Biased Bowl Blusterings - College Football Predictions - The Results Show

Well, Part 1 of the results show...

Let's see how the old iPod (it actually is, in iPod terms, pretty old) and Charlie have fared through the first 1/3 (or so) of bowl season.  


Eagle Bank Bowl - Wake Forest vs. Navy.

Song 1: "Calling Baton Rouge" - Garth Brooks (Wake)
Song 2: "Nittany Lion Special" - Penn State Blue Band (Navy)

Charlie's pick:  Navy

iPod's pick:  Navy

So, old Garth helped the Deacons score "just one more time." Curses.

Charlie:  0 - 1

iPod:  0 - 1


New Mexico - Colorado State vs. Fresno State

Song 1: "A Boy Named Sue" - Johnny Cash (Colorado State)
Song 2: "Je Ne Te Connais Pas" - Prototypes (Fresno State)

Charlie's pick: n/a
iPod's pick: Colorado State

"How do you do?" - well, the CSU won, so they're doin' fine

Charlie: 0 - 1
iPod: 1 - 1


magicJack St. Petersburg - Memphis vs. South Florida

Song 1: "Suddenly I See" - KT Tunstall (Memphis)
Song 2: "Jam on It" - Newcleus (South Florida)

Charlie's pick: Memphis
iPod's pick: South Florida

Charlie is too young to understand the power of the wikiwikiwikiwikiwikiwikiwikiwiki - South Florida wins.

Charlie: 0 - 2
iPod: 2 - 1


Pioneer Las Vegas - BYU vs. Arizona

Song 1: "California Dreamin" - The Mamas and the Papas (BYU)
Song 2: "He's the Greatest Dancer" - Sister Sledge (Arizona)

Charlie's pick: BYU
iPod's pick: Arizona

Oh what, wow - Wildcats are winners.

Charlie: 0 - 3
iPod: 3 - 1


R+L Carriers New Orleans - Southern Miss vs. Troy

Song 1: "The Way" - Fastball (Southern Miss)
Song 2: "Skyhigh" - Jigsaw (Troy)

Charlie's pick: n/a
iPod's pick: So. Miss

Southern Miss certainly did find a "way."

Charlie: 0 - 3
iPod: 4 - 1


San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia - Boise State vs. TCU

Song 1: "Cha-Cha All the Way" - Capitol Studios Orchestra (Boise State)
Song 2: "With a Little Luck" - Paul McCartney (TCU)

Charlie's pick: Boise State
iPod's pick: Boise State

So, the Horned Frogs did turn their backs on inclement weather (ie, they won).

Charlie: 0 - 4
iPod: 4 - 2


Sheraton Hawaii - Hawaii vs. Notre Dame

Song 1: "Bossman" - Lucky Boys Confusion (Hawaii)
Song 2: "One Way Ticket" - The Darkness (notre dame)

Charlie's pick: Hawaii
iPod's pick: Hawaii

Yeah, the irish took the warriors on their trip, and back - and there and back again. nd wins big.

Charlie: 0 - 5
iPod: 4 - 3


Motor City - Florida Atlantic vs. Central Michigan

Song 1: "The Name of the Game" DJ Ostkurve (Florida Atlantic)
Song 2: "What's My Name Again?" Blink 182 (Central Michigan)

Charlie's pick: n/a
iPod's pick: Florida Atlantic

Charlie: 0 - 5
iPod: 5 - 3


Meineke Car Care - West Virginia vs. North Carolina

Song 1: "Fascination" - The Human League (WVU)
Song 2: "Beautiful Girl" - INXS (UNC)

Charlie's pick: UNC
iPod's pick: WVU

Oooh, Mountaineers win by one point. Fascinating.

Charlie: 0 - 6
iPod: 6 - 3


Champs Sports - Wisconsin vs. Florida State

Song 1: "Lucky Ball and Chain" - They Might Be Giants (Wisconsin)
Song 2: "Straighten Up and Fly Right" - Natalie Cole (fsu)

Charlie's pick: Wisconsin
iPod's pick: Wisconsin

Ain't no use in jiving - fsu rolled.

Charlie: 0 - 7
iPod: 6 - 4


Emerald - Miami (Fla.) vs. California

Song 1: "Tear You Apart" - She Wants Revenge (Miami)
Song 2: "Modern Way" - Kaiser Chiefs (California)

Charlie's pick: Miami
iPod's pick: California

Cal stopped at nothing to get their way - I predict a riot -

Charlie: 0 - 8
iPod: 7 - 4


Independence - Northern Illinois vs. Louisiana Tech

Song 1: "Face Down" - Katie Todd Band (N. Ill)
Song 2: "Glycerine" - Bush (La Tech)

Charlie's pick: n/a
iPod's pick: La Tech

Could have been easier - but La Tech still wins by 7.

Charlie: 0 - 8
iPod: 8 - 4



So, what I think that we should all take away from this is that Charlie, is, in fact, just a 2 year old child who was busy coloring while he made his picks, and that the iPod (and fsu and nd) are obviously cheating.

And don't worry about Charlie - he'll be fine. After all, he is a racecar driver.

Penn State is Perfect - PSU Wins Women's Volleyball National Championship

The Lady Lions clinched an undefeated season - and a national championship Saturday night.

They won it 3-0 against reigning runner-up Stanford - but each set had its own brand of excitement.

PSU trailed (at some point) in each set - but rallied back to win each.

They did so in spite of some TERRIBLE officiating/score keeping (my head is still reeling) in the 2nd set - the score keeper lost track of the score - and, despite being told the score by both the Penn State and the Stanford benches (and Penn Staters screaming in the crowd and in their living rooms), deducted one point from Penn State's score - it was a distracting, time consuming and frustrating error - but Penn State won the set anyway (not sure what would have happened if they had not): 26-24.

Penn State came out of the (long) post 2nd set break playing pretty well - Stanford kept it close but Penn State pulled away at the end to earn a string of match points - On the "final" match point PSU won on a "touch" - which is a little less dramatic than a clean "kill" - but a point all the same - making PSU back-to-back National Champions with a long trail of awards, honors, records and titles.

Congratulations Penn State!

Well done.

Biased Bowl Blusterings - 2008-2009 College Football Predictions

Let's start at the very beginning - A very good place to start... First, we must extend our now annual (4th) Hat tip to EDSBS for originating the brilliant idea of focusing bowl picks on the bile and butterflies that dwell within each of us - ie - the biased pick.  (ah, memories)

I had toyed with the idea of basing this years picks on real facts and figures - the figures of the top players and coaches, that is - but I quickly figured out that such an endeavor would require some serious work - research, analysis, wikipedia and google images overload, and so on. And that's no fun.

So what to do? I know - I'll let iTunes do the work for me. Here's the plan - I'm going to set up the iPod on "random" - and hit play - As each random song is selected - I will assign it to the "next" team - and then we'll see which song is "better" and engage in some gentle ribbing of (my iTune library, and) those teams that we don't like so much...

After all of that - let's look at some bowl games...

Eagle Bank Bowl - in Washington, D.C. - yes, Washington D.C.
Wake Forest vs. Navy
Dec. 20, 11 a.m.
ESPN

Song 1: "Calling Baton Rouge" - Garth Brooks (Wake)
Song 2: "Nittany Lion Special" - Penn State Blue Band (Navy)

Hey, I like a peppy Garth song as much as anyone - but there's no contest against the Blue Band! It's Navy to win - and win big I think!


New Mexico
Colorado State vs. Fresno State
Albuquerque
Dec. 20, 2:30 p.m.
ESPN

Song 1: "A Boy Named Sue" - Johnny Cash (Colorado State)
Song 2: "Je Ne Te Connais Pas" - Prototypes (Fresno State)

Serves Pat Hill right for ranking PSU so low on his final Coaches' Poll Ballot.

