Zombie Nation

2010 recruiting smörgåsbord, pt. 2: Booyah!

2009-07-10T10:51:00.010-04:00

And to think, we're not even halfway through July.

Today, St. Mary's quarterback Robert Bolden (☆☆☆☆ Scout; ☆☆☆☆ Rivals) gave his verbal commitment to play for Penn State in 2010; he had 19 scholarship offers from across the nation. Earlier this week, Levi Norwood (Jordan's brother/☆ Scout; NR Rivals) said he would join the Lions next season.

But that's not even the tip of the iceberg, folks. It could get better, much better before the end of the month.

Manheim Central (PA) receiver Dakota Royer (☆☆☆ Scout; ☆☆☆☆ Rivals), State College athlete Alex Kenney (☆☆☆ Scout; ☆☆☆☆ Rivals), North Hunterdon (NJ) tight end Kevin Haplea (☆☆☆☆ Scout; ☆☆☆ Rivals), and Stamford (CT) linebacker Khairi Fortt (☆☆☆☆ Scout; ☆☆☆☆ Rivals) are all expected to commit to Penn State before July is out.

Just in case you wanted a little icing on your recruiting cake, today Scout.com vaulted Penn State's 2010 Recruiting Class to No. 5 in the nation. Penn State's two five-star commits (according to Scout's ratings) is tied for the national high, with Texas (No. 1), Alabama (No. 2) and Ohio State (No. 16). Rivals has not yet released its 2010 Team Recruiting Rankings; if they did, I can't find it anywhere.

Like I said: Booyah!

For more on Penn State recruiting, check out our Recruiting Board.

Hey Tim Curley! See this?

2009-07-10T10:00:00.000-04:00

With all the hulaballoo about Penn State's non-conference scheduling, particularly concerning PSU AD Tim Curley, it should be noted that Jim Clements, the new West Virginia University President, really wants his Mountaineers to play Penn State. That's right, you know all those old rivals Penn State doesn't play anymore? Well, one of them is ~~practically pleading for a series renewal~~ willing to chat about the Nittany Lions.

In an interview with Mike Casazza, the Charleston Daily Mail WVU beat reporter/blogger, Clements said:

"...the three biggest rivalries historically are Pitt and the Backyard Brawl, Maryland and Penn State. I think having Maryland on the schedule again is pretty cool. It's a quality ACC team. Penn State would be very hard to get on the schedule because they're in the Big Ten and they have only so many outside games they can play, but that would actually be a pretty interesting matchup."

But oh, it gets better. Much, much better.

"If you asked me to order them, clearly you've got to have Penn State on [the schedule]..."

Well, West Virginia might not be what it was under Rich Rodriguez and Pat White, but it's still one of the best teams in The East. It's supposed to win the Big East again this year, which would give it three BCS bids in the last five seasons, more than Penn State. Not to mention, it was one of Penn State's BIGGEST rivals before joining the Big Ten.

This should be a no-brainer for the Penn State Athletic Department.

First Look '09: Illinois Fighting Illini

2009-07-09T21:00:00.000-04:00

Illinois has gone to a paltry two bowl games this decade. But, oddly enough, both of them were BCS bids (Sugar '02, Rose '08). So if there were ever a better example of inconsistency in a football program, you'd be hard pressed to find one that doesn't wear the Orange and Blue.

Heading into this season, Illinois is getting a lot of hype as a Big Ten title contender, and could finally live up to expectations. It will be Ron Zook's fifth season at the helm, and has what could be his best team yet. But what do we really know about the 2009 Illini? Let's find out, in today's First Look.

The Fightin' Zookers - Ron Zook came to Illinois after being booted from the University of Florida. In Gainesville, he led the Gators to mediocre records and no BCS bowl games. But he was a fantastic recruiter, highlighted by the fact that it was mostly his players that won the 2006 BCS Championship Game for second-year head coach Urban Meyer.

Now in Champaign, Zook has led the Illini to steady improvement. Illinois' 2007 Rose Bowl run was one for the ages, especially considering the Illini were 2-10 in 2006. Zook's team is primed for another big season, due in no small part to his and his staff's recruiting efforts the last four years. Even if they are not officially the "Fighting" Illini anymore, Zook has definitely restored the fight to this program.

Pitch and catch - While still a bit erratic, Juice Williams has become one of the top quarterbacks in the Big Ten, having thrown for almost 6,500 yards, and running for 2,000 more in his career so far. In 2007, he did just enough to keep the offense going; last year, it was his show to run. But his success can also be attributed to his favorite target, Arrelious Benn.

Benn is by far the best returning wide receiver in the Big Ten. Penn State fans know just how dynamic he can be, accounting (virtutually single-handedly) for two touchdowns in Illinois' 2007 upset of the Lions; in 2008, Benn again did more than his fair share to shred Penn State's secondary (even in the losing effort), with 100 yards and two touchdowns.

Expect Williams and Benn to continue to be a big thorn in Penn State's side.

Road to the Rose - This team is much, much better than the 2007 Rose Bowl team. But the thing is, the 2009 Illini don't even need to be better than the '07 team to get to Pasadena. The Sept. 26 trip to Columbus and the Big Ten home opener a week later against Penn State seem to be the only scary games on this year's slate. Then again, Illinois beat both of those teams in 2007.

Illinois just has to show up this season, and it could win six games. The opener against Missouri in St. Louis will be a good gauge for the rest of the year, even if the Tigers are not the same team of late. The next two weeks will host Illinois St. (FCS) and a bye week before PSU and OSU. Michigan State could catch a tired Illinois team, particularly if they lose to PSU and OSU, or have very tough games. The first half of this schedule will determine if this team is for real.

From enemy territory:

I talked to Joe, of Hail to the Orange, about this season's Illini. He said he really liked the offense going into this season, and not just Williams and Benn.

