Linkbacker U. Dodges an NCAA Bullet

Leading off today is an update to a link we posted a week ago, to an eBay listing for a 2008 Big Ten Championship Rose Bowl Ring. Naturally, one gets suspicious of those kinds of sales, particularly when it's such a recent item as Penn State's conference title three years ago. After all, many of those players are still on the team now.

But fear not, Penn Staters, there won't be any scandals in Happy Valley over this bit of memorabilia, as I've been able to confirm that the ring belonged to recently-departed running back Shaine Thompson. Thompson left the team following the 2010 season, and is not currently listed on any official roster.

So no "Ring-Gate 2011." Whew...

Redskins Draft Evan Royster in 6th Round

With the 12th pick of the 6th round, the Washington Redskins drafted Penn State's all-time leading rusher, running back Evan Royster.

Royster ran for 3,932 yards in his four years at Penn State, which included three straight 1,000-yard seasons.

Royster attended Westfield High School in Chantilly, VA, where he totalled 6,384 yards on 750 carries (8.5 avg.) and 90 touchdowns and helped Westfield win three Concorde District Championships.

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Linkbacker U. Goes NFL Draft Diving

Finally, the day we have all been waiting four. The time of year where we get to stare at Mel Kiper's overly greasy hair for hours on end and hear wayyyy too much personal information about people who barely are allowed to sip alcohol. Today marks the first day of the NFL Draft, and while no Nittany Lions will be drafted today, I figured we would take a look at the Penn Staters who may get drafted over the next couple days.

Evan Royster: Sleeper or Sleepy?
To us Penn State faithful, it was easy to mistake him for the latter on several Saturdays this season. But at least one blogger thinks he could be a sleeper for the Packers. It will certainly be interesting to see if/where he gets drafted.\

Linkbacker-U is rankin the linebackers

Tamba Hali (Photo: SI.com)

Here at Linebacker-U, we take our linebackers very seriously. Which is why when ESPN comes out ranking the top linebackers in the National Football League, that catches our attention.

Here's how they ranked

1. Patrick Willis, San Francisco 49ers
2. James Harrison, Pittsburgh Steelers
3. DeMarcus Ware, Dallas Cowboys
4. Clay Matthews, Green Bay Packers
5. Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens
6. Jerod Mayo, New England Patriots
7. Brian Urlacher, Chicago Bears
8. LaMarr Woodley, Pittsburgh Steelers
9. Tamba Hali, Kansas City Chiefs
9. Jon Beason, Carolina Panthers

That's right. That's former Penn State sack machine Tamba Hali. Not mentioned in this list? Aaron "Worst Player in the NFL" Maybin. Hey, at least he got to get away from the ridiculous weather of State College and move to a warm weather city....nevermind Buffalo? Yeah his life sucks.

Nittany Lions solid once again in Shrine Game

Evan Royster (Photo: LBU/Mike)

Evan Royster ran for 38 yards and a four-yard touchdown, while Ollie Ogbu had a 10-yard sack to help the East squad win, 25-8, the 86th East-West Shrine Game yesterday afternoon in Orlando.

It was the second time in as many years that Penn Staters helped the East squad to victory with big plays, as Andrew Quarless caught the game-winner in the 2010 edition of the all-star game.

While neither Royster or Ogbu won player of the game honors, their contributions to the victory did nothing short of boosting their draft stock, as well as boost the always-high image scouts have of Penn State.

While there won't be any Nittany Lions playing in the Senior Bowl game this week, Brett Brackett will play in the new Eastham Energy College All-Star Game. The game will be played Sunday in Tempe, Arizona and will be broadcast on FOX College Sports.

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Shrine Game kicks off 4 p.m. today with Evan Royster and Ollie Ogbu



Evan Royster (top) and Ollie Ogbu (bottom).
(Photos: LBU/Mike)

 Senior all-star games are usually good for a dose of college football when you're sitting around, staring down the fact that there will be nothing of the sort for another four months 'till the Blue-White Game, and another eight months 'till the season kickoff. So, if you happen to be home or at a local establishment today at or after 4 p.m., check out Evan Royster and Ollie Ogbu play in the classic East-West Shrine Game:

The contest will be played at the Florida Citrus Bowl Stadium in Orlando, Fla., the site of Penn State's win over LSU in the 2010 Capital One Bowl. The East-West Shrine Game will begin at 4:00 p.m. ET and be televised by NFL Network (Comcast Ch. 180, 275 and 860 in State College).

Former NFL head coaches Dan Reeves (East) and Wade Phillips (West) will lead the all-star squads.