Little question here - Colorado State.


magicJack St. Petersburg
Memphis vs. South Florida
St. Petersburg. Fla.
Dec. 20, 4:30 p.m.
ESPN2

Song 1: "Suddenly I See" - KT Tunstall (Memphis)
Song 2: "Jam on It" - Newcleus (South Florida)

Listen, I watched some "So You Think you Can Dance?" - it happened.

Looks like South Florida is going to take this one - although it may be close ;)


Pioneer Las Vegas
BYU vs. Arizona
Las Vegas
Dec. 20, 8 p.m.
ESPN
Song 1: "California Dreamin" - The Mamas and the Papas (BYU)
Song 2: "He's the Greatest Dancer" - Sister Sledge (Arizona)

Not sure which is funnier - the song selections or the thought of BYU in Las Vegas (for the 4th year in a row). 2 classic songs - I think that Arizona edges out a win.


R+L Carriers New Orleans
Southern Miss vs. Troy
New Orleans
Dec. 21, 8:15 p.m.
ESPN

Song 1: "The Way" - Fastball (Southern Miss)
Song 2: "Skyhigh" - Jigsaw (Troy)

Southern Miss finds a way and wins.


San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia
Boise State vs. TCU
San Diego
Dec. 23, 8 p.m.
ESPN

Song 1: "Cha-Cha All the Way" - Capitol Studios Orchestra (Boise State)
Song 2: "With a Little Luck" - Paul McCartney (TCU)

The horned frogs are going to need more than a little luck - how can you go against a Holiday themed song in a Holiday themed Bowl game? You can't - Boise State, finally escaping the confines of the blue turf bowl game will have a "happy happy holiday!"


Sheraton Hawaii
Hawaii vs. Notre Dame
Honolulu
Dec. 24, 8 p.m.
ESPN

Song 1: "Bossman" - Lucky Boys Confusion (Hawaii)
Song 2: "One Way Ticket" - The Darkness (notre dame)

What can I say? I watch a lot of TV commercials...

Anyway - this game is Hawaii's to win - they need to show the irish who is boss and send them on their way.


Motor City
Florida Atlantic vs. Central Michigan
Detroit
Dec. 26, 8 p.m.
ESPN

Song 1: "The Name of the Game" DJ Ostkurve (Florida Atlantic)
Song 2: "What's My Name Again?" Blink 182 (Central Michigan)

Apparently the Chippewa are going to go through an identity crisis while the Owls dub themselves the champs.


Meineke Car Care
West Virginia vs. North Carolina
Charlotte, N.C.
Dec. 27, 1 p.m.
ESPN

Song 1: "Fascination" - The Human League (WVU)
Song 2: "Beautiful Girl" - INXS (UNC)

Gotta go with West Virginia on this one. Flick is kinda cute - but it's not enough.


Champs Sports
Wisconsin vs. Florida State
Orlando, Fla.
Dec. 27, 4:30 p.m.
ESPN

Song 1: "Lucky Ball and Chain" - They Might Be Giants (Wisconsin)
Song 2: "Straighten Up and Fly Right" - Natalie Cole (fsu)

Oooh. Close one - had it been Papa Cole's version of the song it may have been enough - but Wisconsin is going to be Lucky and win this one.


Emerald
Miami (Fla.) vs. California
San Francisco
Dec. 27, 8 p.m.
ESPN

Song 1: "Tear You Apart" - She Wants Revenge (Miami)
Song 2: "Modern Way" - Kaiser Chiefs (California)

Battle of the iTunes darlings. Who wins? At first I thought that UM would have been a lock - but maybe there is something good about progress - Cal wins.


Independence
Northern Illinois vs. Louisiana Tech
Shreveport, La.
Dec. 28, 8:15 p.m.
ESPN

Song 1: "Face Down" - Katie Todd Band (N. Ill)
Song 2: "Glycerine" - Bush (La Tech)

The titles say it all - La Tech slides into the New Year.


Papajohns.com
NC State vs. Rutgers
Birmingham, Ala.
Dec. 29, 3 p.m.
ESPN

Song 1: "Something So Strong" - Crowded House (NC State)
Song 2: "Devil's Party" - INXS (Rutgers)

So, 2 Australian bands battle each other (albeit a retooled INXS) - Let's go with NC State crowding the endzone and winning a close one.


Valero Alamo
Missouri vs. Northwestern
San Antonio
Dec. 29, 8 p.m.
ESPN

Song 1: "Believe" - Cher (Mizzou)
Song 2: "Friends in Low Places" - Garth Brooks (Northwestern)

Sadly, I believe that our friends at Northwestern will end up at the bottom of the scoreboard - but fate has saddled Mizzou with a silly song - so there.


Roady's Humanitarian
Maryland vs. Nevada
Boise, Idaho
Dec. 30, 4:30 p.m.
ESPN

Song 1: "Breakthrough" - Hope 7 (Maryland)
Song 2: "Hands" - Jewel (Nevada)

2 chick songs - it may be a close game - but while the Terps may have some breakout moments - Nevada's fundamentals will carry the day.


Texas
Rice vs. Western Michigan
Houston
Dec. 30, 8 p.m.
NFL Network

Song 1: "Communication Breakdown" - Led Zepplin (Rice)
Song 2: "Sunshine, Lollipops and Rainbows" - Leslie Gore (Western Michigan)

Seems to be a bit of a personality conflict here - but really, there's little doubt that "everything that's wonderful" is sure to come the Broncos' way.


Pacific Life Holiday
Oklahoma State vs. Oregon
San Diego
Dec. 30, 8 p.m.
ESPN

Song 1: "St Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" - The Beatles (Ok State)
Song 2: "Cult of Personality" - Living Colour (Oregon)

Is Oregon Canadian? Ok State hopes you will enjoy the show.


Bell Helicopter Armed Forces
Houston vs. Air Force
Fort Worth, Texas
Dec. 31, Noon
ESPN

Song 1: "Crusin" - Smokey Robinson (Houston)
Song 2: "Super Trouper" - ABBA (Air Force)

It was just a matter of time until an ABBA song surfaced. I see a smooth, cool, gliding Houston crusin' to a win.


Brut Sun
Oregon State vs. Pittsburgh
El Paso, Texas
Dec. 31, 2 p.m.
CBS

Song 1: "Just Like Heaven" - The Cure (OSU)
Song 2: "Boogie Woogie Santa Claus"- Patti Page (Pitt)

Sounds like Wannstedt needs to do a 'stash check. The Beavers win.


Gaylord Hotels Music City
Boston College vs. Vanderbilt
Nashville, Tenn.
Dec. 31, 3:30 p.m.
ESPN

Song 1: "Run Away" - Real McCoy (BC)
Song 2: "Stacy's Mom" Fountains of Wayne - (Vandy)

While I'm sure that Vandy has it going on much more than they have in the past - BC Runs Away with this one.


Insight
Kansas vs. Minnesota
Tempe, Ariz.
Dec. 31, 5:30 p.m.
NFL Network

Song 1: "Basket Case" - Green Day (Kansas)
Song 2: "What Have I Done to Deserve This?" - Pet Shop Boys (Minne)

Chicken in a basket case, perhaps - but, while I would love to see the Gophers triumph in this match up - the song titles don't lie - Kansas serves up some crazy pain.


Chick-fil-A
LSU vs. Georgia Tech
Atlanta
Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m.
ESPN

Song 1: "The Mighty Quinn" - Manfred Man (LSU)
Song 2: "I Will Buy You a New Life" - Everclear (Tech)

Now, I'm not one to question the wisdom of the iPod - but these are some stranger picks - Eskimo named after AJ Hawk's brother-in-law vs a deadbeat dreamer? I think the dreamer makes it happen - Tech wins.


Outback
South Carolina vs. Iowa
Tampa, Fla.
Jan. 1, 2009, 11 a.m.
ESPN

Song 1: "I'm too Sexy" - Right Said Fred (USC)
Song 2: "I Fought the Law" - Green Day (Iowa)

The visor is pretty sweet - but the bane of our very existence will fight - and win.


