3yardsandacloud
Administrator Emeritus
2006 Penn State Nittany Lions - Additional Information
Coaching Staff
Head Coach:
Official School Bio - Joe Paterno
Jo Pa Write-Up
Assistant Coaches:
Official School Bios - Assistant Coaches
Dick Anderson - Offensive Line (Guards & Centers)
Tom Bradley - Defense
Galen Hall - Offense/Running Backs
Larry Johnson - Defensive Line
Bill Kenney - Offensive Tackles & Tight Ends
Mike McQueary - Wide Receivers Assistant/Recruiting Coordinator
Brian Norwood - Defensive Backs
Jay Paterno - Quarterbacks
Ron Vanderlinden - Linebackers
John Thomas - Strength & Conditioning
Official School Bio - Joe Paterno
Jo Pa Write-Up
Assistant Coaches:
Official School Bios - Assistant Coaches
Dick Anderson - Offensive Line (Guards & Centers)
Tom Bradley - Defense
Galen Hall - Offense/Running Backs
Larry Johnson - Defensive Line
Bill Kenney - Offensive Tackles & Tight Ends
Mike McQueary - Wide Receivers Assistant/Recruiting Coordinator
Brian Norwood - Defensive Backs
Jay Paterno - Quarterbacks
Ron Vanderlinden - Linebackers
John Thomas - Strength & Conditioning
Recruiting
Starters Returning: 11 (Offense 5, Defense 4, Special Teams 2)
Letterman Returning: 35 (Offense 13, Defense 20, Special Teams 2)
Notable Returners:
LB Dan Connor, LB Paul Posluszny, OL Levi Brown, DL Jay Alford, DL Scott Paxson, RB Tony Hunt
Starters Lost: 13 (Offense 6, Defense 7, Special Teams 0)
Letterman Lost: 25 (Offense 13, Defense 12, Special Teams 0)
Notable Losses:
QB Michael Robinson, DE Tamba Hali, DB Alan Zemaitis, DB Calvin Lowry, DL Scott Paxson, DL Matthew Rice,
Until 2006, all of the talk of Penn State being "back" in terms of recruiting was just that - talk. In 2005, Penn State signed two of the top players in the country - CB Justin King and WR Derrick Williams - together with a couple of other strong prospects, and a bunch of filler; overall, Rivals ranked the Nits' class as the 25th best in the country, and Scout the 28th best, hardly the stuff of greatness. Penn State's class of 2004 was very similar, with two five-star players - QB Anthony Morelli and LB Dan Connor - and not much else. However, both classes were a tremendous improvement over the disasterous 2003 effort, where the Lions signed only 11 prospects in a class rated 93rd by Rivals and 50th by Scout.
In recent years, Penn State has made the occasional foray into Ohio. While most of the current Ohioans at Happy Valley were not recruited by Ohio State, such was not always the case. Prior to the Tressel era, Penn State signed many notable prospects from the state of Ohio, including former NFL All-Pro WR O.J. McDuffie (class of 1988, Hawken School); NFL #1 overall draft pick RB Kijana Carter (class of 1991, Westerville South); current Steelers All-Pro OL Jeff Hartings (class of 1991, St. Henry); current NFL WR Joe Jurevicius (class of 1993, Lake Catholic); former NFL #5 overall draft pick RB Curtis Enis (class of 1995, Union City Mississinawa and Kiski Prep); current NFL LB Deryck Toles (class of 1999, Warren Harding); and current NFL TE Sean McHugh (class of 2000, Chagrin Falls).
In 2006, Penn State made an historic rebound in terms of recruiting, but it will likely be a case of too little, too late. The Nits signed just about every player they targeted in the Mid-Atlantic region, netting seven of the top nine recruits from the state of Maryland, in a year when that state produced a bumper crop of talented prospects (linebacker Navorro Bowman, linebacker Bani Gbadyu, offensive lineman Antonio Logan-El, linebacker Aaron Maybin, defensive lineman Phillip Taylor, athlete A.J. Wallace, and offensive lineman J.B. Walton). Ohio State was in the running for each of those recruits, and even led for Wallace and Bowman for a time; the Buckeyes also made a serious run for New Jersey defensive lineman Johnnie Troutman, and also had a mild interest in the following players, none of whom was offered by Ohio State: defensive lineman Tom McEowen; quarterback Pat Devlin; and running back Travis McBride. In all, Penn State signed 14 four-star recruits, and one five-star prospect (Wallace), en route to inking the number six class in the country according to both Rivals and Scout.
A.J. Wallace, one of the top prospects in the country, is already paying dividends, as he has already amassed 261 all-purpose yards in three games, and has scored on a 76-yard reverse against Youngstown State. Other true freshmen who have seen action thus far are wide receiver Chris Bell (5 receptions for 66 yards); tight end Andrew Quarless (2 receptions for 12 yards); defensive lineman Maurice Evans (4 tackles, 2 TFL's); defensive lineman Jared Odrick; and linebacker Navorro Bowman.
So far, Penn State's class of 2007 is a mixed bag. The Lions have netted verbal commitments from some of the top players in the state of Pennsylvania, including wide receivers Jon Ditto and Nick Sukay, offensive lineman Josh Marks, and linebacker Nathan Stupar, but the state's top quarterback (Pat Bostick) and offenswive lineman (Chris Jacobsen) are headed to Pitt, while highly-rated athlete Steve Paskorz has already committed to Notre Dame. In addition, several other top prospects appear to be headed elsewhere, including defensive lineman Derrick Morgan, wide receiver Toney Clemons, and linebacker Brandon Lindsey. Moreover, the state of Maryland has much less high school talent this year (only three 4-star players, two of whom are already committed to other schools), and the Lions have yet to get a single commitment from their neighbor to the south. The Nits might pull out a top 25 haul in 2007, but it will be nowhere near the talent level of last year's class.
Penn State has received a verbal commitment from one Ohioan so far, linebacker Andrew Dailey from Massillon Washington; Dailey was not offered by Ohio State. The Lions have also gotten a commitment from one of the top players in Michigan, linebacker Chris Colasanti.
Letterman Returning: 35 (Offense 13, Defense 20, Special Teams 2)
Notable Returners:
LB Dan Connor, LB Paul Posluszny, OL Levi Brown, DL Jay Alford, DL Scott Paxson, RB Tony Hunt
Starters Lost: 13 (Offense 6, Defense 7, Special Teams 0)
Letterman Lost: 25 (Offense 13, Defense 12, Special Teams 0)
Notable Losses:
QB Michael Robinson, DE Tamba Hali, DB Alan Zemaitis, DB Calvin Lowry, DL Scott Paxson, DL Matthew Rice,
Until 2006, all of the talk of Penn State being "back" in terms of recruiting was just that - talk. In 2005, Penn State signed two of the top players in the country - CB Justin King and WR Derrick Williams - together with a couple of other strong prospects, and a bunch of filler; overall, Rivals ranked the Nits' class as the 25th best in the country, and Scout the 28th best, hardly the stuff of greatness. Penn State's class of 2004 was very similar, with two five-star players - QB Anthony Morelli and LB Dan Connor - and not much else. However, both classes were a tremendous improvement over the disasterous 2003 effort, where the Lions signed only 11 prospects in a class rated 93rd by Rivals and 50th by Scout.
In recent years, Penn State has made the occasional foray into Ohio. While most of the current Ohioans at Happy Valley were not recruited by Ohio State, such was not always the case. Prior to the Tressel era, Penn State signed many notable prospects from the state of Ohio, including former NFL All-Pro WR O.J. McDuffie (class of 1988, Hawken School); NFL #1 overall draft pick RB Kijana Carter (class of 1991, Westerville South); current Steelers All-Pro OL Jeff Hartings (class of 1991, St. Henry); current NFL WR Joe Jurevicius (class of 1993, Lake Catholic); former NFL #5 overall draft pick RB Curtis Enis (class of 1995, Union City Mississinawa and Kiski Prep); current NFL LB Deryck Toles (class of 1999, Warren Harding); and current NFL TE Sean McHugh (class of 2000, Chagrin Falls).
