Article of the day: Penn State is a greedy, rich bastard

I generally try to feature an article each day from another site. Usually they're from Penn State or Big Ten blogs, sometimes from other sites. Please check out the author's Web site. I always supply the link in the introduction.

You probably have heard about that THON fundraiser which bombed back in January. Well, Mike over at Black Shoe Diaries offers up a second look into what's really going on inside Old Main. Something foul leaks from those stone walls.

Penn State Loves Money, Hates Kids With Cancer

By Mike

There are plenty of examples of Penn State grabbing the cash anywhere they can. You don't have to look very far. Parking for the football games used to be $5. Now it's $20. Ticket prices continue to go up year after year. Nittany Lion Club donations are going up. But each time they ask you to open your wallet they're just going after the wealthy alumni who can afford it. What's sad is when you see them screwing over cancer victims.

A few weeks ago Penn State announced their Target Ten Challenge to raise money for THON.


The "Target 10" challenge, a partnership between Penn State basketball and The Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon (THON) 2008, will encompass the Ohio State game on Jan. 29 and the Michigan State game, set for Feb. 2.
Penn State is calling for an unprecedented 10,000 students to pack the Bryce Jordan Center for the nationally televised Jan. 29 showdown with the Buckeyes on ESPN. If the goal of 10,000 student tickets sold is reached, then all proceeds from $5 student single game ticket sales for the following game vs. nationally ranked Michigan State (Saturday, Feb. 2) will be donated to benefit THON 2008.

Sounds great. Nobody is going to object to raising money for kids with cancer, right? Well, their Target Ten campaign fell woefully short.


Despite the multitude of brightly-colored Thon t-shirts mixed with blue and white ones at last night's men's basketball game, the student turnout was not enough to meet the goal of the "Target Ten" Challenge.
The student turnout for the game was about 6,000, Loren Crispell, marketing manager for Penn State basketball, said.

Oh no! The kids get nothing? Well not exactly. I guess Penn State does have a heart.


Although 10,000 student tickets were not sold for last night's game, Crispell said a portion of the proceeds from student ticket sales for Saturday's game will still go to Thon. Crispell said Penn State basketball reached this agreement with Thon in advance.
Ok. So Crispell changed her tune after Target Ten fell short and said a portion of the proceeds would go to THON. Last week I said this wasn't enough


The University sold 6000 student tickets to the game last night trying to reach the almost impossible number of 10,000. Now just a portion of the proceeds from student ticket sales to the Feb. 2 game with Michigan State will go toward THON. How many students will show up for that game? Maybe 3000? And only a portion of those proceeds will go to the kids with cancer? That just doesn't pass the smell test and BSD thinks the University needs to do more.
Now, I just want to say I was way off. We didn't come anywhere near 3000 students. In fact, we only had about 1500.


Although the "Target 10" challenge did not draw 10,000 students to Tuesday night's men's basketball game against Ohio State University, a decision was made Friday to donate all student-generated proceeds from Saturday's game against Michigan State to the Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon.
Loren Crispell, marketing manager for Penn State basketball, said 1,529 student tickets were sold for Saturday's game, which raised $7,645 for Thon. The Nittany Lions beat No. 8 Michigan State 85-76.

So they came to their senses and decided to donate all the proceeds from February 2 instead of just a portion. Sounds great, but lets do some math here.

BSD Fairness Chart

Tickets Sold x ticket price: 6,000 x 5, 1,529 x 5
Penn State Gets: $30,000
Kids With Cancer Get: $7,645

This is disgusting and unacceptable. I am pleased that Penn State answered my plea to do more, but it's not enough. The school gets to pocket $30,000 out of this campaign and THON only gets $7,645? In what world is that fair?

Here's a solution, Ms. Crispell. Give all the money to the kids. All $37,645 of it. Then it will be fair and you won't go to hell.

Read More...

Summary only...

CBS-EC

So let me get this straight. Dan Connor is the best defensive player in college football, but isn't good enough for CBS SportsLine's All-America Team? I'm getting really sick of this shit that CBS has been pulling for too long. As if the SEC needed another national media cheerleader, CBS has been leading the charge for years that the holier-than-thou conference is the biggest and best year in and year out. Don't even get me started on the mythical "SEC speed" that can beat any "slower" Big Ten team (2007 Outback Bowl: Penn State 20, Tennessee 10; 2007 Capital One Bowl: Wisconsin 17, Arkansas 14)or "smaller" Big East team (2006 Sugar Bowl: West Virginia 38, Georgia 35).

