All Systems Go!

Game Time!

The preseason is over, Iowa has rolled into town, Paternoville is growing; lets get it on.

Paternoville has grown from a quaint village into a bustling metropolis of excellence:

110 tents, with just over 900 campers registered, Paternoville Coordination Committee (PCC) public relations representative Dan Saxton said. Those numbers should get a little larger before Saturday's game.

900 campers?  Good lord.  These kids get here early and they are fired up the whole time!

Speaking of getting to the game early, you need to get to the game early as Penn State is going to search your shit:

The most visible change that will affect fans will be at the gates, where inspections of bags will be more deliberate and thorough, and could cause a delay in entering the gates. The University regulation on bags will be strictly enforced. The current regulation states that "all patrons are required to have bags checked at the gate. Bags or items larger than 8-1/2" x 11" x 11" will not be permitted into the stadium." There will be no exceptions.

Which, for my friends, means putting down the copious amounts Lager and Jack Daniels down just a little earlier than usual and get to the game early to make it to their seats.  I love you guys.

GO STATE! BEAT IOWA!

Will Newsome Run Wildcat?

I was tweeting the other evening (@JablesB) with @BetweenTheLions about getting Newsome on the field for meaningful snaps.  BTL was worried, and rightfully so, because Newsome is the backup QB and he has seen only a handful of snaps in his 3 games at PSU and none of them have been meaningful.  Also, now that the Lions have made it to conference play, where will Mr. Newsome get these snaps?

So, I have been thinking about it and this is what the Lions should do (who knows if it will work out this way). 

Use Kevin Newsome in a Wildcat/option package during portions of the game this weekend.  Here are the reasons this makes perfect sense:

-  The weather could be rough this weekend and will slow down the passing attack.  Having a more diverse rushing attack will come in very handy.
-  Clark is obviously the best passing QB on the team, however, with his history of concussions I think the coaches are rightfully concerned about running Clark too much.
-  Newsome needs to be able to get meaningful snaps and run an offense with confidence even if it isn't the full spread HD.
-  Running Newsome out of a Wildcat/Option offense will add another wrinkle for teams to prepare for.
-  This might help get the running game going.

I'm not saying that Newsome should start or play a majority of the game.  I'm suggesting the Lions use Newsome in a limited package (think frosh-Tebow) to run the ball.  If you think about it this really makes perfect sense.  Plus, you can still have Clark run the ball at times but there is no reason for him to run the ball all the time.

I'm getting fired up!

GO STATE! WHITE OUT IOWA!!!

A Horrible Truth

This small child just realized, that she roots for the Hurricanes and
that she hates her life.

Is Temple A Threat?

The Owls are 0-1 after losing a close game to Villanova on September 3rd.  In the interim, the Owls have had a week off in order to prepare for the Nittany Lions.  Not that having some extra time to prepare helped them any against 'Nova. 

Regardless, there is an easy way to stop Temple this weekend: Pressure the QB.

Vaughn Charlton looked pretty good against Nova two weeks ago as he completed 67% of his passes and tossed two touchdowns.  Both of the TDs were on deep passes.  As you live by the sword so shall you die; Charlton also hucked three interceptions.  The key to defeating a big play offense is to go after the QB.  Hurrying the QB won't allow deep passing plays to develop and you can make an accurate passer make mistakes.  Pressure will undue the Owls.

But JB, what if the Owls can run the ball? 

Well, then they should've done it last week against 'Nova.  Griffin, the Owls' #1 threat in the backfield, only piled up 70 yards on 21 attempts.  This is not going to get it done against PSU.  The Owls will probably fall behind early and need to abandon the running attack which will only be their undoing.  As the emperor says:

I'm afraid Sean Lee is quite operational....

Really, if Penn State had been playing a little bit better than I would say that this could be a trap game, however, the Lions have given the coaches plenty to be upset about over the last two games.  I'm sure the Lions will be focused and fired up for Temple.

Prediction:
PSU:     38
Temple:  7

Go State!  Beat Temple

Lavar is Blogging

Lavar has a blog, called The Lavar Leap.

If you do not go to it immediately he will jump over an offensive line and destroy you while you sit at your desk.

Go State!  Beat Temple!

Is Clark Reading The Blogs?

