BlogPoll 2010: Week 14 Rough Draft Ballot

Hmm, well a tiring second half Boise State defense threw the BlogPoll in a blender. I think I went overly optimistic with my Nevada move and may need to reconsider how that effects the teams immediately below them.

Arkansas may end up moving up some more. Other than that, it's the mess you've come to expect by this point. Questions, corrections, suggestions and objections are always welcome.

Review: Michigan State 28, Penn State 22

Penn State managed to end the 2010 regular season with a thud, which happens to be exactly how the season as a whole will be viewed by most fans and media.

Penn State's senior class will be remembered for helping lead the team
 to a 47-17 record over their five seasons in Happy Valley. (Photo: Mike/LBU)

It was the first senior day loss since 1999. It also completed the first winning regular season since 1992 in which Penn State failed to reach eight victories. But all that aside, Penn State did manage to prevent the blowout, actually putting quite the scare into the overly-comfortable Spartans late in the game. It was the kind of never-die attitude that could bode very well for the future of this team. But that's all next season. Let's talk about this season, and this depressing loss, in particular.

What to like. What to hate. What to not freak out about. Right now...

Creepin' the Big Ten: Week 13

(Photo: BigTenNetwork.com)

Is the regular season already over? Sure went fast. Here's the roundup of Big Ten football action from this weekend.

Three teams can now officially lay claim to the 2010 Big Ten football championship--Ohio State, Wisconsin, and Michigan State. But we all know that only Michigan State is the rightful owner of the true title, as the Spartans were the only ones to go undefeated (1-0) against the other two co-champs--Ohio State lost to Wisconsin, and Wisconsin lost to Michigan State. Oh, and Buckeyes fans better not throw out the "MSU lost to Iowa, but we beat them!" Yeah, you know who else beat Iowa this year? Minnesota.

Allen Robinson verbals to Penn State

Per his Facebook wall, Orchard Lake(MI)/St. Mary's wide receiver Allen Robinson became verbal commit No. 7 in Penn State's 2011 football recruiting class. If that school sounds familiar, that's because Penn State's own Rob Bolden was tossing passes to Robinson just 12 months ago.

Ogbu, Royster, Wiz named 2010 All-Big Ten

Evan Royster was one of three Nittany Lions
to earn All-Big Ten honors for 2010.
(Photo: Mike/LBU)

In its poorest showing in years, Penn State can claim a mere three players selected to the 2010 All-Big Ten teams. Ollie Ogbu and Evan Royster both earned second team honors, while Stefen Wisniewski, who earlier today earned first-team All-America honors from the AFCA, landed on the Big Ten's first team.

Wisniewski isn't a surprise, since he was named All-America. Ogbu doesn't really come as much of a shock either, as he was easily the most consistent defender on the team this season. But seeing Evan Royster garner second-team honors this season was a bit unexpected.

Nittany Digs: 2010 Big Ten Champs, National No. 4 Seed

Penn State will get home-court advantage
through most of the NCAA tournament.
(Photo: Steve Manuel)

Penn State locked up the 2010 Big Ten Women's Volleyball championship by sweeping the Iowa Hawkeyes Friday night. But just as one would expect in this very odd season for the Lions, they turned right around and lost to No. 15 Minnesota yesterday afternoon. It's not like a Russ Rose-coached team to look ahead, but it definitely felt like this team is keeping both eyes focused squarely on the tournament.

Speaking of which, Penn State also grabbed itself a very nice No. 4 seed in the national tournament. Penn State will be able to enjoy home-court advantage through the regional round, as the first three rounds will take place in the friendly confines of Rec Hall.

Details below the break.

Stefen Wisniewski named AFCA All-American

Penn State's 95th All-America selection,
Stefen Wisniewski. (Photo: Mike/LBU)

In what could be viewed as the epitome of Joe Paterno's "Grand Experiment," senior offensive guard Stefen Wisniewski has been named a first team AFCA All-American. More from the PSU release:

"Wisniewski is among the most distinguished Penn State Football student-athletes in the program's 124-year history. Last week, he became the first Nittany Lion to be selected a three-time ESPN/CoSIDA Academic All-American®, repeating his first team honors from 2009. He finished second in balloting for the 2010 Academic All-American® of the Year in college football."

Congratulations to Stefen and his family.