I won't go into this too much today, because it's just another never-ending argument of college football. But it's a bit of a coincidence that CBS chose LSU's Ali Highsmith as their third All-American linebacker over Dan Connor. James Laurinaitis made almost every AA team, but Connor made only one? I won't go into comparing Laurinaitis to Connor, but they're almost exactly the same, with the slight leadership edge to Connor. But to put Highsmith in over Connor is rediculous.

Read More...

Summary only...

ZN Top 25, Week 6

*I'll have my comments on the Top 25 later.

1. LSU (LW: 1)
2. Ohio State (3)
3. California (4)
4. Oklahoma (10)
5. Boston College (8)
6. USF (6)
7. Arizona State (12)
8. South Carolina (13)
9. Missouri (20)
10. Cincinnati (16)
11. Illinois (NR)
12. West Virgina (15)
13. Wisconsin (5)
14. Florida (9)
15. Virginia Tech (18)
16. Oregon (19)
17. Hawai'i (17)
18. Kansas (24)
19. Florida State (NR)
20. Virginia (NR)
21. Kentucky (7)
22. USC (2)
23. Georgia (11)
24. Indiana (NR)
25. Purdue (14)

Dropped Out:
Kansas St. (21)
Rutgers (22)
Texas (23
Michigan State (25)

Read More...

Summary only...

It's Wednesday

Sticking with the 2002 theme this week, I felt this was somewhat appropriate:

Read More...

Summary only...

What happens now

What can you say about the Illinois loss? Actually, not much. From the moment UI took the lead, doom and gloom came over the PSU sideline. Although I couldn't see it (XM radio), it was pretty obvious that PSU overreacted and played as if every drive was the last of the game. But now, with two in the L column, PSU can only move on.

For three weeks now, PSU fans have said "this is probably the most important game of the season." First, it was Michigan. Then, it was Illinois. Now, it's Iowa. If you want to know which is PSU's most important game of the season, this is it. PSU has lost to a team that was supposed to contend for the national title (at least the Big Ten title), and then lost to a team that was just hoping for a bowl (and now is considered one of the conference favorites).

What's next? An Iowa team that has grossly underachieved. That's a far cry from it grossly overachieving days from 2002-2004. (10+ wins each season) If PSU wants to avoid a Michigan State-esque meltdown, it has to win this week against the Hawkeyes. The game is home, which PSU is 13-1 since the last game of 2004. That means PSU won't be able to blame it on the crowd, or lack of.

I was watching the 2002 loss to Iowa on ESPN Classic yesterday. I was at the game, but I never saw it on TV. Look at the similarities between the 2002 and 2007 seasons:

1. PSU starts 3-0 with one high-profile win.
2. PSU loses a tough one in the Big Ten opener.
3. PSU follows up the loss with an important conference road game.

Stop. That's where the simiarities end. In 2002, PSU lost to Iowa, only to upset 5-0 Wisconsin at Camp Randall 34-31. That was a tight game, which the Lions had to win. They did. What happened in 2007? PSU got royally bummed out by the UM loss, and it carried over to the Illinois loss.

PSU, whether you believe it or not, got caught up in the hype this season. Then, when they were thrown back to earth in Ann Arbor, they figured there was nothing else to play for. OK, I'm not being fair to many of the PSU players who still believe in this season. But just because some of the guys believe doesn't mean all of them do. That's the problem. In 2002, EVERYONE still believed after the first loss. In 2007, NO ONE believes anymore.

Face it PSU nation, there is still plenty to shoot for. The Big Ten title is still there for the taking, and all of the important games are still at home. (yes, there's still OSU, UW and MSU to go after Iowa) In case anyone forgot, if PSU runs the table, they'll easily make a BCS bowl. I'm not kidding.

It's time to shut up and strap it on. PSU is a Nike school, so... Just Do It!

Read More...

Summary only...

UM Could Forfeit PSU Game

Michigan might be forced to forfeit its win over Penn State. If the conference decides on it, sanctions could include the forfeit of that game. UM played an ineligible man against PSU. Let's not get our hopes up, but it's still exciting.

Read More...

Summary only...

ZN Top 25: Week 5

*This week was one of the craziest I've ever seen. So, most of the teams ranked this week lost at least one game. The teams in the top-10 (other than LSU and USC) only got there because so many other teams choked. It was a fun Saturday in college football!