Capital One
Georgia vs. Michigan State
Orlando, Fla.
Jan. 1, 2009, 1 p.m.
ABC

Song 1: "Walk don't Run" - The Ventures (UGA)
Song 2: "The Best is Yet to Come" - Frank Sinatra (MSU)

Well, if the Dawgs take the advice of their tune the Spartans might have a chance - but I think that MSU will be waiting for a while.


Konica Minolta Gator
Clemson vs. Nebraska
Jacksonville, Fla.
Jan. 1, 2009, 1 p.m.
CBS

Song 1: "Don't Give Up" - Petula Clark (Clemson)
Song 2: "Spin the Bottle" - The Juliana Hatfield Three (Nebraska)

So, the old iPod is apparently crazy - like a fox. Let's go with the underdog (or Tiger) and pick Clemson for this one!


Rose Bowl Game Presented by Citi
Penn State vs. USC
Pasadena, Calif.
Rose Bowl
Jan. 1, 2009, 4:30 p.m.
ABC
Song 1: "I Feel Lucky" - Mary Chapin Carpenter (Penn State)
Song 2: "Bad Day" - Daniel Powter(USC)

THE IPOD IS BRILLIANT!!!! Penn State wins!


FedEx Orange
Cincinnati vs. Virginia Tech
Miami
Jan. 1, 2009, 8:30 p.m.
FOX

Song 1: "Ring of Fire" - Johnny Cash (Cincy)
Song 2: "Tubthumping" - Chumbawamba (Va Tech)

This could be an interesting game - but the iPod sees Tech winning - pissing the night away.


AT&T Cotton
Ole Miss vs. Texas Tech
Dallas
Jan. 2, 2009, 2 p.m.
FOX

Song 1: "Working for the Weekend" (Ole Miss)
Song 2: "All Over You" Live (Texas Tech)

Yeah, Ole Miss will be praying for the weekend while TT passes all over them.


AutoZone Liberty
Kentucky vs. East Carolina
Memphis, Tenn.
Jan. 2, 2009, 5 p.m.
ESPN

Song 1: "Can't Stop the World" - The GoGos (Kentucky)
Song 2: "Love Grows" - Edison Lighthouse (ECU)

Looks like it must be Skipper's year - The Pirates stop the Wildcats.


Allstate Sugar
Utah vs. Alabama
New Orleans
Jan. 2, 2009, 8 p.m.
FOX

Song 1: "Different Drum" Stone Poneys (Utah)
Song 2: "Symphony No. 5 in C Minor" Radio Symphony Orchestra (Bama)

Me thinks that Bama pounds Utah - Con Brio


International
Buffalo vs. Connecticut
Toronto
Jan. 3, 2009, Noon
ESPN2

Song 1: "18 and Life" - Skid Row (Buffalo)
Song 2: "I'm Coming Out" - Diana Ross (UConn)

No snaps to judgement here - it would just seem that Buffalo will be the tougher team.


Tostitos Fiesta
Ohio State vs. Texas
Glendale, Ariz.
Jan. 5, 2009, 8 p.m.
FOX

Song 1: "Good Luck Charm" Elvis Presley (tOSU)
Song 2: "Stay" Lisa Loeb (Texas)

So, tOSU is going to need a ton of luck to stay even close to Texas - assuming that Texas comes out to prove "something" - As much as I would like the Big Ten to represent - I'm thinking that Texas "stays" at the top of the charts.


GMAC
Tulsa vs. Ball State
Mobile, Ala.
Jan. 6, 2009, 8 p.m.
ESPN

Song 1: "Picture Book" Young Fresh Fellows (Tulsa)
Song 2: "Unforgettable" - Nathalie Cole (Ball St)

Fitting that 2 covers would do battle in this match up - We think that Ball State will cap their unforgettable season with a win.


FedEx BCS National Championship Game
Florida vs. Oklahoma
Miami
Dolphin Stadium
Jan. 8, 2009, 8 p.m.
FOX

Song 1: "I Feel Fine" - The Beatles (Florida)
Song 2: "Knock on Wood" - Ami Stewart (Oklahoma)

I'm sure that Florida will be fine after the Championship game - they won't be the winners, but they'll be fine. Assuming that Oklahoma doesn't screw up.

So, there you go - way too much information about my personal music collection and 2theLion's 2008 - 2009 College Football Biased Bowl Predictions!

One Team More - Penn State Volleyball advances to the NCAA Finals

Wow. That was a tense match! Nebraska was able to do what no other team had been able to do all season long - win a set off of Penn State -

For the first 2 sets it appeared that PSU was going to sail through yet another match - but the Lady Lions came out flat in the 3rd, looking out of sync and committing a series of unforced errors. Nebraska capitalized by serving well and never really letting PSU back into the 3rd - and then they took the 4th as well.

Standford had rallied to win the first semi final, having been down 0-2 - which was the first time that a feat had been accomplished in a semi final game, ever. The announcers were going a little crazy - which I understand, because it suddenly became a competitive match - but it didn't stop me from letting Karch Kiraly know, through the TV screen, that I thought he was "number 1" throughout the broadcast.

PSU came together in the 5th - although not before going 2 points behind at 8-10 - and they won the final set 15-11.

So now they've had some competition - a hostile crowd - lost a set (or 2) - and re-grouped to win.

Coach Rose said that he thought the team was tired - but now they know they can win 3 set matches as well as 5 set matches.

Penn State meets Stanford in the final (for the 2nd year in a row) on Saturday at 8pm (EST) Live, on ESPN2. The PSU/Neb semi-final will reair on the B10 Network Friday (10pm) and Saturday (2pm).

In other news, Coach Russ Rose won his 2nd (in as many years) Coach of the Year Honor.

Merry Christmas PSUgirl

I wish you a merry Christmas PSUgirl. I hope you have presents. KT

Kevin Newsome picks Penn State.

The Lions have secured (hopefully) a top quarterback recruit - Kevin Newsome announced his decision to attend Penn State yesterday in Portsmouth, Virginia.

Something for Joey - Joe Paterno Signs Contract Extension.

Fight on State is reporting that Joe Paterno has signed/will sign a 3 year contract extension that will run through the 2011 season.


HT: BSD

An Early Birthday Present for Joe Pa? Kevin Newsome Announces Today.

Kevin Newsome, 4 star "dual threat" quarterback from Virginia, will announce his college selection this evening.

Newsome has narrowed his choices to Penn State, Virginia Tech and Boston College - but it seems to be a race between PSU and Va Tech.

A quarterback is a critical need for this year's recruiting class and Newsome's style could fit well with the "Spread HD" philosophy.

Also, Pat Devlin's departure could make PSU interesting to a kid who wants to get on the field early.

Newsome hopes to enroll (at the college of his choice) in January -

We shall see.

As We Remember His Birth... Joe Paterno Virtual Surprise Birthday Party Blog.

There's a new blog on the rolls - a site dedicated to throwing a Virtual Surprise Birthday Party for Joe Paterno.

Seems a little odd - but in a nice way.

Check out http://joepabirthday.blogspot.com/ and add to their list of "82 reasons we love Joe Paterno".

#1 - Harnessing that electric force of nature - Graham Zug?

A few more festive photos - Blue and White Christmas!

Still perfect after all these matches...

The Lady Lions Volleyball team continued their winning ways this weekend - advancing to the National Semifinals by defeating Western Michigan and 8th seed Cal both in straight games!

PSU faces Nebraska on Thursday, December 18th (at 9:00pm) - in OMAHA.

The match will be televised on ESPN2.

Shipley and Maybin 1st Team All Americans.

AQ Shipley and Aaron Maybin were named first team All Americans by the Walter Camp Foundation.

Derrick Williams received 2nd team honors for kick returns.

Paddy, we hardly knew ye; Pat Devlin Leaves Penn State

As has been reported across the blogosphere - Pat Devlin will be transferring from Penn State. No announcement yet as to where he'll be going - but it is clear that he is off the team, won't be traveling with the team to Pasadena and has cleaned out his locker (he's even already off the team roster).

