This is a big one. It has been been many years since Penn State played #1 on the road — the ’98 Buckeyes. That was an ugly one, played in bad weather by a Lions team that was easily deflated. Well this year be a repeat?<\/p>\n
Penn State played sluggishly for the first twenty minutes of the game, then came to life and finished off Youngstown State 37-3. Recap<\/p>\n
If we have a biggest rival in the Big11Ten, the Buckeyes, a mere one state over, are probably it. A number of games with them have been excellent, but none of those have been in Columbus. Penn State has not won there since before Woody Hayes met Charlie Bauman and Art Schlicter was role model. <\/p>\n
The Buckeyes also have a fanbase that is more myopic than ours. Frankly, I think their sense of entitlement is way too high.<\/p>\n
On paper, I though this was an excellent opportunity for the Nittany Lions to finally get one in Columbus, but as the season has played out, I really have my doubts. Ohio State has reloaded, while Penn State seems to be a little closer to rebuilding. This year, the Bucks appear to be a team possessed. Last year, they only lost twice, both in night games aganist what wound up being the #1 and #3 teams in the country. So far, they have knocked off #1 Texas and handled a pair of Ohio opponents. Their QB Troy Smith<\/b> is a Heisman contender and scarygood. They run the ball better than they have since Maurice Clarett<\/span> was just annoying and not a threat to society. Their defense is really good considering it has nine new starters.<\/p>\n By the way, check out Buckeye Buzz<\/b><\/a>, for a little more information.<\/p>\n Also, I have put up a box of grilled stickies vs. buckeye candy on this one with someone I know in Ohio.<\/p>\n Transcript<\/b><\/a> | Audio<\/b><\/a> (Fight On State<\/span>)<\/p>\n It was like old time when Carroll H. Cook (’54 Pitt) was on ESPN SportsNation on Wednesday. He was quite talkative on the subject of football and the Pennsylvania State University.<\/p>\n Tony(Chatt TN):<\/span> Beano, In wake of the OU\/OU game,In your lifetime which university have you seen get the most favorable calls at home? Penn State? <\/p>\n SportsNation Beano Cook:<\/span> I always say in the Joe Paterno era, visiting teams have gotten the shaft at PSU on a consistent basis. The two that stick out happened in the 80s. One against Nebraska. Apparently PSU has smaller end zones than other universities. PSU would be a good choice. A lot of teams have gotten the shaft at Penn State.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n There goes Beano whining about something that allegedly happened twenty-five years ago. He must had some money aganist Penn State in those games.<\/p>\n Chris (Kalamazoo, Michigan):<\/span> What kind of side dishes would you like with your crow? Do you have any new insight on the Wolverines of Michigan? They looked tough against your Irish!<\/p>\n SportsNation Beano Cook:<\/span> Well, first, even though I’m 50% Irish, ND is not one of my favorite teams. Believe me they aren’t. Michigan has a good chance to come into the Ohio State game 11-0. Nobody believes me, but Michigan will have its hands full against Penn State. Michigan now has to be considered a contender for the national title. However, the Ohio State game is on the road and in the last five games, Michigan has only won once.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n First off, note how Beano does not use his partial enthnicity to jump on the Notre Dame bandwagon. Also, he is praising Penn State again and thinking they have a shot at Michigan. I think he is correct which means he is probably wrong. Historically speaking, that is the way Beano works.<\/p>\n Matt (DC)<\/span>: Your predictions for the Penn State vs. Ohio State game on Saturday?<\/p>\n SportsNation Beano Cook:<\/span> I think Ohio State’s going to win, but whether if they’ll win as much as Vegas thinks, I don’t know. Joe Paterno as a member of the Big 10, has not won at Ohio State. This is the 16th season in the Big 10 for Penn State and Paterno is 0-7 at Columbus. His combined recored against Michigan and OSU, if I remember correctly, is 15-21. If I’m wrong, please someone correct me.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n He’s wrong as the next poster notes.<\/p>\n George (Columbus, OH)<\/span>: Beano,JoePa is 8-16 against Ohio State and Michigan since Penn State joined the Big 10. He’s also never beaten the Buckeyes at Columbus in that time span and lost 7 straight to that team up north.<\/p>\n SportsNation Beano Cook:<\/span> Thank you. I was way off on my figures. I don’t know where I came up with them, but I knew it wasn’t good for JoePa and PSU.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Sad but true.<\/p>\n bret (york)<\/span>: joe pa is actually only 0-6 at columbuswhen you are constantly bashing psu please get the facts right<\/p>\n SportsNation Beano Cook:<\/span> Remember, I said he hasn’t won yet against Ohio State in the Big 10. Call me next week and he’ll be 0-7. The point is that it’s harder to win the Big 10, it’s a lot harder then trying to beat Temple and Rutgers.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n That is true, but the Big11Ten has had its share of patsies. Wisconsin, Purdue, and Northwestern were not any good for a generation. Penn State played their share of heavyweights before the Big11Ten era and Beano knows it. Let’s throw Pitt in with Rutgers and Temple too.<\/p>\n WFY (Penatgon City, Va.):<\/span> Beano, as a Penn Stater, I am pleased to see you being tough on PSU again. It is just another reminder that things are normal in Happy Valley again. Having you stick up for Paterno and Penn State during the down years was uncomfortable for all involved I think.<\/p>\n SportsNation Beano Cook:<\/span> My opinion was that Paterno was not washed up. He proved that last year at 11-1. If Joe wants to coach another 5-6 years, let him. He still has Ohio State and Michigan. He has Iowa, OSU and Michigan next year.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n I got one in!<\/p>\n The contest is being televised by ABC at 3:30 p.m. across much of the nation, including WJLA-TV 7 in Washington. Coverage Map<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n Sadly, Penn State is probably in over their heads. Until they can win a big road game (name the last one – Michigan in ’96, Wisconsin in ’02?) they do not get the benefit of the doubt I am afraid. A terrible history in Columbus is a factor too. As much as I hoped that streak would end, I just cannot see it happening. Final score, OSU 27 PSU 16<\/span>.<\/p>\n How Penn State can win? Apply lots of pressure to QB Troy Smith. He got rattled last year and can be blindsided. Also, Penn State needs an early lead and probably has to get a return (punt, kickoff, or turnover) for a TD to be successful. It just seems like too much to hope for in one game.<\/p>\n Go STATE, beat Buckeyes!<\/p>\nPRESS CONFERENCE<\/h3>\n
IMPORTANT ARTICLES<\/h3>\n
\nBEANO WATCH<\/h3>\n
TELEVISION<\/h3>\n
MORE COVERAGE<\/h3>\n
\nPREDICTIONS<\/h3>\n
IN CLOSING<\/h3>\n