games. Now let's see what happens.

12.19.2007

Valero Alamo Bowl Special: Penn State vs. Texas A&M, Preview

Stay tuned, coming 12/26...

Archived Info

In the interest of space and easier navigation, some of the sidebar information will be archived. There will be links to each section: Top 25, Schedule, Previews, etc. Thanks.

SI.com's Running Backs, more like 'Shmunning Backs'

I’ve taken serious issue with many things on ESPN.com, SI.com, CBSSportsLine.com and many others. But this one has got me going. Not that he’s the utmost authority on college football, but SI.com’s Cory McCartney felt he’d take another shot at ranking the top-10 running duos in 2007 college football. When you read his list, keep this in mind:

“Before we begin, let's remember the cardinal rules: this is about running backs only -- no running quarterbacks, fullbacks or all-purpose wide receivers that take the occasional handoff -- and it has to be a legit tandem, not just one guy with monster numbers.” – McCartney.

You’ll see he frequently breaks his own rules by selecting the players he did. Here’s his list, along with my own comments on each entry. I compiled the stats. I took only the names he provided, and they are his exact selections, nothing else. Enjoy.

Arkansas – Darren McFadden (305/1727/15), Felix Jones (122/1114/11) - I really can’t argue with the Razorbacks as No. 1. And if you want to take it a step further, Arkansas fullback Peyton Hillis (57/327/2) was one of the best blockers in college football, and had that highlight run against No. 1 LSU.
Georgia – Knowshon Moreno (239/1273/12), Thomas Brown (129/706/9) – I don’t really know about this one. Once Brown went down, this was only a one-horse show. But for a while, it was a lethal combo.
Kansas – Brandon McAnderson (175/1050/16), Jake Sharp (138/788/7) – This was more true to the traditional running back double-punch. Both had great YPC (6.0 and 5.7 respectively) and rarely lost yards. Neither was a true starter, or a true backup.
Michigan St. – Jehuu Caulcrick (207/813/21), Javon Ringer (224/1346/6) – Trust me, I know how dangerous these guys can be. Possibly one of the most productive touchdown machines in the nation, the Spartans’ backs plowed over and through the opposition all season.
Oklahoma – DeMarco Murray (127/764/13), Allen Patrick (159/927/8), Chris Brown (142/561/8) – Imagine if Murray didn’t get knocked out for the year? He would’ve been on pace for a Heisman invite the way Adrian Peterson was his freshman year. But all Patrick did was step in and nearly bread a grand. They could be No. 1 running back stable with little argument.
LSU – Jacob Hester (204/1019/11), Keiland Williams (68/459/6) – This is purely political. LSU is hardly an offensive juggernaut and this running back corps is not even close to the top-10. They’re only up here due to the media’s love affair with the Tigers.
USC – Chauncey Washington (183/894/9), Stafon Johnson (89/569/5), Joe McKnight (84/415/2) – I don’t know if this is just a bunch of good running backs, or an offense without a go-to guy. I think it’s the latter, actually. Out of three blue-chippers, USC can’t find one that can carry the load.
West Virginia – Pat White (177/1185/14), Steve Slaton (210/1053/17), Noel Devine (60/519/4) – This is probably the most comprehensive backfield in football, in terms of running the ball. The Mountaineers have a quarterback that can scoot, a feature back and a slasher. When healthy, no team in 2007 disrupted the production.
Clemson – James Davis (191/992/9), CJ Spiller (137/656/2) – Talk about a major underachievement for 2007; coming into the season these two were supposed to race each other to the Heisman ceremony, but neither could get it going. This should have been the ACC version of Arkansas, but wasn’t by a long shot.
UConn – Donald Brown (157/749/8), Andre Dixon (160/809/3) – If you like equality, look no further than the Huskies’ backfield. I think this is more of a “Hey! Here we are!” kind of thing this season, rather than how truly good they were.