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Indiana Fires Bill Lynch

Casualty No. 2 in this year's
Big Ten coaching carousel.
(Photo: AP)

This is a bit surprising, considering the Hoosiers just beat their main rival Purdue (which I totally called) in West Lafayette for the first time since 1996. But Bill Lynch is out at Indiana after four seasons, including a bowl berth in 2007.

It was a rocky road for Lynch, as it has been for nearly every Indiana head coach since Prohibition. He left with a 19-30 record. However, with very high expectations going into this season, the 5-7 (1-7 Big Ten) record wasn't good enough for the administration. Though one must keep in mind that this was probably the toughest Big Ten conference since the late 1990s, and it would have been difficult for most lower-tier programs to reach .500 this year playing in this conference.

Good luck to Lynch, and even bigger luck to the next guy who comes into Bloomington, because he'll sure as hell need it.

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Matt Zanellato verbals to Penn State

(Photo: Washington Post)

Penn State grabbed verbal No. 6 last night, as Lake Braddock(VA) wide receiver Matt Zanellato called Larry Johnson Sr. with the news. At 6-foot-3, 195 lbs, Zanellato keeps with the trend of Penn State now recruiting big, strong wide receivers.

Zanellato and Lake Braddock are coming off a 56-18 drubbing of Chantilly in this weekend's state playoffs, in which he pulled in 10 balls for 140 yards and two touchdowns. This season (so far) Zanellato has 86 catches for 1,584 yds and 19 TDs.

Here's a highlight reel from the win over Chantilly:

Gameday HQ: Michigan State at Penn State 2010

Here's your pregame rundown of everything you need to know for today's game. No live blog this week.

• Preview: MSU at PSU
• LBU Staff Predictions: MSU at PSU
• 11th Hour Depth Charting: MSU
• Joe Paterno Press Conference: MSU
• 10 Minutes or Less: 1994 MSU at PSU
• Big Ten Bloggers Pick'em: Week 13
• Week 13 BlogPoll

11th Hour Depth Charting: Michigan St at Penn St

Some important injuries this week, though not nearly as destructive as other points this season.

RG John Urschel could start,
depending on Doug Klopacz's status.
 (Photo: Mike/LBU)

The latest depth chart (from what we can tell) for this week's game, with some complementary notes...

-The players marked with an asterisk (*) are only projected to either start or not start, based on how the injury situation plays out at each position.
-The offensive line depends on whether or not Doug Klopacz is ready to go. If not, then Stefen Wisniewski will move to center, as he did against Indiana, while John Urschel will move up to start at RG.
-Michael Mauti could end up playing, but I'll go with Nate Stupar as the starter again this week.
-It's senior day, so Bani Gbadyu will start. But that doesn't mean he'll stay there the full game. Watch for Gerald Hodges to come in early.

LBU Staff Predictions: Michigan State at Penn State

Evan Royster could go out a winner, or...
we hope. (Photo: Mike/LBU)

Here is our weekly prognosticating, this time on a very full stomach...

Galen

This game will come down to one thing: coaching. It’s painfully obvious that Penn State has two coaching philosophies: 1) Conservative on both sides of the ball or 2) aggressive on both sides of the ball. The two sides seem to be in synch as well. Against Ohio State Penn State came out guns a blazin’ and roared out to a two score lead. The offense was throwing on first down and the defense was blitzing and they had great success. Then both sides went into a conservative shell, blitzes were no longer called and Jay Paterno dialed up the “mash the running back into the center of the line for two plays, desperation 3rd and long incompletion, punt” offense that goes nowhere. The same thing happened against Indiana once the Hoosiers tied it up but luckily Penn State’s special teams saved the day and got momentum back. It’s really that simple, call a conservative game against a top 10 team and you will LOSE. Come out playing aggressive with a nothing to lose attitude and Penn State will win. I’m betting on the former.

Odd stat of the game: Michigan State is 1st in the conference in punt returns and dead last in kickoff returns and they are led by the same guy (Keshawn Martin). Try to explain that one.

Penn State 17 – Michigan State 27

Big Ten Blogger’s Pick’em: Week 13

We're rolling down the home stretch and like any hard fought competition the cream rises to the top when it's crunch time. Linebacker-U went a perfect 5-0 last week thanks to the prognostication skills of yours truly. While Tim and Mike were playing the role of statistical outlier (each losing one game) I went a perfect 5-0 and kept sanity alive. All this means we'll fall flat on our faces this week and make me sound like the blowhard I am. Picks after the jump.