I was checking twitter today, as I am wont to do, and I saw the following:

@CaptainClark17: Hilarious what people come up with...devlin taking the run game with him..I mean wow...really? Interesting article though to say the least

Is Clark reading the blogs?  If so, DC, don't go over to Pennlive.com.  I mean, those guys are all great, however, for some real insanity you need to come right over here, or BSD, or The Nittany Line, or Zombie Nation.  These are the folks who really churn out the Blue/White excellence.  Plus, none of us know what we are talking about so you might as well be entertained by mindless insanity.

I always assumed Joe had the guys locked away from internet urchins like ourselves.

GO STATE! BEAT TEMPLE!

Worst Tattoo in College Football?

I love Penn State. I think Andrew Quarless could be a very good tight end (one day). However, this has got to be one of the worst tattoos i have ever seen.

Gods Gift to women? To Football? Or do you just like polishing the guns?

This tattoo is especially funny when you consider that it is on a kid who has been nothing but a big ball of potential during his time at Penn State. He has shown us only flashes of being a very good football player. Just as Quarless has struggled to reach his potential on the field he has had no trouble landing himself in trouble off the field. For example, or here, or here, or here. (sigh) One wonders where he would find the time to not only imagine such a glorious tattoo but also execute it!

First, if you are going to get a tattoo proclaiming your excellence you had better fucking well be excellent and not just some kid with potential. Second, this tattoo is only good in the fact that it is a window into the soul of a kid who just doesn't get it. Third, I think Joe should suspend him for stupidity. I mean, this tattoo is just awful.

Yeee-ikes.

GO STATE! Beat TEMPLE!

Brief Thoughts On Saturday

PSU handled Syracuse very easily. Though it wasn't the blowout many expected the game was never in doubt. The Lions would've shut the orange out but for Newsome's late fumble giving the Orange an opportunity to get on the board against the second string defense.

Seriously though, the running game didn't look any better this week than it did against Akron. PSU fans need to thank our lucky stars that we have another cupcake to try to get things in order on the ground. Should PSU manage to get the ground game going the Lions might just deserve the top ten ranking they currently hold (a ranking of like 10-11 is probably more realistic estimation of how good PSU is right now.

On the bright side, the passing game looks great (though we need it too look great). Royster is proving himself to be a very reliable receiver. Clark is a very good quarterback, he would be great if he stopped trying to force the ball into some tight situations. A real running game might not hurt either. The Lions haven't run any option thusfar in 2009, could they be holding that wrinkle of the offense out until conference play?

This Defense is strong to very strong. They only gave up 200 yds of total offense to the Orange and at times looked dominating. Lee hasn't missed a step after returning from a major knee injury. PSU is only giving up 7 pts per game and has given up 8 first downs this year. No, not 8 first downs a game. The Nits have only given up 8 total first downs. If the secondary continues to improve, than this team will be very good. I would also like to highlight how good a player Astorino is; he is a beast who has a nose for the football and plays with disregard for his own well being. Plus, Stupar is really playing well giving Bowman an opportunity to get ready for conference play.

I just want to let you know that the rest of this is going to be about the Buckeyes and the Wolverines.

Thank God the Wolverines won this week. The Big Ten needs the Wolverines to be good.

Ohio State put up a good fight but ultimately succumbed to USC. I think Ohio State is still a good team and will be a tough contest for the Lions in November. However, can we stop talking about Terrelle Pryor being one of the best players in college football? Ok, good. I'm glad we agree.

GO State! Beat Temple!

The Cake has Spoken!!!!

PSU Cake

I know we are in the cupcake portion of the schedule but that didn't
stop Mrs. GOOS from baking me a Penn State cake!

Tailgating Excellence

I saw this the other day and it really blew me away.

Mobiletailgateparties.com will set up everything and even cook all your food if you want.  It comes with a grill, kegerator, satellite TV, surround sound, Wii, DJ, tailgate tent and a fucking bathroom!  I am humbled in it's excellence.

I feel like our society has reached the height of its existence.

I really want to get one of these for a game.  No real mention on how much it costs, apparently, you have to call to get a quote.  Regardless, it is fucking awesome.

viva tailgating!

GO STATE! BEAT SYRACUSE!

How PSU Will Break Down Syracuse

Being curious about the Paulus-led Orangemen I wandered over to take a look at their stats from the game.  These stats show us what the Orange want to do/can do as an offense.  Lets take a look:

QB
Paulus proved that he is capable of playing big time college football as he nearly led the Orange to a victory over a Big Ten opponent. Check out his line from the game:
He completed 19 of 31 passes (61.3%) for 167 yards with one TD and one (ultimately crushing) INT.  Paulus can play, however, it is clear that the orange are going to focus on short, high percentage passes.  The only real deep threat that 'cuse has is Mike Williams who averaged 13.4 yds/catch and caught Paulus' TD pass.  This short passing game should work to help Syracuse avoid the pressure that PSU is sure to bring. 