Ogbu, Royster and all the East-West Shrine players kicked off game week on Sunday by visiting Tampa's Shriners Hospital for Children. Every year since the game's inception in 1925, the East-West Shrine Game has been played to raise funds for the 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children, an international health care system dedicated to providing expert specialty care without financial obligation to patients or their families.

At the very least, turn it on for a few minutes, just to get one last feeling of college football on a Saturday. 'Cause it's going to be a while before you see it again.

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Outback Bowl '11: Florida 37, Penn State 24

(Photo: Gary W. Green/Orlando Sentinel)

The Gators slammed the door shut on what could have been a very nice season finale. It's time to move forward, on to signing day, spring practice, summer camp, and the 2011 season. But first, let's do a quick review of the game.

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

Right now...

Outback Bowl '11: Inside Penn State

Penn State had some low expectations coming into the 2010 season. And the Nittany Lions managed to meet every one of them, and some. The quarterback situation was scary, the offensive line even scarier. The defense had to replace three NFL linebackers and the defensive player of the year at tackle. The schedule wasn't kind, either, with the defending national champs, Rose Bowl champs, Orange Bowl champs, and some other teams that turned out to be much better than many predicted.

But with all the downs, came the many ups this season. Finding one too many very good quarterbacks. An improving offensive line. Some damn good receivers. Silas Redd. Michael Mauti. And a team capable of beating almost any opponent, if not for the gross inexperience on the side of blue and white.

Now Penn State returns to another post-season exhibition against the SEC. The last two times out between the Nittany Lions and the most powerful conference in college football resulted in victories for the slow-pokes from snowy Pennsylvania. We'll see if they can do it once again.

In this post, we'll take a quick look at the team overall, then have a game-by-game rundown.

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...

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.

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.

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.

Review: Penn State 35, Northwestern 21

The highlights, and lowlights, from Penn State's 35-21 over Northwestern.

Evan Royster rumbled for 134 yards
against the Wildcats. (Photo: Mike/LBU)

My sincere apologies for not posting this sooner. I had a run-in with some of Pennsylvania's bountiful wildlife on the way up for the game. So my entire Monday was shot dealing with insurance and the collision shop. Everything is fine, so I'm happy. But posting things like this so late bugs the hell out of me.

It was one of the more memorable games I've witnessed in person. From the lowest point in the first half, to the wild second half, there was no shortage of excitement for both sides. So, what was there to like, or dislike, about the game? This...

Photo Gallery: Penn State 41, Michigan 31

This game was just as much fun to shoot as it was to watch. For a few plays here and there, I found myself completely reverting back into fan-mode. Just after the first touchdown, my heart was racing, the crowd was going nuts, and the thought first crossed my mind: "Penn State may actually pull this off tonight."

As always, I will add in more photos as the weekend closes out, and probably more on Monday. So don't think this is all I have.

I will say this right off the top, though it may not have been the biggest play of the night, my absolute favorite photo in this set is of Joe Suhey hurdling Stefen Wisniewski on a screen pass. It just screams "Penn State football." Enjoy...

(*use the scrolling arrows on either side of the photos)


Ok, maybe the Michigan fan flipping off the Penn State crowd was a good one, too.

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Royster, McGloin lead Penn State past Michigan, 41-31

by Ryan

Evan Royster became Penn State's career rushing leader,
as the senior tailback abused Michigan's defense
for 150 yards and two touchdowns.
(photo: Mike/LBU)

In what many dubbed a must win game for Penn State, Joe Paterno entrusted the offense in former walk-on Matt McGloin.

Say what you want about the Michigan defense. With the fate of the team’s season in the balance, McGloin came through in a big way. He completed 17 of 28 passes for 250 yards and 1 touchdowns in the 41-31 win for the Nittany Lions.

“I think he did a really good job. He’s a smart football player. I really didn’t have any doubts,’ said quarterback coach Jay Paterno. “He’s a good athlete. Just because he’s white doesn’t mean he can’t run.

Rob Bolden seemed to be entrenched as Penn State’s starting quarterback. Then he got a concussion.

Now, who knows if he gets to lead the Lions off the bus again this season?

As for the potential quarterback controversy, Paterno put that to rest quickcly.“It’s Rob Bolden’s job,” said Jay Paterno.

Not to be forgotten of course in this game was the historic day put forth by running back Evan Royster. The senior entered the season just 481 yards away from Curt Warners all-time school rushing record. Many expected him to break it weeks ago.

But Royster came into this came just 31 yards shy of Warner’s mark, and got it early in the fourth. He gained 150 yards on 29 carries, and appears to be clicking at the right time heading into the latter part of the season. Next week it’s Northwestern: a chance to clinch bowl eligibility and give Joe his 400th career win.

