I'm back......

So it's been awhile since I've posted....Too long for sure

Here is the the deal for 2006. I will post my game preview on every Thursday. And the game review on every Sunday.

The Holiday weekend has thrown this scheduel off a bit, but check back tomorrow....
Erik

Football Spring Practice preview

Beginning tomorrow you will be able to read my preview of goals for the Football team this Spring. Please return for information tomorrow....

Well, that was NO fun

Hmmmm, guess I was just a bit off on my prediction!!

If it just wasn't for that lanky, toothpick arms Gouby...and his 32 points and 8 three pointers. The guy was on fire...he could have shot the ball through the eye of a needle!!!!

The positive: Penn State was down by as many as 19 and fought their way back to within 6 at one point in the 2nd half. The team again showed great heart...in another loss.

But here was a great stat that ESPNU showed: over 80% of EVERY positive category returns for our Lions next season. (Assuming no defections in the off season!) The team is young and should only get better next year.

Ed and team GREAT job. Let's keep it going!

PS: Only 10 more days until Spring football practice opens!!!

An NIT conspiracy???

Editors Note: This is purely my POV...as I have NOT heard any "official" news outlet propose this hypothesis.

My idea goes like this:
First, we all have learned that the NIT is now run by the NCAA.

Second, the NCAA runs a huge sports organization. But within that vast array of sports only ONE generates positive revenue. Men's Basketball...specifically the Tourney. (Remember, the Division 1 College Football season in not run by the NCAA)

Third, the NIT is normally a real dog compared to the NCAA Tourney. But now the NCAA has a "Junior" tournament that could generate some cash. But how?

Fourth, many Sportswriters are questioning how key teams with major appeal were NOT selected to be part of the field of 65. Teams like Maryland, Michigan, Cincinnati, Missouri State...

Fifth, those teams are now in the NIT! Which should give the final rounds a more National appeal. Perhaps ensuring better TV ratings and attendance at Madison Square Garden. Think about it....more people watching more Men's basketball equal one thing...

MORE MONEY FOR THE NCAA

So, you hold back a few big name teams from the NCAA Tourney and you place them in the NIT tourney...

I'm not saying, but I'm saying....

By all standards it has been a great year for Penn State basketball

Ladies and Gents,

We should be thankful for being a part of the Nittany Nation.

1. Our beloved football returns to glory and finishes #3 in the screwed up football rankings
2. Penn State is currently #2 in the Sear Cup for overall athletic performance
3. The basketball team finally demonstrates some respectability by being invited to the tourney. Granted it is only the NIT, but that is better than typical losing record....

Let's talk about the basketball team and highlight some major steps accomplished this year:

• For the first time since 2001 Penn State had a winning record
• As I predicted back on February 5th, James Cornley was named the Big 11 Freshman of the Year. He exploded on the scene as a real "man child" and will only become more dominant as he matures.
• Our favorite player, Geary Claxton, continues his development and was named Third team Big 11. He had an outstanding Sophomore season and avoided the dreaded second year slump.
• This year has been Penn State's best since the Sweet 16 run in 2001. Everything points to this fact; from the overall record, to the Big 11 road record, to the Big 11 tourney win, to the post season invite.

What does this all mean? Expect to see an even more competitive Penn State team next year. This team is VERY young....more experience, more maturity, more leadership and more meat on the bones will bode well in the future.

As for tonight: Penn State wins by 8!!!!

Go Lions, beat up the embarrassed armor!

penn state plays northworsten on thursday

hello from Israel:

Penn State, the 8 seed will take on Northworsten the 9 seed on Thursday at 12:00 EST on ESPN2.

can we win three in a row? it is tough feat, but the team should have confidence. let's hope for the best.

of course, i will miss the game due to my travels back to the states. but, i will pray for a win before i leave the Holy Land.

Penn State Fan Letter is on vacation

Due to the Editor's international travel, the Penn State Fan Letter will not have any updates until March 10th.

I am sorry, but I will not be able to update the blog while I am in Israel. I return next Thursday...the same day the FIRST round of the Big 10 tourney begins.

And based upon Penn State's seed and game time, I may miss the game!!!!

Have a great week and Go Lions!!!

Ouch! That was fugly!!!

38 points....are you kidding me???

Penn State played its worse game of the season...just after they potentially secured an NIT bid. They did nothing right....just before the Big 11 tourney.

And that my friends is why Penn State is still a program trying to learn how to win. They do not have the talent or depth, yet, for a few players to have an off night.

Also, keep in mind that Iowa was potentially playing for the Big 11 regular season title....but the Crazy Nuts (Ohio State) secured that position with a win over Northworsten.

That means Penn State is the #8 seed for he Big 11 tourney...and will play either Michigan State, yes their basketball team collapsed as well, or Indiana. Neither is an easy game.

Good Luck Lions! You need to play 1000% better.