Preview: Michigan State at Penn State

The Nittany Lions, once again this season, are back on track after a loss. Last week's win over Indiana wasn't the most impressive showing under Joe Paterno, but it was absolutely necessary to set up a fine finish to an obvious reloading season.

This week the No. 11 Michigan State Spartans roll into Happy Valley, with every intention of sending this rivalry out with their first win in Beaver Stadium.

Here's your weekly preview and breakdown.

Blogpoll 2010: Week 13 Final Ballot & Top 25

This week's full BlogPoll Top 25, for your perusement. Our final ballot below that.

Wrestling Wreport: Penn State sweeps Sprawl and Brawl Duals

Cael Sanderson's team continues their torrid start to the season sweeping the Sprawl and Brawl duals in Binghamton, N.Y. last Sunday. Penn State defeated West Virginia, Harvard and No. 24 Rutgers by a combined score of 105-13. It was complete dominance as the individual wrestlers won 26 duals and lost only 4 while amassing 7 pins.

Joe Paterno Press Conference Recap: Michigan State Week

The long and short (but mostly the short) of Joe's presser from Tuesday.

• Joe Paterno will return next season. Why this is a big deal, I'm not entirely sure. But he said he wants to return next season, because this team is shaping up to be really good in 2011. Joe pointed to the injuries and the youth, which is all accurate. Joe wants to reinforce the fact that with the three academic all-Americans, the program is still doing things the right way. Joe thinks that it should be somewhat his call, but he doesn't run the university. 
• Andrew Dailey and Kevion Latham are listed as playing their last home game. So that's usually an indication that they won't be returning for their fifth year of eligibility. Joe said that's pretty much correct. But players have been known to come back after saying they're done.

10 Minutes Or Less: 1994 Penn State vs. Michigan State

Okay, so this is my first individual post in what seems like forever. Unfortunately, I still have another week of classes left but come December, I will have an exponential increase in free time for blogging. The timing couldn't be any more perfect either, given the Fighting DeChellises unprecedented 4-0 start to the hoops season.

I digress, however. Today, we're doing our season finale of 10 Minutes Or Less in the best way imaginable with another 1994-style beatdown. If you pay close enough attention, you'll recognize NFL receiving stud Derrick Mason tearing it up for Michigan State via a touchdown catch to give Sparty the early 7-0 lead and a 100-yard kickoff return that tied the game at 14. Alas, Mason's first quarter heroics could only delay the inevitable onslaught courtesy of the juggernaut Penn State offense which was led by Heisman candidate Ki-Jana Carter and his handful (literally, five) of touchdowns on the day. This was then followed by 96,000 freezing Penn State fans proclaiming "We're number one!" during the game's final minutes, realizing that those responsible for voting in the AP and Coaches polls were going to continue with their Tom Osborne pity party and keep Nebraska at #1. It also secured Joe Paterno's last undefeated regular season and PSU's first Rose Bowl trip in 72 years. Need I say more? Yeah, that's what I thought, now watch:


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BlogPoll 2010: Week 13 Rough Draft Ballot

A short week leads to a late draft ballot, but knock yourselves out picking away at it much like your soon to be cooked turkey. It is largely unchanged from last week, save for Nebraska's upset stirring things up a little. Questions, corrections, suggestions and objections are always welcome.

Penn State Hoops 8-0; Welcoming a New Blogger

Penn State basketball--both men's and women's--is having a very nice season so far, with both teams combining for an 8-0 regular season start, the best initial combined four-game kickoff since 2008 when the teams went 7-1 to start the year.

The Nittany Lions are getting better each game, with senior leadership from the likes of Talor Battle and Jeff Brooks. For the Lady Lions, with such a young but talented team, the start is quite encouraging. With several overtime games already this year, it should prove to be great experience for what is expected to be a tough Big Ten road this year.

Nittany Digs: Crackin' Nuts & Sweepin' Up

Seniors Blair Brown
and Fatima Balza
(Photo: GoPSUsports.com)

It was quite the week for Penn State women's volleyball. The Nittany Lions not only grabbed sole possession of first place in the Big Ten, but did it in their typically convincing fashion. To top off the week's work, three Nittany Lions took home conference honors.

Here's the lowdown on last week's action.

Sweepin' Up

Penn State earned a full sweep of the Big Ten weekly honors for volleyball this week, garnering offensive, defensive, and freshman of the week awards.

LBU Staff Reactions: Penn State 41, Indiana 24

Our thoughts, straight from the can.