Reportedly, Devlin and his parents (both Penn Staters) met with Coach Paterno to discuss "a list of issues" - the result of the meeting was Pat saying that he was leaving the team (no indication that this was his intention going into the meeting). It has been further reported that Coach Paterno gave Devlin a few days (Monday - Wednesday) to decide if he wanted to participate in the Rose Bowl - when Pat was unable (or whatever) to come to a decision "Paterno made the decision for him, and by the end of the day, Devlin's locker was cleaned out."

Remembering Pat.

Over the last 2 years Devlin hasn't gotten much mention on the blog - but here are a few quotes from the past...

"If I thought that Devlin would be a "quick fix" then I'd be clamoring for the kid - but I don't see it happening."

Final (poached) Blue White Roundtable - January 10, 2008.

"For my part - I wore my new Pat Devlin Jersey (here's hoping that the kid doesn't transfer) - "

Well, he didn't; but then he did. msu/PSU recap 11/19/07.

"Pat Devlin (QB), backed off of his commitment to U miami (we have Larry Coker and his golden guillotine to thank for this one)."

January 25, 2006.

Just Give us a Playoff! ESPN and AccuScore do!

ESPN and AccuScore have devised a brilliant little playoff simulator - you can choose from a variety of seeding (including custom) - and see what the computers come up with.

So i tried it out - and here are the results!




I told you it was brilliant.

Lady Lions on the Prowl...

The Penn State Women's Volleyball team is on their way to defending their 2007 National Championship.

They breezed through the first two rounds (defeating Long Island and Yale: 3-0 - surprise?) and will play in the Regional Finals this weekend in Rec Hall.

PSU will face Western Michigan (who upset #16 seed, Tulane, in the 2nd round) in the second regional semi-final (6pm, Friday, Dec. 12th). #8 seed Cal takes on #9 seed Illinois in the first match on Friday (3:30pm). The winners meet Saturday at 4.

The only match that is scheduled to be televised is the Regional Final - on ESPNU.

For more information, be sure to visit GoPSUsports.com and the 2008 Tournament Central.

The Tailgater - a webzine with impeccable taste...

Yeah, we're featured in this month's "The Tailgater."

Check out the article - and the pix (yes, you will recognize many of them).

Biased Bowl Blusterings - Charlie Pants Edition

I'm working on my own - very important - Biased Bowl picks for the upcoming bowl season (this year, I'm thinking we're going to throw out the subjective blatherings and focus on tangible, reliable facts - that is, cute/good lookingness).

But, in the meantime, I thought I'd offer a few picks from one of my junior associates - Charlie (speaking of cuteness), my 2 year old godson. He is a big fan of "FOOTBAW!" so I asked his opinion on a few key games -

He has an affinity for Tigers, in general - and he had some very emphatic choices...

EagleBank Bowl
Wake Forest vs. Navy

Charlie’s pick: Navy

magicJack St. Petersburg
Memphis vs. South Florida

Charlie’s pick: Memphis

Pioneer Las Vegas
BYU vs. Arizona

Charlie’s pick: BYU

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia
Boise State vs. TCU

Charlie’s pick: Boise State

Sheraton Hawaii
Hawaii vs. Notre Dame

Charlie’s pick: Hawaii

Meineke Car Care
West Virginia vs. North Carolina

Charlie’s pick: unc (much to my dismay)

Champs Sports
Wisconsin vs. Florida State

Charlie’s pick: Wisconsin (whew!)

Emerald
Miami (Fla.) vs. California

Charlie’s pick: Miami

Papajohns.com
NC State vs. Rutgers

Charlie’s pick: NC State

Valero Alamo
Missouri vs. Northwestern

Charlie’s pick: Missouri

Roady's Humanitarian
Maryland vs. Nevada

Charlie’s pick: Maryland

Pacific Life Holiday
Oklahoma State vs. Oregon

Charlie’s pick: Ok State


Bell Helicopter Armed Forces
Houston vs. Air Force

Charlie’s pick: Houston

Brut Sun
Oregon State vs. Pittsburgh

Charlie’s pick: “Hamper” - Your guess is as good as mine - I guess he couldn't bring himself to fully endorse the Panthers.

Gaylord Hotels Music City
Boston College vs. Vanderbilt

Charlie’s pick: Boston College - Wait a minute. Is he picking the first team every time?

Insight
Kansas vs. Minnesota

Charlie’s pick: “Joe Pa” - Probably he was repeating "Jayhawks" - but when you think about it - they're sorta synonymous.

Chick-fil-A
LSU vs. Georgia Tech

Charlie’s pick: “Tiger Jacket” - He was getting a little bored - don't call PETA.

Outback
South Carolina vs. Iowa

Charlie’s pick: South Carolina


Capital One
Georgia vs. Michigan State

Charlie’s pick: “bullpig”

Rose Bowl Game Presented by Citi
Penn State vs. USC

Charlie’s pick: Nittany Lions. Princess Nittany Lions. Honestly, that was his answer. He loves PSU - and "Princess" (he has 2 older sisters) is by far the greatest compliment/superlative he could ever bestow.

FedEx Orange
Cincinnati vs. Virginia Tech

Charlie’s pick: Cincinnati - He was really adamant about this one.

AutoZone Liberty
Kentucky vs. East Carolina

Charlie’s pick: ECU

Allstate Sugar
Utah vs. Alabama

Charlie’s pick: Bama -

Tostitos Fiesta
Ohio State vs. Texas

Charlie’s pick: tosu - I asked him twice - and that's his pick.

FedEx BCS National Championship Game
Florida vs. Oklahoma

Charlie’s pick: Florida - without a doubt. Although, when asked, he did say that Penn State would beat the Gators in a head-to-head.

Apparently he too is an advocate of a playoff.

Bowl Me Over - '08-'09 College Football Bowl Schedule

Courtesy of ESPN...

...and with no further delay, the 2008 - 2009 College Football Bowl Shedule

EagleBank Bowl
Wake Forest vs. Navy
Washington, D.C.
RFK Stadium
Dec. 20, 11 a.m.
ESPN

New Mexico
Colorado State vs. Fresno State
Albuquerque
University Stadium
Dec. 20, 2:30 p.m.
ESPN

magicJack St. Petersburg
Memphis vs. South Florida
St. Petersburg. Fla.
Tropicana Field
Dec. 20, 4:30 p.m.
ESPN2

Pioneer Las Vegas
BYU vs. Arizona
Las Vegas
Sam Boyd Stadium
Dec. 20, 8 p.m.
ESPN

R+L Carriers New Orleans
Southern Miss vs. Troy
New Orleans
Superdome
Dec. 21, 8:15 p.m.
ESPN

San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia
Boise State vs. TCU
San Diego
Qualcomm Stadium
Dec. 23, 8 p.m.
ESPN

Sheraton Hawaii
Hawaii vs. Notre Dame
Honolulu
Aloha Stadium
Dec. 24, 8 p.m.
ESPN

Motor City
Florida Atlantic vs. Central Michigan
Detroit
Ford Field
Dec. 26, 8 p.m.
ESPN

Meineke Car Care
West Virginia vs. North Carolina
Charlotte, N.C.
Bank of America Stadium
Dec. 27, 1 p.m.
ESPN

Champs Sports
Wisconsin vs. Florida State
Orlando, Fla.
Florida Citrus Bowl
Dec. 27, 4:30 p.m.
ESPN

Emerald
Miami (Fla.) vs. California
San Francisco
AT&T Park
Dec. 27, 8 p.m.
ESPN

Independence
Northern Illinois vs. Louisiana Tech
Shreveport, La.
Independence Stadium
Dec. 28, 8:15 p.m.
ESPN

Papajohns.com
NC State vs. Rutgers
Birmingham, Ala.
Legion Field
Dec. 29, 3 p.m.
ESPN

Valero Alamo
Missouri vs. Northwestern
San Antonio
Alamodome
Dec. 29, 8 p.m.
ESPN

Roady's Humanitarian
Maryland vs. Nevada
Boise, Idaho
Bronco Stadium
Dec. 30, 4:30 p.m.
ESPN