Big 11 Basketball Tourney bracket

Click here for the official Big 11 Bracket

Complete with all the key information, such as:

• Schedule of games
• All the match ups by team rank
• Television schedule

If the season ended today, Penn State the #8 seed would play Indiana the #9 seed. But there are still 4 more days of regular season games that will determine the final match ups. However it looks like Penn State should hold onto their #8 ranking regardless of the outcome with Iowa.

Speaking of Iowa, they currently have a 16 game home winning streak. The last time the Lions played on such an "impenetrable court" they walked away with a win in Illinois....

Don't expect a win, but with this team anything is possible!

Go Lions!

How do you get into the NIT???

My last post did not seem to clarified anything....or so I have been told!

Therefore, in an attempt to keep you salvages properly fed, here are a few articles that may clear up the confusion.

Either way, Penn State WILL get an invite!!! Don't worry, just chill, it's all good!

The Digital Collegian: Easy to read, but short on details...just like those College kids...

The NCAA press release: More info can be found in this press release from the "Big Dog" themselves

The NCAA Official Principals and Procedures: Only for you, "I must have the full information" control freaks!! But here is all the nitty and gritty about the process

Now let's all focus on Penn State winning their first game in the Big 11 tournament.

Basketball team performs twice as well....did anybody actually watch?

Congrats to the Penn State basketball team and a big hand to Travis Parker, the sole Senior who played his final game at the BJ center. Just a few notes regarding the team:

1. For the first time in Big 11 play, the Lions have swept two teams this year. Purwhew and Northworsten lost both games to Penn State.
2. For weeks I have been writing that Penn State had to end the season at least .500 to get an invite to the NIT. And now the Lions are 14-12 with 2 games remaining...so the mission is accomplished you would think!! Except for one problem; the NIT is now run by the NCAA, and therefore the invite rules have changed. Clearly Penn State needed a winning record to even be considered to join the NIT party. But the invite is NOT guaranteed in the new system. Regardless of this rule change, I still think Penn State will participate in their first post season play in 5 years.
3. The Lions should have a very winable game in the Big 11 tournament. They are currently in 8th place in the conference...which would have them play the #7 team in the first "play in" game. Therefore, Penn State could get past the first round of the tourney for the first time in 5 years.
4. With the improved Penn State team performance and results, is anybody watching??? As the team's record improved dramatically, fan attendance shrunk to the lowest level since the Lions moved to the Bryce Jordan center!! Why? This team was not only successful, but fun to watch as well. And while I did not attend a game this year, reports from friends is that the great marketing from the football field has moved to the basketball court. In the future, Penn State needs a great home court advantage. And loud fans are the ones to make that environment possible.

My take is that the program is at a real crossroads:

• The players and performance have improved
• The fans have grown tired and unsure of the day to day results
• Future recruits want not only on court success, but a great atmosphere around the program. (Think how many football players point to the Ohio State game experience)
• Penn State obtained some National press with the dramatic win over Illinois and the Indiana soap opera

Now is the time for Ed and the team to make the BIG step into BIG time. use these last few games to prep the team for next season. The next few weeks should used like Joepa uses Bowl game prep. Get the team ready for the tournament and prepared for the future.

Go Lions, beat the Crows!

Hazelton Saga is over...and it may really be best for Penn State

The Bad News: Vidal Hazelton is going to attend USC

The Good News: Penn State no longer needs to deal with Dexter Hazelton

Read my lips....Vidal and Dexter will be problem children at USC and beyond. Clearly, they feel the need to control every word and situation regarding them. They truly appear, as I can see from every report I have read, about them first and everyone else second.

And while I agree that parents/players need to be responsible for their decisions and their children's future, they should not force everyone to bend to their whims and needs.

So, we will not see Hazelton in the Blue and White...and over time I think we will be happy about that fact!!

We are SO much BETTER!

Penn State fans don't fret...

The men's team has made dramatic improvement this season...in fact its play has improved during the season as well. The program truly appears to be heading in the right direction, for the first time in years.

Ed is saying the right things and preparing the team. The players are responding both on and off the court. And a game against Penn State now requires team to pay attention and prepare.

We will win on Saturday. And we will get an NIT invite. Good things are coming in the near future. And I only see more positive signs for next year.

Now back to Football. Hazelton in the house? We will find out tomorrow!

Three in a row...say it is so!

The Lions shoot for a variety of new records tonight at Indiana:

• THREE consecutive Big 11 wins
• FOUR Big 11 road victories in a season
• FIRST win at Indiana's Assembly Hall

And it is that last bullet that may prove to be the Lions demise tonight.....

This is setting up to be a strange game tonight. Penn State's overall record is 13-11, Indiana's is 13-10. Penn State's Big 11 record is 5-8 and Indiana's is 5-7. Penn State just beat Indiana last week in Happy Valley. Both are looking for NIT bids...

So, Penn State should have a great chance to win...right? It feels like we could win, maybe even should win, given the collapse of the Indiana team and coaching staff. In reality, IF Penn State pulls out a win it would be the most remarkable of the season. Why?