The Penn State 2005 Recruiting Class
DT Chris Baker, Windsor, Connecticut (6' 3", 290 lbs, 5.0 forty); Rivals 2*; Scout 3*
QB Darryl Clark, Youngstown Ursuline / Kiski Prep (6' 2", 224 lbs); Rivals 3*; Scout 2*
TE Francis Claude, Vancouver (Quebec) Champlain (6' 5", 246 lbs, 4.6 forty); Rivals 3*; Scout 2*
TE Brennan Coakley, Sandy Hook (Connecticut) Newtown (6' 5", 235 lbs, 4.6 forty); Rivals 2*; Scout 2*
WR Kevin Cousins, Richmond Huguenot (6' 3", 189 lbs, 4.65 forty); Rivals 3* (#22 in Virginia); Scout 2*
DB Devin Fentress, Chesapeake (Virginia) Western Branch (5' 10", 164 lbs, 4.62 forty); Rivals 2*; Scout 2*
DB Willie Harriott, New Haven (Connecticut) Hyde Leadership (5' 10", 180 lbs, 4.4 forty); Rivals 3*; Scout 3*
LB Jerome Hayes, Bayonne, New Jersey (6' 2", 225 lbs, 4.5 forty); Rivals 4* (#6 in New Jersey); Scout 4*
PK Kevin Kelly, Langhorne (Pennsylvania) Neshaminy (5' 9", 175 lbs, 4.6 forty); Rivals 2*; Scout 2*
DB Justin King, Pittsburgh Gateway (6' 0", 183 lbs, 4.3 forty); Rivals 5* (#19 nationally); Scout 5*
OL Dennis Landolt, Delran (New Jersey) Holy Cross (6' 5", 268 lbs, 4.87 forty); Rivals 3* (#9 in New Jersey); Scout 3*
LB Sean Lee, Pittsburgh Upper St. Clair (6' 3", 215 lbs, 4.6 forty); Rivals 3* (#19 in Pennsylvania); Scout 3*
[strike]OL Matthew Lowry, Springfield (Pennsylvania) Cardinal O'Hara (6' 6", 300 lbs, 5.3 forty); Rivals 3* (#10 in Pennsylvania); Scout 2*[/strike]
WR James McDonald, Washington (DC) Dunbar (6' 2", 176 lbs, 4.68 forty); Rivals 3* (#2 in DC); Scout 3*
ATH Lydell Sargeant, Lompoc (California) Cabrillo (5' 10", 172 lbs, 4.56 forty); Rivals 4* (#54 in California); Scout 4*
DB Anthony Scirrotto, West Deptford, New Jersey (6' 1", 185 lbs, 4.5 forty); Rivals 3* (#30 in New Jersey); Scout 2*
TE Mickey Shuler, East Pennboro, Pennsylvania (6' 4", 218 lbs); Rivals 2*; Scout 2*
ATH Knowledge Timmons, York (Pennsylvania) William Penn (5' 10", 175 lbs); Rivals 3* (#16 in Pennsylvania); Scout 3*
ATH Derrick Williams, Greenbelt (Maryland) Eleanor Roosevelt (6' 0", 189 lbs, 4.31 forty); Rivals 5* (#1 nationally); Scout 5*
DT Chris Baker, Windsor, Connecticut (6' 3", 290 lbs, 5.0 forty); Rivals 2*; Scout 3*
QB Darryl Clark, Youngstown Ursuline / Kiski Prep (6' 2", 224 lbs); Rivals 3*; Scout 2*
TE Francis Claude, Vancouver (Quebec) Champlain (6' 5", 246 lbs, 4.6 forty); Rivals 3*; Scout 2*
TE Brennan Coakley, Sandy Hook (Connecticut) Newtown (6' 5", 235 lbs, 4.6 forty); Rivals 2*; Scout 2*
WR Kevin Cousins, Richmond Huguenot (6' 3", 189 lbs, 4.65 forty); Rivals 3* (#22 in Virginia); Scout 2*
DB Devin Fentress, Chesapeake (Virginia) Western Branch (5' 10", 164 lbs, 4.62 forty); Rivals 2*; Scout 2*
DB Willie Harriott, New Haven (Connecticut) Hyde Leadership (5' 10", 180 lbs, 4.4 forty); Rivals 3*; Scout 3*
LB Jerome Hayes, Bayonne, New Jersey (6' 2", 225 lbs, 4.5 forty); Rivals 4* (#6 in New Jersey); Scout 4*
PK Kevin Kelly, Langhorne (Pennsylvania) Neshaminy (5' 9", 175 lbs, 4.6 forty); Rivals 2*; Scout 2*
DB Justin King, Pittsburgh Gateway (6' 0", 183 lbs, 4.3 forty); Rivals 5* (#19 nationally); Scout 5*
OL Dennis Landolt, Delran (New Jersey) Holy Cross (6' 5", 268 lbs, 4.87 forty); Rivals 3* (#9 in New Jersey); Scout 3*
LB Sean Lee, Pittsburgh Upper St. Clair (6' 3", 215 lbs, 4.6 forty); Rivals 3* (#19 in Pennsylvania); Scout 3*
[strike]OL Matthew Lowry, Springfield (Pennsylvania) Cardinal O'Hara (6' 6", 300 lbs, 5.3 forty); Rivals 3* (#10 in Pennsylvania); Scout 2*[/strike]
WR James McDonald, Washington (DC) Dunbar (6' 2", 176 lbs, 4.68 forty); Rivals 3* (#2 in DC); Scout 3*
ATH Lydell Sargeant, Lompoc (California) Cabrillo (5' 10", 172 lbs, 4.56 forty); Rivals 4* (#54 in California); Scout 4*
DB Anthony Scirrotto, West Deptford, New Jersey (6' 1", 185 lbs, 4.5 forty); Rivals 3* (#30 in New Jersey); Scout 2*
TE Mickey Shuler, East Pennboro, Pennsylvania (6' 4", 218 lbs); Rivals 2*; Scout 2*
ATH Knowledge Timmons, York (Pennsylvania) William Penn (5' 10", 175 lbs); Rivals 3* (#16 in Pennsylvania); Scout 3*
ATH Derrick Williams, Greenbelt (Maryland) Eleanor Roosevelt (6' 0", 189 lbs, 4.31 forty); Rivals 5* (#1 nationally); Scout 5*
In 2006, Penn State made an historic rebound in terms of recruiting, but it will likely be a case of too little, too late. The Nits signed just about every player they targeted in the Mid-Atlantic region, netting seven of the top nine recruits from the state of Maryland, in a year when that state produced a bumper crop of talented prospects (linebacker Navorro Bowman, linebacker Bani Gbadyu, offensive lineman Antonio Logan-El, linebacker Aaron Maybin, defensive lineman Phillip Taylor, athlete A.J. Wallace, and offensive lineman J.B. Walton). Ohio State was in the running for each of those recruits, and even led for Wallace and Bowman for a time; the Buckeyes also made a serious run for New Jersey defensive lineman Johnnie Troutman, and also had a mild interest in the following players, none of whom was offered by Ohio State: defensive lineman Tom McEowen; quarterback Pat Devlin; and running back Travis McBride. In all, Penn State signed 14 four-star recruits, and one five-star prospect (Wallace), en route to inking the number six class in the country according to both Rivals and Scout.
A.J. Wallace, one of the top prospects in the country, is already paying dividends, as he has already amassed 261 all-purpose yards in three games, and has scored on a 76-yard reverse against Youngstown State. Other true freshmen who have seen action thus far are wide receiver Chris Bell (5 receptions for 66 yards); tight end Andrew Quarless (2 receptions for 12 yards); defensive lineman Maurice Evans (4 tackles, 2 TFL's); defensive lineman Jared Odrick; and linebacker Navorro Bowman.
The Penn State 2006 Recruiting Class
WR Chris Bell, Norfolk (Virginia) Granby (6' 3", 205 lbs, 4.56 forty); Rivals 4* (#4 in Virginia); Scout 5*
LB Navorro Bowman, Suitland, Maryland (6' 0", 218 lbs, 4.7 forty); Rivals 4* (#9 in Maryland); Scout 4*
QB Brett Brackett, Lawrenceville (New Jersey) Lawrence (6' 6", 232 lbs, 4.71 forty); Rivals 3* (#14 in New Jersey); Scout 3*
RB Brent Carter, Pottstown (Pennsylvania) Pottsgrove (6' 3", 205 lbs, 4.55 forty); Rivals 4* (#9 in Pennsylvania); Scout 3*
QB Pat Devlin, Exton (Pennsylvania) Downington East (6' 3", 200 lbs, 4.78 forty); Rivals 4* (#7 in Pennsylvania); Scout 4*
OL Lou Eliades, Ocean (New Jersey) Township (6' 4", 286 lbs, 4.97 forty); Rivals 4* (#7 in New Jersey); Scout 4*
DE Maurice Evans, Middle Village (New York) Christ The King (6' 3", 245 lbs, 4.8 forty); Rivals 4* (#46 nationally; #1 in New York); Scout 4*
LB Bani Gbadyu, Gaithersburg (Maryland) Quince Orchard (6' 1", 205 lbs, 4.52 forty); Rivals 4* (#8 in Maryland); Scout 3*
WR Cedric Jeffries, Egg Harbor (New Jersey) Township (6' 1", 185 lbs, 4.6 forty); Rivals 3* (#21 in New Jersey); Scout 3*
[strike]OL Doug Klopacz, Montvale (New Jersey) St. Joseph's (6' 2", 249 lbs, 4.85 forty); Rivals 2* (#28 in New Jersey); Scout 2*[/strike]
DT Abe Koroma, Takoma Park (Pennsylvania) (6' 3", 280 lbs, 4.85 forty); Rivals 3*; Scout 3*
[strike]DE Eric Latimore, Middletown (Delaware) (6' 5", 240 lbs, 4.9 forty); Rivals 3*; Scout 3*[/strike] grey shirt due to injury
OL Antonio Logan-El, Forrestville (Maryland) (6' 4", 307 lbs, 5.11 forty); Rivals 4* (#3 in Maryland); Scout 5*
DE Aaron Maybin, Ellicot City (Maryland) (6' 3", 211 lbs, 4.64 forty); Rivals 4* (#7 in Maryland); Scout 4*
RB Travis McBride, McKeesport (Pennsylvania) (6' 0", 188 lbs, 4.6 forty); Rivals 3*; Scout 3*
DT Tom McEowen, Feasterville (Pennsylvania) Neshaminy (6' 4", 279 lbs, 5.1 forty); Rivals 4* (#8 in Pennsylvania); Scout 4*
DT Jared Odrick, Lebanon (Pennsylvania) (6' 5", 303 lbs, 5.03 forty); Rivals 4* (#31 nationally; #1 in Pennsylvania); Scout 4*
DT Ollie Ogbu, Milford Academy (6' 3", 320 lbs); Rivals 3* (#22 prep school); Scout 2*
TE Andrew Quarless, Uniondale, New York (6' 4", 222 lbs, 4.5 forty); Rivals 4* (#4 in New York); Scout 4*
RB Evan Royster, Chantilly (Virginia) Westfield (6' 0", 190 lbs, 4.45 forty); Rivals 3* (#14 in Virginia); Scout 3*
DT Phillip Taylor, Clinton (Maryland) Gwynn Park (6' 3", 346 lbs); Rivals 4* (#6 in Maryland); Scout 4*
[strike]DE Johnnie Troutman, Browns Mills (New Jersey) Pemberton Twp (6' 4", 289 lbs, 4.9 forty); Rivals 3* (#19 in New Jersey); Scout 3*[/strike] grey shirt due to injury
DB A.J. Wallace, Pomfret (Maryland) McDonough (6' 1", 195 lbs, 4.4 forty); Rivals 5* (#19 nationally; #1 in Maryland); Scout 4*
[strike]OL J.B. Walton, Indian Head (Maryland) Lackey (6' 3", 275 lbs): Rivals 4* (#5 in Maryland); Scout 4*[/strike] prep school
