Linkbacker U is rolling up its pantlegs

Life After Joe Pa

Well, in case the world doesn't end first. Victory Bell Rings gave their opinion on who will eventually succeed Joe Paterno as head coach of Penn State. They seem to think it will be a promotion from within the organization, most likely either Tom Bradley or Galen Hall.

We’re not going to pay somebody 4 or 5 million dollars. I’m sorry. I don’t care who it is. It’s just not going to go over well at Penn State….There are, I assure you, a lot of people who would be thrilled, a lot of very talented people, who would be thrilled to be the head coach in any sport at Penn State.

Now if Penn State were to go outside the current staff for the next coach, expect it to be someone with ties to the program. Greg Schiano of Rutgers used to be a member of the Paterno staff and Temple's Al Golden played for Paterno. Both have been successful in elevating their respective schools to football relevancy, though many claim Schiano's game day strategy to be often flawed.

Personally, I'm of the opinion that the world is going to end in 2012 anyway, so we won't need to worry about a new coach.

Speaking about Joe Pa....

It's no secret that Joe Pa has been sick this off season, having to cancel multiple public appearances in recent weeks. It is also no secret that Cory Giger is not the most optimistic Penn State beat reporter in the world, always seeming to find the storyline to rub the coach (whether it be football or basketball) the wrong way. If you see Joe Pa get angry in a press conference, it's usually Giger's question.

So it is not at all shocking that Giger is blaming the slow recruiting season on Paterno's illness, sighting multiple sources criticizing the small recruiting class. Interesting enough, he only so briefly mentions that with so few seniors graduating, Penn State has room for only a very small class this year. He compares Penn State's commits to some of Penn State's competition.

* 17 for Ohio State

* 13 for Nebraska

* 9 for Pitt

* 8 for Iowa

* 7 for Michigan

* 5 for Wisconsin

However, this really doesn't tell the whole story. There are many reasons for the small Lion recruiting class, the least of which is the health of Paterno.

While you were Artsfesting: Lions Lift for Life

The eighth annual Lift for Life is set for 2 p.m. July 9 at Holuba Hall. Tickets are $5 with proceeds going to the Kidney Cancer Association. The Collegian's Footblog has more on the story,including the breakdown of all the teams competing in the event.

My personal favorite team: 4th and long. Ironic because none of the four team members, Collin Wagner, David Soldner, Russell Nye or Anthony Fera, knows for sure what their role will be on 4th and long situations this season.

But more importantly, give your liver a break and go help support needy kidneys at this fantastic event.

What do you like more, Christmas or Tailgating Season?

I personally actually go to the games for the football, hence me writing on this blog, but I know I cant speak for everyone, as evident by the many vacant seats at the start of games this past season. For those whose pre-game festivities differs from those of Steve Jones, Black Shoe Diaries featured some of their favorite tailgating rituals. Does your favorite barbecue beat their King-man Spam Sandwich Recipe? Let us know what some of your favorite tailgating traditions are, and if you are like the seemingly shrinking percent of the fan base that actually ends the tailgate in time for the start of the game.

Jared Dudley isn't a Complete Waste

Or maybe he is. Regardless, he hasn't done anything on the basketball court since his Boston College days. But he is making a name for himself by giving us the latest story from this source fellow. Whoever this source fellow is certainly knows a whole lot about Lebron James. Nonetheless, Dudley, via twitter, seems to think LeBron's New York City bound.

Breaking News!!! My sources tell me Lebron will announce that he will be goin to the NY KNICKS tomorrow on ESPN.. This is serious.. WOW!!!!

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