Texas
Rice vs. Western Michigan
Houston
Reliant Stadium
Dec. 30, 8 p.m.
NFL Network

Pacific Life Holiday
Oklahoma State vs. Oregon
San Diego
Qualcomm Stadium
Dec. 30, 8 p.m.
ESPN

Bell Helicopter Armed Forces
Houston vs. Air Force
Fort Worth, Texas
Amon G. Carter Stadium
Dec. 31, Noon
ESPN

Brut Sun
Oregon State vs. Pittsburgh
El Paso, Texas
Sun Bowl
Dec. 31, 2 p.m.
CBS

Gaylord Hotels Music City
Boston College vs. Vanderbilt
Nashville, Tenn.
LP Field
Dec. 31, 3:30 p.m.
ESPN

Insight
Kansas vs. Minnesota
Tempe, Ariz.
Sun Devil Stadium
Dec. 31, 5:30 p.m.
NFL Network

Chick-fil-A
LSU vs. Georgia Tech
Atlanta
Georgia Dome
Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m.
ESPN

Outback
South Carolina vs. Iowa
Tampa, Fla.
Raymond James Stadium
Jan. 1, 2009, 11 a.m.
ESPN

Capital One
Georgia vs. Michigan State
Orlando, Fla.
Florida Citrus Bowl
Jan. 1, 2009, 1 p.m.
ABC

Konica Minolta Gator
Clemson vs. Nebraska
Jacksonville, Fla.
Jacksonville Municipal Stadium
Jan. 1, 2009, 1 p.m.
CBS

Rose Bowl Game Presented by Citi
Penn State vs. USC
Pasadena, Calif.
Rose Bowl
Jan. 1, 2009, 4:30 p.m.
ABC

FedEx Orange
Cincinnati vs. Virginia Tech
Miami
Dolphin Stadium
Jan. 1, 2009, 8:30 p.m.
FOX

AT&T Cotton
Ole Miss vs. Texas Tech
Dallas
Cotton Bowl
Jan. 2, 2009, 2 p.m.
FOX

AutoZone Liberty
Kentucky vs. East Carolina
Memphis, Tenn.
Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium
Jan. 2, 2009, 5 p.m.
ESPN

Allstate Sugar
Utah vs. Alabama
New Orleans
Superdome
Jan. 2, 2009, 8 p.m.
FOX

International
Buffalo vs. Connecticut
Toronto
Rogers Centre
Jan. 3, 2009, Noon
ESPN2

Tostitos Fiesta
Ohio State vs. Texas
Glendale, Ariz.
University of Phoenix Stadium
Jan. 5, 2009, 8 p.m.
FOX

GMAC
Tulsa vs. Ball State
Mobile, Ala.
Ladd-Peebles Stadium
Jan. 6, 2009, 8 p.m.
ESPN

FedEx BCS National Championship Game
Florida vs. Oklahoma
Miami
Dolphin Stadium
Jan. 8, 2009, 8 p.m.
FOX


We'll start posting our biased predictions soon - hopefully before the 20th.

I'm Dreaming of a White and Blue Christmas...

Just like the ones we had for Homecoming...

It was cold - really cold.

The Michigan State tailgate was one of the coldest I can remember - and it was definitely the longest "cold" tailgate I have been to.  Here's a picture looking out onto the tundra - I didn't take many pictures - it was  just too cold!  

Penn State beats Georgia Tech!

In basketball.  Seriously.  Penn State Men's Basketball beat Georgia Tech (at GT) last night in their installment of the "ACC Big Ten Challenge" - 85-83.  

The Lions had enjoyed a 10 point lead in the first half, but the Yellow Jackets battled back and stayed close for the rest of the contest.  PSU was able to stay ahead at the end, despite (continuing) poor free-throw shooting.  

Their field goal shooting, however was greatly improved (over what I saw in Philadelphia last week) - Stanley Pringle and Talor Battle lead the team in scoring - 

The Big Ten finished a respectable 5-6 in the challenge.

This may be the strangest thing I've ever heard...

...today.

USC will forfeit 2 timeouts (ie they will "take the penalty") to wear their red jerseys against UCLA on Saturday.

The NCAA rule is that the visiting team must wear white - and the penalty for not doing so is the loss of 1 timeout per half.

Oh - and don't forget to vote for Taxgirl!

It's Fun to Vote for Things!

Since we all had such a great time voting for Aaron Maybin - I thought you all might like another chance to do some online voting.

This isn't anything to do with football, or even Penn State - but it's very cool, all the same.

One of my favorite blogs, Taxgirl, has been named to the "Top 100 Blawgs" by the American Bar Association (ABA Journal really) in the "niche" category.

Taxgirl is, as described by the ABA:

Fighting for truth, justice and the American way is Kelly Phillips Erb as Taxgirl. A straight shooter who answers all tax questions large and small, Erb of Philadelphia has turned her passion for a practice area that makes some lawyers shudder into a career, a creative outlet and a way to interact with the public.

If you're already a fan of Taxgirl, then be sure to vote for her here. Otherwise, check out the blog, and then vote for her here ;)

You Smell - Like Blue and White...

So, today, I'm sitting there, innocently, surfing the morning tv (something I actually never do), when the "person" on one of the morning programs (it may have been CNN) announces a new line of "collegiate" colognes (cue Nirvana) and up pops a shot of 2 boxes emblazoned with the chipmunk logo - the teleprompter readers snicker a bit and "report" that the company created the cologne based on the colors of the schools. Currently they market "scents" inspired by Penn State and - can you believe it? - unc (I guess that they were most intrigued by blue and white). The commentators remarked - "they'll get those college fans to buy anything."

I, of course, had to further investigate - and yes, the Mastik Company - out of perfumery capital of Central Pennsylvania, Harrisburg - produces both perfume and cologne inspired by Penn State (and unc) -

Smarty Pants.

Penn State is #1 in Football - Academic All Americans, that is.

5 Penn Staters were named to the Academic All America Teams - with 4 earning First team honors.

First team AAAs include senior tackle Gerald Cadogan (also a 2007 honoree), Senior linebacker, Josh Hull, senior safety, Mark Rubin, and junior long snapper, Andrew Pitz. Sophomore guard, Stefen Wisniewski received 2nd team honors.

5 players on the list is a team record, and good enough to lead not only the Big Ten, but the nation.

Excellent work.

Bravo!

Vote for Aaron Maybin!

for the Bednarik Award!

Wah. Time to "clean up" the Spreadshirt Account.

Over the last few years it has been a lot of fun creating different shirts through Spreadshirt - 

Heal quickly Danny Boy...

I guess we can retire this one - because we FINALLY got those damn seconds back!


My all time favorite cheer - and my all time favorite shirt...

Or for those who are better with pictures (maybe, say, Jay)

I guess we can/should wait until after the bowl game...

We Definitely Need More Cowbell!!!! PSU dominates All Big Ten Team.

Joe Paterno - Big Ten Coach of the Year!

Last night the Big Ten (officially) announced its All Big Ten Team(s).

And, as they did on the field and in the statistics, Penn State led the way.

10 Nittany Lions made the Coaches' First Team All Big Ten list.

6 on Offense:

Quarterback: Daryll Clark, Penn State
Receiver: Derrick Williams
Center: A.Q. Shipley
Guard: Rich Ohrnberger
Tackle: Gerald Cadogan
Kicker: Kevin Kelly

A.Q. Shipley won the Offensive Lineman of the Year honor.

And 4 Lions were named to the Defense:

Line: Aaron Maybin
Line: Jared Odrick
Linebacker: Navorro Bowman
Defensive Back: Anthony Scirrotto

Evan Royster (RB) and Stefen Wisniewski (G) were named to the 2nd B10 Offensive Team.

A number of Nittany Lions received "Honorable Mention" - Jeremy Boone, Tony Davis, Dennis Landolt, Jordan Norwood, Mark Rubin, Tyrell Sales and Lydell Sargeant.

Gerald Cadogan won the PSU "Sportsmanship Award" (one scholarship honoree from each B10 school).