WR Chris Bell, Norfolk (Virginia) Granby (6' 3", 205 lbs, 4.56 forty); Rivals 4* (#4 in Virginia); Scout 5*
LB Navorro Bowman, Suitland, Maryland (6' 0", 218 lbs, 4.7 forty); Rivals 4* (#9 in Maryland); Scout 4*
QB Brett Brackett, Lawrenceville (New Jersey) Lawrence (6' 6", 232 lbs, 4.71 forty); Rivals 3* (#14 in New Jersey); Scout 3*
RB Brent Carter, Pottstown (Pennsylvania) Pottsgrove (6' 3", 205 lbs, 4.55 forty); Rivals 4* (#9 in Pennsylvania); Scout 3*
QB Pat Devlin, Exton (Pennsylvania) Downington East (6' 3", 200 lbs, 4.78 forty); Rivals 4* (#7 in Pennsylvania); Scout 4*
OL Lou Eliades, Ocean (New Jersey) Township (6' 4", 286 lbs, 4.97 forty); Rivals 4* (#7 in New Jersey); Scout 4*
DE Maurice Evans, Middle Village (New York) Christ The King (6' 3", 245 lbs, 4.8 forty); Rivals 4* (#46 nationally; #1 in New York); Scout 4*
LB Bani Gbadyu, Gaithersburg (Maryland) Quince Orchard (6' 1", 205 lbs, 4.52 forty); Rivals 4* (#8 in Maryland); Scout 3*
WR Cedric Jeffries, Egg Harbor (New Jersey) Township (6' 1", 185 lbs, 4.6 forty); Rivals 3* (#21 in New Jersey); Scout 3*
[strike]OL Doug Klopacz, Montvale (New Jersey) St. Joseph's (6' 2", 249 lbs, 4.85 forty); Rivals 2* (#28 in New Jersey); Scout 2*[/strike]
DT Abe Koroma, Takoma Park (Pennsylvania) (6' 3", 280 lbs, 4.85 forty); Rivals 3*; Scout 3*
[strike]DE Eric Latimore, Middletown (Delaware) (6' 5", 240 lbs, 4.9 forty); Rivals 3*; Scout 3*[/strike] grey shirt due to injury
OL Antonio Logan-El, Forrestville (Maryland) (6' 4", 307 lbs, 5.11 forty); Rivals 4* (#3 in Maryland); Scout 5*
DE Aaron Maybin, Ellicot City (Maryland) (6' 3", 211 lbs, 4.64 forty); Rivals 4* (#7 in Maryland); Scout 4*
RB Travis McBride, McKeesport (Pennsylvania) (6' 0", 188 lbs, 4.6 forty); Rivals 3*; Scout 3*
DT Tom McEowen, Feasterville (Pennsylvania) Neshaminy (6' 4", 279 lbs, 5.1 forty); Rivals 4* (#8 in Pennsylvania); Scout 4*
DT Jared Odrick, Lebanon (Pennsylvania) (6' 5", 303 lbs, 5.03 forty); Rivals 4* (#31 nationally; #1 in Pennsylvania); Scout 4*
DT Ollie Ogbu, Milford Academy (6' 3", 320 lbs); Rivals 3* (#22 prep school); Scout 2*
TE Andrew Quarless, Uniondale, New York (6' 4", 222 lbs, 4.5 forty); Rivals 4* (#4 in New York); Scout 4*
RB Evan Royster, Chantilly (Virginia) Westfield (6' 0", 190 lbs, 4.45 forty); Rivals 3* (#14 in Virginia); Scout 3*
DT Phillip Taylor, Clinton (Maryland) Gwynn Park (6' 3", 346 lbs); Rivals 4* (#6 in Maryland); Scout 4*
[strike]DE Johnnie Troutman, Browns Mills (New Jersey) Pemberton Twp (6' 4", 289 lbs, 4.9 forty); Rivals 3* (#19 in New Jersey); Scout 3*[/strike] grey shirt due to injury
DB A.J. Wallace, Pomfret (Maryland) McDonough (6' 1", 195 lbs, 4.4 forty); Rivals 5* (#19 nationally; #1 in Maryland); Scout 4*
[strike]OL J.B. Walton, Indian Head (Maryland) Lackey (6' 3", 275 lbs): Rivals 4* (#5 in Maryland); Scout 4*[/strike] prep school
So far, Penn State's class of 2007 is a mixed bag. The Lions have netted verbal commitments from some of the top players in the state of Pennsylvania, including wide receivers Jon Ditto and Nick Sukay, offensive lineman Josh Marks, and linebacker Nathan Stupar, but the state's top quarterback (Pat Bostick) and offenswive lineman (Chris Jacobsen) are headed to Pitt, while highly-rated athlete Steve Paskorz has already committed to Notre Dame. In addition, several other top prospects appear to be headed elsewhere, including defensive lineman Derrick Morgan, wide receiver Toney Clemons, and linebacker Brandon Lindsey. Moreover, the state of Maryland has much less high school talent this year (only three 4-star players, two of whom are already committed to other schools), and the Lions have yet to get a single commitment from their neighbor to the south. The Nits might pull out a top 25 haul in 2007, but it will be nowhere near the talent level of last year's class.
Penn State has received a verbal commitment from one Ohioan so far, linebacker Andrew Dailey from Massillon Washington; Dailey was not offered by Ohio State. The Lions have also gotten a commitment from one of the top players in Michigan, linebacker Chris Colasanti.
The Penn State 2007 Recruiting Class
OL Quinn Barham, Durham (North Carolina) Hillside (6' 3", 272 lbs); Rivals 2*; Scout 1*
PK Ryan Breen, Clarkston, Michigan (6' 2", 205 lbs); Rivals 2*; Scout 2*
LB Chris Colasanti, Birmingham (Michigan) Brother Rice (6' 2", 209 lbs, 4.63 forty); Rivals 4* (#5 in Michigan); Scout 4*
LB Andrew Dailey, Massillon Washington (6' 2", 209 lbs, 4.76 forty); Rivals 4* (#6 in Ohio); Scout 4*
WR Jon Ditto, Pittsburgh Gateway (6' 3", 221 lbs, 4.55 forty); Rivals 4* (#8 in Pennsylvania); Scout 4*
DB Stephfon Green, Bronx JFK (5' 10", 184 lbs, 4.4 forty); Rivals 2*; Scout 2*
DE Kevion Latham, Greensboro (North Carolina) Page (6' 3", 233 lbs, 4.63 forty); Rivals 4* (#9 in North Carolina); Scout 3*
OL Josh Marks, Catawissa (Pennsylvania) Southern Columbia (6' 5", 300 lbs); Rivals 3* (#11 in Pennsylvania); Scout 4*
DB Chaz Powell, New Freedom (Pennsylvania) Susquehannock (6' 1", 184 lbs, 4.44 forty); Rivals 3* (#13 in Pennsylvania); Scout 3*
LB Nathan Stupar, State College, Pennsylvania (6' 2", 220 lbs, 4.61 forty); Rivals 4* (#5 in Pennsylvania); Scout 4*
WR Nick Sukay, Greensburg (Pennsylvania) Central Catholic (6' 3", 200 lbs, 4.5 forty); Rivals 4* (#3 in Pennsylvania); Scout 4*
TE Andrew Szczerba, Wilmington (Delaware) Salesianum (6' 6", 235 lbs, 4.8 forty); Rivals 3* (#2 in Delaware); Scout 4*
OL Quinn Barham, Durham (North Carolina) Hillside (6' 3", 272 lbs); Rivals 2*; Scout 1*
PK Ryan Breen, Clarkston, Michigan (6' 2", 205 lbs); Rivals 2*; Scout 2*
LB Chris Colasanti, Birmingham (Michigan) Brother Rice (6' 2", 209 lbs, 4.63 forty); Rivals 4* (#5 in Michigan); Scout 4*
LB Andrew Dailey, Massillon Washington (6' 2", 209 lbs, 4.76 forty); Rivals 4* (#6 in Ohio); Scout 4*
WR Jon Ditto, Pittsburgh Gateway (6' 3", 221 lbs, 4.55 forty); Rivals 4* (#8 in Pennsylvania); Scout 4*
DB Stephfon Green, Bronx JFK (5' 10", 184 lbs, 4.4 forty); Rivals 2*; Scout 2*
DE Kevion Latham, Greensboro (North Carolina) Page (6' 3", 233 lbs, 4.63 forty); Rivals 4* (#9 in North Carolina); Scout 3*
OL Josh Marks, Catawissa (Pennsylvania) Southern Columbia (6' 5", 300 lbs); Rivals 3* (#11 in Pennsylvania); Scout 4*
DB Chaz Powell, New Freedom (Pennsylvania) Susquehannock (6' 1", 184 lbs, 4.44 forty); Rivals 3* (#13 in Pennsylvania); Scout 3*
LB Nathan Stupar, State College, Pennsylvania (6' 2", 220 lbs, 4.61 forty); Rivals 4* (#5 in Pennsylvania); Scout 4*
WR Nick Sukay, Greensburg (Pennsylvania) Central Catholic (6' 3", 200 lbs, 4.5 forty); Rivals 4* (#3 in Pennsylvania); Scout 4*
TE Andrew Szczerba, Wilmington (Delaware) Salesianum (6' 6", 235 lbs, 4.8 forty); Rivals 3* (#2 in Delaware); Scout 4*
Behind the Numbers
Context, Context, Context
Late in the season, one of the best ways to extract meaningful conclusions from statistics is to compare our favorite team's performance against each opponent to the performances of everyone else on their collective schedules. For example, to analyze Ohio State's offensive performance, we will compare the Buckeyes' output in yards and points against each opponent to the opponent's average defense; with the game against the Bucks factored out. We like to call this Differential Statistical Analysis (DSA).
Late in the season, this type of analysis works very well because you are compared to everyone else that all of your opponents have played. For a team in a conference, this effectively compares you to 30-40 teams; giving a statistically useful comparison. When comparing yourself to 30-40 other teams, meaningful trends can be seen without any further context.
While useful for adding depth late in the season, CONTEXT is VITAL to any attempt to analyze statistics after three games. This early in the season, as mentioned last week, the relative strength of schedule of various teams varies so widely that this type of analysis is only useful if you do some extra work to give the numbers some of that all-important context.
Opponents' Opponents
The most important thing to remember when using DSA is that you are comparing your team to the other teams your opponents have played. Since it's early, we need to examine the strength of our opponents' schedules to that of PSU's opponents.
OSU's Opponents.............PSU's Opponents
NIU...............................Akron
Texas............................Notre Dame
Cincinnati.......................YSU**
Have played:...................Have played:
Ohio..............................NC State
Buffalo...........................Central Mich.
