The Penn State Football Show

With Christmas fast approaching, and Penn State coaching rumors flying around like crazy, I figured this would be a good time to post my Penn State Coaching Wishlist to the blog.

Although it's been the hottest topic of discussion surrounding Penn State Football for probably the past 15 years, the issue of Joe's successor has not really been touched on a whole lot on this blog. Every year you get someone saying "You heard it here first, this bowl game will be Joe's last game." But every year he returns the following season. This year has been no different. In fact, within the last 45 minutes, I've heard from two different people that this is it for Joe, and that Tony Dungy is the top candidate to take over. I'm at the point now where I take any rumors I hear with a grain of salt. I don't believe anybody has any real inside information and we won't know what's going on until it actually goes on.

So by making this post, I'm not at all suggesting I think this will be Joe's last game. I'm simply acknowledging that it very well could be, and if it is, these are my personal top four candidates I would like to see considered for the job:

1. Bill Cowher - Having a big-name guy like Cowher would do wonders for recruiting and would draw a ton of national attention to the program. His physical style of coaching fits perfectly in the Big Ten. He's a Pittsburgh guy so it fits, as long as he has a desire to get into collegiate coaching.

2. Kirk Ferentz - He's on my short list of best coaches in the game right now, but what makes him so appealing is that he does it with more class than most of the other guys on that list. His coaching style is very similar to Joe's, with a focus on runninig the football and playing strong defense. Plus he's also a Pittsburgh guy, so it would be a good fit for him, if he's willing to leave Iowa.

3. Pat Fitzgerald - One of the better young, up and coming coaches in the game. He's had a lot of success so far at Northwestern, and could be much more successful with better talent. He's a Big Ten guy with a lot of respect for Joe and Penn State, so he might be interested in the job, as long as he's willing to leave his alma mater. Being a younger guy, I think he'd do well with recruiting also.

4. Tom Bradley - First of all, there is no denying he's been a great defensive coordinator for Penn State. And I like the idea of a defensive minded head coach. He's paid his dues, he's been loyal to the program, and I think he deserves a shot. I know he doesn't have head coaching experience, but I definitely think he has what it takes to be a great head coach. I think the players all like and respect him, and he would do a great job. The only thing going against him is that they may want to go outside the program to bring some much needed change, and sticking with Bradley would probably result in more of the same stuff we've been seeing.

What does your wish-list look like?

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.

Finally we saw what this team is capable of. It took a little while, and Drew Merritts almost killed a guy. Matt McGloin took the team 91 yards in 50 seconds to score a touchdown and undoubtedly save the lives of some fans that probably need to catch up on their PSFB show before opening their mouths and imparting the wisdom of a drunk pigeon. The offense has been potent, not necessarily because of the quarterback play, but the playcalling. McGloin has more poise, he makes good decisions and has made some damn good throws, but I agree with Pete...Bolden is the future. But we aren't there yet. Playaction on first down is so money every time. Silas Redd is a complete stud, and the receivers have stepped up to make some big plays. And how about Joe Suhey!? What a guy.

The team is playing with fire. They are flying to the ball. Michael Mauti makes me tingle inside, and Evan Royster is showing some pizazz. The team has gelled. It is so much fun to watch McGloin, and the kid truly loves being out there and competing. It makes you realize that a lot of these guys play the game for the right reason...to get a free education and to play a sport they love.

Now can McGloin lead PSU to victories over Michigan AND Ohio State? Why not? PSU has all kinds of momentum and they have absolutely nothing to lose. I believe that they are 18 point underdogs or something completely crazy. The thing is that Ohio State is going to play conservatively and if Penn State can contain Pryor, they should be able to keep the score low. They have some great athletes on defense and there has been a marked improvement lately (Malcolm Willis I love you). I really see this being a great game, but Ohio State's defensive line will give us some problems. The O-line has done a great job all year in pass protection, but it will be imperative to get some lanes for Royster and Redd. As long as McGloin can stay away from throwing pop-ups when he has about to get sacked or hurried, I think PSU can get some things done.

