WWN PENN STATE POST-GAME

#10 PENN STATE 35 #14 Wisconsin 14

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — This past Saturday was just about as perfect a football Saturday as you can get. The weather was great, the tailgate (biggest of the year) was lots of fun, and the Lions got a big win over a ranked team, their closest competitor for the Big11Ten title. I also won a year’s worth of bragging rights over a couple of people.

As for the game itself, it reminded me of all those games in the ’90s when Penn State would pounce on an opponent and then had trouble putting them away. Though the game was not really in doubt, the Lions never broke the Badgers will, which is saying something. The defensive line had a fantastic day in the Badgers backfield, picking up nine sacks and many tackles for a loss. Incredible. The only thing stopping the Penn State offense was itself, with Michael Robinson having tough times in the middle of the game after taking a big hit in the second quarter. Thankfully, he had already gotten the Lions up 21-0, so it hardly mattered. In the end, he regained his form and the Lions finally put the Badgers away.

Roar to the Fore – CDT
PSU’s defense places clamps on Wisconsin – Patriot-News
Boxscore – ESPN.com

NEW RANKING

The big win vaulted Penn State all the way up to #6 in the rankings in both major polls, leapfrogging Notre Dame. Even more important is the #5 BCS ranking.

Dave Jones of the Patriot-News thinks if Penn State defeats Michigan State it would probably wind up in the Orange Bowl against either Florida State or Miami, which are both appealing matchups. Penn State could clinch the conference this weekend during the bye week if the right teams win/lose. The normally grumpy Bob Smizik of the Post-Gazette has a column about how the Lions could get to the Rose Bowl. Don’t count on it.

THE HOT LIST – Patriot-News

Not much has changed with Paterno – Post-Gazette

PAT FORDE – Confidence fuels Nittany Lions revival – ESPN.com

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME

A little tough this week, because despite having a lot of total yards and TD passes, Mike Robinson had 2 INTs. Tony Hunt had 151 yards on the ground and a TD. I think I have to go with him because he consistent throughout the game, whereas MRob had a tough time in the late second quarter into the fourth. It’s really a tough call.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME

For the second week in a row, it is Tamba Hali. He had four sacks and 7 TFL. He probably just made himself millions of dollars by assuring a higher position in April’s NFL draft. LB Paul Posluszny also had an outstanding game and indicated he will almost certainly be back next year.

MORE NOTES

This was the second largest crowd at Beaver Stadium ever.

Robinson got the loudest ovation during the Senior Day ceremonies.

Senior CB Anwar Phillips was again victimized on a long pass. He will not be missed.

PR Calvin Lowry had the longest punt return of his career, but otherwise still stunk.

Justin King is playing tenative on offense.

I won a blog bet with my friend Brenda. Go to her blog and take in the victory!

Regular WWN commenter (or would that be commentator?) David, a Wisconsin grad, blogged his thoughts (and photos) on his trip to Happy Valley today. He liked it.

Wisconsin never gave up and kept fighting all day long. In particular, QB John Stocco was tough as nails, getting sacked 9 times, but never giving in or losing his poise.

We scored a yellow parking pass from a scalper. He said it cost $30, but he would give it to us for $25. Fool! I told him it cost $10 and I would give him $15. It was worth an extra $5 to park in Lot 12. He was naive to try and charge folks wearing blue that exorbitant rate, maybe the folks in red would have fallen for it.

The Giant on North Atherton has trouble keeping Nittany Lion beef franks in stock.

We had our best turnout for a tailgate all year.

All the majorettes twirled flaming batons during halftime, which was pretty cool.

We were set up right next to the Blue Band building, so we got to see the band march in and out to bookend our day of tailgating.

Programming note: Beano Watch will still appear on WWN even though there is no game this week.

Penn State won despite no pregame prediction from the esteemed Maryland Bureau Chief, Sam Basile. He will be excused this time (his first child was born), but subsequent absences will be treated accordingly.