"An offense that made huge steps last year and is returning almost everyone. All 3 of the top running backs from last year, the starting and backup QB's, standout wide receivers Arrelious Benn, Jeff Cumberland, A.J. Jenkins and Tight End Mike Hoomanawanui all return to an offense that led the Big Ten in passing yards last season. Whats more they add HS All American WRs Terry Hawthorne and Jarred Fayson, so the offense should only get better."

But all is not rosy on defense, in Joe's mind. The Illini did lose a great linebacker in Brit Miller, and cornerback Vontae Davis, a first-rounder in this year's NFL Draft.

"Defense loses two starting linebackers and have inexperienced replacements. The secondary was inconsistent last year and loses its best defender, to top it off, the best defensive tackle may be sidelined due to legal trouble. All in all, I would say that the defense is a question mark."

Oh yeah, about that legal trouble stuff, Illini atheletes seem to have trouble staying out of trouble at a place called FuBar (yeah, that's really the name). Although, that trouble doesn't always mean it's the Illini on the wrong side of the law.

"The team's returning tackle leader Martez Wilson, was stabbed last December while attempting to help his former teammate D'Angelo McCray, who was being jumped.

"The bar at which this occurred, FuBar, is the exact same bar that only a few months earlier basketball player Jamar Smith was arrested for violating his probation leading to his dismissal from the team. A lesson to all athletes, stay away from Fubar."

For more on the Illinois Fighting Illini:

2009 Illinois Schedule
Illinois Spring Practice Review
First Look '08: Illinois

More from First Look '09:

Iowa Hawkeyes
Temple Owls
Syracuse Orange
Akron Zips

Poll Results: First Look '09 Iowa

2009-07-09T10:50:00.002-04:00

You know all those calling for Iowa to be the surprise Big Ten champs this year? Well, they're not the ones who voted in this week's poll. According to the results for First Look '09: Iowa win total, nearly 70 percent said Iowa will win at best nine games, or at least finish in the eight to nine-win range.

Also, the same percentage of voters think the Hawkeyes have the same chances to finish with fewer than eight wins, than they do finishing with ten or more wins.

Results below the fold.

Catching up; link dump

2009-07-08T17:59:00.006-04:00

News you've probably already read, but rehashed right here for your re-run pleasure!

GoPSUsports.com: Daryll Clark, Sean Lee and Jared Odrick will go to the Big Ten media days with Joe Paterno.

• The Nittany Line: Lift for Life? Check. But if Graham Zug's total is anyone's fault, it's you BSD!

• There is No Name on My Jersey: Remember how bad that Iowa loss hurt? Well, let me remind you.

• Black Shoe Diaries: (via Kevin HD) If this is what Vegas is saying about Penn State, they must not read Phil Steele; (via RUTS) Robert Bolden might be on the way, and Paul Jones might be ok.

• Nittany White Out: You want a playoff? I got your playoff right here.

• Happy Hour Valley: Bigger schedule challenges for PSU hoops in 2009-10 could mean a tourney berth. More on this from Crispin and Cream.

• Happy Valley Half Nelson: PSU wrestling family grows, literally.

Off topic

Tomorrow is First Look '09: Illinois Fighting Illini, so get ready for some Big Ten contender conversation!

Also, don't forget to get you last minute votes in this week's poll: Iowa's win total for '09.

Red Meat Monday: Good, not great receivers

2009-07-06T10:39:00.006-04:00

Opinion is the best part about sports. It's what keeps us going during the offseason, sparking plenty to talk about. And who better to throw out a conversation-starter than CBS's own (and my personal favorite hack) Dennis Dodd. Take this little number he sang a few weeks ago. He was predicting the Big Ten order of finish for 2009, reluctantly putting Penn State in the top two, but had to add this quip about the departed Deon Butler, Jordan Norwood and Derrick Williams:

"A good, not great, group of receivers have to be replaced by what might be good, not great, group of receivers."

Ok, I get it, Dodd's job is to generate discussion and readership. That's fine, but doing it by really shoddy analysis is just being lazy.

If those three wide receivers were only "good," but not great, then why are they all signed to NFL teams right now? Before Dodd says it: We don't know if they'll be there in the fall. But that's irrelevant right now. Today, all three of those "good" wide receivers are in the NFL.

That was the rational, non-homeristic comeback against Dodd's claims. Now, for the partisan retort: REALLY?! GOOD? NOT GREAT?

Butler is the career receptions leader, No. 2 in yardage. Norwood is No. 4 in receptions, No. 3 in yardage. And Williams is No. 3 in receptions, No. 5 in all-purpose career yards.

Remember, that was with Anthony Morelli under center for two of their four seasons. Not to mention, there were THREE of them. Had there been one, or even just two of them, their individual numbers would have been through the roof. Maybe then they would have been better than "good."

Social networking at its finest

2009-07-06T06:30:00.004-04:00

We did a great job getting thousands (yes, thousands) to sign up for the Blue White event on Facebook. Now, it's time for the real thing! Be sure to RSVP to the entire 2009 Penn State Football Season on Zombie Nation's Facebook page. Recruit everyone you know, and let's make this one bigger than the Blue White Game! And remember, even if you're just going to one game this season, confirm that you're attending. This is for EVERYONE who will see Penn State play live this year!

First Look '09: Iowa Hawkeyes

2009-07-05T20:00:00.001-04:00

Penn State hosts Iowa in its Big Ten opener, an 8 p.m. kickoff on Sept. 26. This will be a revenge game of epic proportions, since the Lions fell by a mere point in Iowa City last season, ruining any chances for a national championship. Iowa has been dominant over Penn State this decade, losing only once, a 27-7 thrashing in Beaver Stadium two years ago. But the series has been closer than it looks, with the one-point loss last season, and two overtime wins for the Hawkeyes (2000, 2002). Both teams lose stars from their 2008 squads, but enough return on both sides to make for an early-season Big Ten Title showdown. But what do we really know about the 2009 Iowa Hawkeyes? Let's find out, in today's First Look.