Auburn – Brad Lester (111/473/3), Ben Tate (188/856/7) – What, because they’re in the SEC, they’re automatically moved up a few notches? I don’t think so.
Fresno St. – Ryan Mathews (145/866/14), Lonyae Miller (125/571/7) – I really don’t what the hubbub is about here. The only good part is that they combined for 21 touchdowns.
Maryland – Lance Ball (172/763/12), Keon Lattimore (206/789/13) – This was a nice running tandem out of College Park, but nothing to lose sleep over. Yeah, deserves to be in the top-20.
Navy – Reggie Campbell (64/464/5), Eric Kettani (140/755/9) – Doesn’t make sense when there are SEVEN rushers with more than 400 yards for 2007.
Southern Miss – Damion Fletcher (266/1431/15), Tory Harrison (93/386/5) – Fletcher could play with any team, even in the SEC. However, when the next rusher has less than 400, there’s no “duo” aspect.
Texas A&M – Mike Goodson (139/646/2), Jorvorskie Lane (159/746/16) – Throw in quarterback Stephen McGee and you’ve got yourself a power-version of West Virginia’s tri-fecta.
Western Michigan – Mark Bonds (157/690/8), Brandon West (183/848/4) – All things considered—they play in the MAC—this is a pretty good set of backs to work with in any mid-major league.

Now, it’s my turn to vent. So, he’s telling me that certain players from a team in central Pennsylvania wouldn’t qualify above any on this list? Or, should I ask, why isn’t Penn State’s duo of Rodney Kinlaw and Evan Royster on this list?

Here would be my entry:
Penn State – Rodney Kinlaw (222/1186/10), Evan Rosyter (73/448/4) – Not only were both backups to start 2007, Royster’s best games came against some of the better teams. Experienced veteran met raw talent and got along quite nicely for the Lions.

Now compare those numbers to the rest of McCartney’s list. See anything wrong? So do I.

12.18.2007

Successionist Party

Talk has officially grown to roar on Joe Paterno's possible succession plan at Penn State. Partly due to West Virginia losing Rich Rodriguez to Michigan, and taking interest in ICOD Tom Bradley, and partly due to the recent announcement of Jimbo Fisher as the "Head Coach In-Waiting" at Florida State, the Penn State football nation has clamored for an outline of the program's future--any future.

The cries for his retirement plan have only made Paterno more tight-lipped about the issue. Rumors of him leaving have swirled around Happy Valley since the New England Patriots tried to woo him in the early 1970s. But that wasn't talk of retirement. Many believed that Paterno would go after he won his second national championship in the 1987 Fiesta Bowl, capping his first undefeated championship season. He didn't go anywhere, instead staying to reel off some of the most underachieving years in the Paterno era at Penn State--8-4, 5-6, 8-3-1, 7-5.

Then it happened, the perfect opportunity. From 1991 through 1994, Penn State landed itself into three New Years Day bowls and 49 wins over that span. Above all, the 1994Lions were considered by many as national champions, sporting a 12-0 record. Penn State was ready for Paterno to say "I'm done." But again, it didn't happen. Another close call came in 1999, when ICOD Jerry Sandusky left. But Joe remained.

Now, with many big-time programs like Florida State, Michigan and Wisconsin giving advanced notice of their coaches' plans, Penn State fans are wondering why Tim Curley and Paterno are keeping mum on the issue. Paterno has said time after time that he would like one more undefeated season, especially after coming so close in 2005. He mentioned that although he doesn't hold stock in records, stats and public opinion, he would like to have a perfect year in each decade he's coached. He's only got three seasons left to do it.

Penn State is not known for its element of surprise when it comes to almost anything, but there's a very real chance the events of the past week and a half could spark a sudden change of heart in the Lasch Building. While it would catch many off guard to see a press conference called sometime before Coastal Carolina comes to town, announcing a succession plan, I wouldn't be that shocked. Penn State is conservative. Penn State is old school. But above all, Penn State is Joe Paterno, and no one will call the shots but Joe Paterno.

12.17.2007

Bradley going, going, gone?