1. LSU (LW: 2) Even the No. 1 team in the nation, against Tulane had trouble Saturday.
2. USC (3) UW aaaalmost had this one; if the overruled pick in the EZ was good, USC might have fallen.
3. Ohio State (7) The Bucks are looking much better, but still, it was against the worst team in the Big Ten.
4. California (6) Now that was impressive; I pegged UO to win, but the Bears won a classic.
5. Wisconsin (12) This is still a weird team; but a win against MSU is still worthy of this ranking.
6. USF (16) Ok, maybe this is too high, but who else could play this schedule? I called this upset.
7. Kentucky (18) Talk about shooting up the polls; the Cats went from riding bitch to the driver's seat in the SEC East.
8. Boston College (10) The Eagles didn't need to win big this week.
9. Florida (4) The QB draw can only work so many times; Tebow looked human again.
10. Oklahoma (1) A bitch slap for the ages; Buffs came better prepared.
11. Georgia (14) It could be Dogs vs. Cats for the East title.
12. Arizona State (22) I don't know why, but I have a good feeling about what the Devils are doing.
13. South Carolina (19) The Spurrier O is finally clicking; the MSU defense is still very good.
14. Purdue (25) There's a chance for a back-in conference title if the cards fall right.
15. West Virgina (5) This was no fluke; the 'Neers were ready for USF, and the better team won.
16. Cincinnati (24) It's early, but wouldn't it be interesting to see the Cats in the BCS?
17. Hawai'i (NR) Undefeated is undefeated; but it won't be that way at the end of the season.
18. Virginia Tech (21) I said the 'Heels would scare the Hokies; and that VT would pull away.
19. Oregon (8) This is a bit of a drop for the Ducks; but now it's about whether they can regroup.
20. Missouri (23) NU is ripe for the picking; the Tigers need a win to even think about a North title.
21. Kansas St. (NR) Could it be that KSU just out-moxied the 'Horns?
22. Rutgers (9) This was a bad loss at home; lucky for the Knights, it wasn't a conference game.
23. Texas (11) I said last week KSU would surprise; didn't think this much though; back to the drawing board.
24. Kansas (NR) It was either KU or Virginia here; I like the Jayhawks' offense, and the defense is always good.
25. Michigan State (17) Tough loss at Camp Randall; but I don't think this will mean a complete collapse like past seasons.

Dropped Out:
Clemson (13) Come on, the Tigers should have had this one no problem.
Penn State (15) This was the polar opposite of the 2006 win; in 2007, PSU made the crucial mistakes.
Alabama (20) Saban is no longer a diety; but the 'Tide can still make noise this year.

Read More...

Summary only...

No. 21 Penn State vs. Illinois Preview

School: University of Illinois (UI), Fighting Illini
Conference: Big Ten
Head Coach: Ron Zook, 3rd Year, 7-20-0
Last Game: Def. Indiana 27-14
Record Last Five Years (sans 2007): 13-45; 0-0 in bowls; 7-11 non-conference

Key Players, Defense: LB J Leman, DE Will Davis, CB Vontae Davis

Key Players, Offense: RB Rashard Mendenhall, QB Juice Williams, WR Arrelious Benn

What to look for: D – This unit has become night-and-day better than it has been in recent years. Lead by star LB Leman, the run defense is surrendering a mere 87 ypg. The most improved area is the most important, points per game, now at only 18.5. A surprisingly sharp secondary has forced opponents to avoid taking downfield shots, which could help against a team like PSU. UI should have instantly taken notice of how Michigan stuffed PSU’s run game, by pressuring the passing game. UI has some great playmakers on the front line, particularly in DE Davis. If Davis and Co. can get pressure on PSU’s QB, UI could be in for a fun afternoon. For once, UI can lean on its defense if it needs to. In 2006, UI held PSU’s offense down all day in a stellar effort, and will need that sort of outing in the 2007 edition.

O – UI should have beaten Missouri in the opener, but QB Williams left the game with an injury. Since, UI’s been on a tear, winning three in a row. It’s been amazing to watch Williams’ progress over the last year, and come December, might be up for some big recognition. That will, of course, depend on how he performs in the Big Ten season. UI has the best rush offense in the BT, but has done so with the spread, unlike UM, PSU and others. Combine Williams with last week’s BT POW RB Mendenhall, and you get more options than you can use. Throw in rising star Arrelious Benn, and the offense has a playmaking trio unlike anything it’s seen in a long time. UI had no trouble moving the ball against PSU in 2006, but mistakes killed any chance of a win. Now, the UI offense is much better at holding onto the ball. The UI offensive staff needs to go balls-out against PSU.

