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!!

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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.