Jay Paterno Is Now Blogging!

Jay Has A Blog. It is called the HD Journal. There was much rejoicing throughout the land.

The blog is essentially an extension of Jay's activities on Twitter as he will be able to expand on the questions folks submit to him via direct messages.

All we can hope for is that Jay drops some tasty knowledge nuggets on our domes during the off-season. Honestly, is there anything else to do during this but hang on every word Jay Tweets or blogs? I suppose we could hold our collective breath until Joe acknowledges twitter but it would just leave us vaguely purple and unconscious.

I am fired up.

GO STATE!

PSU Reading

If you are looking for some good PSU reading to stoke the fires of your heartspace, I would highly recommend the following articles:

Rittenberg talks with DC-17.

and

Joe Paterno, like so many Greek Titans, is invincible.

The Blue-White game can't get here soon enough!

GO STATE!

This Game Is Gonna Be HUGE!

The Lions will have their biggest game of the season on Saturday when they venture into the un-friendly confines of The Horseshoe in Columbus. All the signs are falling in for this being a very big game; students set up a miniature Paternoville for the 200 student tickets available for PSU Students.

Also, College Gameday is coming to your city, you crazy Buckeye freaks! If you read the entire article, you will be treated to a very funny quote from irrelevant Vice-Figure-Head Chris Grassi (Paternoville Coordination Committee (PCC) Vice President).

"I'm concerned about the atmosphere," Grassi said. "It's going to be absolutely crazy. In 2006, they had a great atmosphere. I can't imagine what it will be like for a night game -- insane. Not rivaling ours, but probably close."

WHEW! Dude! You completely saved it there! You were about to possibly infer/concede/suggest that Ohio State's game-time atmosphere could rival PSU's! Close one. That last little part is what really saved it. I was starting to think: "what the hell is this kid thinking! Tosu can't hold a candle to the BEAV!" Then, you brought it all back. Good job.

We are also starting to get Penn State pocasts/bloggers wondering whether Saturday's game will be the biggest of their lives! I will now make some concessions: This is a big game, I am a huge fan of the over-the-top-rhetoric, I'm ready to get really fired up for the game, and I'm apparently incredibly old. This game is big, but I don't know if it is that big.

GO STATE! BEAT THE BUCKEYES!

Pre-Game Questioning With Maize N Brew

Dave over at Maize N Brew swapped some questions earlier in the week. You can check out my questions and his answer over at his fine website. He had some questions for me as well; you can find his questions and my answers below.

1. You're afraid of this game? Seriously? Why? We suck this year.

Yes, I am seriously afraid of this game. Michigan is rebuilding and have had their struggles this year. However, Michigan comes to Happy Valley with two very powerful factors on their side:
1. History, I think I was 16 the last time Penn State beat the Wolverines. The 2005 game just robbed me of all my bravado when it comes to Michigan.
2. You have nothing left to lose. This isn't a rivalry game for Michigan and your season has not gone as well as you had hoped. This team might just come out loose and fired up.

2. Name your least favorite Michigan player of all time.

You know, this would be a much easier question if it were about Ohio State, couldn't we all just rattle of a list of hundreds of those jerks?

I'd have to say: Chad Henne. Henne was in the same recruiting class as Morelli and Henne was actually a good football player. Henne presided over 4 years of besting PSU including the 2005 and 2006 losses which were both particularly memorable in their own way.

3. Please explain to me why it's called the "Spread HD". Is it "High Definition?" Is it "Hello Dave?" Is it for "Herpes, Deluxe!" What the hell is the HD for and why can't you just call it running the spread like everyone else?

It has to be because Jay is a Huge Douche! (I kid) I really have no idea why we need to make up the HD thing. It seems to be begging for ridicule if it weren't so preposterously effective. I mean, to say that your offense is a pro-ready spread offense is just a little to over the top. Jaypa should've just hung out a sign saying: I'd totally go anywhere with this offense in exchange for a head coaching position.

4. Has this season bought Jay Pa some credibility? A season ago, well, honestly for the last few seasons, PSU fans have been ready to run him out of town on a rail. Are people still calling for his head or is he now persona grata?

I think Jay is gaining credibility by the second. Through seven games the 2008 squad has a better offense than the 2005 Penn State team and is only averaging 5 points less per game than the 1994 squad(1994: 50.2/game, 2008: 45.2/game). When you put this team into that kind of perspective you are talking about one of the best offensive teams Penn State has EVER had.

At the very least, the success of this season has taken the pressure off of Jay and bought him more time. I'll be honest, if Penn State continues on this pace through next season, somebody is going to give Jay a head coaching opportunity. And he'll deserve it.

5. What's the biggest non-Morrelli difference in this team? You could've put a dyslexic midget in a clown suit at quarterback last year and probably had the same record. So if you can't pick Clark, who or what do you point to for the reason PSU is #3?

Evan Royster. He got a little playing time last year but this year he has really blossomed into a wonderful RB. He is averaging around 7 yds/carry and he is a major reason there is so much room for the WRs to operate in the passing game.

6. If Penn State wins, you will..

Celebrate! Michigan has owned PSU for too long for me to not feel great about a victory. I may even have a brew or two.

7. If Penn State loses, you will...

Drink to forget. Then spend the rest of the weekend sulking.

Thanks for the great questions, Dave!

GO STATE! BEAT MICHIGAN!

Welcome to the Fold

I found a PSU blog today I had never seen before. Though it is apparent he has been blogging for a while! I'd like to give some love to This Guy.

GO STATE! BLOG HARD!