ST – This is where UI should worry. The FG unit has been great, but the return coverage could use a jump-start, allowing 19.1 yards per KOR and a monstrous 14.1 yards per PR. PSU has one of the best return games in the land, so UI has to spend some time preparing coverage schemes. If UI can’t win the field position battle, they’ll be in deep trouble.

C – HC Ron Zook has done a fantastic job with UI, regardless of his overall record. UI is on its longest winning streak since 2001, and it’s no fluke. Zook has established himself as one of the nation’s premiere recruiters. The talent is there to make a bowl run. Defense is Zook’s forte, and can show what he’s made of this week. UI needs to play this game with a lead, but if it can’t get ahead, the tools are there to come back.

Fun Stat: UI’s defensive PPG in Zook’s first season: 39.5. UI’s defensive PPG so far this season: 18.5.

School: The Pennsylvania State University (PSU), Nittany Lions
Conference: Big Ten
Head Coach: Joe Paterno, 42nd Year, 366-122-3
Last Game: Lost to Michigan, 14-9
Record Last Five Years (sans 2007): 36-25; 1-1 in bowls; 7-4 non-conference

Key Players, Defense: LB Dan Connor, DE/LB Jerome Hayes, CB Justin King

Key Players, Offense: QB Anthony Morelli, Entire O-line, HC Joe Paterno

What to look for: D – The defense was NOT that bad against Michigan last week. What are you supposed to do when you start with a 10-yard field? Or, what about an offense that can’t give you any sort of help in time of possession? The only scary thing was when UM QB Mallet pulled it down and ran for the 1Q score. But that wasn’t expected from him, and this week PSU is completely prepared for UI QB Williams’ fantastic running ability. Any chance for a win will start with making UI one-dimensional. It will be more likely that DBs King, Sargeant, Scirrotto and Davis (or Rubin) would shut down the UI pass game. If that happens, the PSU front seven can overpower UI at the line. PSU has to stay on their assignments and not over-run UI’s plays.

O – This is the interesting match up. Where does PSU’s offense go from the UM loss? This won’t be a repeat of 2005, where UI was young and inept. QB Morelli can either make or break the season with this game, and has to settle down. But the real story with PSU is whether or not it can HOLD ON TO THE FREAKING BALL! Sorry, but it was very frustrating to watch PSU fumble away the UM game. I think Paterno and his staff are pissed off at RB Scott, but while RB Kinlaw will most likely start, Scott will see action again. On the depth chart, the RB slot is listed as Scott “or” Kinlaw. It was easy to blame the PSU O-line for not allowing enough time, or not opening holes against UM, but it came down to QB Morelli having a meltdown under any sort of pressure. I don’t believe that will happen again at UI. There’s not much to say about the WR corps, other than they need to stay patient and hope PSU can get them the ball more.

ST – This week it has to fire on all cylinders. Last week, K Kelly and P Boone had a very good game, but it was the return game that suffered. UI has had one glaring weakness, and that’s allowing big returns. If the return tandem of Williams and Wallace can break one loose and give the O a short field, the special teams will have done its job. P Boone will continue to be a key element to any win, especially against and UI offense that could struggle mightily against a good PSU D and a long field.

C – The worst players on the field at UM weren’t even wearing a uniform. The PSU coaching staff, mainly Paterno, called a horrible game. Conservative won’t work against UI. PSU needs to put points on the board, fast. This offense isn’t designed for comebacks, and the coaches know that. If PSU comes out and plays like they have a goal post up their ass, they’ll lose. It starts with the play calling.

Fun Stat: PSU scoring offense first 3 games: 45 ppg. PSU scoring offense last game: 9 points. Pathetic.

GAME PREDICTION: I got ahead of myself last week, thinking PSU would score against a mediocre UM defense. They could have, but the coaches didn’t let them. This week that should change. Whether or not UI lost the Mizzou game didn’t matter. It was still a close game against an OK team. None of UI’s opponents have had a defense like PSU does. UI QB Williams will make some great plays, but also some mistakes. Those mistakes will cost UI the game. PSU’s secondary will have their best game of the season, and will finally get the stats to show. PSU will easily cover the spread, but scare some folks doing it.