Last year this game was tough to watch. I broke my phone that day, and put a few holes in the wall of my apartment. Here's to wishing that happens to some Ohio State fan later today.

On a side note I will be attending my first Groton School football game this afternoon as they take on rival St. Mark's for the season finale. A big day of football and the Sunday night matchup is ok too. Fight on, on, on

Let me start off by saying I was never happier to be so wrong as I was after Michigan. I honestly don't know if a lousy Michigan defense or PSU finally putting the offense together had more to do with the Lions output. After watching Penn State-Northwestern I'm inclined to think the Lions have some things figured out.

The third quarter of last week's game was maybe the most dominant I've ever seen Penn State play over a Big Ten opponent. Everything seemed to be working. I've been very impressed with the execution on the screens, particularly with Joe Suhey who has great feet and hands for a fullback and is the first Suhey to earn his scholarship since the 60's. I thought the linebacker play improved and almost solely due to Michael Mauti, who is an extremely athletic and intense guy. He breaks the mold of the usually dominant yet stoic linebackers in Penn State's past.

On the offensive side I am not sold on McGloin. He went to Moye on about 12 straight plays. A lot of them in traffic. It seems the roll out to the right with Moye deep and Brackett short is his favorite play, and you best believe Ohio State is waiting on it. He's going to have to mix it up a lot more against a superior Buckeye defense. And for all those who are completely blind, Evan Royster will only be the career leading in rushing yards for about two more seasons. Silas Redd is the truth.

As for the Fighting Sweater Vests, I'm not sold on them. They've squeaked by too many times and quite frankly I'm still not sold on Prior as a viable big game quarterback. In my opinion their most credible win is Illinois. They have not beaten a team that is currently ranked in the top 25. For the first time in my life I think our opponent has a simpler and more predictable offense than our own. What does Ohio State have? Talent. And they have it by the truckload. And although the sight of Tressel makes me gag like Dee Reynolds doing stand-up, the guy is a good coach.

Can Penn State go in to Columbus and grab a win? Absolutely. I really think that no one has any idea how good either of these teams really are. I think it will be one hell of a game to watch. And the Lions under the lights in the road whites will send me from six to midnight every time.

-Bani Gbadyu still sucks

This is the most excited I’ve been for a Penn State football game all year. I really didn’t think Penn State had much of a shot against Alabama or Iowa, but it seems they have recently figured a lot of things out and are starting to come together on both offense and defense, so I think they have a shot in this one. The second half against Northwestern was by far their best half of football all year. If they can continue to play like that on both sides of the ball, they can beat Ohio State.

On paper, I think PSU does not match up very well in this game. Having a former walk-on QB making just his second career start on the road against a tough OSU defense is not an ideal situation. I’m sure Ohio State is going to bring a lot of heat to put pressure on McGloin. So far he has done very well, but he has yet to face a defense like Ohio State’s. If he can pull out a third straight victory against a strong defensive opponent, McGloin’s status will be thrust to a whole new level among Penn State fans. He has certainly provided a spark for this time in the last two games, but a lot of fans still have their doubts. A win over the Buckeyes would go a long way to silence any doubters.

For the record, I do believe that Rob Bolden will be the man at QB for Penn State in the long term. He has really impressed me so far and I think he has a very promising future ahead. But I fully support the decision to start McGloin here. He has the hot hand, and they might as well see how far he can take this team. As long as he continues to perform and put up points, there is no reason to take him out.

The offensive line has really come around lately and Penn State has ran the ball with great success the last few games. That will be much tougher against Ohio State, but the O-line must continue to open up holes for Royster and Redd in order for the offense to succeed. By the way, I’m so glad the coaching staff has FINALLY realized that Stephfon Green is not a good running back. I love the kid’s effort and attitude, and I have no problem with us trying to take advantage of his speed on screen passes, but he lacks the lateral mobility and vision to be a running back, and there is no reason for him to take another hand-off this season with the talent PSU has at the running back position. On a related note, Silas Redd is ELECTRIC. The kid is so shifty, I’ve never seen one guy make so many defenders just completely whiff! His side-step move has worked every time. They need to continue to give this kid the ball!

