So much for comfortable and confident . . .

Cornerback Tony Davis scored on a 6-yard fumble return, Anthony Scirrotto (shown above) had two interceptions and returned an onside kick for a touchdown and Penn State overcame Illinois' ground game to defeat the Illini 26-12 Saturday. This wasn't the game I expected (probably not the one most PSU fans expected either) . . . as JoePa said at the end of the game . . . "They should have beat us . . ."

The Lions' effort on special teams and defense won this game. The offense looked very sluggish most of the game. The offensive line continues to be the weak link in what otherwise could be a decent offense - heaven knows, the impact players are a talented bunch. Whether the Lions can run the table remains to be seen. I hate gimme games that turn into a dog fight! Credit the IU team . . . they played up to the level of competition and hype associated with a PSU home game.

The Lions are 18 for 22 in their last 22 games, not bad, compared to the recent dark years they had in Big 10 campaigns. I keep remining myself of this fact. BTW . . . It's also a good day when Florida State loses, which they did . . . creeping JoePa a little closer back to "winningest coach" status every time we win and FSU registers a loss. The Lions are 5-3 and proved they can play tough against Top 5 ranked teams (and scare the bejeezus out of fans playing close games against lesser-ranked teams). I read one sport pundent who put PSU's schedule at the second most difficult in the nation . . . if that's close to correct in any way . . . IMHO, we ain't doin' so bad after all. So much for comfortable and confident . . . I see 2 or 3 more nail biters in the future.