Straight from the people who brought you Joe Paterno's salary, David Jones of the Patriot News reported Monday:

Penn State defensive coodinator Tom Bradley has been contacted by an intermediary at West Virginia University regarding the Mountaineers' coaching vacancy, The Patriot-News has learned.
Bradley, who has been a Penn State assistant coach for 29 years and defensive coordinator since 2000, indicated he is interested in talking to West Virginia officials for the job, a source told The Patriot-News.
Bradley did not return two calls made Monday by The Patriot-News.
The Mountaineers are seeking a new coach to replace Rich Rodriguez, who was introduced Monday as the head at the University of Michigan.

This SEC-esque stunt Rodriguez pulled is really starting to bother me. It would be one thing to lose Brian Norwood, but Scrap too? In the same off season? Well, at least we have Larry Johnson Sr... For Nowwww....

News and Notes: More Michigan, Is Schiano Next? and Volleyball Vindication

Michigan has stolen the spotlight this week. But that's not really difficult to do when you're wearing the Maize and Blue. If you didn't figure it out by now--or, didn't read my comments posted minutes after the UM hiring story broke--there could be some immediate problems stemming from installing Rich Rodriguez's spread-run system at Ann Arbor. CollegeFootballNews.com's Pete Fiutak really hit the nail on the head with his analysis of the situation.

Rutgers head man Greg Schiano might join the coaching carousel sooner than we think. Talk on him making a move to coach Penn State after Joe Paterno retires has been swirling around for years, especially since RU has become much improved. But going back to that CFN article on Rodriguez, I thought it was interesting how Fiutak found it necessary enough to mention Schiano's possible future with the Nittany Lions.

"Michigan made overtures to Rutgers' Schiano, but he'll probably end up in the NFL or at Penn State sometime in the next three years."

Now, I'm sort of biased towards Schiano, being from North Jersey and all. But I can't help but get excited at this very real possibility. Schiano has all the makings of the next Joe Paterno. You laugh, but who expected JoePa to be as wildly successful as he's been, when he was hired to replace the revered Rip Engle?

Finally, congratulations to the Penn State Women's Volleyball team. After posting a mere two losses, national coach of the year, and four All-America selections, Penn State took home the 2007 Women's Volleyball National Championship, defeating top-seeded Stanford 3-2.

While everyone in the Nittany nation is ga-ga over football, Head Coach Russ Rose has turned Penn State into a powerhouse not unlike UCLA basketball under Gooden, Oklahoma football under Wilkinson, or the New Enlgand Patriots under Belichick. Good job. I've been to quite a few V-ball games in Rec Hall, and I can tell you, they're some of the best game environments you'll see. It's like a Beaver Stadium night game, but packed into a 5,000-seat gym.

12.16.2007

Rodriguez to Michigan

Well folks, this is really interesting. West Virginia Head Coach Rich Rodriguez will leave the Mountaineers and take over in Ann Arbor. Just a few questions about this hire:

1. How the hell do they expect to win under Rodriguez's system? I just can't see QB Ryan Mallet running the ball on zone-reads.
2. The offensive line, while used to zone blocking, isn't used to spread-zone blocking. So how quickly will the line pick up on the new system?

and...

3. If Michigan's offense takes a small dip in production, what does that mean for wins and losses if the defense is still giving up 20+ points per game?

Just food for thought.

12.14.2007

Ranking the bowl games, Part 2

Yes, this is completely my opinion. How I ranked the bowls were based completely on how much I will pay attention to each game. This has nothing to do with intriguing national story lines, talent match ups or whether or not Stewart Mandel thinks it's worth watching. (or any of the other "experts'" bowl rankings) Also, you can just assume PSU vs. TA&M is ranked No. 1 in my mind, just because I want to see the Lions play more than any other team. That ranking has nothing to do with ratings appeal and such. So, here's the other 31 bowls:

16. Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl (Dec. 31, 4 p.m.) Kentucky vs. Florida State - This one should be called the Mediocre Bowl, but UK's offense vs. FSU's defense is compelling enough. Maybe Jenn Sterger will take time out of her busy schedule to show off her boobies. Off the cuff, no-research involved pick: UK 29, FSU 21.

