WWN 2005 PENN STATE PREGAME #3 - William F. Yurasko

Central Michigan at PENN STATE

While it is actually game 3 of the 2005 season, for most of us, it is game 2. It will be good to get back up there and cheer on the Lions. It is another late kickoff, at 3:30 p.m. The Lions look at have their first 3 – 0 start since 2002.

Official Intercollegiate Athletics release PDF

TAILGATE

Erica and I will be hosting this week’s tailgate, in the usual vicinity, which almost certainly means lot #11 off of Park Ave. Look for the Yurasko flag.

LAST WEEK

Penn State came alive in the second half with Michael Robinson completed 3 passes of over 40 yards to pull away from Cincinnati. WWN recap.

THIS WEEK’S OPPONENT: CENTRAL MICHIGAN CHIPPEWAS

They may not have a point on the compass in their name, but Central Michigan is basically a directional school.

I know very little about the program and university. Here are the four things I do know:

The NCAA recently went after CMU for using the Chippewas nickname, but backed off because CMU does not use “hostile and abusive” imagery.

They beat defending MAC East champion Miami 38 – 37 last week.

Two players were charged with 2nd degree murder (Free-Press) recently.

On a lighter note, their most famous former player is probably Gary Hogeboom, whom you may remember as Danny White’s competitor for the quarterback position for the Dallas Cowboys in the early 1980s. White was my favorite pro player ever. As for Hogeboom, apparently he is on some TV show right now.

TRAFFIC AND PARKING ADVISORIES

Construction along US 22/322 may cause some delays through the Lewistown Narrows, so you may want to consider taking an alternate route. Also, there have been changes to stadium parking due to the new ballpark being built at the corner of Porter and Curtin, but that should not directly impact anyone planning on parking along the Park Ave. corridor.

PSU game, road work force traffic restrictions – CDT

Football Fans, Motorists Advised of Gameday Traffic Patterns, Parking Procedures – goPSUsports.com

PRESS CONFERENCE RECAP; DAN CONNOR A PAWN?

Joe Paterno did not want to talk about LB Dan Connor during his Tuesday press conference (transcript Post-Gazette | audio FightOnState.com). Connor is cleared to practice again (CDT), but do not expect him to play this weekend (The Collegian). The CDT’s Walt Moody thinks there is something fishy about the Connor situation. David Jones offers a must-read column that lends credence to Moody’s suspicion and is sure to get more than just the conspiracy theorists all worked up. Among other things, Connor would have had to sell programs at Beaver Stadium on gamedays. It would appear that Jones is privy to some serious insider knowledge. Also, the Post-Gazette’s Chico Harlan spoke to Connor’s mother too.

In other news, Paterno was also concerned that Lions were tired (Patriot-News) on Saturday, which contributed to poor tackling (Patriot-News). He also noted that he expected to play Anthony Morelli (The Collegian) more.

BLUE BAND — FASHIONABLE

While Guido D’Elia and co. might think that the Blue Band is a relic that gets in the way of their playing hip-hop and metal at obnoxious volumes, noted fashion designer Marc Jacobs disagrees:

In a twist that had even the most seasoned fashion critics grinning, Jacobs kicked off his spring fashion collection presentation with the Penn State marching band performing Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit” on the catwalk. – USA Today

Now, does it not seem odd that the Blue Band which D’Elia is seemingly phasing out for not meeting some sort of hipness quotient, is the toast of NYC Fashion Week? Give us back our Blue Band!

BEANO WATCH

We knew it would not be long before Carroll H. Cook (’54 Pitt) said something damning Penn State to a season of mediocrity — or worse.

Jeff Barnes (Boulder, Colorado): Beano, Do you think Penn State can give Michigan and Ohio State a run for their money?

Beano Cook: Yes. PSU was 9-1 to win the league before the year, but in the Big Ten they have a shot to fight for the title. Maybe not in the SEC, but let’s wait and see. They will be 5-0 going into the Ohio State game and we’ll find out the real answer on Oct. 8.

So, it looks like a 2 – 3 start, if only because we cannot 0 – 5 after starting 2 – 0. Beano’s powers are strong, but not that strong…I hope.

TELEVISION

The game is being televised by ESPN Plus (pay per view) and FSN Pittsburgh.

Next week’s tilt at Northwestern will be a noon kickoff and televised nationally by ESPN or ESPN2.

PREDICTIONS

Penn State starts hitting on most cylinders and wins, 31 – 13, pulling away in the third quarter. The defense buckles down, particularly against the pass and the Lions head to Northwestern half way to bowl eligibility. How do you think the game is going to turn out?

FIELD GOAL CHALLENGE

…returns! Since no one was at the game, we skipped the field goal challenge last week. The previous week, Wiley was the big winner with 4 of 5 kicks. Sam came in second with 3 of 5 while Fritz and I both hit 1 for 5, respectively.