Derek Moye
(Photo: GoPSUsports.com)

Galen

Penn State did the opposite of what we are used to by coming out with an aggressive game plan and jumping out to two quick scores on their first two drives. The defense got a little complacent around the second quarter which allowed Indiana to creep back in and tie it up. In the end though the Lions were just too much for a struggling Hoosiers team as Penn State pulled away to take a 41-25 lead. Game balls go to Matt McGloin and Nate Stupar. McGloin was extremely efficient completing 22 of his 31 passes for 315 yards 2 touchdowns and more importantly, no interceptions.

Review: Penn State 41, Indiana 24

Penn State guaranteed itself a .500 finish in the Big Ten race, with the win over Indiana at FedEx Field. Matt McGloin had a career day, while Penn State's special teams came up with a huge go-ahead score in the second half. Indiana wouldn't go down softly, however, as the Hoosiers would put up one heck of a fight.

What to like. What to hate. What to not freak out about. Right now...

Andrew Dailey earns Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week

Andrew Dailey
(Photo: Mike/LBU)

Would have liked to see both Andrew Dailey and James Van Fleet earn this together, but I guess it is what it is.

Andrew Dailey, Penn State
JR, S, Massillon, Ohio/Washington

With the score tied in the third quarter, Dailey blocked an Indiana punt which was scooped up by teammate James Van Fleet and returned 21 yards for a touchdown to give Penn State a 31-24 lead. The Nittany Lions would add another score to end the game with a 41-24 victory. The junior safety has now blocked two punts in his career, including the most recent blocked punt by PSU against Eastern Illinois in 2009. Dailey’s block was the first rejected punt returned for a score by the Nittany Lions since the 2005 season. Dailey picks up the first weekly laurel of his career.

LAST PSU SPECIAL TEAMS POW: K Collin Wagner on Nov. 1, 2010.

Congrats, Andrew! Now go do it again, this time to Sparty!

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Numbers Don't Lie: Rob Bolden Getting a Raw Deal

Matt McGloin

Since coming in to relieve a concussed Rob Bolden at Minnesota five weeks ago, Matt McGloin has been the hottest of hot topics around Penn State football fan and media circles. He's done well; excellent, some say. He should be the entrenched starter, because he's earned it, many others point out.

They call people like me "bitter" or "hating" towards McGloin. They think we're blind to what he's accomplished, while even more blind as to Bolden's struggles when the job was his only a few games ago.

Let me tell you exactly who is the blind party in this equation. For the purposes of this post, I will highlight a column by the excellent columnist Donnie Collins up in Scranton. Please keep in mind that I am not solely picking on Collins, but simply pointing to his column as an example. From Sunday's column on McGloin:

(Ed.- Collins points out just before this passage how Jay Paterno won't commit to one quarterback, saying that it remains an open competition week to week. The column continues with...)

"Bull.

That talk is getting tired, and quite frankly, it's an insult to the intelligence of anyone who has actually watched the games these past few weeks. Penn State has scored 143 points offensively in the 19 quarters Matt McGloin has played. The Lions didn't score more than 24 points against any Football Bowl Subdivision opponent Bolden started against. Outside of the Ohio State game, the Lions haven't scored less than 33 with McGloin under center."

No sir, the insult to intelligence everywhere is that the large contingent of McGloinists will never even hint at the fact that Bolden has been given a raw deal, and McGloin has been set up perfectly for success. How is this possible? McGloin has done exactly what Collins wrote about--he's sparked the offense to 143 points in 19 quarters, while the same unit struggled under Bolden's leadership. That's all true... but it's not accurate; not accurate of what's happened since McGloin has taken over.

Noon kickoff for Senior Day vs MSU

Don't eat too much leftovers on Friday night, because you're going to have to get up pretty early for Penn State's senior day finale against No. 11 Michigan State:

Penn State's Senior Day clash with No. 11 Michigan State on Saturday, Nov. 27 has been set for a 12:00 p.m. ET kick in Beaver Stadium. The contest will air on ESPN or ESPN2, the Penn State Sports Network and www.GoPSUsports.com.

A decision on which ESPN network will air the game will be announced by Monday.

Now question is set: Will the student section fill up to even half its capacity? My money (if I gambled) would be on "no."

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Penn State holds off Indiana, 41-24

(Photo: PennLive.com)

Penn State took advantage of a hot start and even hotter finish to compensate for a rather cool middle, as the Nittany Lions escaped FedEx Field with a 41-24 win over the "home team" Indiana Hoosiers Saturday in the Washington Redskins' stadium in Landover, MD.