15. Brut Sun Bowl (Dec. 31, 2 p.m.) South Florida vs. Oregon - The Shoulda-Woulda-Coulda Bowl is definately worth your time, given at one point, both were No. 2. Off the cuff, no-research involved pick: USF 20, Oregon 17.

14. Konica Minolta Gator Bowl (Jan. 1, 1 p.m.) Texas Tech vs. Virginia - My cousin went to UVA, so I sort of a fan. Plus Penn State played them when I was in school, and I don't like passing teams like TT. Off the cuff, no-research involved pick: UVA 23, TT 20.

13. Insight Bowl (Dec. 31, 6 p.m.) Indiana vs. Oklahoma State - I know I said no to feel-goods, but IU has overcome a lot to get here. Too bad not many people will see it on the NFL Network. Off the cuff, no-research involved pick: OSU 41, IU 35.

12. AT&T Cotton Bowl (Jan. 1, 11:30 a.m.) Missouri vs. Arkansas - This will be the Tigers' chance to shove it in everyone's faces that they should have been in the BCS. Off the cuff, no-research involved pick: Missou 45, Ark 28.

11. Outback Bowl (Jan. 1, 11 a.m.) Wisconsin vs. Tennessee - The first of the BigTen/SEC bowls. Remember, the Badgers have a two-game win streak against the SEC in bowls, and UT lost to PSU in the 2007 Outback. Off the cuff, no-research involved pick: UW 24, UT 20.

10. Pacific Life Holiday Bowl (Dec. 27, 8 p.m.) Arizona State vs. Texas - This will be an underrated game going in, but might turn into a classic, as long as both teams show up to play. Off the cuff, no-research involved pick: UT 30, ASU 20.

9. Champs Sports Bowl (Dec. 28, 5 p.m.) Boston College vs. Michigan State - The only reason to watch is to--hopefully--see that MSU really is a decent team, negating the "fluke" status of the PSU win. Off the cuff, no-research involved pick: BC 16, MSU 14.

8. Chick-fil-A Bowl (Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m.) Clemson vs. Auburn - The similarities between the two programs are just plain creepy. I like getting spooked, so this one's worth it. Off the cuff, no-research involved pick: AU 18, Clem 14.

7. Allstate Sugar Bowl (Jan. 1, 8:30 p.m.) Hawai'i vs. Georgia - Sure, everyone is curious about this one, but really, I'll only watch it because no other games are on. Off the cuff, no-research involved pick: UGA 31, Haw 27.

6. FedEx Orange Bowl (Jan. 3, 8 p.m.) Virginia Tech vs. Kansas - A lot of people will be screaming in the state of Missouri if KU loses big in this one, so it'll be fun. Off the cuff, no-research involved pick: KU 24, VT 21.

5. Tostitos Fiesta Bowl (Jan. 2, 8 p.m.) Oklahoma vs. West Virginia - Another one of those "if they both show up..." bowls. These two teams are pretty upset with themselves right now, as they both could have been playing in the Big Easy. Off the cuff, no-research involved pick: OU 35, WVU 28.

4. Capital One Bowl (Jan. 1, 1 p.m.) Michigan vs. Florida - This is beginning to sound scary for the Wolves, but with all this time to prepare, and the final game for so many players and their head coach, UM's best will come out. Off the cuff, no-research involved pick: UF 24, UM 23.

3. Rose Bowl presented by Citi (Jan. 1, 4:30 p.m.) Illinois vs. USC - How is it that the Illini--as four TD underdogs--can beat Ohio State in Columbus, but have no chance to beat the Trojans? Watch out. Off the cuff, no-research involved pick: Ill 34, USC 31.

2. Allstate BCS Championship (Jan. 7, 8 p.m.) Louisiana State vs. Ohio State - I'm convinced that this one will go awry for certain "favorites," as the Bucks have everything to lose, while the Tigers are just happy to be there. Would have rather seem Oklahoma in this one. Off the cuff, no-research involved pick: OSU 35, LSU 20.

So that's all folks, for my complete bowl rank--wait, I forgot...