PSU 28, UI 18

VEGAS:

PSU (-3) UI

ACTUAL SCORE:

PSU 20, UI 27

Read More...

Summary only...

Times ar'a changin'

My my my. How things change. After PSU was grounded by UM last week, fans are already jumping ship. As I write this, almost half of the votes for the Illinois game are calling for PSU to lose. I think this UM loss hurt worse than a lot of the past losses, it seems because most fans expected PSU to win in the Pig House. Go figure.

Read More...

Summary only...

Working? Wednesday

It's deadline day, and all my writing is done. So what else is there to do but search for some interesting videos. Did you ever notice that there's always someone's big head in your way when trying to watch pregame? I'm only 5'8", so it's particularly frustrating to people of my stature.

Read More...

Summary only...

ZN Top 25: Week 4

*If it were up to me, there would be no polls until week 4 or 5. However, in order to keep up with what readers want, I'm ranking teams where I want to rank them. If you need any other reason to wait until week 4 or 5 for polls, look no further than the Michigan Wolverines.

1. Oklahoma (LW: 1) It's like 2003 all over again.
2. LSU (2) While the final score was a bit deceiving, Tigers were still less impressive this week.
3. USC (3) Trojans can kill you however they want; either with the run or pass.
4. Florida (4) Tebow could win the Heisman; if he were an upperclassmen.
5. West Virgina (5) This week will prove if the 'Neers are for real; remember the 2006 upset in Morgantown?
6. California (7) After handling Tuscon, will the Bears be able to handle Autzen Stadium?
7. Ohio State (8) Northwestern lost to Duke, just remember that.
8. Oregon (9) Could be the Ducks' chance to launch themselves into title contention.
9. Rutgers (10) A well-rested Knights team is dangerous, especially against pedestrian UMD in NJ.
10. Boston College (11) Matt Ryan should be in the Heisman conversation, but isn't because he's not Doug Flutie; although Ryan's better.
11. Texas (13) Don't get too excited 'Horns fans; KSU will expose any leftover kinks.
12. Wisconsin (12) I know Iowa's defense is really good, but in Madison, the Badgers should have rolled; this is a weird team.
13. Clemson (18) The Tigers are flying so low under the RADAR, they're under ground.
14. Georgia (21) The USC loss doesn't look so bad now, but UGA won't contend for the East title.
15. Penn State (6) Can Paterno get his head out of his ass when it comes to playing UM? Was it 1955 in his play-calling mind?
16. USF (16) This is it, go time; The bulls have all the tools to start their run with a win over WVU.
17. Michigan State (24) I'm giving MSU a chance this high, but this team thinks different now, tougher.
18. Kentucky (NR) It's taken a while, but the 'Cats make their debut; I wasn't sold on the UL win.
19. South Carolina (17) Put up the best fight yet against LSU.
20. Alabama (14) Tide overachieved a bit in the beginning, but now it's time to get back down to earth.
21. Virginia Tech (22) UNC could scare the Hokies for a quarter, but VT will roll by halftime.
22. Arizona State (25) This team has 7-0 written all over it.
23. Missouri (23) Better rest up before the big NU showdown next week.
24. Cincinnati (NR) This team has the defense to win games, and the offense to keep them from losing.
25. Purdue (NR) OK, 31 to the Gophers is a bit much, but Curtis Painter is for real.

Dropped Out:
Georgia Tech (15) Jumped on the Ramblin' Wreck too soon.
Arkansas (19) Even against UK, the defense needs to get better.
Louisville (20) Louisville got "slugged."

Read More...

Summary only...

PSU/UM stream of thoughts:

START, 1st QUARTER: This is it. Let’s go state.

5:29 left, 1st quarter: What the hell is Morelli doing? He looks like it’s his first football game ever. The offensive line is actually giving him enough time, but he’s holding on to the ball. Negative plays won’t win this game. If Penn State doesn’t get into the game, this one will get out of hand, quicker than it already has.

PSU 0, UM 7

Start, 2nd quarter: There’s that slant/post again. Has the PSU coaching staff learned nothing in the last year? Allowing 3rd down conversions will get any offense geared up, and giving UM the 3rd and 10 conversion won’t help. Scirrotto tried to knock the ball out of Arrington’s arms, but should have just made the tackle. Arrington almost got free. The offense better get it on this quarter.