1. Penn State can no longer "sneak up" and steal a win, like they did at Illinois
2. Penn State has proven they are no longer a "night off", but a legitament player
3. Penn State just beat Indiana...and that program has intense pride about their home court

Therefore, I predict a Penn State loss tonight. But expect a resounding win on Saturday, the final home game of the season. And the win that will secure Penn State's NIT invite.

GO LIONS.....prove me wrong!!!!

Where art thou Hazelton?

Drama is great for television, and certainly on Broadway. But when it comes to College Football recruiting, who needs it!

According to other internet sources and rumors, the Hazelton saga which I will now dub "The Recruiting Wars" will end on Friday, February 24th.

He and his family have finally made a decision. Stay tuned to see which school, Penn State or USC, will obtain this services of this young receiving Jedi.

Penn State Alum in the NFL

Want to track Penn Staters performance this past year in the NFL?

Take a read of the list HERE

The standout on the list: Larry Johnson, who may finally end the conversation about Penn State running backs being a bust in the next level.

Penn State fries the Boilers

Two Big 11 wins back to back. Three Big 11 road wins. 5 Big 11 wins, thus far, on the season.

These are the key signs the program is heading in the right direction. Ed has finally, not only stopped the ship from sinking, but in fact he has it sailing on the course his charted when he arrived in Happy Valley 4 years ago.

In addition, based upon my own analysis, ONE more win and the Nittany Lions will get an invite to the NIT!!! And Post season play will give this young team the additional experience they need to become real player, day in and day out, in the Big 11.

No, it won't help with recruiting next year, as Ed has already filled his two available scholarships. And as I have said before, I don't think Ed and his staff are the type to rescind scholarships from current players. However, it will build the Penn State b-ball team reputation in High School gyms for the future.

The true win from an NIT bid is the extra experience, practice time and positive momentum can, and I believe will, drive this team to greater heights in the future.

As for the Purdue game wrap up, here are the key stats from the win:

• Parker continues his stellar play with 21 points on 7 of 15 shooting
• Cornley had 13 rebounds and 11 points, his first double- double
• Glaxton had 15 boards and 8 points, an off shooting night for him
• Luber had 13 points 7 assists
• Jackson had 12 points and career highs with 3 three pointers and 3 steals

The point being: When Penn State FINALLY gets consistent performance from more than 3 players, they ARE a very competitive team!

Now have three more games to pick up ONE more win: away at Indiana, home vs. Northworsten and away at Iowa.

GO LIONS!!

The Penn State Fan Letter partners with AbsolutePigskin.com

In an effort to provide the BEST Penn State information on the web, The Penn State Fan Letter has linked to AbsolutePigskin.com.

What do you, the reader receive from this partnership?
The AbsolutePigskin.com will provide:

• All Penn State multi-media. Looking for ONE source for the Penn State football videos...you can view and download the files at AbsolutePigskin.com.
• A source for additional Penn State stories, written by the "experts"
• Information on the Ohio State "Crazy Nuts"...as the creator of the AbsolutePigskin.com is a Buckeye fan.

Please be sure to bookmark both The Penn State Fan Letter and AbsolutePigskin.com for all your Penn State news!

Poz meets the man he is molded after

Big Day to Promote the Big 33

Poz met Chuck Bednarik yesterday while hyping up the Big 33 game. Penn State Defensive Coach, Tom Bradley, joined for the new conference in Hershey as well.

You can click on the title of this posting to be taken to the full story, but here are key points as I read the article:

• Bednarik is still a tough guy, with a funny old man's attitude. He was trying to show Poz how to make an angry face to intimidate the Offensive team.
• In typical Poz fashion, he continues to show great respect and honor toward his linebacker predecessors.
• What about Poz's injured knee? Bob Flounders suggested that Poz's walk appeared normal and without a limp. Poz confirmed that all is going well and he is rehabing TWICE per day. Bradley added that Poz will NOT participate in Spring drills or the Blue-White game. Clearly, we all know what Poz can do on the field and will be a starter in the Fall.
• Bradley and Poz both discussed how the Penn State team will be much better than "expert" predictions. The team is loaded with good players and I quote, "I'm kind of excited because I'm not worried about the names you don't know at the beginning of the season. I just want to make sure you know about them at the end of the year."
• Finally, Bednarik wanted to pass along some advice from one old man to another...as he suggested it was time for Paterno to step down: "Joe's been there so long I think he'd be smart to retire," Bednarik said. "He's had a lot of success. If you've had a lot of success, and you're going to get into the Hall of Fame, stop it and let somebody else take over.
  "What is he, 70-something? That's too old, too old to be a college coach, too old. Now, Joe, you're a great coach but, hey, you've had enough."

My pre-spring season prediction for fall. Penn State has an 8-4 year....

Hoosiers are the Losers!!!!

Congrats to the Lions!!!