The Media team differed somewhat (somewhat good, somewhat bad...)

Deon Butler (absent from the coaches' list) was named 2nd team B10; but then, so was DW.

Lydell Sargeant is on the 2nd Team at D-back, where he is joined by "bumped" Odrick and Scirrotto.

The Media Honorable Mentions include: Jeremy Boone, Tony Davis, Josh Gaines, Dennis Landolt, Mark Rubin, Stefen Wisniewski.


And Joe Paterno, beating out some pretty successful guys, was named Big Ten Coach of the Year (chosen by the Media) for the 3rd time.

Darryl Clark - B10 PoW

Darryl Clark has been named as Big Ten Offensive (co) Player of the Week - following his stellar performance on Saturday against the msu spartans.

This is Clark's 2nd Player of the Week honor this season.

All Big Ten Team Announced Today.

The Big Ten will announce its 2008 All Big Ten Team live today (Monday Nov. 24th) on the Big Ten Network at 7:30pm (EST).


Any speculation?

Will any Penn Staters be named to the teams (coaches and press teams are announced).

Will Clark, Williams, Royster, Shippley, Butler or Norwood get any mention?

What about Maybin, Gaines, Bowman, Odrick or Boone?

How about Kevin Kelly?

I guess we'll find out tonight!

Busy Weekend!

Penn State has a New Trophy and Joe has a new Hip.

On our way...

to State College today!

We're heading up to SC this afternoon for the final game of the 2008 regular season and the final home game for the "class of '05" - by class I mean the standard - and by '05 I mean - well - the year, 2005.

Tomorrow we will bid a fond farewell to the kids who chose Penn State when it was at its lowest - and they worked together to bring Penn State "back".

The weather forecast may be chilly - but the stadium will be warm with gratitude - which is a good thing -it may help keep the pre-game tears from freezing

what's that? You want to see more pix from Homecoming?

What a great idea!

Here are a few more pix that have "rolled" in from homecoming. We showed Mom the DVD slideshow this past weekend. She was impressed and lamented that she hadn't made the 3 mile trip to the stadium to check it out - lesson learned...

That's the turkey roulade - basically, it's a boneless turkey breast "filleted" to be one continuous strip - rolled with chopped herbs and garlic - then wrapped in bacon and roasted.  It is resting on a comfy and delicious bed of wild rice pilaf.  

Btw, Suz made the template for the RV from scratch - she first made a model out of foam board and then used the pieces to cut out the gingerbread.  On Friday, Michelle came over to Mom's house to help decorate - they did such a great job.

Here's a nice shot of the "total look" - buffet table, desserts and living room...

The crown roast of pork - we had more trouble ordering that darn piece of meat than we had with any other part of the planning.  But it turned out great!  Erica, with special instructions from Mrs. TC, did a wonderful job making the "hats" for  the roast.

One last picture of the dessert table - featuring:  christmas cookies; snowman chocolate pops; bon-bon tree; 7 layer jello salad; cupcakes with chocolate snowflakes and poinsettias; and, the buche de noel.

In case you were wondering...

The Scottish Flag looks like this:

Yes, we're having an Australian theme - not Scottish - but we don't have an Australian flag - and the aussie flag has red in it anyway - and tons of Scots have settled in Australia over its history (ie Rupert Murdoch, and Mary, Crown Princess of Demark) so it just seems to be the most appropriate out of the blue and white flags available.

It's going to be Great - or as they say in Scotland...

actually, it's going to be windy and cold.  There is a chance for snow accumulation on Friday night (less than 2") - and a few flurries on Saturday - but mainly - it's going to be cold.

The air temp will hover around 30-35 degrees - but it's going to be breezy - so the "real feel" plummets about 10 degrees.

That's probably the coldest forecast I can remember in recent years - ages past I remember sitting in the stadium during ice storms and frigid temps.

This all lends itself very easily to another series of tailgating tips...

Staying warm throughout the day should be your main priority: 

• Warm clothing - layers that are dry and snug to the body will keep you the warmest 
  
• boots/shoes with thick soles and warm/dry socks - this will help keep the chill from the ground and the metal/concrete stadium floors from traveling up your legs.
• in the tailgating lots - if you have a canopy, put up a few walls (or tarps) to keep out some of the wind - 
• if you have portable heaters/stoves/grills - make sure that you follow the safety instructions - be sure to have proper ventilation and keep them away from flammable items  

Another good way to stay warm is with your food/beverage choices:

• you want food that is easy to eat - especially if your guest are wearing mittens/gloves
• bite size foods that you can eat with a fork or spoon are good choices - soups, stews, pot pies, etc.
• warm food and beverages will help keep everyone happy
• pick foods that can "take" prolonged heating and reheating - 
• prepare/cook before you get to the parking lot - so all you have to do is reheat the food with little fuss.

Be prepared:

• bring extra propane canisters - it's likely that you will be serving more "hot" food and beverages - so you will want to be able to keep the fires burning.
• extra water and heat safe cups for hot drinks
• get some hunter's "hand warmers" for your hands and feet
• remember that there are heated bathrooms on the outside of the stadium that are accessible before the game
  

PENN STATE v msu - Put the Billy on - it's gonna be cold

It's the end of the season as we know it,

Regular season, that is.

Penn State and michigan state meet up this weekend for Senior Day at Penn State. The spartans erased at 17 point deficit to defeat the Lions last year, and the PSU team and fans are eager for the Land Grant Trophy to return to Happy Valley.

Kick off is at 3:30pm (EST) and will be televised on the ABC family of sports channels (ie ESPN).

msu wears green - this should be an easy color to avoid - in both garb and fare.

The weather forecast is for COLD - cold - cold and more cold. The 3:30pm start means that it will be dark before the end of the (first half) game and will, therefore, get even colder. Wear layers and bring warm socks and a hat. A cozy warm down parka is great - but if your feet and head get cold - you won't really care.

Our theme this week is "Australian Pub - It's beer o'clock" - last year at this time Suz was in the land of Oz on a business trip - she brought home some fun tailgating flare and recipe ideas. As it is springtime now in Australia we thought it might help us stay warm dining on some warm meat pies, hot roast beef sandwiches, hot coffees, etc.

The Parking Lots open at 8am, and yes, we'll be there when they open. We may not get out of the car - but we'll be there. We'll be parking in the "general parking area of Lot 13 - email for directions and/or cell phone #s if you need them. We'll be flying our PSU flag and the flag of Scotland. Click here for the PDF of the parking map.

Everyone is welcome and we hope to see you there! -

To the Lion!

Newsletters are Posted

The always glamourous and awesome Janelle has taken over as editor and chief of the Tailgating Newsletter -

You'll find them posted here.

The rainbow was pretty...

Of course, by then, I had my camera stowed away in the back seat - so no pix of that (sorry!).

It was a fun day. Even with the smelly weather.

We got to the lots around 6:20(am) - we were the 4th car in line - and it was quite a while before we had company. But, by 7am the cars were lined up on Park Ave.

It was a dark and stormy day.

but all things considered, it was fairly warm and it could have been a lot worse.

We set up the stove under the IKEA patio umbrella (purchased at least 4 years ago and never taken out of plastic wrap until this week)and we served up some breakfast of eggs and crispy crowns (it's all the crunch and none of the mush). Later we heated up the potato and leek soup and white bean chili (yum!) - we also had pierogis, and, of course, kielbasa.

The game was a bit frustrating (or flustrating) - for the first half anyway. I was not pleased with the team's performance - but things got better in the 2nd half - and I even caught a touchdown on "film"
- it's the first (or one of the few) time(s) when I just "hold up the camera and shoot" that I actually go a picture of the action - and not some guy's shoulder.

We packed up after the game and got on the road quickly - we were moving along nicely until we hit Toftrees Ave (or whatever it's called) where we sat (creeping forward) for almost an hour. Finally in Park Forest we discovered that the power had gone out on that side of town. We didn't get (full) power back at Mom's until 8pm -

9 hours of daylight; 12 hours of rain.