14:48 left, 2nd quarter: Nice sack and forced fumble. Scrap needs to keep sending the pressure… What?! That call is bullshit. Forward pass? He was down, if anything. The refs are getting their game going early. Oh well. Let’s go Morelli.

9:14 left, 2nd quarter: OK, you got on the board. Morelli looked scared when he shouldn’t have been. Butler was open. The offense did give the defense a rest, and now need a good stop when UM takes the field. That slant was the perfect call, especially when UM took the bait and blitzed. You said it Brad Nessler, “should have been.”

PSU 3, UM 7

5:08 left, 2nd quarter: PSU’s defense is playing well when Hart isn’t in the game. That’s not good enough. Scrap needs to tell his secondary to attack the ball. There have been two balls so far that should have been picked off. Where are the turnovers? UM has forced one and could have had another. PSU needs a short field one of these times. Why does the field look so small when the PSU offense is on the field, and UM makes it look huge? Come on.

2:56 left, 2nd quarter: UM missed a 29-yarder, that’s something PSU usually does.

2:02 left, 2nd quarter: nice guys, no offensive pep. Three-and-out is not what you needed after that missed FG.

1:14 left, 2nd quarter: Timeout PSU. After two straight runs, UM is in 3rd and long. Now, this is a good opportunity for the PSU defense. Get the stop and get the ball. Scrap better blitz.

1:05 left, 2nd quarter: THAT’S WHY YOU BLITZ. Assholes. A 15-yard gain? That’s not acceptable. This is how PSU lost last time.

00:32 left, 2nd quarter: This is stupid. PSU is not playing like they want this game. Dan Connor is huffing and puffing. Maybe if the offense got anything going. Mallet just threw it away under pressure.

00:19 left, 2nd quarter: What’s wrong with PSU today? Oh wait, I know, they’re playing Michigan! They’re lucky Mallet just overthrew that ball in the end zone.
00:10 left, 2nd quarter: INTERCEPTION, PSU. OK, not like it matters. PSU takes a knee, and should be pissed off right now. END, FIRST HALF.

6:09 left, 3rd quarter: I can’t take this. PSU finally gets something going, and Scott fumbles again. They’re reviewing it, but I think it was out. He should be benched the rest of the year. It stands. UM ball. I knew it was too good to be true.

4:00 left, 3rd quarter: 3rd and 5. UM converts. Scrap is allowing the defense to get soft on 3rd down, and it’s not working. PSU is playing like they don’t care anymore.

3:47 left, 3rd quarter: FUMBLE, PSU recovers. Not that PSU will do anything with this. Pass incomplete to Hahn. Kinlaw rush for -2. Pass complete to Quarless for 11 yards. PSU better go for it. They are. This is make or break time.

2:20 left, 3rd quarter: Kinlaw rush for 2. Lucky he wasn’t blown dead where it should have, short. Pass interference on pass to Quarless. Now this is something PSU has to take advantage of.

1:20 left, 3rd quarter: 3rd and goal, PSU. Holding, PSU. UM is debating. Take the foul. PSU got a win-win right there.

00:23 left, 3rd quarter: 3rd and goal, again, 12 yard line. Pass to Bell incomplete. “Why do you throw a pattern to the four yard line?” asked Paul MacGuire. You said it, Paul.

14:00 left, 4th quarter: PSU’s defense is playing so soft, it’s ridiculous. Mallet almost had another 10-yard out route. If UM scores, it could be over for PSU.

13:09 left, 4th quarter: Why the hell doesn’t PSU try to strip the ball more? It’s 8 yards a pop with him. God, I hate Mike Hart. But actually, right now, I hate PSU more. You can’t just tackle him, that’s not good enough. You need to strip the ball, dammit!

11:24 left, 4th quarter: Crossing route to Mathews. First down, UM. There is no pressure on Mallet. And now watch, there will be two runs with Hart, then a short pass for a TD. Well, there’s a Hart run. Another Hart run. Now, will it be?

9:45 left, 4th quarter: Flag? Pass interference, PSU. THAT’S BULLSHIT! Why don’t the refs give it to them? Oh wait, they are. Here comes another Hart run.

8:52 left, 4th quarter: Another Hart run, TOUCHDOWN, UM. He barely got across that line. Doesn’t matter. PSU gave up.