The most promising sign from the Northwestern game was the play of the defense in the second half. It was the first time all season that the unit looked like a typical Penn State defense. They were finally playing with some enthusiasm too. A lot of people have been wondering why Penn State’s defense has been struggling this year. I’ve thought it was the result of two things: 1. This was the first year in a long time that the Lions did not have a proven All-American stud linebacker such as Poz, Connor and Lee. It is starting to appear that Mauti is getting closer to 100% and he is starting to play at that level. As he has come along, so has the entire defense. Hopefully he continues to progress. I think he was still recovering from his knee surgery early in the season, but he’s starting to look much better now. They say ACL’s usually require two years before you are fully 100% back. Secondly, I think the defensive line has not been performing at the level Penn State fans are used to. Losing Odrick was big, and then not having Lattimore and Crawford for much of this season hasn’t helped. The team has really struggled putting pressure on the quarterback all year. But they were able to get through last week, with Devon Still in particular having a big game. I’m hoping they feed off of that performance and continue to apply some pressure on the quarterback. Otherwise it could be a long day.

Final note: I think that Gerald Hodges would be the perfect candidate to be assigned to shadow Pryor if he’s 100% healthy. Who knows if they would do that though. I see this game either being a blowout in Ohio State’s favor or a close game that Penn State pulls out. Let’s hope it’s the latter.

It was good to see JoePa finally get his 400th victory, but I feel the same way about it that Joe does...its just something to fill sportswriters' columns and ESPN highlight reels. Don't get me wrong, it is a great honor and I'm glad it is our guy doing it, but coming into the game, Joe was the only major college football coach with 399 wins so why is 400 so publicized? No retort needed on that last question but, at the end of the day, the most important game on the schedule is the next one.

I think the Michigan game was about as good as this team can play for 60 minutes. On the contrary, the Northwestern game was a microcosm of what this team is capable of...in both halves. The anemic offense and sloppy defense in the first half is an example of how ugly this team can look if they play with no inspiration and no desire. They are simply not good enough to just show up and beat the middle-of-the-pack teams. On the other hand, the second half is an example of how exciting this team can be if they put things together and play fundamental Penn State football. Again, like we often see with PSU games, credit the coaching staff for the physical and emotional halftime adjustments.

As for the last 3 games...I think you have to begin to give some credit to the coaching staff for all of the adjustments they have made with this team from week to week. It is a lot easier to draw up plays and shuffle around X's and O's when your personnel is established and quite polished (i.e. 2008, 2009). But with this team, there were a lot of personnel questions heading into the season. And to couple the fact that there is a laundry list of injuries, it makes the recent success of this team rather impressive. I can imagine a lot of late hours were spent trying to figure out which combinations will work best. I mean, we have a former walk-on playing QB, a recently converted WR starting at corner, a freshman playing strong safety, DT's playing DE, and to top it off, we have Offensive Tackles catching Touchdown passes! Credit the coaches for this transformation into a respectable football team.

Granted, Minnesota-Michigan-Northwestern are not nearly the cream of the College Football crop, but for this team to be where it's at after that horrific Illinois loss is encouraging. The season is not lost and next week at Ohio State could be interesting. Ohio State is good and we need to put it all together for 60 minutes and be nearly flawless to have a chance.

As for the QB situation...I think this is a good problem to have. I still don't believe in the 2-QB system but it's nice to know if one guy is ineffective, we might have a shot with the other. I think they need to open up the competition again this week at practice and see who has the best week. The winner starts at Ohio State but has a short leash because 3 or 4 sluggish series in Columbus could be the difference between a close game and a blowout.

Finally, you gotta love the production from Silas Redd lately. This kid really gives the running game a jolt of energy. At one point I thought that Stephfon Green was a good compliment to Royster but with this team and with this O-Line, it looks like Redd is more effective in that he creates his own holes and makes big runs out of almost nothing. Royster's record might be short lived!