North Texas....................Georgia Tech
Rice...............................Michigan
Eastern Kentucky**..........Slippery Rock**
Pittsburgh.......................Maine**
** ONLY Div. IA teams used for DSA
Most OSU fans know well that our Buckeyes have played a much tougher schedule thus far than the one played by PSU. This means that traditional statistics (average offense and defense) are skewed in PSU's favor. What the above table shows, however, is that DSA in this case will falsely skew in Ohio State's favor. Ohio State has played better competition; and those teams have played at least 3 and arguably 4 of the 10 worst teams in Div. IA.
There is a very easy way of correcting for this bias in the numbers; a method that is very charitable to Penn State. We'll simply include the Nittany Lions' statistics vs. YSU in their average offense and defense, but we won't include YSU's opponents in DSA. The effect of this should be apparent shortly.
THE NUMBERS
Differential Offense
TEAM........................YARDS.......POINTS
OHIO STATE...............1.749........2.376
PENN STATE...............1.125........1.128
What this means is that Ohio State has gained 74.9% more yards than their opponents have given up on average (in games not against OSU), and scored 2.376 times as many points as their opponents give up on average. Penn State on the other hand has gained 12.5% more yards than their opponents have given up on average, and has scored 12.8% more points. Remember, this is skewed in OSU's favor, so let's not draw too much from this ... yet.
Differential Defense
TEAM........................YARDS.......POINTS
OHIO STATE...............0.601.........0.293
PENN STATE...............1.021.........1.562
What this means is that Ohio State has allowed only 60.1% as many yards as their opponents have gained on average, and has given up only 29.3% as many points as their opponents average against everyone else. Penn State on the other hand has given up 2.1% more yards and 56.2% more points than their opponents average. Again, this is skewed in OSU's favor, so let's not draw too much from this ... yet.
Total Offense
TEAM........................YARDS.......POINTS
OHIO STATE...............426.67.......32.0
PENN STATE...............411.00.......29.3
Total Defense
TEAM........................YARDS.......POINTS
OHIO STATE...............293.67.......8.7
PENN STATE...............268.67.......20.0
Recall that these numbers, though they favor OSU, skew in PSU's favor due to straight-up schedule strength.
CONCLUSION
What conclusions, if any, can be drawn from this data? The small data set does suggest that we should take these numbers with a grain of salt. One would hope that, with the context provided, that we might be able to shed some light on what might happen on Saturday.
First, let's combine the Differential Defense with the Total Offense:
OSU OFFENSE * PSU Differential Defense
426.67 * 1.021 = 435.8 yards
32.0 * 1.562 = 49.97 points
PSU OFFENSE * OSU Differential Defense
411.00 * 0.601 = 246.9 yards
29.3 * 0.293 = 8.59 points
Now let's combine the Differential Offense with the Total Defense:
PSU DEFENSE * OSU Differential Offense
268.67 * 1.749 = 469.89 yards
20.0 * 2.376 = 47.53 points
OSU DEFENSE * PSU Differential Offense
293.67 * 1.125 = 330.31 yards
8.7 * 1.128 = 9.81 points
The upshot of all this is that this week's DSA provides the following prediction for Saturday's Game:
OHIO STATE: 436-470 yards and 48-50 points
PENN STATE: 247-330 yards and 9-10 points
To quote the great philosopher Austin Powers: Ouch baby. Very Ouch.
Let's recall however that the differential numbers are skewed in Ohio State's favor. OK, not THAT much. Still very ouch.
Now let's recall that Penn State's Average Offense and Defense were inflated against a IAA opponent, and that no correction was made for this, as it was for OSU's differential numbers.
All of this can easily be explained by a poor performance at Notre Dame. That can be a tough place to play. It's not like they're going to be playing on the road this week against the #1 team in the nation in the first game where that school's students will be in attendance. Now that would be tough, especially if there were like 31,000 of them.
oh, wait...
Ouch baby. Very Ouch.
Late in the season, one of the best ways to extract meaningful conclusions from statistics is to compare our favorite team's performance against each opponent to the performances of everyone else on their collective schedules. For example, to analyze Ohio State's offensive performance, we will compare the Buckeyes' output in yards and points against each opponent to the opponent's average defense; with the game against the Bucks factored out. We like to call this Differential Statistical Analysis (DSA).
Late in the season, this type of analysis works very well because you are compared to everyone else that all of your opponents have played. For a team in a conference, this effectively compares you to 30-40 teams; giving a statistically useful comparison. When comparing yourself to 30-40 other teams, meaningful trends can be seen without any further context.
While useful for adding depth late in the season, CONTEXT is VITAL to any attempt to analyze statistics after three games. This early in the season, as mentioned last week, the relative strength of schedule of various teams varies so widely that this type of analysis is only useful if you do some extra work to give the numbers some of that all-important context.
Opponents' Opponents
The most important thing to remember when using DSA is that you are comparing your team to the other teams your opponents have played. Since it's early, we need to examine the strength of our opponents' schedules to that of PSU's opponents.
OSU's Opponents.............PSU's Opponents
NIU...............................Akron
Texas............................Notre Dame
Cincinnati.......................YSU**
Have played:...................Have played:
Ohio..............................NC State
Buffalo...........................Central Mich.
North Texas....................Georgia Tech
Rice...............................Michigan
Eastern Kentucky**..........Slippery Rock**
Pittsburgh.......................Maine**
** ONLY Div. IA teams used for DSA
Most OSU fans know well that our Buckeyes have played a much tougher schedule thus far than the one played by PSU. This means that traditional statistics (average offense and defense) are skewed in PSU's favor. What the above table shows, however, is that DSA in this case will falsely skew in Ohio State's favor. Ohio State has played better competition; and those teams have played at least 3 and arguably 4 of the 10 worst teams in Div. IA.
There is a very easy way of correcting for this bias in the numbers; a method that is very charitable to Penn State. We'll simply include the Nittany Lions' statistics vs. YSU in their average offense and defense, but we won't include YSU's opponents in DSA. The effect of this should be apparent shortly.
THE NUMBERS
Differential Offense
TEAM........................YARDS.......POINTS
OHIO STATE...............1.749........2.376
PENN STATE...............1.125........1.128
What this means is that Ohio State has gained 74.9% more yards than their opponents have given up on average (in games not against OSU), and scored 2.376 times as many points as their opponents give up on average. Penn State on the other hand has gained 12.5% more yards than their opponents have given up on average, and has scored 12.8% more points. Remember, this is skewed in OSU's favor, so let's not draw too much from this ... yet.
Differential Defense
TEAM........................YARDS.......POINTS
OHIO STATE...............0.601.........0.293
PENN STATE...............1.021.........1.562
What this means is that Ohio State has allowed only 60.1% as many yards as their opponents have gained on average, and has given up only 29.3% as many points as their opponents average against everyone else. Penn State on the other hand has given up 2.1% more yards and 56.2% more points than their opponents average. Again, this is skewed in OSU's favor, so let's not draw too much from this ... yet.
Total Offense
TEAM........................YARDS.......POINTS
OHIO STATE...............426.67.......32.0
PENN STATE...............411.00.......29.3
Total Defense
TEAM........................YARDS.......POINTS
OHIO STATE...............293.67.......8.7
PENN STATE...............268.67.......20.0
Recall that these numbers, though they favor OSU, skew in PSU's favor due to straight-up schedule strength.
CONCLUSION
What conclusions, if any, can be drawn from this data? The small data set does suggest that we should take these numbers with a grain of salt. One would hope that, with the context provided, that we might be able to shed some light on what might happen on Saturday.
First, let's combine the Differential Defense with the Total Offense:
OSU OFFENSE * PSU Differential Defense
426.67 * 1.021 = 435.8 yards
32.0 * 1.562 = 49.97 points
PSU OFFENSE * OSU Differential Defense
411.00 * 0.601 = 246.9 yards
29.3 * 0.293 = 8.59 points
Now let's combine the Differential Offense with the Total Defense:
PSU DEFENSE * OSU Differential Offense
268.67 * 1.749 = 469.89 yards
20.0 * 2.376 = 47.53 points
OSU DEFENSE * PSU Differential Offense
293.67 * 1.125 = 330.31 yards
8.7 * 1.128 = 9.81 points
The upshot of all this is that this week's DSA provides the following prediction for Saturday's Game:
OHIO STATE: 436-470 yards and 48-50 points
PENN STATE: 247-330 yards and 9-10 points
To quote the great philosopher Austin Powers: Ouch baby. Very Ouch.
Let's recall however that the differential numbers are skewed in Ohio State's favor. OK, not THAT much. Still very ouch.
Now let's recall that Penn State's Average Offense and Defense were inflated against a IAA opponent, and that no correction was made for this, as it was for OSU's differential numbers.
All of this can easily be explained by a poor performance at Notre Dame. That can be a tough place to play. It's not like they're going to be playing on the road this week against the #1 team in the nation in the first game where that school's students will be in attendance. Now that would be tough, especially if there were like 31,000 of them.
oh, wait...
Ouch baby. Very Ouch.
PSU Traditions
One would think a lion would stand so proud that traditions would be dripping off their mane. However, when talking with the Nittany Lion fans one thing was apparent, if they have rituals and traditions they aren't willing to share. Correction, they are willing to say they have traditions, just not willing to expound on what these "secretive" traditions entail. For instance:
Now, for the more public traditions:
- "The Creamery" ???
- "Old Main" Again, ???
- "Cowbell Guy" Yet another, ???
- "Mellon Bank Blue Buttons" Wha? Huh???
Now, for the more public traditions:
- Blue and white, plain and simple, have been the trademark of PSU since 1890 although Black and Pink were their original colors.
- Penn States athletic symbol, chosen by the student body in 1906, is the mountain lion which once roamed central Pennsylvania. Penn State is believed to be the first college to adopt the lion as its mascot.
- Since Penn State is located in the Nittany Valley at the foot of Mount Nittany, the lion was designated as a Nittany Lion. In regional folklore, Nittany was a valorous Indian princess in whose honor the Great Spirit caused Mount Nittany to be formed. A later namesake, daughter of chief O-Ko-Cho, who lived near the mouth of Penn's Creek, fell in love with Malachi Boyer, a trader. The tearful maiden and her lost lover became legend and her name was given the the stately mountain.