More with less - Head coach Kirk Ferentz has gained a decent reputation at Iowa for getting a lot of production out of his players, who are usually not very highly recruited out of high school. From 2002-04, Ferentz's Hawkeyes won 31 games, and shares of two conference titles. But the most impressive part of all those wins was that Iowa's roster wasn't a star-studded roll of elite high school recruits. Ferentz knew how to will his team to play above their competition, and deservedly earned the reputation for developing talent.

But over the last few seasons, Iowa hasn't performed as well, despite 2005 recruiting class boasting seven U.S. Army All-Americans. Iowa has gone 28-22 since its last 10-win season in 2004, including last year's 9-4 record, its best during that span.

Filling the gap(s) - Iowa averaged 189 rush yards per game in 2008, most of those yards coming from everyone's All-American, Shonn Greene (1,850 yards). Greene never broke the two-deep until last season, but then exploded for a school-record-setting year. Now, he's off early to the NFL, and there's a gigantic hole to fill in the Hawkeye backfield. Going into this season, Jewel Hampton was supposed to be the projected starter, but word came in this past Friday (July 3) that he sustained a knee injury. It could be minor, but also could be enough to keep him out or down for a while. Keep an eye on this situation, as it might be the biggest issue this summer.

On the other side of the ball, Iowa lost the single best pair of defensive tackles in college football from 2008 -- Matt Kroul and Mitch King. The two accounted for more than 100 tackles and 16 TFL, as the soul of a defense that allowed only 94 rush yards per game last year. Replacing them will be impossible, but enough returns on defense to minimize that impact.

Back on the slate - Iowa didn't have to play Ohio State or Michigan the last two seasons, but now they're both back on the rotation. It was a mixed back last year, as playing Michigan might have been a blessing, but missing Ohio State is always a good thing. This season, the Wolverines should be a much better team, and the Buckeyes remain a title contender. The Hawkeyes host Michigan on Oct. 10, and travel to Columbus on Nov. 14.

The Big Ten overall should be weaker than it was in 2008, so Iowa has a shot to do well with its schedule. Opening against Northern Iowa (FCS), @Iowa St and hosting Arizona should be a manageable road before the big showdown at Penn State. If Iowa can go 4-0 to open the season, I wouldn't doubt if the Hawkeyes were 10-0 heading into the Ohio State game. Much of this season could depend on Iowa's performance at Penn State under the lights.

2009 Iowa Schedule
Iowa Spring Practice Review
First Look '08: Iowa Hawkeyes

More from First Look '09:

Temple Owls
Syracuse Orange
Akron Zips

Poll Results: First Look '09 Temple

2009-07-03T13:14:00.002-04:00

Temple will have a winning season, and secure a bowl berth for the first time since winning the 1979 Garden State Bowl (yes, that was in New Jersey), at least according to the readers who voted in this week's First Look '09 poll. Although it wasn't exactly a heavy turnout, the numbers still rang in favor of at least six wins for the Owls this season.

I'm convinced that even with a .500 record, Temple will get a bowl invitation. And that means unless Akron turns out to be a really big surprise, Temple could be Penn State's toughest non-conference opponent in 2008. A bowl bid would also help the Lions' schedule strength. And it could sure use the assistance in that department.

Results below the fold.

Off topic

First Look '09: Iowa Hawkeyes will be done and posted this weekend.

Sidelined

2009-07-02T21:43:00.003-04:00

Sorry folks, First Look '09: Iowa will have to wait until tomorrow. The work week was much worse than I anticipated. And, of course, I had procrastinated to begin with. So, be sure to check back here this weekend for a full round of catching up. Again, my apologies.

Did Paul Jones just break something?

2009-07-01T17:25:00.004-04:00

Not that they are a credible source, but the message boards lit up a little while ago with reports that PSU QB commit Paul Jones (Rivals/Scout) broke either his ankle or his arm. From what I hear, it was his ankle. Someone said his Facebook page said it was a chip in his ankle playing basketball; he'll be in a cast for 4-6 weeks; and should be good by fall.

I hope so.

Big Ten Bloggers '09 Preseason Picks

2009-07-01T16:00:00.003-04:00

The summer months offer a plethora of predictions, previews and, well, bull crap. After all, what the hell else is there to do during the calmest of calms before the autumn storm. The Big Ten Bloggers usually gets together around this time of year to let loose with a heavy dose of ~~"rabble! rabble! rabble!"~~ quality, thoughtful preseason predictions for the coming Big Ten football season. As was the case last season, Lake the Posts was pegged to organize the voting. Today, albeit a little tardy, I give you the results -- including LTP's commentary -- of this year's round of voting, plus my own ballot.

LTP is a glutton for punishment. Each year around this time the collective ad hoc group known as the Big Ten Bloggers send backchannel emails asking who will host the ballot box for preseason awards.* [*ZN: That would be yours truly!] LTP is the last one with the finger to the nose and thus gets stuck tabulating each blogger's tallies. I did it in year one thinking my backchannel lobbying would prop NU up a few notches. The theory seems to be working in the awards category. Today I reveal the 2009 Big Ten Bloggers' 2009 Predictions. I've also added the LTP ballot at the end for good measure.

I will go through each ballot question, quoting the results from LTP, followed up by my own submission.

2009 Big Ten Bloggers' Preseason Awards:

Coach of the Year: Pat Fitzgerald

We're off to a flying start as the host gets his wish on this one. Fitz edged Jim Tressel by two votes with only Joe Paterno and Michigan State's Mark Dantonio getting any other significant votes. The buzz for Fitz continues and when you consider the curmudgeony nature of this group, this is saying something.

My pick: Ron Zook. Yeah yeah, make fun of the Zooker all you want, but I felt that his team is in the best position for significant improvement (record-wise) in 2009. The Illini went 5-7 last season. If Zook can get his team to win 9 or 10 games (especially 10), he'll be in the top three. Going from a losing season to a winning one will always make a coach a contender for "...of the year" honors.