PSU 6, UM 14 : You know, I honestly thought PSU was up for this game. Apparently not so. I was under the impression that this was the year they’d do it, Morelli would settle down, and the ground game wouldn’t matter. Well, Paterno and the staff is playing right into UM’s strategy. Why does PSU play so tight on the road? We’ll never win unless that changes.

8:02 left, 4th quarter: Crossing pattern to Williams complete for a first down. It’s about time PSU went to Williams. And another pass to Williams. Keep going.

6:58 left, 4th quarter: 38-yard long run, Kinlaw. Nice blocking. Kinlaw switched arms, unlike Scott. Royster in for Kinlaw. It’s make or break time for PSU.

6:06 left, 4th quarter: FIELD GOAL, PSU. DAMMIT. I know that if PSU scores a TD, it will mean the lead, but I just hate that they couldn’t get the ball in the end zone. PSU should be running screens, not draws and short patterns. Take some shots deep or use more crossing patters. Get a screen to Williams out of the backfield. DO SOMETHING!

PSU 9, UM 14 Hart ran for 93 yards to the left side.

4:40 left, 4th quarter: 3rd and 11. PSU needs this stop. I wouldn’t be surprised if they made it. They did. Where the hell was the pass rush? UM could run out the clock, with 3:30 left.

2:20 left, 4th quarter: 3rd and 11. This could be the worst game PSU’s played against UM since 2001. UM timeout. If PSU gives up the first down, it’s all over.

1:34 left, 4th quarter: 4th and 11. I don’t know what happened. Because the commercial break took too long, the clock is running down, and UM didn’t get any yards. Timeout.

This is 2005 all over again. No timeouts, full field.

Drive starts at 1:20 left, 4th quarter.

Morelli throws it away.

Morelli throws it away.

Good job.

Incomplete to Quarless. 4th down.

Incomplete.

PSU LOST THIS GAME, UM DIDN’T WIN IT.

PSU 9, UM 14

Read More...

Summary only...

Shut up, Hart

Bonnie Bernstein just said that Mike Hart told her he needs 160+ against PSU. Yeah, right. Even when PSU hasn't controlled him, he only got about 110. So, again, shut up Hart. Mallet will finally play against a defense with a pulse, and will find out who's taking over in the Big Ten. Hint, it's NOT MICHIGAN.

Read More...

Summary only...

Henne Out; Mallet In

Chad Henne is in street clothes. Mallet will start today.

Read More...

Summary only...

No. 10 Penn State vs. Michigan, Preview

School: University of Michigan (UM), Wolverines
Conference: Big Ten
Head Coach: Lloyd Carr, 12th Year, 114-38-0
Last Game: Def. Notre Dame 38-0
Record Last Five Years (sans 2007): 47-16; 1-4 in bowls; 14-4 non-conference

Key Players, Defense: LB Shawn Crable, DL Brandon Graham, LB John Thompson

Key Players, Offense: RB Mike Hart, QBs Chad Henne/Ryan Mallet, WR Mario Manningham

What to look for: D - ND was held to 10 first downs and a net 79 yards on 55 plays. But that's no reflection of the UM defense so far. They will face this week an actual, living offense. While PSU doesn't run the spread like Oregon or Appalachian State, it is a much, much faster and smarter team than ND. It could be a blessing or a curse that last week UM could basically sit back and let ND lose the game. LB Crable said he was called out for lack of leadership in the first two games. The defense will need him. It will be up to the front seven to hold PSU down as long as possible, so that the offense can get on the board. If UM allows PSU to run the ball, it will be a very long day.

O - This has been one of the most talented groups of skill players in the nation the last three years. Not that they've won anything with it. UM's backfield and WR's could roll over opponents, but for some reason, don't against any team with a pulse. RB Hart last week guaranteed a win. Well, hell, I could guarantee a win if the other team were no better than a pee-wee squad. This week, it will be up to Hart to again carry the load. If QB Henne starts, he could still have some problems with mobility, a bad sign for UM. If the UM O-line can't hold off PSU's pass rush, WRs Manningham and Arrington will not be a factor in this one. UM has to keep its defense off the field.

ST - This has been fun for viewers, and simply horrid for fans. If only UM could make one of those two missed field goals in the opening day loss to ASU, how would have the other games gone? UM will need all the points they can get, and missed field goals and bad punts will kill momentum. Kicking away from PSU's returners and hanging punts as high as possible should allow UM to work with good field position on defense. They can't start with short fields.