They pulled out a big win...over a traditional powerful Basketball team. Here is an article from ESPN: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=260460213

What is most important is the win for the Lions. This team and the program needs to continue to build upon each win to generate consistent confidence. In addition, Ed and the team only need 2 more wins to get an invite to the NIT...at least according to my simple math.

And it is great to see Travis Parker playing well in his final season! Geary Claxton is a savior to the program and should be First team Big 11. As for Mr. Cornley, he clearly has hit the "Freshman Wall", but still should be a strong candidate to earn Freshman of the Year.

Way to go boys...keep it up!

Hoosier the biggest loser...find out tonight

The mighty Indiana Hoosiers are coming to Happy Valley. Except they don't seem so mighty anymore; as they have lost five of their last six games!

Of course, our Lions have lost six of their last seven...the one win being the amazing victory at Illinois.

In reality, what you are seeing are programs heading in different directions. Penn State is clearly getting better, slow steps but positive ones. Indiana is falling apart this season...they are a great program, but this is a bad, bad year.

And it will cost Mike Davis his job...not that he seems to care. He was too sick to coach the team on Saturday when they played Iowa at home!!! What a lame excuse for a leader and someone who his team should respect!

Go Ed! Go Lions, let's win this one as a team!

Do we even want Hazelton on the team???

How dare I ask such question you wonder?

I'll give you two reasons: Terrel Owens and Kellen Winslow!!! These are two great athletes that always seem to have a dark cloud surrounding them.

First, the Hazleton situation almost mirrors Winslow's college selection game. He wanted to go to Washington....his Dad wanted Miami and therefore refused to sign his letter of intent to become a Husky. Parents and son went round and round on where to go...and eventually Kellen followed Dad's wishes.

Kellen went on to a GREAT career at Miami, but his NFL draft process was a mess and then he decides to become the next Evel Kinevel and is out for another season. Just makes you wonder about the overall stability of the family and son's decision making process.

As for TO, well everyone knows his story. He is always bigger than the team. It is always about him first, team second. And the we know the long term success that has brought for him. If he would just play, instead of being a Soap Opera, he would be the greatest wide out ever!!!

Please understand that I don't wish any ill toward Vidal and his family. But they have let the process become a circus. I only wish him the utmost success wherever he decides to attend. How can this happen? IF he can join a team and put all "this" behind him to become one of the team members. And IF his Dad/family let the coaches do their job, and not interfere, then all could be well in the future.

But if this guy becomes another one of those football drama boys, be sure to remember that you heard it here FIRST. Your past never is far from your present....

Vidal is in the house

Beach or Mountains?
East Coast or West Coast?
Hot or Cold?
Near or Far?
JoePa or Carrol?

Vidal Hazelton was in Happy Valley on Saturday with his Dad, you know the guy that would not sign Vidal's LOI to USC...

What does it mean? Well, it could be:
1. Vidal is really interested in Penn State and wanted to take another look
2. He is placating his father, like many teenagers do, so that he can ultimately get what he wants...USC
3. His Dad is forcing the visit, before he will sign the LOI

Who knows, but he was on campus and Joepa got one last shot to sell the Lions to another big time athlete. And we all know that Joepa is a closer!!!

More to come on this recruit soon.

How do the Lions keep losing?

Dear Ed:
Please accept my condolences on the recent performance of your bastketball team. The entire Nittany Nation was so proud and excited about your huge upset at Illinois. We thought that your team was finally going to take the next step in competitiveness in the Big 11.

And now the last two home losses must be that much harder on you, the staff and the team. I am sure the post game pain must be more heartbreaking when you consider how well the team started the past two games....only to fall apart in the second half. Knowing you and your emotional side, your ability sleep has probably been greatly affected by the past week's roller coaster ride.

Please know we are behind you....but I think the excitement and expectations have once again fallen to a lower level. We wish you all the luck in trying to still get an NIT bid, but realize that once again the Lions will probably sit at home and only think about what could have been.

One or two more quality player, giving you a REAL 8 man rotation should do the trick for next year. Let's hope David Jackson and Andrew Jones are the men you need to get to the next level!

Wishing you all the best, and better sleep in the future.
Erik

Penn State football news

Just a couple of quick things:

1. Penn State - Notre Lame game time set for 3:30 EST on September 9th. Let's go beat the leprechauns!

2. Vidal Hazelton is NOT signed to any school yet. Seems like Penn State is preferred by his parents, and I quote: "I'd prefer it was Penn State," Dexter Hazelton told The Philadelphia Inquirer Saturday "I feel more comfortable with the coaches because they're concerned about being a family to Vidal." And USC coach Pete Carroll isn't?
"I don't need to be getting calls from Coach Carroll telling me that he's worried about his rankings," Dexter Hazleton said. "I don't care about your rankings. I care about what's best for Vidal." A decision could come as early as this weekend.

3. Penn State adds a kicker/punter to the class of 2006. Collin Wanger of State College high school becomes the latest member of the class. He averaged 39 yards per punt and converted 7 of 11 field goals in his Senior season.

