Remembering Our Brothers

The last two months have been particularly difficult as Pennsylvania has suffered the unparalleled loss of 15 National Guardsmen. Nineteen Pennsylvania National Guard members have been killed in action since the beginning of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The five soldiers killed in the Wednesday attack near Ramadi, Iraq, were Staff Sgt. Daniel L. Arnold, 27, Montrose, Headquarters-Headquarters Company, 1-109th Infantry; and Staff Sgt. George A. Pugliese, 39, Carbondale; Spc. Lee A. Wiegand, 20, Hallstead; Spec. Eric W. Slebodnik, 21, Carbondale; and Spc. Oliver J. Brown, 19, Athens, all of C -Company, 1-109th Infantry (Mechanized).

Some reasons to like October

Please say it's so Joe . . .

Big 10 . . . game # 2

This year?s PSU football team is a pleasant surprise! The only hope I had for this team going into the 2005-06 campaign was the knowledge that the defense, especially scoring defense, might provide the Lions with some semblance of respectability. Loyal fans, already too familiar with PSU?s less than stellar performances over the previous five years, have been waiting for this team to return to a playing level that would take make them bowl eligible. Post-season bowl appearances used to be almost virtually guaranteed and we?ve lived through quite a drought. There?s a legitimate opportunity for things to turn about this season!

Southern Florida, our first opponent of the year, upset 9th ranked Louisville last weekend. I think our early non-conference victory against Southern Florida is a positive indicator for the Lions. The come from behind victory in the Big 10 opener against Northwestern, overcoming 7 turnovers, gave the Lions confidence and ?heart?. I still think Morelli should be the QB and at some point this season I look for him to get the nod. There?s no denying that Penn State?s squad would be lack luster this year if it weren?t for the contributions of the amazing Freshman talent JoePa has decided to utilize. Take away the speed and big plays the Frosh bring to the table and the dynamics of the team go South quickly. I think we have to be concerned about the lack of experience of these Freshman and can only hope that their conditioning will keep them healthy for the entire campaign.

We have some tough games ahead on the schedule. There?s just enough talent on this year?s squad to give PSU fanatics like me lots of hope that we can win more Big 10 games than not. I think the team may surprise a few Big 10 teams this year . . . but unfortunately this year will no doubt have a few heartbreakers too. I?d love to her what Beano Cooke?s take is on this year?s PSU squad. If the scoring defense can keep the games close going into the final quarter, we finally have the quick scoring talent to make it a game!

After the Lions face the Gophers this Saturday, we'll know alot more about how the team is likely to perform this year in Big 10 competition. The Gophers are favored by 2 points.

Too cool . . .

Gone to the dogs . . .

Makes no sense . . .

What do you call PETA's attempt to stop the Running of the Bulls? That's easy . . . bullshit! Last time I saw TV coverage of these events, the runners were at a distinct disadvantage in the health and welfare aspect of the run. It's all BS . . . but the ad campaign is interesting.

Excellent camping weekend

A long time coming . . .

Geez . . . maybe 1999 or so since the Lions showed us they could overcome adversity and come from behind to win! Plenty of adversity, Robinson had 3 interceptions and 4 fumbles during the first half, and just about every break that could go against us did . . . but the Freshmen starters once again made the big plays when we needed them! I hate nail bite finishes, but this one was a sweet victory and proves the team's got some heart.

Next week . . . Minnesota (coming off an upset win over Michigan) should be "the test". Who knows . . . we may be playing a bowl game this year . . . too early to tell for sure, but if we continue to improve, and win . . . maybe a major bowl.

Week takes shape . . . weekend should be spectacular

Although hectic at times, this week is a short one for me. After work today, it'll be time to fire up the motor home and head off for a 3 day camping weekend. Weather promises to be excellent and it should be a wonderful way to usher in the first weekend of Fall. Penn State is favored by 4 points against Northwestern on Saturday and the campsite has cable feed. Long necks and brats for everyone!

The reason I got rid of the cats . . .

Lions and JoePa have a GREAT day!

Lions 40 - Chips 3 in the best offensive and defensive show PSU has mustered in the last dozen games! State's QBs had a near record day throwing and the Frosh reciever corps showcased quickness and good hands catching! This is an exciting, quick strike offense that Penn State brings into the Big 10 opener against Northwestern next weekend. 12 of the last 13 games our defense has held opponents to under 21 points. The new found offensive spark, coupled with a strong defense, shows much promise in the upcoming campaign! Yeah Buddy!!!

More Locals . . .

OK . . . remember. . . any resemblance to actual persons, animals, or vehicles found in my area is strictly coincidental.

Next weekend . . .

It'll be all about the campfire!

Dern Tired . . .

Irresistable photo of a dern (that's how they say "darn" around there) tired kitten.

Newcastle Brown Saturday

Easily, one of the favorites! This one's for you!

Go Lions!

More Locals . . .

Pre-game tailgate and BBQ

While I won't be at State College for the game tomorrow, I'm planning a BBQ and pre-game party. Plenty of brats and beer . . . Go Lions!

More Locals

More Locals

PSU versus Central Michigan

Expect another PSU victory this weekend as the Lions take on the Chippawas in the first ever meeting of the two schools. The O line and Frosh starters have a chance to fine tune themselves for the Big 10 campaign that begins the following week. Let's hope Morelli gets some quality time at QB in this game . . . and that Dan Conner LB can be worked back into the starting line up before mid-October. I think the Lion "D" will be charged up. They are averaging 18.5 PPG allowed and 64 rushing yards PG allowed. Gotta hope the low rushing yards allowed statistic holds up . . . that's 4th best in Big 10 so far this season.

Should be an entertaining contest. PSU is favored by 3 touches.

Note to self . . .

Yesterday and today . . . some ups and downs, but a good week taking shape! So many "what are the odds of that happening" it seems worthy of noting.

Keep Our Troops in Your Prayers

September 11th. Lest we forget.

Not a good day for the Big 10 top dogs!

Seldom will you see Ohio State, Michigan, and Iowa suffer losses on the same day. the Buckeyes lost to # 2 Texas, the Irish took it Michigan in their "big house", and Iowa just fell apart. These were all non-conference games and will have no effect on determining the Big 10 champ . . . surely OSU and Michigan will be the teams to watch in the shoot out for Big 10 braggin rights.

It's a good day when someone knocks off any one of these 3 teams . . . however, the losses will downgrade their positions in the football polls . . . and that's not good, because it's better to have them higher ranked going into their games against the Nittany Lions. Makes a Lions upset victory against any one of them that much sweeter!

By pre-season sports writers estimates, PSU doesn't have a prayer against OSU, Michigan, or Iowa. I wouldn't be so sure! OSU, in my opinion, is the best program in the Big 10 right now. I think PSU could have defeated Michigan and Iowa if they had faced either of these teams this weekend. I think OSU would have stuffed the Lions, especially on defense.

It will be very interesting to see how the Lions match up with these teams a month or so from now.

PSU 42 UC 24

The big story of the game was over 200 offensive yards gained by Lion freshmen! Superb contributions by these youngsters to help break the game open. QB Mike Robinson played one of his best games. Sadly, PSU's scoring defense streak (12 consecutive games holding opponents to 21 points or less) ended today. Look for the Lion "D" to be the one thing fans can count on the rest of the campaign. We learned today that we have some deep threats on offense.