While people like those who make up Blue White Roundtable and the reporters on the Penn State beat are very insightful, I think it is fair to say that the authorative source for Penn State football prognostication is actually someone who rarely leaves his Pittsburgh apartment. I am of course talking about Carroll H. Cook (’54 Pitt). There is one caveat to this claim though — Beano is wrong about 80% of the time. As I understand it, the man is a living reverse lock when it comes to Penn State football. Please keep that in mind as you read the following transcript and commentary.

Travis (Madison): Hey Beano, Who will replace Joe Paterno when he retired in 1989?

SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:08 PM ET ) When he is 89, he may retire. I believe the next Penn State coach eventually will be Tom Bradley.

Travis doesn’t make any sense, but Beano is answering what he thinks to be the question. Sure, Tom Bradly being the next head coach of Penn State is the conventional widsom, but given Beano’s rate, I’d be polishing up the resume if I were him.

Jeremy (Newark, Ohio): I know everyone is saying Ohio State is going to be the 3rd or 4th best team in the big ten, but i was wondering if you thought this team could be another 2002 Ohio State team where no one thought they would go anywhere but they ran the table. The similarities are there. They have a new quarter back and will rely heavily on the backfeild. So what are your thoughts?

SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:09 PM ET ) Number one, in 2002 they played Penn State and Michigan in Columbus; they face both of them on the road this season. The non-conference schedule is easy and they could be 8-0 before truly being tested. They have to go to Michigan and Penn State and those are both very tough.

There is no denying that Ohio State has had its share of troubles in Happy Valley, winning by no more than three in the two victories since 1994.

Kevin (Tempe): Beano, I never hear you comment on the ACC, but how do you think Miami and FSU will do this year?

SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:15 PM ET ) Most people feel Virginia Tech is the team to beat. Florida State will be better with Jimbo Fisher running the offense. That Florida State-Clemson game is a very attractive Monday night game. The Seminoles play a pretty tough non-conference schedule. Penn State has Notre Dame plus three opponents that won a combined total of three games–Temple, Buffalo and Florida International.SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:16 PM ET ) By the way, by the end of the year, Paterno may catch Bobby Bowden in total wins. Right now he is three behind. That is one reason Penn State plays an easy non-conference schedule while Bowden takes the high road and schedules tough games.

Ah, that’s the Beano we love, taking a shot at Penn State. I’m afraid this one is valid though to a point — I don’t think these teams showed up on the schedule to pad Paterno’s all-time victory total, merely the season victory total.

Jeff (NYC): Hey Beano while you were whining about JoePa’s wins all your tears seemed to have flooded the midwest. Why don’t you clear your eyes and realize the truth; that Bowden is counting 31 1-AA wins which places him well behind JoePa. It’s ok, you can admit that you’re slipping, you’re getting older, but JoePa can still hack it!

SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:18 PM ET ) I don’t make the rules, though is some ways I agree with you. I don’t think they should count but they do.

Beano agreeing that Paterno has the legitimate win total? Curious.

Juan (New York, NY): Hey Mr. Bean(o). How do you feel about Wisconsin being ranked in the top 10 and only recently have they named a starting QB? Pollsters jumping the gun and over-rating the team and the conference?

SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:21 PM ET ) I think Wisconsin is overrated going into the season…that’s just my opinion. Look it, this program has been impressive. They get Michigan at home but go to Penn State and Ohio State.

he’s talking up the toughness of playing in Happy Valley again…

Mike, Happy Valley : Hey Beano, do you think Penn State is flying under the radar right now or do think it’s known around the country they are a legit contender?

SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:33 PM ET ) They are a legit contender but the rankings have them a little underrated. I believe Penn State will win the Big Ten this year. I feel a lot depends on Morelli.

Whoa! Penn State winning teh Big11Ten title? I’d like to see it and acknowledge the possiblity, but I can’t go out and actually predict it. If Penn State doesn’t win it, we’ll know why.

SportsNation Beano Cook: (3:54 PM ET ) It is time for my picks. For the national title, LSU over Penn State. My typist just fell on the floor. Notre Dame 28, Georgia Tech 14 is my pick for this week. Thanks for joining me, see you at the same time next week, Wednesdays at 3 pm ET all season. You can also catch my podcast with Ivan Maisel on ESPNradio.com.

My jaw hit the floor when I read that statement. Beano predicting Penn State to play for the title? Seriously. Can I rationalize him saying Penn State will lose to mean Penn State will win?

I’m practically speechless.