Have a great weekend and let's hope the Lions can pick up one of three needed wins to make the NIT on Saturday against Wisconsin.

So much for Penn State hoop dreams....

I think all of us could see this loss coming. Win the big game, then just can't get emotionally up for the next one. It happens in sports all the time, whether it be High School, College or Pro sports.

The only way to stop this cycle is experience and havnign been here before. And our Nittany Lions just aren't there yet... Let's give them some time and see how things turn out the rest of this season.

They still need THREE wins to make the NIT, which could still happen...but the road is now one more loss harder.

The crazy Rodents invade Happy Valley tonight

Can the Nittany Lions stay focused for a key game tonight at home.
Read all the pre game propaganda here: http://www.gopsusports.com/pressreleases/pressrelease.cfm?anncid=9494

In my estimation IF Penn State can win THREE more games in the Big 11 they are a lock to get an invite to the NIT. You gotta walk before you can run, and the NIT is a great start for such a young team.

Let's go state!

Larry Johnson is the Nation's top recruiter

According to Rivals.com Larry Johnson is the Top Recruiter based upon this year's signing day performance. Here is the complete article: http://rivals100.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=510102
This is the recognition he deserves for his performance in both Maryland and beyond.

In addition, there are reports that another high school player is joining the Lions 2006 class. Of course, currently there does not appear to be an open scholarship. That may change if any players do not return to the team...

And tomorrow the b-ball team will see if that can ride the historic win this past weekend to another big game.

It's a feel good Penn State Story

Kids sit down here by the fireplace and let Uncle Erik read you a story.

It's a story about hero's, about resurrection, about passion and about love.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/sioncampus/02/03/psu.hot/index.html

Just be sure to bring the tissues....

Are you kidding me.....Lions win in a STUNNER

While I have been critical of our Basketball team in the past, over the last few games they have made me proud. They too appear to be, as Joe Paterno likes to say, "only a couple of players away." Of course, a couple of players can have a huge impact on a b-ball team.

The point is, that by living in Chicago I have been able to watch Penn State, on television, lose close games to Michigan, Michigan State and Wisconsin. But when I knew the Penn State - Illinois games was going to be on TV and I already had Saturday night plans, I made no attempt to watch or even DVR the game. If it was a football game, the day would have been planned around it....but not for basketball....at least not yet.

So, this morning when I awoke the first thing I did was to grab the newspaper. I then said to my girlfriend, before looking at the front page, that the headline would be "Penn State beats the Illini". NOPE, not on the front page.

But then I turned to the Sports section....and guess what? PENN STATE WON!!! Here is the Chicago Tribune article: http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/chi-0602050304feb05,1,1366903.story?coll=chi-sportsnew-hed

I did a little dance for about 30 seconds, when she told me it was enough. I could not believe it...I even turned on Sports Center and the Penn State win (or Illinois loss depending on your point of view) was the #3 story of the day. (Super Bowl thing was first, followed by Detroit's run at the NBA season record).

Here is my simple congrats to Ed and the team. What a huge morale boost for the team, right before a three game home stand, which includes some easier games!!!

Thnk about what this win means:

• Beat the #6 team in the b-ball rankings
• Second road win in three years...in front of a hostile 16,000+ crowd
• Keeps the season record above .500, which could earn an invite to the NIT
• MAJOR national exposure for the win....which helps with recruiting!
• And this was done with a hurt, but soon to be named "Freshman of the year" Cornley

Way to go boys, We are....Penn State!

Aaaaand here's.... the Freshmen

Signing day has come and gone. And it was uneventful for the Lions...which may have been a good thing in the end!!

On Tuesday night Penn State had 24 recruits.

After Wednesday's signing day we still have the same 24. Follow this link if you want more information on them:
http://bwi.rivals.com/commitlist.asp?year=2006&school=61

Recruiting is more opinionated than team rankings during the season, regardless I am more than happy to throw my nickel into the pot (inflation has taken the cost above 2 cents)
Let's explore:

1. Who did we miss
2. Who did we get
3. What does it mean

Missed:
I believe the Lions really only felt the sting of a couple of non signs

• Vidal Hazelton: Followed through on his verbal to USC, which was rare in this crazy year. The Penn State offense designed by Galen Hall and to be run by Morelli (an one day Devlin) is all about spreading the field horizontally and passing vertically. Hazelton would have been another huge target, but we landed a big man with Bell
• LeSean McCoy: Passes on the Lions in favor of Miami. Probably the right move for him, given his lack of academic focus. Unless he has a dramatic turnaround he would have just ended up in Joepa's doghouse. But we really need to get a go to guy for next year. Of course, we all thought Scott would be the next big thing...when in reality the less acclaimed Tony Hunt became the man. So, you never know how Carter or Royster will pan out..