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LBU Staff Predictions: Michigan at Penn State (updated)

In just about 24 hours, Penn State and Michigan will have at it under the lights. The end product is anyone's guess. So, naturally, we present guesses galore!

Evan Royster is just 31 yards from the record, and
Michigan's defense could be just what he needs to sail past the mark.
(Photo: AnnArbor.com)

Galen

The key for Penn State is getting out to a fast start, it’s a night game and a white out so they should come out pumped. Unfortunately, we all know what we’re going to see on defense: the horrendous cover 2 that will allow Robinson to eat away big chunks of yardage both on the ground running and through the air. Really he’ll have his pick. There’s no way Penn State will play man to man and take the chance that Robinson will run a draw when several DB’s have their backs turned to him. So just go into the game knowing we’re gonna see plenty of offense from Michigan.

With McGloin starting it really adds a different feel to Penn State’s offense. Even if the coaches call short pass plays look for Matt to look down field at every opportunity he gets because he likes to sling the ball. That could be a good thing or it could be a bad thing, the key is he can’t get so pumped that he starts trying to force the ball like he did last week. Sadly we all know how this game will start, Penn State will come out and mash the ball at the center of the line 2x and then try to throw on third and long.

This game will come down to turnovers, if there are none Penn State loses. It’s always important for your defense to force turnovers but against Michigan it’s crucial. If Penn State wants to win this game they will have to win the turnover battle, but I don’t see it happening.

Penn State 21 - Michigan 27

Mike

Preview: Michigan at Penn State

The White Out returns... at night... against Michigan. God help us all.

It's baaack!

Penn state finally got back on the winning track last week, with a 33-21 win over Minnesota. The Gophers were able to move the ball well enough, but were doomed by poor field position, failed fourth down attempts, and one very big interception return by D'Anton Lynn. Oh yeah, did I mention the Gophers' defense had a terrible time slowing down Rob Bolden, before he left the game with a head injury, and didn't do too much better when Matt McGloin came into the game.

Having faced a bad defense last week, another bad one, maybe even worse than Minnesota's porous unit, comes to town this week. The problems for Penn State are that Bolden may not be available to start the game, and Michigan's offense is light-years ahead of Minnesota. And the Gophers piled up more than 400 yards on the Lions.

Scary? That's not even the half of it. In a night game atmosphere, the White Out in full force, and two teams that have a penchant for making throw-your-remote-through-the-TV level mistakes, this Saturday in Happy Valley should provide more than its fair share of drama. Oh, and did we mention Evan Royster is only 31 yards away from breaking Penn State's all-time career rushing record? Yeah, that's in there, too this week.

Let's get to it...

Review: Penn State 33, Minnesota 21

Silas Redd put on a show for Penn State fans, piling up
73 yards for the Nittany Lions against Minnesota.
(AP Photo/Paul Battaglia)

Rah Rah!!! The Nittany Lions won a Big Ten game!

Ok, enough of that. It wasn't pretty, but it was convincing in the end. Reeling from two embarrassing performances, Penn State went on the road and did what it had to do. Minnesota may be the worst team in the conference this season. It doesn't matter. Wins are wins, and Penn State sure needs a few more before the season is done.

The defense bent plenty, but never broke enough to lose the game. In fact, it was a few big defensive stops, efficient passing, a strong running game [gasp!] in the second half, and special teams that propelled Penn State to the victory in Minneapolis. Now, I may be crazy here, but doesn't that sound an awful lot like the Penn State teams of old?

Here the roundup from Saturday.

Preview: Penn State at Iowa

THIS WEEK		#22 AP / 3-1, 0-0 BigTen	@		#17 AP 3-1, 0-0 BigTen
10/2, 8 p.m. ET, ESPN		Wk 4 - W, 22-13 vs TU			Wk 4 - W, 45-0 vs BSU
Full Game Preview / Staff Predictions / Penn State Depth Chart

Evan Royster had his first big rushing game
this season last week, but Iowa's
defense is a whole different ballgame.

Has there been any more painful series for Penn State than that with the Iowa Hawkeyes? Probably not since joining the Big Ten, at least. Well, two years after the absolutely most soul-crushing defeat ever at the hands of the Pig Head Chuckers, it's time to head back to Kinnick Stadium, for what hopefully will not turn into yet another cut-wrenching disappointment.

So, let's get to it...

Review: Penn State 22, Temple 13

Temple put quite a scare into the Nittany Lions yesterday, leading the hosts for most of the game. But Penn State dug down deep, played sensational defense in the second half, and put together one of the most impressive clutch drives we've seen in years.

Mike Zordich would not be denied his first career touchdown run, plowing in for the game-clinching fourth quarter score against the visiting Owls.

Don't say Penn State looked bad against a MAC team.