Heisman Hopeful: Terrelle Pryor

Yes, I know, not much of a shock here. However, as BHGP so eloquently pointed out in his unsolicited essay responses, "This can only go to an offensive skill position player on a high-level team upon whom his team depends at a surreal rate. This necessarily excludes all players but two: Pryor and Royster." It is scary to think we all had the same thought and the ballot box was almost unanimously either Pryor or Penn State's Evan Royster. The only non-Royster/Pryor ballot came from Enlightened Spartan who cast a lot for Juice Williams.

My pick: Evan Royster. Terrelle Pryor won't win the Heisman this year. Period. He won't even make the top five finalists. Just beating USC won't do it this year. Pryor would have to light them up like no one has in years.

Royster got my vote because he's already proven he can do his job, and do it at a Heisman-level. I would be surprised if Royster fails to reach 1,600 yards this season. And with games against Ohio State, Michigan State and Illinois, there will be plenty of opportunities to have that "Heisman Moment."

Upset of the Year: Tie - Michigan State over Ohio State & Northwestern over Penn State

Sparty was a popular pick to rebound from last year's buzzkill game in East Lansing. I'm not sure what voters saw in that absolute beatdown that gave them hope Sparty could pull off the feat in the 'Shoe. Then I realized I'd been duped by a string of voters - MSU doesn't even play Ohio State this year. This goes in the 'ol "I guarantee NU won't lose to Ohio State this year" bucket.

Surprisingly no love for the Illini who seem to always play the Bucks tough. Northwestern's Halloween match-up with Penn State was the other popular pick as the potential for puns in this one must have been too tough to pass up. Surprisingly LTP did not pick NU in this category and opted for Ohio State's September 12 win over USC as my upset special.

My pick: Michigan over Ohio State. Ok, so I went all hack-ish for this one. I was thiiiis close to picking Northwestern over Penn State. But I figured it would win anyway, so why not go out on a limb? I mean, come on, how many times can you lose to one team? Oh, wait...

Sleeper Team To Crack Big Ten Upper Tier: Minnesota

Good-bye Mike Dunbar and the spread, hello top four? Wow. Here I was thinking I was original picking Brewster's Millions (and Millions) of Twitter exclamation points to help bust through the Big Ten's elite. Not so. The Gophers inaugural season at TCF Stadium has high hopes from most everyone around the league.

My pick: Michigan State. I was the only non-homer to pick MSU to place third in the Big Ten last season. So, yeah, I'm kinda proud of that pick. But this year could be a different kind of third-place Spartans. While Javon Ringer and Brian Hoyer were the main triggers on offense, their presence might not be missed as much as we think. The defense will keep getting better under Mark D'Antonio, and the offense will score just enough to get by.

I'm not at all high on Minnesota this year. Last year's record was inflated by a remarkable turnover ratio (31-19), in which the defense frequently bailed out a pretty anemic offense (23 ppg). But then again, the defense wasn't nearly as good as advertised, either. Remember those last four losses? Pretty ugly. While I think Minnesota will be a better team this year, they won't have a better record than last season, especially with their schedule.

Shonn Greene Award: Greg Jones, LB - Michigan State

The Shonn Greene Award goes to the player most likely to be a household name in December that you don't know right now. Last year you'll remember most everyone including BHGP were joking about the projected ineptitude in the Iowa backfield at this point. Shonn (who?) Greene then promptly put up a Heisman-esque campaign and catapulted Iowa to a New Year's Day bowl harrumph. This category was by far the most wide open as there were a slew of one vote-getters ranging from Purdue's Ralph Bolden to Minnesota's Hasan Lipscomb. No Wildcat received a vote.

My pick: Hasan Lipscomb (RB, Minnesota). How could I have picked him, after claiming MInnesota won't do too well? Easy, the offensive line will be very good, and the Adam Weber-to-Eric Decker combo will keep the defenses back. Lipscomb may not fall under the traditional "out of nowhere" label, because he's only a freshman. But I think he could surprise a lot of people this year, particularly with so many premier running backs departed from the Big Ten.

Most Likely to John L. Smith: Rich Rodriguez - Michigan

In case you missed the reference, this award pays homage to the Spartans' former head coach who just absolutely lost it at halftime of a game in his final season against Ohio State. It was the breaking point in a painful season that just signaled you knew he wasn't going to make it. This year's candidates essentially boiled down to a three dog race between RichRod, Minnesota's Tim Brewster and the Illini's Ron Zook. This is essentially a veiled award for coach on the hot seat, yet it has more of a twist. Indiana's Bill Lynch, the coach with the most job insecurity didn't even get a vote which shows you where Indiana football is in the minds of Big Ten Bloggers.

My pick: Rich Rodriguez. I just have a funny feeling about DickRod. He's either going to turn out to be the calmest head coach we've ever seen, or the most obnoxious. I'm counting on the latter.

Highest NFL Draft Pick: Arrelious Benn - Illinois

This category was the biggest laugher of the group. Rejus nearly pulled in the unanimous vote. Sean Lee and Novorro Bowman cracked the list, but it was all Benn.

My pick: Arrelious Benn. I know, shame on me for not going homeristic by picking a Nittany Lion. But wide receivers go very high in the draft, especially one like Benn. Bowman and Lee will be lucky to go before No. 20 overall. Sorry.

Must See Game of the Year: Ohio State @ Penn State

Again a runaway winner. Iowa at Penn State got some serious consideration but the definitive #1 vs #2 by the Big Ten Bloggers (see below) was the one. A non-conference game of epic proportions - USC @ Ohio State only received three votes.

My pick: Iowa @ Penn State.I went with the better story line. Yes, Ohio State @ Penn State is the mammoth showdown in the Big Ten (sorry Michigan, you're old news), but Iowa, in 2009, has more personal meaning to Penn State fans. And it should. Ohio State didn't ruin Penn State's national title hopes for 2008... IOWA DID. REMEMBER THAT.