The Nittany Lions were in control, up 14-0 in the first 15:04.

Then they lost control, as Indiana tied it up 24-all in the third quarter.

But Penn State regained control just in time to win the game, courtesy of one huge scoop-and-score on a punt block that set it all in motion.

You could hand out a player of the game honor to quarterback Matt McGloin (22-31, 315 yds, 2 TD) or flanker Derek Moye (6 rec. 90 yds, TD; 2 car. 39 yds). But the real game-changers in this one were the unsung heroes on special teams, namely safety Andrew Dailey and linebacker James Van Fleet.

Gameday HQ: Penn State at Indiana 2010

Here's your pregame rundown of everything you need to know for today's game. No live blog this week.

• No need for coverage maps this week, as the game is on BTN.
• Sean Stanley, Silas Redd caught for public urination
• Anthony Fera gets emergency appendectomy
• Preview: PSU at IU
• LBU Staff Predictions: PSU at IU
• 11th Hour Depth Charting: Indiana
• Joe Paterno Press Conference: Indiana
• 10 Minutes or Less: 2004 PSU at Indiana
• Blue & White Roundtable: IU Edition
• Big Ten Bloggers Pick'em: Week 12
• Week 12 BlogPoll

11th Hour Depth Charting: Penn State at Indiana (updated)

Will we get "The Scranton Slinger,"
or "McSix" this week?
(Photo: Mike/LBU)

Another week with little change. The latest depth chart (from what we can tell) for this week's game, with some complementary notes...

Offense
-No major changes. Matt McGloin is still the starter.

Defense
-Michael Mauti is out this week with that shoulder injury (dislocation). Nate Stupar should fill in nicely, but there will still be a big leadership void on defense.

Sp. Teams
-Anthony Fera's appendix nearly exploded all over his innards. The surgery will set him back at least the rest of the regular season, if not longer. True frosh Alex Butterworth takes over.

Update: Apologies for not mentioning Sean Stanley or Silas Redd. I believe Redd won't be punished by the team. There's no reason to. He wasn't drunk, and how many of us have done what he did? Sean Stanley, on the other hand, is up in the air. I'm leaving him as the main backup to Pete Massaro on the weak side, but if he doesn't play, it wouldn't shock me. The defensive line is very weak and thin this year, so him playing may happen. Still, Stanley's situation is much different than Redd's, because Stanley was out drinking the night before the Ohio State game. No matter if he got caught or not, what does that say about his commitment to the team? Nothing good, that's what.

The depth chart:

LBU Staff Predictions: Penn State at Indiana

Evan Royster should have a
field day against the Hoosiers...
we hope. (Photo: Mike/LBU)

Another terrible defense, probably another Penn State win. How do we know this? This is how...

Galen

Penn State will probably be without Michael Mauti which scares the hell out of me because this defense is completely different without him. I expect it to be a high scoring game for that reason and I’m just hoping Penn State can score a lot. I’m pretty sure we’ll see the same slow start we always see because it’s a noon game so we’ve got that going for us. As for Indiana, they will get their points but which team shows up? Will we see the team that came within a dropped pass of beating Iowa or will we see the team that got bitchslapped by Wisconsin to the tune of 83 points? I’m confident Penn State can win but I’m still a bit concerned.

Penn State 35 – Indiana 17

Mike

Penn State probably isn't as bad as last week's final score suggested. But it's also not as good as the three games before suggested, either. Indiana won't be much of a test for this team, even though the Hoosiers traditionally get up and play well against Penn State. The last two years--both 11-win seasons for PSU--Indiana played the Lions tough, both times in the confines of Beaver Stadium. Penn State, even without Michael Mauti, should be able to slow or stop a very one-dimensional Indiana offense. And the Hoosiers' defense is worse than Michigan's. No matter the quarterback, Penn State should cover the spread (-10) in this one. Too bad even though the game will be played 45 minutes from my place, I won't be there to see it.

Penn State 34 – Indiana 20

Yeah, it was a busy week for the crew. We'll be back to full force for MSU.

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Wrigley Field too small for safe football

(Photo: LakeThePosts.com)

The home of the Chicago Cubs will host Illinois and Northwestern this weekend. It's been a much hyped game, being in the Windy City and in the "friendly confines" of such an historic stadium. There's one problem: The field itself is just barely able to squeeze a football field onto it. So, what does the Big Ten do about this? Well...

