Saturday, November 27, 2010
The Penn State Michigan State game always seems to be a fun one to watch. It's usually high scoring with a lot of excitement, and I expect today's game to be no different. I see both teams putting up 25+ points, and I'll take Penn State in a close one.
Also, I know there was a lot of news going around about Joe returning next year. People need to realize the context in which that came out. It was not a prepared announcement or anything along those lines. It was just a casual statement at his weekly press release. They asked him if this was going to be his last game at Beaver Stadium, and he said no because he'd be back next year. That question gets asked all the time, and he always responds by saying he has no plans on retiring any time soon. What else is he going to say? Of course he's going to say he plans on being back next year. He's not going to announce his retirement at his weekly press conference before the michigan state game. I'm not saying to completely disregard it, but the media made way too much of something I don't think they should have.
I support Joe Paterno, but it's clear his health is not what it used to be. I think it's time. But as we all know, it only matters what he thinks. That remains to be seen, but I don't think we can completely ignore the possibility that this is Joe's last game at Beaver Stadium.
The kindergarten art project that is the Land Grant Trophy is at stake for the last time on Saturday as Penn State looks to crush any hope for Michigan State to get to their first BCS bowl game. Since joining the Big Ten, Penn State has never lost to Michigan State at home, but this may be the finest MSU team since the league added its eleventh team. A balanced offense with a steady quarterback, superb receivers, and an array of talented running backs will face a banged up Penn State defense. Penn State looked pretty unimpressive for much of the game against Indiana, but showed some very bright spots. Clearly McGloin is the guy for this game and the bowl game. He has really come out of nowhere after laying an egg in the Blue White game (he really played like dog shit) and has not only made big plays with his arm, but also recognized blitzes and generally made good decisions. This is why Bolden will need another 8 or so months before he starts a football game. Take nothing away from Robert Bolden, but for someone coming out of a wing-T high school offense (i.e. Groton School) and then practicing for a couple months with PSU, it's hard to imagine that he would be able to do the most complex aspects of the job.
It was good to see Silas Redd penalized minimally for taking a leak in public. I still don't know how you get caught (dumpster behind Taco Bell, bushes outside of Schreyer's...take notes) but come on, we've all done it. Plus he's really good at football. I expect Redd to be a huge factor in this game. Royster took on a bigger role his freshman year as the season went on (even though Rodney Kinlaw was fantastic) and it looks like Redd will do the same.
MSU is a very pro-style team. Nothing too fancy, but they are very effective. Penn State is going to need to tackle well and cover well in the secondary to have a shot at this upset. With a win, Penn State will end the season at 8-4 and head to a decent bowl game likely ranked in the top 25...not too bad. This game goes a long way in determining what kind of team will be playing in the bowl game and in 2011. I long predicted that 2011 would be Penn State's National Championship contending team and I believe they can still do that.
So time out...Boise State just lost, no big deal(suckaaaaaaas!). I think Kellen Moore looks like a beaver. Also, the Miami Heat kind of aren't that good and no one goes to their games. Awesome!
Back to football...I'm tired, it's Thanksgiving...it's just tough knowing that very few students are going to be at tomorrow's game, and it's a HUGE game! A very winnable game against the 10th ranked team! Let's go! I'm going to bed! I have to wake up early and take a train into Philly to watch this guy! Boise State lost! HAHAHAHA! Anyway, Michigan State let's us open up a lead...they come back in the 4th quarter, but finally the cardiac Spartans don't make it back all the way and in typical fashion, completely ruin what could have been a great season. They'll probably lose their bowl game by 30 points too. You can beat us in basketball, but this one is ours.
