How many more players do we lose before the season starts?

Seems like a normal off season for our Nittany Lions....drama OFF the field!

• First, James McDonald is kicked off the team for getting a DUI..sure a senior, but he was not going to be a leader.
• Then AJ Wallace the most experienced DB on the team gets into trouble for skipping classes...not sure this Senior is going to return. It is TBD
• Next we learn Abe Koroma, a back up D-lineman has left the team for personnel reasons...and Joe is not sure he is coming back
• Finally, O-lineman Ako Poti is also arrested for a DUI. His status is also TBD.

This is not the way to start the defense of our Big 11 Championship.

More to come....

Where have I been

Penn State friends--

I disappeared from my blog...but not my love for Penn State. It's just been a bit busy for me...
For instance, I got married and got a new job and.....oh yeah, had a little baby boy.

But I'm back for the 2009 football season...so tune in for more analysis and laughs!

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!