I'm sure this will work out just great.

The following rule changes were determined to be the best of all options and will be in effect for this game only based on the unique layout of the field.

1) All offensive plays will head toward the West end zone, including all extra points and all overtime possessions.
2) All kickoffs will be kicked toward the East end zone.
3) After every change of possession, the ball will be repositioned for the offense to head toward the West end zone.
4) As a result of a coin toss held by the conference office Friday morning, Illinois will occupy the West team bench in the first half and Northwestern will occupy the West team bench in the second half and for all overtime periods.

So what are the odds that a player will score a touchdown by running the "wrong way"? We'll start at 10/1, and I like those odds.

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Big Ten Blogger’s Pick’em: Week 12

Last week was a challenging week, who would have thought Minnesota would beat Illinois? None of us got that right. Who would have thought Northwestern would beat Iowa? ME that's who! Boooyaaah! With that prediction I've tied things up with my fellow prognosticators here at Linebacker-U at 59-15. Considering we all have that score and Linebacker-U is sitting at 60-14, I'd say we've managed to squeeze out the most possible wins with our picks. Good for us. Picks and comments to follow the jump.

Blue & White Roundtable: the Hoosier edition

This week's Roundtable brought to you by William World News , high five to him. I'm sure the other guys will be along for the ride anytime so be sure to check them out. Onward…
Nittany White Out
Penn State Clips
Joe Pa's Doghouse

Preview: Penn State 'at' Indiana

Penn State and Indiana will face off at the Washington Redskins' home stadium, FedEx Field in Landover, MD. The obvious benefit to Penn State is that this game will surely turn into a virtual home game for the Nittany Lions. The Northeast corridor, stretching from the Washington, DC metro area through to Boston, is home to the highest concentration of Penn State alumni in the nation. If FedEx Field isn't 80 percent Penn State fans, it would be a disappointment.

The Hoosiers come into this game with a potent passing game, but with little ground support. The injury last week to QB Ben Chappell could make things interesting, but he's likely to play, and is good enough to play well while hurt. The Indiana defense is, well... pretty damn bad.

For Penn State, it's a chance to get back on track. The loss last week to Ohio State was crushing in every respect. This game against Indiana should offer some kind of outlet for the pent-up rage the Nittany Lions should be harboring after returning from Columbus.

Here's your weekly preview and breakdown.

Because Penn State hoops is 3-0

Talor Battle
(Photo: GoPSUsports.com)

Well, if you count the glorified high school game (exhibition) against ESU as a real game, then Penn State men's basketball is 3-0. But without the expo game, the Nittany Lions are still 2-0 right now.

It wouldn't surprise anyone if Penn State lost one of its next two--lightweights Fairfield and CCSU. But they probably won't lose those games, and reach 4-0 before heading down to Oxford, Miss. for a game with Ole Miss. Now, they're not exactly Duke, but the Rebels are 2-0 so far, and play in the decent SEC.

Here's a quick wrap from the first two wins.

Fox gets Big Ten Championship Games thru 2016

This is not exactly a shocker, since Fox owns 49 percent of the Big Ten Network. From the Big Ten, in an announcement today:

"The Big Ten Conference has reached a media agreement with FOX Sports to serve as the official broadcast partner of the 2011-16 Big Ten Football Championship Games. The inaugural Big Ten Football Championship Game will be played in prime time on December 3, 2011, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis..."

Fox does a fantastic job with the Big Ten Network. But it absolutely butchered the BCS Bowl Games from 2006 thru last season. So I'm going to hold my breath on this one until we see more details, like broadcast teams and whether the presentation will look more like the BCS games previously on Fox, or more like the Big Ten Network. We'll see.

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10 Minutes or Less: 2004 Penn State at Indiana

Penn State was wallowing in a second straight losing season. But unlike the 3-9 season in 2003, the 2004 Penn State Nittany Lions had one of the finest defenses in college football, never surrendering more than 21 points in any of its 11 games.

That defense would come through in dramatic fashion on this crisp autumn day in Bloomington, as the Penn State football program faced one of the most critical turning points in its history. And it all came down to one series of downs inside the two yard line...



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Anthony Fera gets emergency appendectomy, possibly out the season

Fera's done for the year.
(Photo: Collegian)

Fantastic:

"Anthony had his appendix taken out in the middle of the night this morning," said Tony Fera. "He'll be in the hospital for another day. He's going to miss the next two weeks and then we'll see where it goes from there for the bowl game."

