WWN2005 PENN STATE PREGAME #1 South Florida at PENN STATE

It is that time again, some would say, the most wonderful time of the year. This is the first edition of the WWN Penn State Pregame, which succeeds the Yurasko College Football Newsletter & Tailgate Advisory. I am going to try and do it in the same spirit as YCFN&TA. This one comes a little later than I would like because I have been very busy at work.

TAILGATE

Erica and I will be hosting this week’s tailgate, in the usual vicinity. Look for the Yurasko flag. We will be serving all of the old favorites and more. We will be starting around noon-ish, e-mail me if you would like more information.

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

THIS WEEK’S OPPONENT: SOUTH FLORIDA BULLS

The first opponent is the University of South Florida (SoFlo), an obvious name for an school located in Tampa. We have never played this squad, though they beat Pitt, 35 – 26 in 2001 at Heinz Field. The Bulls, in their first year as part of the Big East, only began playing football in 1997. Last year, they were 4 – 7 and they return something like 18 starters, which may sound slightly familiar. Former Nittany Lion Mark Robinson does color commentary for them on radio. You may recall that Robinson was a big part of the 48 – 14 win over Pitt in ’81 that exposed Dan Marino as a choking dog in big games. The Patriot-News has more on the rise of SoFlo. The Tribune-Review says that the Lions are taking SoFlo very seriously.

BEANO WATCH

Pitt alumnus Carroll H. Cook (’54) has returned to ESPN Insider for another year of Wednesday college football chats. As always, I will be posting his comments about Penn State and providing commentary. Also, thanks to a friend (who for his own protection from ESPN/Disney lawyers shall remain nameless) provided me with the copy, because we cannot get it any more unless we pay for the service. To that individual, you can be most secure knowing secret identity is safe with me.

Gary77 (Altoona, PA): Beano, I’m a huge PSU fan, are you as excited as I am to see Justin King and Derrick Williams play for the first time this Saturday?

Beano Cook: I think they will be exciting. I wish it was against tougher opposition, but in the present system, Penn State will play two cupcakes in non-conference. When there are 12 games, they will play three cupcakes. Both players will do well and I feel the Nittany Lions will win eight games. I know I said that last year, but this year I will be right.

Beano thinks the Lions in eight games?! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! That means, if an eight year trend continues, that they will lose eight. I cannot take it! Where is that petition again?

ARTICLES FROM THIS WEEK

Joe Paterno’s Tuesday press conference (CDT) started late and he did not want to talk about Dan Connor, so no word on when he will play again. According to the depth chart, it is not going to be this week.

On Sunday, the Patriot-News one of the three major papers of record for Penn State football (the CDT and Collegian) published their season preview. Not surprisingly, there is the standard “this is the new starting quarterback’s team article. In 2001, I heard that about Matt Seneca, so we will see about Michael Robinson.

The Patriot-News also notes that the decline of Penn State football has reverberations beyond the gridiron. When it is all said and done though, the Patriot-News gives the Lions a fighting chance.

WALT MOODY – Paterno inconsistent in handing out penalties – CDT
Moody reminds us that there is no rhyme or reason to the way Paterno punishes players who run afoul of the team/law/etc.

Shaw took long route to PSU’s O-line – Patriot-News
Former DL John Shaw is now on the other side of the ball. Former linemate Tamba Hali had this to say:

“John Shaw is a real strong guy and he comes off the ball real hard,” said Hali, a second team All-Big Ten choice last season.

“I even talked to him about it. I told him he’s really going to do well this year. When he comes off the ball on his run-blocking, he really hits through you.

“If he does that every down in the game, after a while, [the defender] is going to start folding. I’m impressed with John.”

Analysis: ‘Best case’ is a lot to ask from Nittany Lions – Post-Gazette
Chico Harlan compares the likelihood of the “best case scenario” vs. the worst case scenario. The article is not terribly promising.

Robinson wants to show patience in the pocket – CDT
Stop me if you have heard this one before — a Penn State quarterback (a fifth year one at that) with a natural predilection towards scrambling wants to become more of a pocket passer. The only thing keeping it from being deja vu all over again five years later is that Michael Robinson was not accused of beating up a Hoboken cop.

JEFF RICE – Looks like a Lone Star season for PSU – CDT
Rice predicts a 7 – 4 season with a trip to the Sun Bowl.

Joe Paterno pushing the boundaries – Post-Gazette
Chico Harlan compares JoePa to all-time winningest coach John Gagliardi of St. John’s (Minnesota), a D-III school; an 80 year old aging researcher and 78 year old Hugh Hefner.

Kilmer on track as PSU starter – The Morning Call
Another feel good article about Ethan Kilmer.

D-line focuses on pass rush – The Collegian
If Penn State is going to repeat the success of last year’s defense, they are going to have to pressure quarterbacks more.

PSU kicking game still a question – The Collegian
Looks like a gameday decision for starting kicker tomorrow.

PREDICTIONS

Penn State wins, 26 – 16, but it is closer than we would like. I expect them to miss at least one kick and for SoFlo to keep it interesting heading into the fourth quarter.

For the 2005 season, I expect seven wins and a December bowl game. The Lions should win two out of the Michigan, Ohio State, Purdue, Wisconsin stretch. Austin Scott will be the breakout player with 1,000 yards this season.

Leave your predictions in the comments….

FIELD GOAL CHALLENGE

Along with all the other joy the accompanies football season and tailgating, we have the field goal kicking competition. Last year, Sam won it and I came in second. We will be doing this sometime during the tailgate at the IM Football Fields near the trailer.