Received:

Our Lions got exactly what we needed. A class that fill the holes in the roster with Top quality talent. Here are some insights:

• The #6 or #7 rated class in the country.
• The #1 rated class in the Big 11
• 9 players rated in the Top 10 at their position in the country!! Amazing talent! The positions are : QB, WR, 2 OL, 2 DEs, 2 DTs and a DB
• 9 Defensive Lineman and 4 Offensive Lineman..over 50% of the class works the trenches
• 5 kids who changed their initial commitment to join Penn State: Maryland, Virginia, LSU, Miami and Virginia Tech all lost players to the Lions
• Penn State got 7 of the top 9 players in Maryland. A major coup for the Lions. I believe Penn State needs to be THE dominate program on the East Coast...making it easier to secure local talent....the team's success this past year made this recruiting haul possible.
• Speed: 7 players run the 40 in under 4.6 seconds...and that is 7 of the remaining 11 who are not on the O or D lines
• East Coast Boys: Everyone is from New York, south the Virginia and the states in between
• Players who want to be a part of the Penn State family....11 joined together to sign their Letter of Intent...in Maryland

Meaning?:

• No one knows?? Big name High School players go bust as often as small names make it big. There is not exact science. But if a kid is willing to forget his High School accolades and work hard..they have a chance to excel on the bigger stage
• This type of talent is hard to ignore. Penn State can reload vs rebuilding with these players
• Who plays as a true freshman? My money is on; AJ Wallace at DB, Chris Bell at WR and Maurice Evans at DE
• Who are the players that become part of Penn State lore in the future? I'll go with; Pat Devlin at QB, Andrew Quarless at TE, Maurice Evans and Aaron Maybin at DE
• Who has the name that TV announcers will never say or spell correctly? Bani Gbadyu or Doug Klopacz

Penn State friends, we are now about to enter the quiet season in Penn State football. The next big thing is the Blue-White game on April 22.

However, I will continue to provide information regarding other Penn State sports...primarily the continued growth of the Mens Basketball team.

Recruiting is a strange game.....here is the latest

The mind of a 17 year old is a hard place to understand...

Brent Carter, who just last week announced he would attend Virginia, has reconsidered and decided to stay in PA and join the amazing class at Penn State. The addition of his talent will secure Penn State as a Top 5 class in 2006.

I still stand by my POV that Vidal Halzelton is still the only active recruit on the Penn State "want" board at this point. Let's hope he too changes his mind and follows the other FIVE recruits that "on second thought" decide to join the Lions!!

Down to ONE big name

After the flurry of positive verbals last week, Penn State lost a couple of big names over the weekend:

Both Elijah Fields and Jeremiha Hunter have verbaled to other schools. Clearly Joe Paterno, the Saint of Penn State football, could not convince either player to follow their biblical names to Happy Valley!

What does that mean for Wednesday? Let's hope the following three things happen:

1. All the players who have verbaled to Penn State actually sign their letter of intent
2. Vidal Hazelton, who is said to be 50/50 between PSU and USC, falls in favor of the Lions
3. We somehow get one more signing day miracle...ala Morelli in 2004

That is all I've got on this Sunday night....be sure to set your VCR, Tivo or DVR to record ALL 6 HOURS of the ESPN signing day coverage!

Lions play TOUGH against Sparty

Penn State friends:

Those who know me may be shocked to read this next line. I watched the Penn State - Michigan State game today...and although we lost, I was very proud of our Lions!!

Bottom line: The game was MUCH closer than the final 9 point score difference. http://www.gopsusports.com/pressreleases/pressrelease.cfm?anncid=9426

The Lions, clearly under-maned and lower talent, played with huge heart. In the end, they did not have the horses on the bench to pull out a victory. But this is the best Lions team I have seen in years!

More important, they are still a very young team. Expect them to pick up a few more wins this year, and make some real noise next year...if the team remains in tact....always the big question in Happy Valley.

Congrats Ed.

Joe Paterno is Coach of the Year...for the 6th time!

Ok, we get it...everybody loves Joepa! http://www.gopsusports.com/pressreleases/pressrelease.cfm?anncid=9417

Joe went from worst to first, just as fast as TO did the reverse!!

So the combination to be a genius at Penn State is:
1. Have a great record
2. Have a few standout players
3. Play some exceptional Freshman
4. Design the Offense and Defense around your talent
5. Sit back and watch it all come to life

Congrats Joe!

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Check it out...as the Nittany Lion B-ball program appears to be getting better....very slowly, but better

And then there were THREE

What a recruiting season....this group has HUGE potential!