- With Beaver stadium and Mt. Nittany looming in the background, "Paternoville" takes life. The students gather, set up tents and camp-out sometimes as far out as 6 days before their weekend game, all to reveice a good spot in line to purchase tickets. HIPPIES!
- The team rides in blue and white buses to the stadium, and walks through fans lined up on either sides of the walkway to enter.
- The starting QB rides in the front of the bus with Paterno and gets off the bus to the stadium first.
- JoePa coughs before he leads the team in running out onto the field (this sounds a bit more like mojo as opposed to tradition to me.)
- The band plays the "Hail to the Lion" fanfare to the four corners of the stadium and the Drum Major does a flip.
- Similar to our "O-H" "I-O" you will hear "We are" with "Penn State" as the response.
- A recent tradition started in the last several years at Beaver Stadium has the student section hopping and singing in unison to the thumping dance number "Zombie Nation" this practice may be short lived as the elder alumni are not fond of this.
- During home games, late in the 3rd or early 4th quarter the band plays, "Hey Baby" as the crowd sings along.
- The Lion mascot does pushups for each point PSU scored throughout the game.
- If Penn State is victorious, the victory bell is rung.
- Lest any of us forget the tradition of the "Lion roar."
The Lighter Side
"Sussudio, just say the word. Oh Sussudio"
OK, I know you're probably asking yourself, "Did I just read that? Did my BP Penn State preview just quote a Phil Collins tune from 1985? Why in the hell would they do that?" Well, truth is, I asked resident drummer Bucknutty who is the best drummer of all time, and he reflexively answered, "Phil Collins." I found this disturbing.
Alright, I admit it, as should be obvious, that conversation never took place. The discerning reader would know this immediately. Everyone knows that a drummer's reflexive answer to the question, "Who's the best drummer" is Neal Peart. Notice I said "reflexive" answer. The correct answer is John Bonham. And while we can maybe debate that, surely Nutty would say "Matt Cameron" before he'd blurt out "Phil Collins."
So you're saying, "That's great. What does this have to do with the Penn State game?" Well, here's the truth. In reading my August 25, Sporting News College Football Preview, I did indeed become disturbed and Phil Collins was the reason for said disturbance. See, on Page 47, Penn State LB Dan Connor is asked, "Who's your favorite musician or musical group" and his answer was Phil Collins. Phil Collins? What is this 1983? As I said, I was deeply troubled by this. But, upon some reflection, I've come to realize, it makes perfect sense. Connor's answer is a reflection of the environment in which he plays. I'll explain what I mean.
First, anyone who lived through the 1980's will no doubt recall that you could not get through a day without either seeing or hearing Phil Collins at least 148 times during your waking hours. He was to 80's music what Michael Caine was to 80's movies. The man was literally everywhere. You'd turn on Q-FM-96, there's Phil making you wonder what the hell an "Abacab" could possibly be. You turn on Sunny 95, Phil's there too, reminding the soft-rockers that you can't hurry love. Much like football, love, it seems, is a game of give and take. You'd flip on MTV (back when they played videos) and there's the puppetized Phil Collins running around a land of confusion. So, what do the 1980's and Penn State football have in common? There are a couple of similarities. That's the last decade that Penn State (like Phil Collins) was consistently good. Likewise, while the time frame is slightly off, Penn State 1994 dominated opponents in the same way Phil Collins dominated Bob Geldof's Live Aid concert. Phil played Solo and then with Sting in England, then he boarded a Concorde to Philly where he sat in with Led Zeppelin and Eric Clapton. Yes, it's fair to say that at times both Phil Collins and Penn State were unstoppable.
Of course, all good things eventually come to an end, and both Phil and Penn State had occasion to fall off the radar. In 1999 Penn State, ranked #1 in the nation, lost to visiting Minnesota. They then proceeded to tumble straight down to the bottom of the Big Ten by 2004. I'm not sure if Collins fell so hard, but I do know that in 2005 Penn State faithful were treated to something of a comeback tour. This successful foray back to the heights of major college football is reminiscent of Phil's 1996 surprisingly successful "Trip in to the light" tour. Phil's 1996 tour was to support an album called "Dance in to the Light." Much like 2005 Penn State, the album really wasn't that good on paper. But, both got the job done and both ended up yielding similar reviews, far as I'm concerned. Entertainment Weekly said of "In to the Light," "(e)ven Phil Collins must know that we all grew weary of Phil Collins." This parrots exactly my thoughts concerning Penn State fan's ever insistent claim that "Penn State is back." Phil Collins wasn't back, and Penn State isn't back either.
Other similarities are present. When I think of generic and/or vanilla, I think of Penn State and Phil Collins. I mean come on. All white uniforms with plain blue numbers? A helmet with no logo, just a boring blue stripe? I mean, (But) Seriously ... even the University itself is located in the wholly unimaginatively named "State College, PA." Penn State is like listening to Phil blather on about people losing his number, wishing it would rain down on him, and telling us that something happening on the way to heaven. Both Collins and Penn State make me scream for even the slightest splash of color, some "edge," anything. There are, of course, those who say "yeah, but it's a classic look" My response? "For the love of God just stop ... you insufferable sissy." These people are as annoying as the incessant Lion roar Penn State uses at any opportunity during home games.
And that leads me to my next point. I must confess, I'm not sure what being vanilla and generic has done to Phil Collins, but I do know what being vanilla and generic has done to the people at Penn State. As just alluded to, generic U has lead to a high incidence of annoying people. You simply cannot deprive yourself of almost all stimulation for 4 or 5 years (If the plain uniforms weren't enough, lets not forget, Penn State is not within 100 miles of any other thing) and not attempt to do what psychologists call "cope." Penn Staters cope by drinking heavily. Proof? "We cannot rank Penn State University against other schools in the party category because we feel it is unfair to rank professionals against amateurs" -Playboy. One internet observer simplified it this way, "Penn State is hole in the wall bars full of meatheads and unattractive chicks, the later of which are way too full of themselves."
There are other signs and/or effects of stimulus deprivation, of course. Why do you think it's called "Happy Valley?" Why name the stadium "Beaver?" Because these people are trying anything they can to give themselves some kind, any kind, of stimulation. What's more, and this is no doubt intensified by the alcohol, these people respond by being as annoying as humanly possible. In psychology this coping mechanism is known unofficially as "attention whoring." The most obvious example of annoying - as it relates to football, anyway - is that incessant "lion roar" at football games. I mean, I can see how some opponents might say that the 3rd down Bell Ohio State uses can get on your nerves (particularly when the visiting team faces so many 3rd downs, especially 3rd and long), but Ohio State only rings the bell when appropriate. The lion roar, on the other hand, shows up all the time, and without regard to anything. They'll hit the roar button for any reason. A first down? Roar. 3rd down and 17? Time for the roar. Jo Pa just cleaned off his lenses? Roar. 3 yard loss? Yep ... you guessed it, roar. It's pure annoying, without peer in sports. (I may have spoken too soon, there may be one thing in sports more annoying. It's those moronic Atlanta Braves fans who will do the Tomahawk Chop for 4 hours straight, regardless of whatever may be occurring between the white lines.) Thank God the game is at the Shoe this year. I mean, I just want to watch some football. I don't want to deal with Penn State's psychological outcries for help.
Now, you'll recall, I originally noted how disturbed I was that a Linebacker - especially in 2006 - would list Phil Collins as his favorite musician. I mean, aren't Linebackers supposed to be completely amped up, crazy, seek and destroy missiles? How does one get in the mood to hit anything that moves when you're listening to Phil Collins soothe you to sleep with "That's just the way it is?" Well, it occurs to me, Connor is simply crying for help, typical of those who have chosen to go to school at Generic U. He said Collins was his favorite musician because Collins best describes his present environment. Chances are he isn't even aware of the significance of his answer. Psychologically speaking, however, it's clear ... He's reaching out.
So, what should we expect for Ohio State against Penn State this year? How might Ohio State exploit Penn State? Let me say it like this, Connor should do himself a favor and listen to Phil sing, "I can feel it coming in the air tonight ..." You know what line is next, Dan, "Oh Lord ..." Oh Lord, indeed.
OK, I know you're probably asking yourself, "Did I just read that? Did my BP Penn State preview just quote a Phil Collins tune from 1985? Why in the hell would they do that?" Well, truth is, I asked resident drummer Bucknutty who is the best drummer of all time, and he reflexively answered, "Phil Collins." I found this disturbing.
Alright, I admit it, as should be obvious, that conversation never took place. The discerning reader would know this immediately. Everyone knows that a drummer's reflexive answer to the question, "Who's the best drummer" is Neal Peart. Notice I said "reflexive" answer. The correct answer is John Bonham. And while we can maybe debate that, surely Nutty would say "Matt Cameron" before he'd blurt out "Phil Collins."
So you're saying, "That's great. What does this have to do with the Penn State game?" Well, here's the truth. In reading my August 25, Sporting News College Football Preview, I did indeed become disturbed and Phil Collins was the reason for said disturbance. See, on Page 47, Penn State LB Dan Connor is asked, "Who's your favorite musician or musical group" and his answer was Phil Collins. Phil Collins? What is this 1983? As I said, I was deeply troubled by this. But, upon some reflection, I've come to realize, it makes perfect sense. Connor's answer is a reflection of the environment in which he plays. I'll explain what I mean.
First, anyone who lived through the 1980's will no doubt recall that you could not get through a day without either seeing or hearing Phil Collins at least 148 times during your waking hours. He was to 80's music what Michael Caine was to 80's movies. The man was literally everywhere. You'd turn on Q-FM-96, there's Phil making you wonder what the hell an "Abacab" could possibly be. You turn on Sunny 95, Phil's there too, reminding the soft-rockers that you can't hurry love. Much like football, love, it seems, is a game of give and take. You'd flip on MTV (back when they played videos) and there's the puppetized Phil Collins running around a land of confusion. So, what do the 1980's and Penn State football have in common? There are a couple of similarities. That's the last decade that Penn State (like Phil Collins) was consistently good. Likewise, while the time frame is slightly off, Penn State 1994 dominated opponents in the same way Phil Collins dominated Bob Geldof's Live Aid concert. Phil played Solo and then with Sting in England, then he boarded a Concorde to Philly where he sat in with Led Zeppelin and Eric Clapton. Yes, it's fair to say that at times both Phil Collins and Penn State were unstoppable.