As if the injury situation wasn't hitting this team hard enough. Now its Wrath of God type stuff?

Hope you like pancakes. 'Cause you're about to get a big 'ol helping of Butterworth this weekend.

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BlogPoll 2010: Week 12 Final Ballot and Top 25

This week's full BlogPoll Top 25, for your perusement.

Results for Week 12

#	School	Points/blog	SD	Delta
1	Oregon Ducks (52)	24.37	0.98	--
2	Auburn Tigers (28)	24.04	0.83	--
3	TCU Horned Frogs (2)	22.57	1.14	--
4	Boise St. Broncos (8)	22.29	1.63	--
5	LSU Tigers	20.10	2.01	--
6	Wisconsin Badgers	19.42	1.91	1
7	Stanford Cardinal	19.34	1.65	-1
8	Nebraska Cornhuskers	17.66	1.65	--
9	Ohio St. Buckeyes	17.09	1.78	--
10	Michigan St. Spartans	15.51	2.06	1
11	Oklahoma St. Cowboys	15.43	2.49	-1
12	Alabama Crimson Tide	14.97	1.72	--
13	Arkansas Razorbacks	12.88	1.44	1
14	Missouri Tigers	10.99	2.46	3
15	Oklahoma Sooners	10.21	2.47	4
16	Virginia Tech Hokies	9.59	2.74	4
17	South Carolina Gamecocks	8.78	2.48	5
18	Nevada Wolf Pack	7.89	3.10	3
19	Texas A&M Aggies	6.39	2.48	4
20	Iowa Hawkeyes	5.03	2.94	-7
21	USC Trojans	3.72	3.33	5
22	Arizona Wildcats	3.54	2.72	-6
23	Mississippi St. Bulldogs	3.51	2.68	-5
24	Miami Hurricanes	2.18	2.29	8
25	Florida St. Seminoles	1.64	2.20	13
Others Receiving Votes: Northwestern Wildcats | Utah Utes | N.C. State Wolfpack | Northern Illinois Huskies | Temple Owls | San Diego St. Aztecs | Navy Midshipmen | Arkansas St. Red Wolves | Michigan Wolverines | Maryland Terrapins | Syracuse Orange | Hawaii Warriors | Air Force Falcons | Florida Gators | West Virginia Mountaineers | Tulsa Golden Hurricane | North Carolina Tar Heels | Southern Miss. Golden Eagles
Updated: Nov 17, 2010 11:43 AM EST

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Always for the Glory: NFL Update Week 11

Paul Posluszny looks like he's finally back. Bryan Scott teamed with Poz to help earn the Bills their first win of the season. While Deon Butler is proving why Penn State fans made all those shirts saying "Throw the Ball to Butler."

On the downside, I finally figured out what happened to Jeremy Kapinos. He was only signed to the Colts for a week, then cut. So Kapinos is done again for now.

NFC North

Chicago Bears - Chicago Bears 27, Minnesota Vikings 13

This week: Chicago @ Miami, 8:20 p.m. Thursday on the NFL Network.

Anthony Adams (1999-02), DT
Adams started at nose tackle for the Bears, recording three tackles, including one for a loss.

Robbie Gould (2001-04), K
Gould was 2-for-3 in field goal attempts, connecting on kicks of 34 and 37 yards, and converted on all three of his PATs.

Wrestling Wreport: the inaugural 2010-11 edition

The Penn State wrestling team started the season off with a bang beating outmanned Bloomsburg 41-3 (Friday night) and slipping by fifteenth-ranked Lehigh 21-17 (Sunday afternoon). All five freshmen (2 true, 3 redshirt) went undefeated on the weekend. Frank Martellotti, filling in for injured Brad Pataky, went undefeated and James English, filling in for injured Frank Molinaro (No. 3), went 1-1.

Review: Ohio State 38, Penn State 14

(Photo: PennLive.com)

The very highest of highlights, and very lowest of lowlights, from Penn State's dramatic meltdown in Columbus.

It's tough to really get past the terrible second half performance by the Nittany Lions. But for about 30 minutes Saturday afternoon, Penn State was dominating Ohio State like it was 1994. Okay, maybe not that dominant. But it sure felt like Penn State was facing just some Ohio State university, not The Ohio State University.

What to like. What to hate. What to not freak out about. Right now...