In these final days the Penn State staff is looking to get three more "yeses" for next year. In fact, according to my estimation they only have scholarships for three more recruits. The targets are:

• Vidal Hazelton, WR: Already committed to USC...but clearly we have learned those verbals are worth very little this year. WHY: Said to be very friendly with Pat Delvin and they are both talking Penn State now. In addition, he is reportedly visiting Happy Valley today and will get the Joepa full court press. PROBABILITY OF BECOMING A LION: 49%

• Elijah Fields, S: Down to Pitt vs. Penn State. WHY: Could see substantial time on the field at PSU next year as he already has a "College body" to play the position. PROBABILITY OF BECOMING A LION: 65%

• Jeremiah Hunter, OLB: List is finally narrowed to Penn State, Iowa and Tennessee. WHY: Has shown recent interest in staying home to play his college career. Also the resurgence in Linebacker U has made an impression. PROBABILITY OF BECOMING A LION: 70%

What about LeSean McCoy?? He is going to attend Milford Academy next year...but may still announce his college intentions on February 1.

When did Maryland become another Pennsylvania county?? State lines have not be redrawn...but Penn State got 7 of the top 9 High School player to commit to join the Lions!! So much for the University of Maryland resurgence in football!

Penn State will have a Top 5 class and the best in the Big 11

Delvin picks Penn State

Another changed mind....in favor of the Nittany Lions!

Pat Delvin becomes the third player to reconsider and choose Penn State. The full story can be found at: http://www.dailylocal.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=15986971&BRD=1671&PAG=461&dept_id=17782&rfi=6

The power of a great season and Joepa back on top clearly has a strong influence on 17 year olds. Don't be shocked to see another one or two recruits make a last minute PSU change as well.

The exciting year continues...

The Power of Pat Delvin?

Recruiting is such an interesting process....

First, Pat Delvin makes headlines with his visit to Penn State. And now Vidal Hazelton, a WR, is said to be re-opening his commitment to USC. Why? Because Delvin is showing so much interest in Penn State.

Vidal is said to be the #2 Wideout in the class. Chris Bell, a Penn State commit, is #11.

More to come....

Troutman joins the Nittany Lions

Just after I post Troutman as a major prospect....he verbals to Penn State.
Here is more info on him: http://www.pennlive.com/weblogs/pasports/

Let's hope the rest of my list follow suit!!

How good is the 2006 recruiting class???

Penn State already has a Top 10 class....with 19 players in the fold.

But a few questions need to be asked, such as:
1. How good could this class become in the next 10 days?
2. Do these high School recruiting rankings properly reflect College success?

Let's first take a look at 'big time Blue Chip" players still considering Penn State:

• Pet Devlin, QB - After the mass firing, blame game at Miami he is looking again. Was at Penn State this past weekend.
• LeSean McCoy, RB - Said to have eligibility issues. May attend a prep school first. But, Penn State already has 2 solid running backs on the list
• Ramone Johnson, OG - Many schools still in the running....State College is a long way from Chicago
• Jonnie Troutman, DE - New Jersey product is choosing between the Crazy Nuts and the Lions. Doesn't get the big star ratings, but is said to have huge growth upside.
• Phillip Taylor, DT - Penn State has a huge need for this position and already have 2 of the top 10 rated in the country. But Phillip may join the bus full of other Maryland recruits heading to Happy Valley
• Adam Patterson, DT - Another top 10 rated HS player. It is easy to get talent on the D-line...given the recent history of NFL drafts and Lion Alum
• Jeremiha Hunter, OLB - Harrisburg, PA prospect seems to be courting too many schools to make a call at this point.
• Elijah Fields, Safety - PA product, that could fill a major need for the Lions. Taller than 6' with good size already.
• Justin Gomes, K - You can never have too many high quality kickers on the team.

With just a few of these kids, Penn State will have a Top 5 class. And will have the best group in the Big 11.

Do these High School rankings mean GREAT on field performance? Take a look at the ratings of the past recruiting classes since 2002, and make you own decision. Here is the link: http://bwi.rivals.com/commitlist.asp?Year=2006&School=61

It will be an exciting week for the Penn State family. Check back here for more information.

Penn State Players are staying! Who are the captains?

It is really official now: Poz and Levi are staying in school.

First and foremost, this tells you something about the kids that Penn State recruits. These guys want to get better and want to stay in school. Sure they also want to become first round draft picks and make big money....but they are willing to put in the time and work to make it happen.

They realize there are No shortcuts to greatness!!!

Both players remaining on the team will go far in helping to stabilize the program and make the team better next year. These are two super stars that will force other teams to focus on them and allow the new starters time to grow.

So who are the 2006 captains?
1. Poz is a bit obvious.....
2. How about Levi Brown...only if he shows strong leadership skills in Spring ball
3. For a third, I say it is either Jay Alford or Tony Hunt. Again, who steps up and becomes a voice on the field and the locker room?

In short, here are my quick thoughts on next year:
Offense: We have all the skill position players, just need a line
Defense: Stacked at Linebacker, have plenty of talent on the D-line (Ed Johnson is back). We just need to mature the DB's, but have tons of talent with freshman galore coming in. With all the LB palyers, we may want to consider playing a 3-4.

Look for at least an 8-4 season!

Penn State beat Northwestern....in basketball

Look kids, Penn State won a Big 11 game...and on the road.

