I live for this stuff . . .

Only 6 days remain until the first game of what could be the Lions best season in several years. After watching the dramatic finish of the 1969 Orange Bowl, I've been hooked on Penn State football ever since. The Lions have faced some hard times in recent years and speculation continues about the effectiveness of long-time coach and college football icon, Joe Paterno. I'll never forget a statement made by Beano Cooke (sports prognosticator and commentator): "In close games, Joe Paterno's expertise is worth 3 points." Beano was talking about a point spread. Some folks will argue that Joe's lost his "edge" and should retire.

I think the team is going to turn things around and have a winning season this year. I don't know if Beano's 3 point theory works anymore or not, but I do believe Joe's expertise is as viable as ever! Coach Paterno knows how to prepare teams for winning campaigns. PSU looks to have some easy games in early September and the "first showdown" game against Northwestern on 24 SEP. It's way too early to talk bowl games but I think PSU will go to one this year. Who knows, if the Lions excel by mid-season and knock off a few ranked teams, it could be a major bowl. I think Joe wants to "retire with dignity" and PSU winning a major bowl would provide the impetus. Joe's earned the right to retire on a major victory and on his own terms.

State's defense should be excellent again this year, especially the secondary. The offense will need those early games to gel. Joe's gotta consider playing some of the talented Frosh on the team. Most pre-season polls show PSU ranked between 25th and 30th. Several pre-season pubs predict PSU to have a winning year and go to a minor bowl game.

Winning season or not, college football season is finally here! I live for this stuff . . . Go Lions!