1. Valero Alamo Bowl (Dec. 29, 8 p.m.) Penn State vs. Texas A&M - Of course I'm going to watch this. Duh. Off the cuff, no-research involved pick: OK, maybe I know a little bit more about these two teams than any of the others, but Penn State will win. PSU 38, A&M 14.

Comment on this story: What's your favorite match up this bowl season?

12.13.2007

Ranking the bowl games, Part 1

Yes, this is completely my opinion. How I ranked the bowls were based completely on how much I will pay attention to each game. This has nothing to do with intriguing national story lines, talent match ups or whether or not Stewart Mandel thinks it's worth watching. (or any of the other "experts'" bowl rankings) Also, you can just assume PSU vs. TA&M is ranked No. 1 in my mind, just because I want to see the Lions play more than any other team. That ranking has nothing to do with ratings appeal and such. So, here's the other 31 bowls:

32. R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl (Dec. 21, 5 p.m.) Memphis vs. FAU - Absolutely horrid game, not worthy of ESPNplus+ coverage in August. Off the cuff, no-research involved pick: FAU 30, Memphis 17.

31. New Mexico Bowl (Dec. 22, 1:30 p.m.) Nevada vs. New Mexico - Besides the fact that Nevada almost beat "The U" up in the Humanitarium Bowl, there is nothing in this game that will hold even a five year old's interest. Off the cuff, no-research involved pick: New Mexico 42, Nevada 31

30. GMAC Bowl (Jan. 6, 5 p.m.) Bowling Green vs. Tulsa - How dare they call themselves a "January Bowl Game," without even one BCS school on the field. Off the cuff, no-research involved pick: Tulsa 27, BGSU 21.

29. Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl (Dec. 23, 5 p.m.) Boise State vs. East Carolina - I've got a lot of shopping to do, but if I'm home for dinner, I'll throw this one on. Off the cuff, no-research involved pick: BSU 52, ECU 21.

28. Roady's Humanitarian Bowl (Dec. 31, 11 a.m.) Georgia Tech vs. Fresno State - If you can see the players' breath during a bowl game, is it really a privilege to play in it? Off the cuff, no-research involved pick: GT 24, FSU 13.

27. Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl (Dec. 31, 9:30 a.m.) California vs. Air Force - Just seeing if the Bears can complete their colapse will be good enough for me. Off the cuff, no-research involved pick: AF 28, Cal 27.

26. Motor City Bowl (Dec. 26, 4:30 p.m.) Purdue vs. Central Michigan - I hate rematches in bowl games, mainly when the regular season score was so lopsided. Off the cuff, no-research involved pick: PU 41, CMU 28.

25. Pioneer Las Vegas Bowl (Dec. 22, 5 p.m.) UCLA vs. Brigham Young - Did I mention I hate rematches? Well, this one may not be so bad. Off the cuff, no-research involved pick: BYU 28, UCLA 14.

24. International Bowl (Jan. 5, 9 a.m.) Rutgers vs. Ball State - Another bowl posing as a "January Bowl," but at least this one has a BCS team in it. It's only this high because I like the Scarlet Knights. Off the cuff, no-research involved pick: RU 34, BSU 7.
23. San Diego County Credit Union Bowl (Dec. 20, 6 p.m.) Utah vs. Navy - I like watching Navy's offense, and should be interesting against the spread. Off the cuff, no-research involved pick: Navy 24, Utah 21.

22. Texas Bowl (Dec. 28, 5 p.m.) TCU vs. Houston - This game really isn't significant outside of the Lonestar State, but their tradition is better that some other match ups. Off the cuff, no-research involved pick: TCU 17, UH 14.

21. PapaJohns.com Bowl (Dec. 22, 10 a.m.) Southern Miss vs. Cincinnati - Morning kickoffs suck, but otherwise I'd say this was a decent game. Off the cuff, no-research involved pick: Cincy 33, USM 20.

20. PetroSun Independence Bowl (Dec. 30, 5 p.m.) Alabama vs. Colorado - Big names without the big bang are on this game's slate, but I'll still watch for tradition's sake. Off the cuff, no-research involved pick: CU 28, Bama 21.