Big Ten Predicted Order of Finish:

1. Penn State
2. Ohio State
3. Iowa
4. Michigan State
5. TIE - Northwestern
5. TIE - Illinois
7. Wisconsin
8. Minnesota
9. Michigan
10. Purdue
11. Indiana

If this voting is any indication of the upcoming season's results, we're in for a helluva ride. The swing of votes after Penn State and Ohio State was like nothing I've seen. Take Iowa, Illinois and Northwestern, for example. Iowa received votes as high as #1 and at every slot through #7. Illinois had almost equilateral votes at every slot from #2 through #8. Northwestern received votes as high as #3 and as low as #10 and everything in between. Purdue and Indiana were consistently the cellar dwellars and Michigan was all over the map. Fun times for sure.

My predicted final standings:

1)Penn State
2)Illinois
3)Ohio State
4)Iowa
5)Michigan
6)Michigan State
7)Wisconsin
8)Minnesota
9)Northwestern
10)Purdue
11)Indiana

I'm not sold on Ohio State this season. I know, I know. "They don't rebuild, they reload!" But there's a difference between reloading an M-16, and reloading a musket. The Buckeyes could "suffer" though another 10-2 kind of season, and depending on how well Illinois does (which is my bet for the positive), a 10-2 finish could land you anywhere from No. 1 to No. 4. Although I pegged Michigan State as the sleeper for an upper-tier finish, that doesn't mean I'm going to definitively say they'll finish up there. I'm also not sold on Iowa, Minnesota (as we discussed earlier), or Northwestern. That being said, the top three could also finish with the same conference record (say, 6-2), creating even more controversy around picking a true No. 1.

Ok, now I'm officially fired up for the season!

See also: Big Ten Bloggers '08 Preseason Picks

Red meat Monday: PSU's non-con schedule

2009-06-29T12:30:00.001-04:00

Penn State's non-conference schedule is bad this year. So bad that it's pretty much taken over the message boards and bar stools. Two MAC teams, the worst team in the Big East, and an FCS (I-AA) team will earn Penn State all the ridicule it gets. As we've heard analysts and media types call Penn State's non-conference schedule one of the worst, if not the worst, we can't help but agree. Actually, the Penn State fan base was the first to call out Tim Curley for such a weak 2010 schedule.

But is it the worst?

Matt Hayes of Sporting News doesn't think so:

1. Mississippi: at Memphis, Southeastern Louisiana, UAB, Northern Arizona
2. Penn State: Akron, Syracuse, Temple, Eastern Illinois
3. Rutgers: Howard, FIU, at Maryland, Texas Southern, at Army
4. Kansas State: Massachusetts, at Louisiana-Lafayette, at UCLA, Tennessee Tech
5. Indiana: Eastern Kentucky, Western Michigan, at Akron, at Virginia

Ok, so this is nothing to be proud of. Penn State should never be in the top-anything when it comes to easy scheduling. I always felt the MAC was the Big Ten's own heavy-duty FCS, which nullified any reason to schedule non-FBS opponents. And that brings up an interesting idea: What if three of those four teams stayed, but Eastern Illinois were swapped out for a BCS opponent, even a bad one?

We might not even be discussing this right now.

PSU lands No. 10

2009-06-29T09:39:00.005-04:00

Johnson City offensive guard Daquan Jones (☆☆☆☆ Scout; ☆☆☆ Rivals) joined Evan Hailes this weekend, committing to play for the Nittany Lions in 2010. Jones became the tenth recruit to solidly verbal to Penn State. He was recruited by many major Mid-Atlantic and Northeast programs, including Pitt, Syracuse, Rutgers, Boston College, Maryland and NC State. Jones is yet another Larry Johnson special.

Off topic

Red Meat Monday will be up later today. That could be all until tomorrow, as I'll spend most of my blogging time updating the recruiting board and other housekeeping items.

PSU lands another defensive lineman

2009-06-27T10:03:00.005-04:00

Chesapeake's Oscar Smith HS defensive lineman Evan Hailes (☆☆☆☆ Scout; ☆☆☆☆ Rivals) announced yesterday that he will play football for Penn State. He had scholarship offers from a bunch of schools from the ACC, SEC and even the Pac 10. Most notably, LSU was very actively recruiting him, along with Virginia Tech, West Virginia and Michigan. This is another great pickup for the defensive front, as the 2010 crop of Lions is shaping up to be another '06-type class. Hopefully they can stay out of trouble a bit better.

First Look '09: Temple Owls

2009-06-25T23:00:00.001-04:00

Temple will be better this season. And that's saying a lot after a 5-7 campaign in 2008, which included THREE gut-wrenching losses on the last play of the game. That's like three Michigan 2005's in one season. Temple returns a ton of talent, and has even more waiting on the sidelines. When Penn State scheduled Temple for a regular series, fans rolled their eyes, but this year's Owls could turn out to be an unlikely bowl contender, and Penn State's toughest non-conference opponent. But what do we really know about the 2009 Temple Owls? Let's find out, in today's First Look.

Coaching homecoming – All three main Temple coaches came from Penn State: Al Golden was a tight end and later a coach at Penn State; defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio played on the same Lions team as Golden; and offensive coordinator Matt Rhule played four years in Happy Valley in the mid-90s. All of them played under Joe Paterno. Now, for the third straight season, they will go up against their former teacher.

While the storyline of former Lions coaching against their old team is a good one, to me the real headline is just how good Golden's staff has been. Temple was one of the real bottom feeders in college football for a long time. Now, although not exactly a juggernaut (10-26 overall under Golden), Temple has shown more steady improvement than most other teams in the FBS. And should the Owls make a bowl, it can be directly attributed to the talent and perseverence of this staff.

Defense for D Owls – Temple will boast, hands down, the best defense in the MAC this season. Nine starters return from 2008, while seven more have starting experience. The defense does lose its best player in tackle Terrance Knighton (09 NFL Draft pick). However, the rest of this unit is much more experienced than it was going into 2008, when all 22 starters returned!