C - HC Lloyd Carr has been beaten to a pulp by UM fans. But he's not done yet. The ND win bought him some time, but this week it's do or die. If UM falls, it could realistically be a 6-7 win season. Two of those in three years is unthinkable. He'll be gone if that happens. The UM staff has to get up for this one, and they want to hit PSU where it's hurt most in recent meetings, hanging in until the last minute, then rely on the referees to give you a bogus call, allowing UM to score or stop a score. Yeah, this has been personal for years.

Fun Stat: Until the last two games of 2006 and the first two games of 2007, UM has never given up 30+ points in four straight games.

School: The Pennsylvania State University (PSU), Nittany Lions
Conference: Big Ten
Head Coach: Joe Paterno, 42nd Year, 366-121-3
Last Game: Defeated Buffalo, 45-24
Record Last Five Years (sans 2007): 36-25; 1-1 in bowls; 7-4 non-conference

Key Players, Defense: LB Dan Connor, DE/LB Jerome Hayes, CB Justin King

Key Players, Offense: QB Anthony Morelli, Entire O-line, All RBs

What to look for: D – Stop the run. It’s not a complex game plan. If the PSU front seven can stuff RB Hart at the line, and prevent any yards after contact, PSU should run away with this one. DTs Ogbu and Odrick have been more dominant than expected this season, and if the penetration is there on run plays, it will be there on pass plays. DE/LB Hayes has been a menace to opposing QBs, and whether it’s Henne or Mallet under center, PSU needs to get pressure. If UM happens to get into any sort of rhythm on offense, the PSU secondary has to step up and fill in for any front line shortfalls. A pick by CB King or S Scirrotto could change the game in one play. If PSU doesn’t send the blitz on almost every play, they’re crazy.

O – This is the scary part. PSU hasn’t really faced a good defense all year. And the only struggles have been against teams in the first quarter, something the PSU offense can’t have in Michigan Stadium. Getting on the board first is key, but if UM scores first, the PSU offense has to answer on the next possession. QB Morelli has been playing smarter as the year goes on, and is starting to look like the bowl-version again. Of course, if there’s not ground game, PSU could be in for a long day. I don’t see that happening, as the run blocking has improved and if the RBs can hold on to the ball, PSU should be fine. UM’s front line is not as powerful as in 2006, so there would be no reason for PSU to be handled up front.

ST – If PSU wins the field position battle, they could almost guarantee a win in this game. P Boone has been more like “boom” on punts, and K Kelly has had 17 TBs on 20 KOs. UM’s terror KR Breaston is gone, so there’s no excuse for PSU to fail in kick coverage. PSU has arguably the best return game in the nation, and has to use every opportunity it gives them.

C – OK Paterno, it’s time to let go. Stop playing tight against UM and just do what you do best on both sides of the ball. The coaching staff needs to let Morelli throw the deep ball early, as Oregon used it in deadly fashion against UM. ICOD Bradley has to trust his guys to play in space. Early in this season, the pressure up front has kept opponents down. PSU needs to get UM out of its game plan early.

Fun Stat: Penn State's 135 points in its first three games is the highest total since 1999 (131 points).

GAME PREDICTION:

PSU 30, UM 17

VEGAS:

PSU (-3) UM

ACTUAL SCORE:

PSU 9, UM 14

Read More...

Summary only...

Double Whammy Wednesday!

This first video, of the PSU/ND game, LB Hayes is held down by the ND player on the right, while RB (#26) Thomas strikes him repeatedly, without his helmet. Please, if anyone out there can send this video to someone in the NCAA, get that asshole suspended for the rest of the season. Please.


OK, now for the second video. If anyone watching this is prone to heart failure, convulsions brought on by severe stress or "The Hulk"-like bouts of anger, please be aware that this is of the 2005 Michigan win over PSU. My only intent with showing this video is to get the fans geared up before the game Saturday, and remind everyone that scUM always plays better against PSU, regardless of its record.

Read More...

Summary only...

I KNEW IT!!!

I've been saying it for two weeks. Michigan QB Chad Henne might return for this week's match up with Penn State. Lloyd Carr is the master trickster. No one should have doubted he was up to something by starting Mallet against Notre Dame.

Carr knew ND wouldn't be any trouble, and didn't hesitate to start the true frosh in place of his senior QB. Well, at least PSU can practice with the knowledge Henne will line up under center. After all, this is scUM we're talking about.

Read More...

Summary only...