That's the forecast for tomorrow - November 15th.

Yippee!

The only "good" news is that it isn't supposed to be "a lot" of rain (just .33") and the air temp won't be too bad.


Wind gusts - that's a little concerning - but hey - we've survived worse.


Here are a few tips for the rainy day tailgate:

The set up:

• if you haven't already, invest in a pop up canopy. You don't want to be out in the rain trying to assemble anything - 
• Bring tarps - if you have the fancy canopy walls - use them - but you can also use regular tarps and plastic drop cloths on the sides of the canopy - use clamps to secure the "walls." 
  
• Another great use for a tarp is as a "floor."  Generally, with a weather forecast like this weekend's, the ground is going to be wet and muddy - a plastic tarp on the ground will help keep you and your tailgating gear clean(er).  We'll even bring 2 pairs of shoes - one pair for "in the tent" and one pair for outside.
• We also bring an extra tarp to "link" to the car/truck - using the hatch (or other means) to elevate the tarp and securing with clamps.  This way we can keep a lot of the tailgating supplies off of the ground and out of the elements without having to "go outside" every time we need something.
• Pay attention to/for any pooling and devise a "gutter system" if necessary - believe it or not - hoola hoops work really well to arc the canopy top if it has a tendency to sag - just slide them between the top beams and the cover 
• Keep propane appliances out from under the closed in area and be wary of flammable items and ventilation.

The Food:

• Keep the food simple.  You don't want to be running back and forth to the grill/stove - 
• Most of your guests will be huddled around in your tent(s) - to maximize on "huddling" space - set up your table(s) "against" one of the tarp walls  
• Sog-proof your food- put out chips/bread/etc in small amounts - keeping the extras in sealed bags.

Clothing:

• Bring an extra...everything:  socks; shoes/boots; pants; hats; sweatshirts, etc.
• Best to leave your pretty sweaters at home - wear weatherproof and jersey type clothing
• hats - baseball - serves as an extra awning to keep the rain off
• rain gear - the full suit of rain gear is really the only way to stay dry.  Ponchos are fine for walking around and/or standing at the tailgate - but you need the rubber pants to stay dry in the stadium.  I usually change into the "gear" before heading into the game.

Most of all - remember to still stop by and say hello to your tailgating neighbors and that the rainy days can be just as fun and the sunny ones - 

Have you seen the forecast for next Saturday?

Per accuweather...

Saturday, Nov 22

High: 34 °F RealFeel®: 14 °F
Cold with periods of snow
Saturday Night, Nov 22

Low: 21 °F RealFeel®: 3 °F
Windy and cold with periods of snow

oh my.

For some bizarre reason...

I can't stop pronouncing "hoosier" as "ooo-zee-aye" in my head.


It must be that darn Quebecois flag.




picture of Q-be-koy flag from wikipedia.

hoosier sez what?

From the Tailgate email:

Well - yes, there are some football games left...

and some tailgating to be done!

Penn State hosts the indiana hoosiers this Saturday (November 15th) at 12pm (EST). This is Penn State's first home game in (nearly) a month - and we're all looking forward to seeing our Lions again.

The hoosiers are one of those "red" teams - so try to avoid the red parkas and flannels because,

it's going to be cold - and, possibly, rainy. Check accuweather.com for the latest forecast - and bring your warm boots and extra socks - just in case.

The parking lots open at 7am - and we'll be there, waiting in line, when they do.

We'll be parking in the "general parking" area of Lot 13 - email for directions and/or cell phone numbers if you need them. Click here for the parking map pdf. This week we'll be flying our Penn State flag along with the flag of Quebec (that is, if I can find it).

In deference to the cold(ish) weather, we'll be featuring hot soups and snacks at the tailgate this week.

We'll be tailgating before and (hopefully) after the game - as always, all are welcome. Contributions are welcome but not mandatory.


To the Lion!

Penn State v michigan state Kickoff time

The Lions' final game of the regular season (Nov. 22nd) will kick off at 3:30pm and be televised on ABC.

Indiana start time 12pm.

Which is a good thing - because the last time I looked at the weather report - it wasn't pretty.

The game will be televised on the Big Ten Network.

Parking Lots will open at 7am - and yes, we'll be there.

I'll be posting more (and sending around an email) about the tailgate soon.

Ugh. I ate a bug.

Well now. That was pretty terrible.

So, remember how Joe Paterno spent about 4 years saying that "we're just a play or two away from being a really good football team"?

There were about 10 of those "plays" last night.

Obviously, PSU's first possession was abject failure. They were given that fumble on the 1 yard line. It's sorta sad that I was yelling at the TV - "Take the safety!!!" - but right there - that would have won the game (in the first 1/2 the defense was stopping the iowa offense - given an 80 yard field - versus 25 - Iowa doesn't score that touchdown.

Red zone play calling was just sad - touchdowns versus field goals- PSU wins.

Dropped passes from Jordan Norwood (????) and Andrew Quarless running before he caught the ball.

These were mistakes that other teams (from other schools and seasons past) make - not this squad - or so I had led myself to believe.

The defenisive scheme in the second half lost the game.

Soft zone coverage with the d-backs lining up 10 yards off of the line of scrimmage guaranteed first downs against. Nevermind Anthony Scirotto's penalty - his coverage was much more of a negative factor.

On offense, obviously the interception proved to be the critical play - but the holding penalty before set it up. The lack of a score on that drive - and PSU's "bend over" defense sealed PSU's fate in a game in which (and no, I don't care about the weather or the wind or the lack of heaters on the sideline) Penn State did not look like a team that deserved to be whining about its lack of BCS respect.

I heartily hope that Penn State wins the rest of their games - and I hope that they win the big ten - but I was not impressed with the team, coaching, game plan, preparation (for opposition and/or elements) - Kevin Kelly played pretty well - and had PSU won - Derrick Williams would have had the game of his career.

One faction that I can not blame - the officials - not even a little bit.

Yes, I'm sad and angry that Penn State lost to Iowa - and that they've lost any chance at the "dream season" - but I'm more disappointed that this team isn't what I had built them up to be in my own opinion - and that smells.

Game Away, Game Away, Game Away that you got to survive.

---to the tune of Real McCoy's "Run Away" - y'know, the Lexus commercial from about 4 years ago...

okay, maybe not -

but anyway - Saturday is PSU's fifth and final away game of the season. They travel to Iowa City, Iowa (hmmm, there's a clue in there - I just know it) - and I'm traveling down to Center City Philadelphia to watch the game.

Where do you watch away games?

Generally - I like (need) to be in a safe and comfortable environment - a place where the people know me and my habits. And it's usually best that I'm not near any remote controls or anything else "throwable".

I love Penn State - and Penn State fans - and I love sitting with 100,000 people at home games - but I'm not good around crowds when I watch away games - I get distracted, and annoyed and kinda nasty about people wearing the wrong colors and/or breathing. But most people who know me - know this about me - and they (run away - cue music) understand.

I've gone to friends' homes and PSU alumni events and bars/restaurants in the past - but that was mainly during the dark years - so I've chosen to condemn the practice.

This season I've watched the away games at home and in State College (at Mom's home - so that's kinda at home as well) - the largest crowd has been 3 (the smallest? 1).

This weekend I'll be at a semi-private venue - The Union League in Philadelphia. But I'm not sure that the Good Old Boy network is ready for my brand of crazy - or that I'll be able to compose a suitable and karmic outfit of Navy with no denim, black or yellow (or derivation there of).

GO STATE - WIN!

GO VOTE!

It's election day and whether you're a Paterno Republican or a Paterno Democrat - make sure that you get out to the polls and vote.

And so it begins.

May I remind everyone that the first order of business is for Penn State to beat iowa this weekend.

After that, one's secondary and tertiary alliances should fall to the Tigers of LSU and the Ok State Cowboys (we aleady love their coach!).

And yes. They (or their weekly replacements) must win.

Why? Here's why.