The 2009 defense will be anchored by a fantastic set of linebackers ("Linebacker U"-lite?) that should be one of the best in the MAC, if not the best.

Ripe in the bowl – Temple's schedule manages to spread out all the tough competition from start to finish. Opening with Villanova, at Penn State, Buffalo, at Eastern Michigan, Ball State and at Toledo should allow the Owls to face some more difficult opponents, while not overwhelming them early, as some mid-majors are forced to do when scheduling BCS teams for September dates. Temple has a very good chance to win five of the first seven games, setting up for a do-or-die stretch to end the season.

A trip to Navy, Miami (OH), at Akron, Kent State, and finishing up at Ohio could mean Temple has to pull one upset to secure a bowl bid. The trips to Akron and Ohio will be by far the most difficult games late in the year, if not the entire season.

From enemy territory:

I asked Mike Gibson, Temple Football Forever blogger, about the 2009 team. Gibson said this year's Owls will have to lean heavily on the defense, at least until the offense comes together.

"Temple's red zone defense two years ago was ranked No. 1 and this is defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio's best unit," Gibson told me.

But even with a really good defense coming back almost intact, uncertainty around the quarterback position is the dominant concern right now.

"There was a significant dropoff when Adam DiMichele didn't play the last two seasons, except for two games: Vaughn Charlton leading the Owls to a 21-10 win over Kent in 2007 and Chester Stewart leading the Owls past Miami, 28-10, last season," Gibson said. "Neither one has shown he can be a consistent winner at this level. One must or the Owls have to go to [true freshman] Chris Coyer or redshirt [freshman] Mike Gerardi."

For more on the Temple Owls:

2009 Temple Schedule
Temple Spring Game Review
First Look '08: Temple Owls

More from First Look '09:

Syracuse Orange
Akron Zips

Poll Results: First Look '09 Syracuse

2009-06-25T11:05:00.006-04:00

Here is the second weekly poll results from our First Look '09 series. This week: Syracuse's win total. Brian Harrison said last week that there "nowhere to go but up," and that seems to ring true here. Voters pegged the Orange as a three or four-win squad this season, but that shouldn't be a disappointment, as the take on a really good schedule.

Results below the fold.

Later today... First Look '09 Temple.

Game times announced... crap, crap and crap

2009-06-24T14:31:00.004-04:00

I get it. Penn State plays a creampuff non-conference schedule. But to relegate Penn State-Syracuse to the Big Ten Network? Wow. Although I must say this is a major coup for the BTN, and I respect them for getting the game. This game will generate more local buzz in the New York Metro Area than even the Ohio State -USC game (yes, I actually said that), due to Penn State's and Syracuse's HUGE alumni presence in the northeast.

More on this below the fold.

GoPSUSports.com: The Nittany Lions are playing their initial four games of the season in Beaver Stadium, starting with the Sept. 5 opener with Akron. One week later, old rival Syracuse will make its first visit to Happy Valley in 19 years, followed by a visit from Temple on Sept. 19. Penn State begins Big Ten play on Sept. 26, hosting Iowa for an 8:00 p.m. kick on ABC or ESPN.

With the announcement of the three season opening kickoffs, the start time for six of Penn State's contests this fall have been determined. The Nittany Lions will host Minnesota for Homecoming at 3:30 p.m. on Oct. 17 on ABC/ESPN. On Oct. 31, Penn State will visit Northwestern for a 4:30 p.m. ET kick on ESPN or ESPN2.

I apologize for not elaborating on this topic today. It's deadline day, so I'm pretty swamped. I just happened to check the internets and saw the kick times announcement.

Poor scalpers, no more cheating

2009-06-24T00:34:00.004-04:00

I've fallen victim to both kinds of scalpers--student and non-student--at Penn State games over the years. It's upset me personally and as a college football fan overall. While I'm not going to be naive on this subject, but when Penn State instituted ID-based student tickets, it was a step in the right direction.

Now we have some substantive evidence that the new procedure is working.

"What we're doing is making some great strides in eliminating the scalping of student tickets," [Penn State Associate Athletic Director Greg Myford] said. "What we're most pleased with is the students who were buying tickets and trying to post them on eBay 15 minutes later, that part of the population has been eliminated from the student ticket process."

In years past, there were postings on the site of students putting their tickets for sale with large markups just moments after ticket sales closed. Through the first two days of student sales, there was not one entry on eBay for Penn State student season football tickets.

...Last year, it took the senior class eight hours to purchase all the tickets, while the junior tickets sold out about 90 seconds after the sale opened.

Full story HERE.

Red meat Monday: Michigan State, 12-0

2009-06-22T11:28:00.007-04:00

This one is way to good to let be. College Football Poll, a computers-only rankings site about as accurate as Phil Steele, is calling for Michigan State to not only win the Big Ten this season, but run the table doing it! Surely, this will get those Green and White crazies all ginned up. I know I would be.

That's right Steroid Sparty, one of the best college football prediction factories says that your guys in green are going undefeated. Looking at the overall Big Ten predicted order of finish, though, would tell us that this potential 12-0 finish is mostly due to the Spartans missing out on Ohio State, and hosting Penn State in 2009.

I'm not saying that I believe for one second Michigan State will finish 12-0 (see: Purdue 2005), but for all CFP's misses, there have been just as many hits. I encourage you to go and look through the past picks for a bunch of teams, and you'll see that they're just as good as any human's picks, even Phil Steele.

Dennis Dodd takes his own words served cold

2009-06-19T13:33:00.009-04:00

Everyone's favorite college football ~~hack~~ columnist at CBS Sports, Dennis Dodd, defended Florida against the recent media scrutiny of its legal issues. He argued that because the Gators and Urban Meyer are really good, they're being given unfair attention for their wrongdoings. I'm not sure where to start, so let's begin with this: he must really not remember ANYTHING, even stuff he has already written about to great extent.