RB
The Orange rushing attack is anemic as their leading rusher failed to break 100 yards on over 20 carries.  Delone Carter was only able to gain 88 yards on 23 carries for a lowly 3.8 yds/carry.  This yds/carry will be lower against a very talented Penn State defense and the Orange won't be able to run the ball effectively against PSU.

Defense
The Gophers were able to run the ball fairly effectively against the Orange getting over 100 yards on the ground and averaging 3.5 yds/rushing attempt.  Minnesota somehow managed to win the game despite completing only 45% of their passes.  How does that happen?  Was this because Syracuse's passing defense was so good or just that Minnesota is struggling through the air?

Prediction
The Orange will not be able to run the ball against PSU.  The Orange weren't able to break 100 rushing yards against Minnesota, well, they won't be able to get 50 yards against Penn State.  With the rushing game struggling, the Orange will have to lean even more heavily on Greg Paulus who will have to face a Penn State defense that is pinning its ears back and blitzing on every down.  Here is the real key; Syracuse only converted 1 third down attempt (out of 12) for a terrible 8.33% conversion rate.  Without being able to move the ball effectively on the ground the passing game will become a turnover machine leading to a big win for the Lions. 

Go State! Beat the Orange!

Terrelle Pryor Sounds Mentally Handicapped

Terrelle Pryor plays for Ohio State.  I hate Ohio State.  Therefore, I hate Terrelle Pryor.  However, all of this just got a little easier.  Forget what he said about PSU being "too country".  That was good, this is better.

 Terrelle Pryor was wearing eye-black in tribute to convicted felon Michael Vick.  When asked about his ocular accouterments he defended them thusly:

"Not everybody's the perfect person in the world. I mean everyone kills people, murders people, steals from you, steals from me, whatever. I think that people need a second chance, and I've always looked up to Mike Vick, and I always will."

Ummm....what?  Not only does Mr. Pryor idolize a multiple felon (not unusual for a Buckeye) but he couldn't even keep his felon-love in the family by rocking a Maurice Clarett tribute.  After all, Mr. Clarett was both a Buckeye and a felon, JACKPOT!  After all, everyone robs people and is a general self-absorbed jackass.

What is even worse than his absurdly poor choice of heroes is also his rambling, borderline-incoherent explanation of his Vick tribute.

Everyone kills people??  This could only be uttered by a person currently being educated at Ohio State.  Clearly, public speaking and rhetoric is not on Mr. Pryor's class-list this semester.  After all, the world needs basket weavers too.

I can't wait for November 7th.

GO STATE!

All Sean Lee Wants To Do

Is Hunt.

And Eat.

I love him.

Sent from my iPhone

Early Observations

Chaz Powell is in at WR for all 3-wide sets.

Quarless getting a lot of PT @ TE.

I love PSU!

Sent from my iPhone

The Akron Game

Because my wife is the greatest woman living or dead, we have purchased tickets to tomorrow's game and will be making the 12 hr drive this afternoon into State College to watch the greatest team history has ever known defeat Akron.

I'm not only excited about getting to see the game live, (there is nothing else like hearing 50,000 people scream: We Are! Only to hear another 50,000 roar back: Penn State! 
It makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up.) but I'm also excited for everything that goes along with a football weekend in State College.  I'm sure we'll be able to fit in a little partying even in our advanced age (29).  But it will also be great to walk around downtown to load up on Penn State stuff and just enjoy the best college town in the country.

Also, if you have a sweet tailgate and wouldn't mind have two more let me know and we'll stop by and sample your wares.

Also, can I say how nice it was to see college football last night?  It was great.  It is also great because it gives us something to talk about.

I would also like to nominate this as the Best Turn of Phrase (so far) in 2009:

"They're the shit." BLA-DOW!!!

Orson made me laugh out loud this morning at my desk.  For this, I thank him mightily.  One thousand cocktails to you, sir!  May your domination of Charleston Southern be a pleasant and injury free affair!

Go State! Beat AKRON!

Paternoville Returns For Akron!

The students are excited for 2009 and despite tha fact that Akron is
terrible you really can't blame them.