Initial, Visceral Reactions To The Game

Wow. Two huge monkeys come off the back of the Nittany Lions in successive weeks. First, the Lions end a long losing streak to Michigan. Second, the Lions win at the Horseshoe for the first time in 30 years. This post is not about stats. This post is about raw, vaguely drunken, emotions.

Ohio State is a very good, if slightly predictable, football team. Tonight, Ohio State did not consistently move the ball effectively. Unless, of course, if it was third down. If it was third down it was almost a guaranteed 15 yard pass play. Odd.

Penn State has the best defense in the Big Ten.

Penn State seemed to wear out a good Ohio State defense.

TP looked like a Frosh late in the game.

As always....

Pat Devlin is the best backup QB in the Big Ten.

The offensive line and Royster got better as the game went along!

I am really incredibly happy.

Who hasn't played anybody now, bitches!

GO STATE! BEAT IOWA!!!!!

The BTN Hooks Me Up

I'm packing up all our junk this morning. So, I'm looking through the channels to put something on in the background while I work. Much to my delight, I discover that the 2006 Michigan vs. Tosu game is on. #1 vs. #2 on a Saturday morning.

Good work Big Ten Network. Next time, can a man get some 2005 PSU vs. TOSU? All i'm sayin.


GO STATE!

Ohio St. Rally Video

It still fired me up.



GO STATE! BEAT TEMPLE!

Charges in Ohio St. Fan Attack

WJACTV is reporting that State College police have IDd the individual throwing the cans of beer and that charges will be filed. Apparently, these charges will be "at least" harassment charges. Clearly, the attack could also warrant much more serious charges of Assault, Assault with a Weapon, Disorderly Conduct, etc.

I hope you all get prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

GO STATE! BEAT PURDUE! (and tailgate with respect!)

Buckeye Hackery

Bruce Hooley has written a column for ESPN.com. It is nothing but ridiculous, revisionist, partisan, hackery at its finest. I really wouldn't expect that out of someone who writes for the COLUMBUS DISPATCH and who has written there for years! Observe Hooley's terrible, pro-Tosu, bias!

In 2005, Penn State won for the only time in the rivalry's past 16 installments as the lower-ranked team. With Troy Smith fresh off a two-game suspension for taking $500 from a booster and still without Tressel's confidence to unleash the Buckeyes' considerable weapons, Penn State claimed a 17-10 victory that eventually decided the Big Ten's automatic BCS berth between teams that wound up tied for the conference championship. (emphasis added)

You know, Bruce, it might be a better stat to mention that the series is actually completely even (11-11) all time.
Not unleashing Tosu's considerable weapons? What is that about? The two teams played, Penn St. won. End of story. The "we only lost because we were afraid of "unleashing our weapons" argument might be the stupidest thing I've ever heard. An acceptable argument is: "Tressel's game-plan screwed us." That is fine. But let's not pretend that Ohio State was the better team that year.

He goes on to opine:

What is unknown is how decisive an impact an overflow crowd will have on Ohio State's poise and performance. Two years ago, Penn State's student section should have received a helmet sticker -- if only Paterno believed in such adornments -- for its role in disrupting Smith and the Buckeyes. (emphasis added)

I think it is safe to say the students will be loud, Bruce. Helmet sticker? What? Penn State does not play for helmet stickers. The students do not cheer for a five cent novelty item. That being said. The Students WILL be a factor.

GO STATE! BEAT THE BUCKEYES!

Blue White Roundtable: Week of Ohio State

This is the week everybody has had circled on their calendars. Ohio State comes to town. Gameday will be in Happy valley. Paternoville is in full effect. TNL bring us this week's questions please also scope BSD, RUTS, WWN, and TNN for their posts.

1) Will the loss of Hahn and/or Odrick have a big impact on either the offense in Hahn's case, or the defense in Odrick's case?

I think the loss of Odrick will not have a big affect on the defense. Penn State has been dealing with injuries all year and they have just continued to reload at that position. Also, Abe Koroma is healthy and should be ready to see full time action. The loss of Hahn probably will have an impact. He is a fucking wrecking ball coming out of the backfield for our RBs and he is an effective ball carrier himself. He will be missed but the offense isn't going to fall to pieces when Dan Lawlor comes into the game. Dan is an effective receiver as well as blocker.

2) Has Anthony Morelli redeemed himself in your eyes?

Ammo is playing really well right now. He is completing over 60% of his passes and limiting his mistakes. This is exactly how I wanted him to play. As long as he keeps it up PSU will continue to win.

3) Is the offensive play calling where you want it to be now or do we still need help?

I think the play calling is fine right now. Clearly, there was a break down around Michigan and Illinois but now the Lions are passing more frequently and spreading the field which has led to easier rushing yards for Kinlaw and Royster. Right now it is fine.

Lightning Round

-Are you lucky enough to have scored tickets this week?

I am. I will tailgate all day in the RV lots. If you're there and see a guy wearing a white shirt that reads: 40 + 45 = PAIN that is me. I'm going to be completely fired up. I'll be sitting in the Student Section. Afterwards I'll be unable to speak.

-Which Ohio State offensive player scares you the most?

Todd Boeckman. No dobubt. He completes of 60% of his passes and has thrown 17 TDs and only 8 Ints. Stopping him will be critical.

-For the game Saturday are you : giddy, apprehensive, or on suicide watch?

Giddy.


GO STATE!!! BEAT THE BUCKEYES!

Paternoville Is Back for Ohio St.

The Collegian is reporting that about 100 brave campers reestablished Paternoville despite the rain.

The Student section is going to be fired up! Thi s game has to be as eagerly anticipated as the 2005 game. It might be a cold, miserable day but football fans are going to be treated to something special on Saturday night!




Photo by Nate Smith

GO STATE! BEAT THE BUCKEYES!

Joepa and the Sweatervest Speak!

Joe might not be extra fired up, but everybody else is!



HELL YES!

GO STATE BEAT THE BUCKEYES!