Higher standards? Title wins shouldn't exacerbate UF sins

"...The total now stands at 24, as in the number of arrests in Urban Meyer's four seasons. The number would be appalling if we weren't such hypocrites. The reason we care about that number for a fleeting moment is the reason we'll forget just as fast.

Meyer wins... [and] as long as Florida keeps winning big, does it really matter?"

I bet you I can answer that, with Dodd's own words, served on a chilled platter of fresh, crisp Google. God, the internet is wonderful, isn't it?

"It's ultimately up to the coach to recruit kids of character... Boys will be boys, sure, but what's happening at Penn State would be a national scandal if it was anyone else but Joe Paterno as coach. It's funny that other programs have leadership from its veteran players. Paterno had to suspend three of his senior guys last week a couple of weeks after ESPN portrayed the dearth of the off-field problems. Is it possible that in his zeal to win, JoePa took some chances on kids of questionable character?"

Oh, come on. Is that all you've got? If it weren't for the fact that Dodd has been on a personal crusade to oust Paterno since George W Bush was garnering a 90 percent approval rating, if not earlier, then this would be surprising to see such hypocrisy spewing from his keyboard.

Dodd is on record arguing that Penn State was being let off the hook, because of its stature as a national power and an untouchable head coach at the helm.

This week, he's on record arguing that Florida is being attacked too much, because of its stature as a national power and an untouchable head coach at the helm.

Now THAT, to quote a certain college football ~~hack~~ columnist, "would be appalling if we weren't such hypocrites."

Related articles:
It's not whining if Florida does it - Zombie Nation 6/17/09

First Look '09: Syracuse Orange

2009-06-18T16:15:00.005-04:00

Following its traditional opening day bloodbath, Penn State will turn its claws of destruction to the visiting Syracuse Orange. The old rivals–arguably the hottest eastern rivalry outside of PSU-Pitt–met last year for the first time since 1992. Although the series renewal was signed when Syracuse was coming off a 10-2 season, this should be as much of a one-sided contest as it was in 2008. But what do we really know about the 2009 Syracuse Orange? Let's find out, in today's First Look.

Channeling the 'Cuse – If you just started watching football the last few seasons, it would seem absurd to find out Syracuse is No. 14 all-time in total wins (674-472-49). But the recent performance on the field is a far cry from what Orange fans are used to. Prior to the disaster known as Greg Robinson (10-37, '05-'08), there was Paul Pasqualoni ('91-'04) and Dick MacPherson ('81-'90), who combined to go 173-107-5, including five 10-win seasons, and an undefeated run (11-0-1) in 1987.

But now the program is at the bottom of the bottom... of the bottom. In comes former-Orangeman (the name changed to just "Orange" a few seasons ago) Doug Marrone. Marrone was a captain and three-year letterman at Syracuse, playing from 1983-1985 on the offensive line. He's been a successful position coach (OL/TE) at the college and pro levels, and led a pretty good offensive attack as the New Orleans Saints' OC ('06-'08).

Th Orange went defense with Robinson. Now, it's time to try offense with Marrone.

Looking for 44 – Although the surrounding cast was far from competitive on a national scale, Orange running back Curtis Brinkley had a quietly outstanding season in 2008, rushing for 1,164 yards and seven scores. The problem for Syracuse, is that he's gone this year. All is not lost, though, as junior Delone Carter steps in after leading the team in '07 with 713. He's been banged up since, but should be healthy this year.

If the offensive line (lost 2/5 from '08) can come together, the running game could be a focal point for this year's offense. Redshirt frosh Ryan Nassib will have some decent targets to throw to, as six of the top seven receivers return from '08, and add in '07 all-Big East performer Mike Williams after his suspension all last year.

Big Ten-lite – Joe Paterno's idea for Syracuse to consider moving over to the Big Ten might not be all that far-fetched. The Orange play three Big Ten teams (Minnesota 9/5, @PSU 9/12, Northwestern 9/19) on this year's schedule. The schedule sets itself up to be a real pain in the butt for Syracuse, with the possibility of player as many as NINE bowl-bound teams. However, Syracuse only plays four road games, and some of the toughest competition comes to the Carrier Dome.

The record may not look good once December rolls around, but remember that Syracuse is taking on easily the toughest schedule of any Big East member. Orange opponents went 98-57 in '08, and went 4-5 in bowl games. The goal this year, with this schedule, should be to be competitive in as many games as possible. Four wins would be admirable.

From enemy territory:

I asked Brian Harrison, Orange::44 blogger, about the 2009 team. He was a bit more excited than I'd expected, but looking at this year's team, he makes a good point: "No where to go but up."

"While Syracuse is most assuredly in a rebuilding year with a coach that can do the job, this season we take comfort in knowing actual improvement will be seen as there is a different guy with the headset on," Harrison said.

Yet, Harrison said Robinson's recruiting successes (or lack of) gives Marrone a lot of work to do, on and off the field.

"Syracuse is still just not as talented as they should be. They are getting better, but Syracuse is still burdened with the majority of poorly recruited players that [name redacted] left us," he told me.

And remember when Syracuse was known for "The Loud House?" Well, Harrison thinks with the eight home games coming this season and growing enthusiasm around Marrone, ticket sales should be up this season.

"This means that at least the hostile away crowd factor will not be a factor for the majority of Syracuse’s games," Harrison said about the schedule. "Syracuse could actually see some decent crowds during the bigger games this season as well. Season ticket holders have vastly dwindled the past few years, but they should increase this season for the first time in a while. Syracuse football fans, despite having bad seasons lately, are knowledgeable football fans and like supporting their team, especially the locals. The Carrier Dome, one of the best on campus facilities in the nation, could again be friendly confines for the home team and become “The Loud House” again."