Penn State is currently ranked 2nd in the Harris and USA Today Polls (of course they are #3 in the AP, but that doesn't really matter) - regardless of this, Penn State is ranked 3rd in the BCS standings.

Because of the computers - and sure the computers themselves are unbiased - but the software is completely subjective. And PSU's strength of schedule and "quality wins" are lacking when compared to the surrounding teams in the top 5. And it's only going to get worse.

We not only have to root for the teams playing the other undefeated squads - we have to hope for "help" against the 1 loss teams as well. Currently, even with the loss on Saturday, Texas is ranked #3 by the computers (PSU is #4 - texas tech and alabama are tied for #1); the Longhorns are ranked in the human polls #6 and #7 - but their computer ranking boosts them to #4 in the BSC standings. Texas' remaining schedule (including the Big 12 championship game) is very winnable. If the gators or the sooners stumble, and if tt loses, Texas, with a higher "human" ranking could end up at #2 in the BCS. Florida, currently ranked #5 by the computer, could see that ranking spike if they win out - especially if they are the team to hand Alabama their only loss.

After PSU wins on Saturday (whoo!) - if the Tigers are successful, then, logic follows that PSU is ranked #1 in the human polls - They will, most hopefully likely, then be in the top 2 in the BCS. If the Cowboys win - then PSU is still in the top two - but not as securely.

What the Nittany Lions need is to win their remaining games - no doubt about it - but they are going to also need some seriously positive karma for the remaining opponents of their top 5 neighbors.

But it had to happen this way - because texas will likely win their remaining regular season games - so this is a necessary storm to weather.

Just focus your fan energy on Penn State winning every game they play - That's all we can do.

GO STATE BEAT THE HAWKEYES!!!

Oh Happy Day!

Just in case you haven't heard - The Philadelphia Phillies won the World Series last night - bettering the Tampa Bay Rays in the "resumed" game 5.

I live in Philadelphia - I have for most of my adult life. I love this city and I have come to love its teams.

Growing up in central PA in the home of a still moderately bitter Brooklyn Dodgers fan, I watched a lot of Pirates and Mets (channel 11 - WPIX) baseball - we didn't get a local Philadelphia station - so we never saw the Phillies, unless they were playing one of the aforementioned teams or were, basically, in the world series. So, naturally, I became a St. Louis Cardinals fan. The Cards were pretty successful in the 1980s (3 World Series appearances, 1 win) - and they kept a lot of their line-up intact - so it was easy to remember the players' names, etc (okay, I kept an index card on each player with their stats, organized in one of those metal - well, index card boxes). Pittsburgh was definitely the "local" team of choice - I went to quite a few Pirates games at the old 3 Rivers Stadium - with an Aunt who liked to sit in the box seats and to arrive early/depart late to avoid the "city" traffic - as a result we got to see a lot of the players up close - and their cars. Many porsches in those days.

When I first moved to Philadelphia, I was thrilled to live in a city with so many sports teams - I went to see the Eagles, 76ers, Flyers, and of course, the Phillies. One school friend and I found our way(s) to many a game - comp tickets from a boss - 1/2 price ticket days/promotion. One week, we went to 3 games - they kept having the "if the Phillies steal a base - 1/2 price tickets for tomorrow" - and you know what? Those darn Phillies kept stealing bases!

But as the years wore on, and as I became more and more familiar with the Philadelphia heartache - I pared it down to one or two games a season. We'd go over the bridge to see the River Sharks - and just follow up with the Phillies in the paper, or the internet.

Last season was wonderful - we reveled in the Mets' debacle as the Phils stood strong and won the NL East - that joy was, of course short-lived - but there had been such a post-season drought that it was still very special.

So this year there was a cautious optimism when the Phils began the season - and there was a different feel to it - they had winning streaks - but no long losing streaks - they were at or near the top nearly the entire season - and then, near the end - when it looked like the might fall short - the Mets stepped in again and crumpled nicely.

The Phils looked so strong in the post season - the Brewers were on a winning streak - that promptly halted at Lincoln Financial Field - and the Dodgers' bats were silenced in the NLCS - as the Phillies won in 5.

And we waited - who would the Phillies play in the World Series? THE PHILLIES ARE GOING TO THE WORLD SERIES! Oh no, the Rays. It's kinda difficult to "hate" the Rays - but we were able to muster the energy to do so for a few days. Actually, the dislike vested more with the announcers and "officials" - as they were (seemingly) overtly rooting for Tampa.

But that's okay - the Phils did it - they won! Philadelphia is once again a city of champions.

If you don't already love this kid

you will after you read this -

The Collegian has a story and interview with Deon Butler - He's been my "favorite" since 2005 - so I'm already a big fan - this article just cements it.

Deon was also the "feature player story" on this past week's "Penn State Football Story" - the kid comes from a solid foundation - it shows why he's such a great player/teammate.

Butler is just 4 catches away from the career title - but, in the Collegian interview, he says that he'd rather be remembered for having been on an undefeated team -

PENN STATE v iowa game time

Kick off is scheduled for 3:30pm (EST) with regional ABC coverage.

Mark Rubin is Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week.

There was a discussion following the tosu game as to who should be named the "player of the game" -

It really was a tremendous team effort - it was difficult to pick one stand out. None of the "usual suspects" dominated the statistics - but it was mentioned that "Rubin had the game of his life."

He's been named, not player of the game (Bowman got that honor), but, the player of the week - not only by the big ten, but, by the Walter Camp Foundation (national) -

Nice going kiddo.

Rubin is Walter Camp Defensive Player of the Week.

Yes, you read that correctly - Mark Rubin was named Defensive Player of the Week by the Walter Camp Foundation. Rubin had 11 tackles against tosu and forced the "game changing" fumble that led to the Lions' only TD of the night.


Also, you can vote for Rubin's forced fumble as the Pontiac Game Changing Play of the week. Jared Odrick's safety against um won the honor last week - let's do what we can to make sure that Rubin wins this week!

Article on Clark in the New York Times

that bastion of liberal lion love (remember 1994?) - has an article on Darryl Clark today - About his accomplishments on the field and in the classroom.

Excellent.

Logo/image source: Necco.com

So I hear that there's a couple games down in tampa...

Forget the hype - forget the consequences -

Wait a minute...

Oh goodness - this is possibly the most pivotal week in my personal sports spectating history -

Or so it seems.

So I hear there's a game in columbus this weekend...

Forget the hype - forget the consequences - we all know that the game this weekend is the one we've all been waiting for this season (okay, I was kinda waiting for last week's game - but that's over now) -

And now it is here.

Visit GoPSUsports for the transcript from Joe's Tuesday press conference, and the Penn State v tosu game notes.

Also, check out Week 7 of "Nittany Lions in the NFL" - Kerry is still winning, Puz is still hitting and Larry is still sitting.

Special Agent - Kevin Kelly

Kevin Kelly won Big Ten Special Teams player of the Week accolades for his performance against Michigan.

Kelly was 3/4 on field goals and 5/5 on PATs, scoring 14 points - which propelled him to the all time Big Ten leading in career kicking points with 376 (to date).

Kelly's 70 career field goals puts him just 3 kicks away from the career Big Ten title in made field goals.

Toys for Tots

To add to the Holiday cheer - Mrs. Tailgating Coordinator had an inspired idea. Why not collect gifts for Toys for Tots at the tailgate.

Brilliant - slightly devastated that I didn't think of it myself.

So we got in touch with the Centre County Toys for Tots Program and after we got the green light (we even called PSU to make sure it was okay) from them we contacted our guests and asked them to bring along a gift as a donation. (Click link for more information on Toys for Tots)

The response was overwhelming. Our tailgaters are a generous group of people - also, friends and family sent along additional gifts and donations to add to the haul.

It made a great day even more exceptional.

The stockings were hung, by the chimney with care...

and wire...

Team Virginia obliterated any and all expectations I had for the creation of the "fireplace wall" -

Did you say something about a banner?

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

Thanks again and again to everyone who helped out with the tailgate this weekend - it was such a group effort -