That is more rare than a UFO sighting!!!
Worse part...I didn't even think it would be worth the trip North of the city to see it. My bad!

Just let me know when Football letter of intent day is and when Spring practice begins....

What an end to the season

Revived Penn State Fans :

Congratulations to everyone who loves Penn State football. What a year; it was thrilling and it was maddening!! It gave us redemption and now it asks questions! It made us proud and maybe left us ashamed?

It was a great year!

Sorry, I am a bit late to the party on my final game write up. I’ve been writing petitions to Penn State to have Joe fired for harming my mental and physical health due to all the close wins this year. Really, this isn’t good for me and someone’s head should roll!

My only comment on the NOW front: Interesting how one group thinks Joe should resign, while his peers give him his 5th Coach of the Year award…..hmmm


My view from the Orange Bowl Road Trip:
This was my FIFTH bowl adventure…and I am happy to report that I am 5-0 in my Bowl vacations! A nice little Hanukkah gift the team gives me every trip. And this was my 5th different bowl game: Citrus, Outback, Fiesta, Alamo and Orange. Therefore, I feel I have the experience to make some broad observations about this year’s BCS Orange Bowl:

- Penn State Fans traveled and traveled BIG. Frankly it looked like we were at the “Penn State Miami Campus”. South Beach has never seen the “winter white” complexition on so many people laying on the beach.
- The fans lived by the motto “Arrive Early, Be Loud, Stay Late”! Nice job!
- Penn State needs to create a simple organized chant. The “We Are, Penn State” is cool. But we must create something to combat our opponents’ brain dead yells…in this case the tomahawk chop.
- Our band needs to play more, especially when outside of Beaver Stadium. They clearly lost the battle with the FSU band.
- QUESTION: Do the warm weather Bowl locations create an advantage for Southern teams?? I would like to see USC, Texas, FSU, etc play in the cold….
- Dolphin Stadium is another poorly designed multi-use facility. The seats are too far from the field.
- Speaking of poor. How much money do I have to “donate” to get decent seats??? Another example of why the BCS may never end…too much corporate money getting all the benefits!
- So, how does Myron Rolle feel now? Remember he is the All American, all everything high school player who spurned Joepa in favor of FSU back in September. His reason; “I want to play for a winning program.” Nice decision making kid….enjoy being a NCAA rule breaking Indian.


Seminoles get Chopped:
Here are my quick takes on the game and the all familiar team grades. The final grades for this school year:

- Our heralded Freshman played like Freshman in the big games that mattered: Michigan State and the Orange Bowl. The “virus of youth” came shining through in both catching and kicking the ball. On the positive they developed the mental toughness for the future.
- Joe reverted to his old style of Conservative play in the same big games.
- Congrats to the second string players who demonstrated great pose: Austin Scott and Sean Lee
- The combination of Robinson to Smolko proved to be BIG yet again!
- The Touchdown pass to Kilmer before half time…can you say HUGE!
- The Battle of Field Position was won by our Defense in the third quarter. FSU started inside the Penn State fifty, 3 times in the quarter…and yielded ZERO points!!!
- Kapinos continually out punted his coverage, forcing our player out of their tackling lanes. Not a good mixture against FSU’s speed.
- You can’t coach Speed and clearly FSU has it. But you can coach Football and PSU does that. Outcome: Penn State WINS!

Grades:
Coaching: C that turned into a B
- The team played tentative and looked sluggish/unsure at times.
- The Offensive play calling was pretty vanilla….we saw more plays run out of the I formation than in any other game all year.
- Odd idea to run a fake field goal in the third overtime…

Offense: C
- Too inconsistent…we moved the ball, but got few points in the first half.
- Too many dropped balls and poor passes.
- FSU had a fast and strong defense. And the team did not adjust well to their half time changes to stop the run.

Defense: A+
- The team only made 1 error the entire night, on the screen pass in the 2nd quarter.
- 12 first downs, and 26 rushing yards…need we say more?
- Dan Connor played a great game….how nice it will be to see him and Poz back next year.

Special Teams : F
- Punt and kick coverages??? Please Joe hire a full time ST Coach.
- Kevin Kelly…is he a hero or a goat? He was 1-3 on game winning kicks. But let’s remember - his is only 19! Now he is mentally tough for the future.
- Punt and kick returns. Please Joe hire a full time ST Coach….


Bowl picks of the week:
I was wrong…badly wrong…2-6

Alamo bowl = Michigan NO
Vitalis Sun bowl = Northwestern NO
Chick-fil-A bowl = LSU
Outback bowl = Iowa NO
Capital One bowl = Auburn NO
Tostitos Fiesta bowl = Ohio State
Nokia Sugar bowl = Georgia NO
Rose bowl = USC NO


Upcoming subjects to be covered by the Editor:
2006 Recruiting Update
2006 Prediction and Keys to
Team Preview for 2006

Thanks for playing my little game of Sports writer,
Erik “Wake me up for Spring football” Rosenstrauch