For more on the Syracuse Orange:

2009 Syracuse Schedule

Syracuse Spring Game Review

First Look '08: Syracuse Orange

Poll Results: First Look '09 Akron

2009-06-18T13:31:00.004-04:00

It's been a while since we've had regular weekly polls here, but despair no more! Here is the first weekly poll results from our First Look '09 series. This week: Akron's win total. I don't know if it was just shots in the dark (probably was) by readers, but it seems that many think Akron should do alright this year, possibly making a bowl trip. I hope so. Penn State needs all the bowl-bound opponents it can get right now.

Results below the fold.

I'll have First Look '09 Syracuse up soon!

It's not whining if Florida does it

2009-06-17T07:00:00.002-04:00

Remember the outrage that swept across the college football universe when Penn State football players were getting into regular legal trouble? There were calls that Joe Paterno lost control of his team, that he was recruiting bad eggs just to win games, and Penn State had lost its image of a stand-up football program. And anyone who came out to defend the program and its iconic coach was beaten down with accusation of homerism and just plain whining.

Funny how things change when the team in question just finished up winning its second national championship in three years.

Questions have come up recently about just how wholesome the Florida Gators have been under Urban Meyer. There have been several arrests since Meyer came on board in 2005, including several of players he recruited.

Well, as with any high-profile team, scrutiny is amplified in these situations. Yet for some reason, no one is telling the Florida homers that it's time to stop the whining.

"References were made [by rival schools' fans] to Florida as "The University of Felons," just as references were made to Florida State as "Free Shoes University" in the 1990s and Miami as "The Bad Boys" in the 1980s following the Hurricanes' repeated disciplinary problems.

This time there was a similar outcry from national news outlets for the reigning champion Gators to clean up their act.

But is the recent controversy justified?

A survey of court records from The Sun has revealed:

* Florida players have been charged with crimes in 24 cases during Meyer's four years as coach.

* There have been 21 arrests, with three more players issued citations and later booked on charges.

* Of the 24 cases in which players have been charged, nine of those charges were for felonies.

* Charges involving eight of the 24 cases either were dropped or not pursued.

* The arrest rate for Florida players is comparable to the rate for the entire student body." -- Kevin Brockway, The Gainesville Sun, June 11 2009

That's right, now that the tables have turned onto the Gator nation, complaints are circulating that the accusations of wide-spread delinquency within the program cannot be backed up or are being based off of twisted statistics.

Let me just say one thing to Gator fans: You don't know the half of it.

Where are the constant daily updates on sports media sites about your teams' criminal trends? Where is Outside the Lines with one of their trademark hatchet jobs? Where are the doubters saying that your program and its successes are just product of lower standards?

That's right, none of that is out there. So, stop whining.

So Florida has had 24 players charged the last four seasons, which averages out to six per year. The average number per year at Penn State from 2002-08 (the years in question by OTL)? 7.6, and that's going by the same metric as Florida: players charged, regardless of what happened later in the case.

Because, as many readers here know, if the number of Penn State players actually convicted is used, then the numbers are quite different:

"The court documents seemed to form the back bone of the investigation. ESPN trots out the 46 players charged since 2002 but only 27 have been found guilty. I'm not here to say that all 46 didn't do anything wrong, however, it isn't a good faith move to cite 46 charges but then bury the 27 convictions. If charges were dismissed it means that the person is in fact not guilty so why trot it out as a shock statistic. -- TINNOMJ, 7/28/08

According to Brockway's article, only 16 Florida players have been convicted since 2005, about 4 per year. What do you get if you divide up those 27 Penn State convictions over the six years uner the microscope? 4.5, which is actually more consistent with the average rate of conviction for Florida players under Meyer, as opposed to just players charged or arrested.

So, Florida homers, why the hell are you complaining about a little more attention being paid to your team's criminal run-ins? You have absolutely NOTHING to complain about.

Penn State was run through the media gauntlet because it had a half-player more than the Gators convicted per year.

Brockway asked in his article if the media attention was justified. Well, YES.

Excuses and explainations were shunned by critics when Penn State loyalists tried to defend their team, regardless of whether they were valid retorts or not.

Nine of the Florida players arrested were from Meyer's first recruiting class. The excuse for that? Well, Meyer only had a month to put that class together. Ok, so Meyer needed good players to win right away. I mean, he'd have the chance to recruit better character after he won, right?

Funny, because no one seemed to care when it was Paterno trying to win more games, then worry about the details later. And he was coming off a 7-16 run without the benefit of great recruting classes going in (Ron Zook was a great recruiter at UF, just not a great game coach).

Other schools have had much worse arrest records during the last four seasons. So of course, Floridians are crying foul for singling out the Gators. Georgia has had 30 arrests. Tennessee has had 21. What he heck? (Tim Tebow wouldn't approve of using curse words in that argument)

You know, I might take that argument against the media scrutiny into consideration, if it weren't for the TWO national titles won by Meyer in that timeframe. Georgia and Tennessee: Zero.

Florida is the highest of the high-profile programs right now. Yes, even higher than USC (C'mon, those Trojans are sooo 2004). And when you're the premier team in college football, on track to win three national titles in four years, then yes, you will be given much more attention in every respect.

It could be argued that not only did Penn State not deserve the lambasting by the media last year, but that Florida is being let off the hook. The stats are eerily similar, as are the situations and excuses.

And if I wanted to really throw off the balance of the two situations, I'd mention that Penn State had to combat the ruthless tyranny of a nut-job radical District Attorney, who was well-known to be on a political crusade against the Penn State football team. I doubt Florida coaches and players have to worry about fighting a corrupt justice department, in addition to the actual, valid criminal cases.

I suggest those out there who are outraged that Florida is being scrutinized so harshly by the media just stop whining, take a deep breath, then zip it. This is nothing new, and the Gators are hardly being given the worst of it. But we can't tell them that, because, I mean, it's Florida.

Did we mention Joe Paterno was on ESPN

2009-06-16T22:37:00.001-04:00

Every other Penn State blog has this, so I guess I should put it up. You know, to be cool and stuff...