19. Emerald Bowl (Dec. 28, 5 p.m.) Maryland vs. Oregon State - This one could be interesting, but it's really about how much weight will it carry for each team going into 2008. Off the cuff, no-research involved pick: OSU 35, UMD 24.

18. Meineke Car Care Bowl (Dec. 29, 10 a.m.) Connecticut vs. Wake Forest - - Randy Edsall against Jim Grobe will be more interesting to watch than the player match ups. Off the cuff, no-research involved pick: WF 27, UConn 20.

17. AutoZone Liberty Bowl (Dec. 29, 1:30 p.m.) Central Florida vs. Mississippi State - Between Kevin Smith nearing the record and MSU finally reaching a bowl, this one has enough spark. Off the cuff, no-research involved pick: UCF 20, MSU 14.

Well, there you go for my "I guess I'll flip it on" bowl games. Check back tomorrow afternoon for Part 2, the "I'm going to be really pissed if I miss this" bowl games.

What's your favorite match up this bowl season?

12.12.2007

OSU, West Coast style

It's official, the Oregon State Beavers will come to Beaver Stadium for the second game in 2008. It's too bad Penn State can't get that damn Coastal Carolina game off the slate. Shit, even a Arkansas State would have been better. C'mon Tim Curley, grow a set.

News and Notes: Lucky 13, 'Mitch King?' and Bobby 'Bolt in the Night' Petrino

Logic has prevailed. The Big Ten has ruled to migrate towards a 13-week schedule, beginning in 2009. This is not exactly a breakthrough, though, as all but two of the coaches--Lloyd Carr and "Little" Jimmy Tressel--have been pleading for a bye week since the NCAA went to 12 D-IA games in 2006.

"I really like the fact our players and coaches can go home for Thanksgiving," Tressel said on Nov. 20, three days after the Michigan game and two days before Thanksgiving. "We ask so much of these kids, to train all year long, and for them to get four days to just be kids with their parents, I put a lot of value on that," Tressel said.

Strange how the two coaches of Michigan and Ohio State coincidentally support keeping their rivalry in a more ratings-friendly slot. If that game was to move a week or two later--many of the national rivalries are played after Thanksgiving--would as many USC or UCLA, Florida or Florida State, Pitt or West Virginia fans watch? Sure, many would still, but you wouldn't get that overpowering hype of the "Third Week in November."

He won the Bednarik Award for a reason. Dan Connor was selected Big Ten Player of the Year by CollegeFootballNews.com--in my opinion,

the best source for accurate, realistic analysis and predictions--along with first-team defense selections "Mitch" (Justin) King and Maurice Evans. Sean Lee missed out on a first team slot, as he came in a tight fourth, also being listed as the seventh best overall player in the conference, regardless of position.

What I, and many Penn State fans and coaches, have been saying is that the Lions haven't gotten their fair share of accolades for 2007. It could be in part that other players--OSU's James Laurinaitis, Vernon Gholston for example--have been getting more national press from the start, making it nearly impossible for other more deserving players to jump ahead of them. The three best players on the second-best defense in the Big Ten made CFN's all-conference squad. That's why it's the first Web site I check each morning.

Petrino returns to the SEC. Not many people remember this, but Bobby Petrino was the offensive coordinator at Auburn when the Tigers beat Penn State in the 2003 Capital One Bowl. You know, the guy who coached up a few named Campell, Brown and Williams. But, as you would expect,

Petrino has stayed close to his SEC roots by copping out of his current job, and scooting to another in less than a media timeout. Don't blame Arkansas though. They needed a coach, badly. And they got a big name early enough for Petrino to get in some quality recruiting time.

Just for kicks, the SEC's highest-paid coaches (Saban, Miles, Petrino, Tuberville, Nutt) will make an estimated combined salary of $14.8 million in 2008. Their combined record from 2007 (including Petrino's NFL record) is 36-26. Is that really the bang those schools are looking to get from their buck? Remember, Joe Paterno makes a salary of just more than $500K. I think the SEC has an image problem.

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