Of course, all good things eventually come to an end, and both Phil and Penn State had occasion to fall off the radar. In 1999 Penn State, ranked #1 in the nation, lost to visiting Minnesota. They then proceeded to tumble straight down to the bottom of the Big Ten by 2004. I'm not sure if Collins fell so hard, but I do know that in 2005 Penn State faithful were treated to something of a comeback tour. This successful foray back to the heights of major college football is reminiscent of Phil's 1996 surprisingly successful "Trip in to the light" tour. Phil's 1996 tour was to support an album called "Dance in to the Light." Much like 2005 Penn State, the album really wasn't that good on paper. But, both got the job done and both ended up yielding similar reviews, far as I'm concerned. Entertainment Weekly said of "In to the Light," "(e)ven Phil Collins must know that we all grew weary of Phil Collins." This parrots exactly my thoughts concerning Penn State fan's ever insistent claim that "Penn State is back." Phil Collins wasn't back, and Penn State isn't back either.
Other similarities are present. When I think of generic and/or vanilla, I think of Penn State and Phil Collins. I mean come on. All white uniforms with plain blue numbers? A helmet with no logo, just a boring blue stripe? I mean, (But) Seriously ... even the University itself is located in the wholly unimaginatively named "State College, PA." Penn State is like listening to Phil blather on about people losing his number, wishing it would rain down on him, and telling us that something happening on the way to heaven. Both Collins and Penn State make me scream for even the slightest splash of color, some "edge," anything. There are, of course, those who say "yeah, but it's a classic look" My response? "For the love of God just stop ... you insufferable sissy." These people are as annoying as the incessant Lion roar Penn State uses at any opportunity during home games.
And that leads me to my next point. I must confess, I'm not sure what being vanilla and generic has done to Phil Collins, but I do know what being vanilla and generic has done to the people at Penn State. As just alluded to, generic U has lead to a high incidence of annoying people. You simply cannot deprive yourself of almost all stimulation for 4 or 5 years (If the plain uniforms weren't enough, lets not forget, Penn State is not within 100 miles of any other thing) and not attempt to do what psychologists call "cope." Penn Staters cope by drinking heavily. Proof? "We cannot rank Penn State University against other schools in the party category because we feel it is unfair to rank professionals against amateurs" -Playboy. One internet observer simplified it this way, "Penn State is hole in the wall bars full of meatheads and unattractive chicks, the later of which are way too full of themselves."
There are other signs and/or effects of stimulus deprivation, of course. Why do you think it's called "Happy Valley?" Why name the stadium "Beaver?" Because these people are trying anything they can to give themselves some kind, any kind, of stimulation. What's more, and this is no doubt intensified by the alcohol, these people respond by being as annoying as humanly possible. In psychology this coping mechanism is known unofficially as "attention whoring." The most obvious example of annoying - as it relates to football, anyway - is that incessant "lion roar" at football games. I mean, I can see how some opponents might say that the 3rd down Bell Ohio State uses can get on your nerves (particularly when the visiting team faces so many 3rd downs, especially 3rd and long), but Ohio State only rings the bell when appropriate. The lion roar, on the other hand, shows up all the time, and without regard to anything. They'll hit the roar button for any reason. A first down? Roar. 3rd down and 17? Time for the roar. Jo Pa just cleaned off his lenses? Roar. 3 yard loss? Yep ... you guessed it, roar. It's pure annoying, without peer in sports. (I may have spoken too soon, there may be one thing in sports more annoying. It's those moronic Atlanta Braves fans who will do the Tomahawk Chop for 4 hours straight, regardless of whatever may be occurring between the white lines.) Thank God the game is at the Shoe this year. I mean, I just want to watch some football. I don't want to deal with Penn State's psychological outcries for help.
Now, you'll recall, I originally noted how disturbed I was that a Linebacker - especially in 2006 - would list Phil Collins as his favorite musician. I mean, aren't Linebackers supposed to be completely amped up, crazy, seek and destroy missiles? How does one get in the mood to hit anything that moves when you're listening to Phil Collins soothe you to sleep with "That's just the way it is?" Well, it occurs to me, Connor is simply crying for help, typical of those who have chosen to go to school at Generic U. He said Collins was his favorite musician because Collins best describes his present environment. Chances are he isn't even aware of the significance of his answer. Psychologically speaking, however, it's clear ... He's reaching out.
So, what should we expect for Ohio State against Penn State this year? How might Ohio State exploit Penn State? Let me say it like this, Connor should do himself a favor and listen to Phil sing, "I can feel it coming in the air tonight ..." You know what line is next, Dan, "Oh Lord ..." Oh Lord, indeed.
Historical Data
Pennsylvania State University (State College, PA) Founded in 1855
Football 1st Season: 1881
Stadium: Beaver Stadium (Renovated 2001)
Constructed: 1960
Seating Capacity: 107,282
Playing Surface: Natural Grass
Conference: Big Ten Conference since 1993 (Independent all previous years)
Colors: Blue & White
Mascot: Nittany Lion
College Classification: D-IA (or equivalent) since 1937 (first year of NCAA classification)
Conference Championships: 2 Big Ten Titles: 1994, 2005* (* = Co-Champions)
Consensus All-Americans: 34 (32 different players as of 2004)
College Hall-of-Famers: 20 - Penn State College HOF (notable names): John Cappelletti; Jack Ham; Ted Kwalick; Lydell Mitchell; Dennis Onkotz; Mike Reid
Pro Hall-of-Famers: 5 (Jack Ham, Franco Harris, Mike Michalske, Lenny Moore, Mike Munchak)
Award Winners:
National Championships: 15 non-Recognized Championships, 2 Recognized Championships (1982 & 1986 both AP & UPI/Coaches)
Stadium: Beaver Stadium (Renovated 2001)
Constructed: 1960
Seating Capacity: 107,282
Playing Surface: Natural Grass
Conference: Big Ten Conference since 1993 (Independent all previous years)
Colors: Blue & White
Mascot: Nittany Lion
College Classification: D-IA (or equivalent) since 1937 (first year of NCAA classification)
Conference Championships: 2 Big Ten Titles: 1994, 2005* (* = Co-Champions)
Consensus All-Americans: 34 (32 different players as of 2004)
College Hall-of-Famers: 20 - Penn State College HOF (notable names): John Cappelletti; Jack Ham; Ted Kwalick; Lydell Mitchell; Dennis Onkotz; Mike Reid
Pro Hall-of-Famers: 5 (Jack Ham, Franco Harris, Mike Michalske, Lenny Moore, Mike Munchak)
Award Winners:
Heisman (POY)
John Cappelletti, 1973
Maxwell (POY)
Richard J. Lucas, 1959
Glenn Ressler, 1964
Mike Reid, 1969
John Cappelletti, 1973
Chuck Fusina, 1978
Kerry Collins, 1994
Larry Johnson, 2002
Walter Camp (POY)
John Cappelletti, 1973
Larry Johnson, 2002
Biletnikoff (WR's)
Bobby Engram, 1994
Butkus (LB's)
LaVarr Arrington, 1999
Paul Posluszny, 2005
Bednarik (defender)
LaVarr Arrington, 1999
Paul Posluszny, 2005
Davey O'Brien (QB's)
Todd Blackledge, 1982
Kerry Collins, 1994
Doak Walker (RB's)
Larry Johnson, 2002
Lombardi (linemen/LB's)
Bruce Clark, 1978
Outland (OL's/DL's)
Mike Reid, 1969
Coach of the Year Awards - all Paterno
AFCA - 1968, 1978, 1982, 1986, 2005
Bryant - 1978, 1982, 1986
Robinson - 1978, 1982, 1986
Munger - 1990, 1994, 2005
Dodd - 1981, 2005
Home Depot - 2005
John Cappelletti, 1973
Maxwell (POY)
Richard J. Lucas, 1959
Glenn Ressler, 1964
Mike Reid, 1969
John Cappelletti, 1973
Chuck Fusina, 1978
Kerry Collins, 1994
Larry Johnson, 2002
Walter Camp (POY)
John Cappelletti, 1973
Larry Johnson, 2002
Biletnikoff (WR's)
Bobby Engram, 1994
Butkus (LB's)
LaVarr Arrington, 1999
Paul Posluszny, 2005
Bednarik (defender)
LaVarr Arrington, 1999
Paul Posluszny, 2005
Davey O'Brien (QB's)
Todd Blackledge, 1982
Kerry Collins, 1994
Doak Walker (RB's)
Larry Johnson, 2002
Lombardi (linemen/LB's)
Bruce Clark, 1978
Outland (OL's/DL's)
Mike Reid, 1969
Coach of the Year Awards - all Paterno
AFCA - 1968, 1978, 1982, 1986, 2005
Bryant - 1978, 1982, 1986
Robinson - 1978, 1982, 1986
Munger - 1990, 1994, 2005
Dodd - 1981, 2005
Home Depot - 2005
National Championships: 15 non-Recognized Championships, 2 Recognized Championships (1982 & 1986 both AP & UPI/Coaches)
A note on Penn State National Championships
Penn State claims as many as 15 national championships, most of which are completely bogus. However, the Nittany Lions were the consensus national champions in 1982 (11-1, defeated Georgia in the Sugar Bowl) and 1986 (12-0, defeated unbeaten and allegedly invincible Miami in the Fiesta Bowl). In addition, Penn State has had several near misses during the Paterno regime, including four perfect seasons which were not recognized as national championship performances by the major voting services. Joe Paterno put Penn State on the college football map in the late 1960's, when the Lions compiled back-to-back 11-0-0 seasons in 1968 and 1969. However, our beloved Buckeyes won the recognized championship in 1968 by defeating the second-ranked Southern Cal Trojans in an epic Rose Bowl performance, and the Texas Longhorns went unbeaten in 1969 to win the major titles; after both seasons, Penn State had to settle for a handful of no-names "mythical national championship" trophies.
In 1973, Penn State put together a perfect 12-0-0 record. Unfortunately for the Lions, 1973 was quite possibly the greatest year in the history of college football, and almost every major program had an outstanding season: Notre Dame (12-0-0) defeated a previously-undefeated Alabama (11-1-0) by a single point in a classic Sugar Bowl; the Domers won the AP trophy, while the Tide garnered the UPI crown. Earlier in the year, Ohio State and Michigan each took perfect records into The Game, and played to a dead heat (10-10); Ohio State earned the Rose Bowl berth, and annihilated defending national champion Southern Cal, 42-21; predictably, Ohio State (10-0-1) and Michigan (10-0-1) split the National Championship Foundation recognition. The Oklahoma Sooners, under rookie coach Barry Switzer, roundly defeated powerful squads from Texas and Nebraska, finished the season 10-0-1, and won more than a dozen minor championship trophies. After all of the hardware had been dealt around, the Nittany Lions ended up with just a single accolade - the coveted Mel Smith Trophy.
During 1968, 1969, and 1973, Penn State was an independent, and the Lions' weak schedule led to their failure to earn respect from the national pollsters. For example, in 1973, Penn State played each of the service academies, Ohio University, and various East Coast "powers" such as Maryland, West Virginia, Syracuse, Pitt, and North Carolina State; even a victory in the Orange Bowl against a mediocre (9-3) LSU squad failed to impress, as unbeaten Notre Dame defeated top-ranked Alabama in the Sugar Bowl and undefeated Ohio State trounced Southern Cal in the Rose Bowl. However, the 1994 season was an entirely different story for Penn State. By that time, Penn State was a member of the Big Ten, and the Lions rolled through the conference schedule and also had an impressive inter-sectional victory over Southern Cal. After winning the conference championship, the Nits capped a perfect season with by stomping Oregon in the Rose Bowl, 38-20. Despite ending the season with a 12-0-0 record, Penn State finished second in both major polls, as the Nebraska Cornhuskers (13-0-0) claimed the "consensus" national championship after defeating the Miami Hurricanes in the Orange Bowl. Penn State fans are still howling over this perceived travesty of justice: Link #1; Link #2. Using a measure of common sense, The National Championship Foundation split their recognition between the 'Huskers and the Lions.
Number of AP/Coaches final rankings: AP-37 years, Coaches-37 yearsPenn State claims as many as 15 national championships, most of which are completely bogus. However, the Nittany Lions were the consensus national champions in 1982 (11-1, defeated Georgia in the Sugar Bowl) and 1986 (12-0, defeated unbeaten and allegedly invincible Miami in the Fiesta Bowl). In addition, Penn State has had several near misses during the Paterno regime, including four perfect seasons which were not recognized as national championship performances by the major voting services. Joe Paterno put Penn State on the college football map in the late 1960's, when the Lions compiled back-to-back 11-0-0 seasons in 1968 and 1969. However, our beloved Buckeyes won the recognized championship in 1968 by defeating the second-ranked Southern Cal Trojans in an epic Rose Bowl performance, and the Texas Longhorns went unbeaten in 1969 to win the major titles; after both seasons, Penn State had to settle for a handful of no-names "mythical national championship" trophies.
In 1973, Penn State put together a perfect 12-0-0 record. Unfortunately for the Lions, 1973 was quite possibly the greatest year in the history of college football, and almost every major program had an outstanding season: Notre Dame (12-0-0) defeated a previously-undefeated Alabama (11-1-0) by a single point in a classic Sugar Bowl; the Domers won the AP trophy, while the Tide garnered the UPI crown. Earlier in the year, Ohio State and Michigan each took perfect records into The Game, and played to a dead heat (10-10); Ohio State earned the Rose Bowl berth, and annihilated defending national champion Southern Cal, 42-21; predictably, Ohio State (10-0-1) and Michigan (10-0-1) split the National Championship Foundation recognition. The Oklahoma Sooners, under rookie coach Barry Switzer, roundly defeated powerful squads from Texas and Nebraska, finished the season 10-0-1, and won more than a dozen minor championship trophies. After all of the hardware had been dealt around, the Nittany Lions ended up with just a single accolade - the coveted Mel Smith Trophy.
During 1968, 1969, and 1973, Penn State was an independent, and the Lions' weak schedule led to their failure to earn respect from the national pollsters. For example, in 1973, Penn State played each of the service academies, Ohio University, and various East Coast "powers" such as Maryland, West Virginia, Syracuse, Pitt, and North Carolina State; even a victory in the Orange Bowl against a mediocre (9-3) LSU squad failed to impress, as unbeaten Notre Dame defeated top-ranked Alabama in the Sugar Bowl and undefeated Ohio State trounced Southern Cal in the Rose Bowl. However, the 1994 season was an entirely different story for Penn State. By that time, Penn State was a member of the Big Ten, and the Lions rolled through the conference schedule and also had an impressive inter-sectional victory over Southern Cal. After winning the conference championship, the Nits capped a perfect season with by stomping Oregon in the Rose Bowl, 38-20. Despite ending the season with a 12-0-0 record, Penn State finished second in both major polls, as the Nebraska Cornhuskers (13-0-0) claimed the "consensus" national championship after defeating the Miami Hurricanes in the Orange Bowl. Penn State fans are still howling over this perceived travesty of justice: Link #1; Link #2. Using a measure of common sense, The National Championship Foundation split their recognition between the 'Huskers and the Lions.
Records
All Time: 774-340-42 (.688)
Bowl Games: 24-12-2 (.658) Most recently a 26-23 win over Florida State in the Orange Bowl (2006)
All Time vs the BigTen: 78-51-1 (.604) versus teams with conference membership at time of game.
All Time vs the Ohio State Buckeyes: 11-10-0 (.524) Most recently a 17-10 win in Happy Valley (2005).
Coach's Reord: Joe Paterno, 1966-2005, 355-118-3 (.749), since joining the BigTen (1993-2005) 108-51-0 (.679)
Last Season: 11-1-0 (.917)
W - South Florida (23-13)
W - Cincinnati (42-24)
W - Central Michigan (40-3)
W - Northwestern (34-29)
W - Minnesota (44-14)
W - Ohio St. (17-10)
L - Michigan (25-27)
W - Illinois (63-10)
W - Purdue (33-15)
W - Wisconsin (35-14)
W - Michigan St. (31-22)
W - Florida St. (26-23) Orange Bowl
Previous 5 Years: 32-27-0 (.542)
Previous 10 Years: 76-45-0 (.628)
Bowl Games: 24-12-2 (.658) Most recently a 26-23 win over Florida State in the Orange Bowl (2006)
All Time vs the BigTen: 78-51-1 (.604) versus teams with conference membership at time of game.
All Time vs the Ohio State Buckeyes: 11-10-0 (.524) Most recently a 17-10 win in Happy Valley (2005).
Coach's Reord: Joe Paterno, 1966-2005, 355-118-3 (.749), since joining the BigTen (1993-2005) 108-51-0 (.679)
Last Season: 11-1-0 (.917)
W - South Florida (23-13)
W - Cincinnati (42-24)
W - Central Michigan (40-3)
W - Northwestern (34-29)
W - Minnesota (44-14)
W - Ohio St. (17-10)
L - Michigan (25-27)
W - Illinois (63-10)
W - Purdue (33-15)
W - Wisconsin (35-14)
W - Michigan St. (31-22)
W - Florida St. (26-23) Orange Bowl
Previous 5 Years: 32-27-0 (.542)
Previous 10 Years: 76-45-0 (.628)
Links
Official Sites:
Official School Site - Pennsylvania State University
Student Newspaper - The Digital Collegian
Official Athletic Site - Go PSU Sports
Official Conference Site - Big Ten Conference
Message Boards & Team Pages:
Message Boards - Fight On State (Scout)
Message Boards - Blue & White Illustrated (Rivals)
Message Boards - (PSU Playbook - Independent)
Message Boards - (John's Penn State Football - Independent)
Team Page - ESPN
Team Page - USA Today
Team Page - Fox Sports
Team Page - CNN/SI
Team Page - CFN
Team Page - CBS Sportsline
Team Page - Yahoo Sports
Local News Sources:
Pittsburgh Post Gazette - Local News
Penn Live - Local News
Centre Daily Times - Local News
Pittsburgh Live - Local News
Team Previews and Breakdowns:
PENN STATE Team Report (01/05/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (02/03/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (03/24/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (04/11/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (04/25/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (05/02/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (05/05/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (05/17/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (05/30/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (06/13/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (06/27/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (06/30/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (07/13/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (07/25/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (08/08/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (08/10/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (08/22/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (08/30/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (09/04/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (09/06/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (09/08/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (09/10/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (09/11/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (09/13/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (09/14/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (09/17/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
Prospectus, Rosters & Other Info.:
2006 Roster - Go PSU Sports
2006 News Releases - Go PSU Sports
2006 Big Ten Spring Looks - CFN
2006 Big Ten Spring Storylines - CFN
2006 Preview - CFN
2006 Preview - Offense - CFN
2006 Preview - Defense - CFN
2006 Preview - Further Analysis - CFN
2006 Preview - Depth Chart - CFN
2006 Preview - Athlon
2006 Preview - The Sporting News
2006 Preview - CNN/SI
2006 Preview - Football.com
2006 Preview - The Ozone
2006 Preview - Sports Network
Travel: Home Game
2006 OSU Visiting Team Guide - Ohio State Buckeyes
2006 OSU Visitor's Travel Guide - Ohio State Buckeyes
2006 OSU Visitor's Weather Guide - Ohio State Buckeyes
Big Ten:
2006 Big Ten Spring Prospectus (PDF) - Big Ten
2006 Big Ten Composite Schedule (PDF) - Big Ten
Big Ten Preview - Yahoo / Rivals
Big Ten Preview - Yahoo / Terry Bowden
Big Ten Preview - CFN
Big Ten Preview - CFN All-Big Ten Team
Big Ten Preview - CFN Big Ten Unit Rankings
Big Ten Preview - CFN Big Ten Five Best
Big Ten Preview - CSTV
Big Ten Preview - College Football Poll
Big Ten Preview - Football.com
Big Ten Preview - The Sports Network
Big Ten Preview - Just College Football
Big Ten Preview - The Sporting News
Big Ten Preview - The Ozone
Official School Site - Pennsylvania State University
Student Newspaper - The Digital Collegian
Official Athletic Site - Go PSU Sports
Official Conference Site - Big Ten Conference
Message Boards & Team Pages:
Message Boards - Fight On State (Scout)
Message Boards - Blue & White Illustrated (Rivals)
Message Boards - (PSU Playbook - Independent)
Message Boards - (John's Penn State Football - Independent)
Team Page - ESPN
Team Page - USA Today
Team Page - Fox Sports
Team Page - CNN/SI
Team Page - CFN
Team Page - CBS Sportsline
Team Page - Yahoo Sports
Local News Sources:
Pittsburgh Post Gazette - Local News
Penn Live - Local News
Centre Daily Times - Local News
Pittsburgh Live - Local News
Team Previews and Breakdowns:
PENN STATE Team Report (01/05/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (02/03/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (03/24/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (04/11/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (04/25/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (05/02/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (05/05/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (05/17/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (05/30/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (06/13/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (06/27/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (06/30/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (07/13/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (07/25/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (08/08/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (08/10/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (08/22/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (08/30/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (09/04/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (09/06/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (09/08/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (09/10/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (09/11/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (09/13/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (09/14/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
PENN STATE Team Report (09/17/06) - CSTV (The Sports Xchange)
Prospectus, Rosters & Other Info.:
2006 Roster - Go PSU Sports
2006 News Releases - Go PSU Sports
2006 Big Ten Spring Looks - CFN
2006 Big Ten Spring Storylines - CFN
2006 Preview - CFN
2006 Preview - Offense - CFN
2006 Preview - Defense - CFN
2006 Preview - Further Analysis - CFN
2006 Preview - Depth Chart - CFN
2006 Preview - Athlon
2006 Preview - The Sporting News
2006 Preview - CNN/SI
2006 Preview - Football.com
2006 Preview - The Ozone
2006 Preview - Sports Network
Travel: Home Game
2006 OSU Visiting Team Guide - Ohio State Buckeyes
2006 OSU Visitor's Travel Guide - Ohio State Buckeyes
2006 OSU Visitor's Weather Guide - Ohio State Buckeyes
Big Ten:
2006 Big Ten Spring Prospectus (PDF) - Big Ten
2006 Big Ten Composite Schedule (PDF) - Big Ten
Big Ten Preview - Yahoo / Rivals
Big Ten Preview - Yahoo / Terry Bowden
Big Ten Preview - CFN
Big Ten Preview - CFN All-Big Ten Team
Big Ten Preview - CFN Big Ten Unit Rankings
Big Ten Preview - CFN Big Ten Five Best
Big Ten Preview - CSTV
Big Ten Preview - College Football Poll
Big Ten Preview - Football.com
Big Ten Preview - The Sports Network
Big Ten Preview - Just College Football
Big Ten Preview - The Sporting News
Big Ten Preview - The Ozone
Preseason Rankings
5. CompRank
8. Surefire Scouting
10. College Football Poll (CCR - Opening Season Rankings)
12. Rivals
15. Blue Ribbon
15. The Sporting News
15. Football.com (Early Preseason)
16. SouthernPigskin.com
16. CollegeRivals.org
17. NationalChamps.net
17. Real Football 365
18. College Football News
18. CBS SportsLine.com (Preview Magazine)
18. Game Plan
18. College Football Poll (CCR - Projected Final Regular Season)
19. USA Today/Coaches Poll
19. CBS Sportsline - Dennis Dodd UPDATED
19. Sports Illustrated (Stewart Mandel - Spring)
20. Playboy
20. Street & Smith's
20. StatFox.com
21. ESPN - Ivan Maisel (Post Spring)
21. Lindy's Power Rankings
22. Phil Steele - Power Poll
23. CBS Sportsline - Dennis Dodd Post Spring
24. JustCollegeFootball.com
24. VegasInsider.com
25. Football.com (Fierce 40)
25. Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Tony Barnhart)
8. Surefire Scouting
10. College Football Poll (CCR - Opening Season Rankings)
12. Rivals
15. Blue Ribbon
15. The Sporting News
15. Football.com (Early Preseason)
16. SouthernPigskin.com
16. CollegeRivals.org
17. NationalChamps.net
17. Real Football 365
18. College Football News
18. CBS SportsLine.com (Preview Magazine)
18. Game Plan
18. College Football Poll (CCR - Projected Final Regular Season)
19. USA Today/Coaches Poll
19. CBS Sportsline - Dennis Dodd UPDATED
19. Sports Illustrated (Stewart Mandel - Spring)
20. Playboy
20. Street & Smith's
20. StatFox.com
21. ESPN - Ivan Maisel (Post Spring)
21. Lindy's Power Rankings
22. Phil Steele - Power Poll
23. CBS Sportsline - Dennis Dodd Post Spring
24. JustCollegeFootball.com
24. VegasInsider.com
25. Football.com (Fierce 40)
25. Atlanta Journal-Constitution (Tony Barnhart)
Preseason Watch Lists
2006 Lott Trophy - Watch List (Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation)
Paul Posluszny, Sr., LB, 6-2, 230, Penn State
2006 Lombardi Award - Watch List (The Rotary Club of Houston)
Levi Brown, OT, Penn State
Paul Posluszny, LB Penn State
2006 Bronko Nagurski - Watch List (Charlotte Touchdown Club)
Paul Posluszny, Penn State LB Sr. Aliquippa, Pa.
2006 Outland Trophy - Watch List (FWAA)
Levi Brown, Penn State OT
2006 Maxwell Award - Watch List (Maxwell Football Club)
Williams, Derek - Penn State University
2006 Benarik Award - Watch List (Maxwell Football Club)
Connor, Dan - Penn State University
Posluszny, Paul - Penn State University
Shaw, Tim - Penn State University
2006 Walter Camp Player of the Year - Watch List (Walter Camp Foundation)
Paul Posluszny, LB, Senior, Penn State
2006 Biletnikoff Award - Watch List (Tallahassee Quarterback Club)
Deon Butler - Pennsylvania State University
Derrick Williams - Pennsylvania State University
2006 Butkus Award - Watch List (Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando)
Connor, Dan - Penn State
Posluszny, Paul - Penn State
2006 Heisman Trophy Award - Watch List (Downtown Athletic Club of New York)
No Official List is Published by the Downtown Athletic Club of New York. Using CFN Top 20 List
20. LB Paul Posluszny, Penn State
Paul Posluszny, Sr., LB, 6-2, 230, Penn State
2006 Lombardi Award - Watch List (The Rotary Club of Houston)
Levi Brown, OT, Penn State
Paul Posluszny, LB Penn State
2006 Bronko Nagurski - Watch List (Charlotte Touchdown Club)
Paul Posluszny, Penn State LB Sr. Aliquippa, Pa.
2006 Outland Trophy - Watch List (FWAA)
Levi Brown, Penn State OT
2006 Maxwell Award - Watch List (Maxwell Football Club)
Williams, Derek - Penn State University
2006 Benarik Award - Watch List (Maxwell Football Club)
Connor, Dan - Penn State University
Posluszny, Paul - Penn State University
Shaw, Tim - Penn State University
2006 Walter Camp Player of the Year - Watch List (Walter Camp Foundation)
Paul Posluszny, LB, Senior, Penn State
2006 Biletnikoff Award - Watch List (Tallahassee Quarterback Club)
Deon Butler - Pennsylvania State University
Derrick Williams - Pennsylvania State University
2006 Butkus Award - Watch List (Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando)
Connor, Dan - Penn State
Posluszny, Paul - Penn State
2006 Heisman Trophy Award - Watch List (Downtown Athletic Club of New York)
No Official List is Published by the Downtown Athletic Club of New York. Using CFN Top 20 List
20. LB Paul Posluszny, Penn State
Preseason Conference Accolades
2006 BigTen Football Media Day
2006 BigTen Preseason Media Poll - only the top 3 were listed
1. Ohio State
2. Michigan
3. Iowa
2006 BigTen Preseason Offensive Player of the Year
Troy Smith - Ohio State
2006 BigTen Preseason Defensive Player of the Year
Paul Posluszny - Penn State
2006 BigTen Preseason Media Poll - only the top 3 were listed
1. Ohio State
2. Michigan
3. Iowa
2006 BigTen Preseason Offensive Player of the Year
Troy Smith - Ohio State
2006 BigTen Preseason Defensive Player of the Year
Paul Posluszny - Penn State
Big Ten Conference Players of the Week
Sept. 2, 2006 (Week 1)
CO-OFFENSE: RB - Alex Daniels, Minnesota, and QB Troy Smith, Ohio State
DEFENSE: LB - Dan Connor, Penn State
CO-SPECIAL TEAMS: TE/FB - Erryn Cobb, Northwestern, and LB - Jonathan Casillas, Wisconsin
Sept. 9, 2006 (Week 2)
OFFENSE: WR - Matt Trannon, Michigan State
DEFENSE: LB - James Laurinaitis, Ohio State
SPECIAL TEAMS: P - A.J. Trapasso, Ohio State
Sept. 16, 2006 (Week 3)
OFFENSE: WR - Mario Manningham, Michigan
DEFENSE: LB - Prescott Burgess, Michigan
SPECIAL TEAMS: K - Aaron Pettrey, Ohio State
CO-OFFENSE: RB - Alex Daniels, Minnesota, and QB Troy Smith, Ohio State
DEFENSE: LB - Dan Connor, Penn State
CO-SPECIAL TEAMS: TE/FB - Erryn Cobb, Northwestern, and LB - Jonathan Casillas, Wisconsin
Sept. 9, 2006 (Week 2)
OFFENSE: WR - Matt Trannon, Michigan State
DEFENSE: LB - James Laurinaitis, Ohio State
SPECIAL TEAMS: P - A.J. Trapasso, Ohio State
Sept. 16, 2006 (Week 3)
OFFENSE: WR - Mario Manningham, Michigan
DEFENSE: LB - Prescott Burgess, Michigan
SPECIAL TEAMS: K - Aaron Pettrey, Ohio State
Note: Statistical data was complied using a variety of sources, including:
Stassen (Chris Stassen) - Data
College Football Data Warehouse - Data
Two Cousins College Football Emporium - Data
American College Football-RSFC (Dave Wilson) - Data
D1A Football (Formerly WALJ 10 College Football) - Data
National Champs.net - Data
Hickok Sports - Data
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