Of Legends & Liars... and T-Shirts

(*I liked this headline better)

This would normally go as the lead for any Linkbacker U post, but since we don't do them on Fridays, and I'm only finding out about this now, it's just too good not to throw out a quick post about it.

Apparently, a staffer at the downtown State College apparel store The Family Clothesline was inspired by Jim Tressel... inspired to jab Mr. Sweatervest in brilliant fashion:

The Family Clothesline is selling a shirt that features on the front Penn State coach Joe Paterno’s distinctive black-framed glasses under the word “Legends.” On the back is a red sweater vest made equally famous by Tressel, under the label “Liars.” The shirt plays off the Big Ten’s new division names, Legends and Leaders.

Store floor manager Caroline Gummo said a staffer arrived at the idea for the shirt soon after Tressel was forced to admit last month that he knew some Buckeyes players were selling football awards and equipment in exchange for free or discounted tattoos in violation of NCAA rules, but kept quiet about it. Gummo said the T-shirt is “simple and gets to the point” about what many in other cities are feeling about Tressel.

Whoever that staff is deserves a raise, or at least a nice bonus for creating such a brilliant shirt.

Happy Friday everyone! Have a great weekend.

(HT: PennLive.com)

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Penn State Spring Media Day 2011 Recap: Depth, Injuries, and Quarterbacks

It's not really football season until Joe Paterno
blows off reporters in a press conference, right?

The weather is warming (unless you're in State College), the trees are budding (unless you're in State College), and football is in the air (especially if you're in State College). Joe Paterno gave his first press conference today for the 2011 football season, focusing on spring practice, injuries, the quarterback situation, and a few other topics. It was only the average 30-minute Q&A with reporters. But afterward, players were available, who also had some good things to say.

The Jerry Sandusky Investigation, and What It Could Mean Legally for Penn State (updated w/Sandusky's Statement)

Jerry Sandusky (Photo: PennLive.com)

To be blunt, here in the sports blogosphere, particularly those who focus on college football and such, it's not all that often we're faced with covering a story of any kind like the one that was brought to light today by the Harrisburg Patriot News (HT:SS). What the PN is reporting today is that longtime (1977-1999) Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky is being investigated for indecent assault against a teenage boy:

Ishaq Williams to Notre Dame: When 'the next Joe Paterno' is better than the REAL Joe Paterno

You know what's better than "the next Joe Paterno"?
THE REAL JOE PATERNO. (Photo: LBU/Mike)

Hey Ishaq Williams' dad, you know Joe Paterno is NOT dead, right?

Just wait until this gets more attention than it is right now. But I just read the news on Ishaq Williams commiting to Notre Dame today.

Yeah, it sucks that Penn State just missed out on a great recruit from JoePa's home borough of Brooklyn. But this is how it goes in recruiting, so I'm not at all mad that Williams chose Notre Dame over Penn State. The Irish have a good coach and should be rising soon again. There is a lot to like about Notre Dame.

But this is not exactly a flattering quote, considering Penn State was in Williams' top three right to the end (emphasis mine):

Collegian: Rob Bolden Will Stay at Penn State

According to a report by the Daily Collegian today, Rob Bolden plans to stay at Penn State.
(Photo: LBU/Mike)

Rob Bolden will continue his college career at Penn State--at least for now--and compete this spring and summer for the 2011 starting quarterback job, the freshman's former high school football coach told the Daily Collegian today:

Paterno blocks Rob Bolden's transfer (updated w/Bolden comments)

Rob Bolden won't be going anywhere... for now. (Photo: LBU/Mike)

Will this be one of those kinds of off-seasons? It sure is shaping up to be. Joe Paterno has reportedly denied Rob Bolden's request for a release from his scholarship, which would allow him to transfer out of the program. Via Ron Musselman:

Rob Bolden plans sitdown with Paterno

Rob Bolden (left), his dad Robert (center),
and Jay Paterno at the Blue White Game.
(Photo: LBU/Mike)

In what has quickly become the juiciest storyline this side of the Ohio River, Rob Bolden's mom (there's a way to start this post, huh?) told the AP that Rob and his dad are going back to Penn State today, with plans to discuss the freshman quarterbacks' future, inlcuding a request for a release of his scholarship.

McGloin Leads Penn State to Outback Bowl Loss

(Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

There is a reason Matt McGloin didn't win the starting quarterback job in late August 2010.

For all the talk of "moxie," and "swagger," none of it could match poor throws into coverage, five interceptions, one pick-6 that sealed the defeat, and about three other passes that should have been intercepted by Florida in the Gators' 37-24 win over the Nittany Lions today.

Things started off well enough, as after an initial 3-and-out, Penn State marched down the field with McGloin connecting on 6 of 7 passes for a touchdown to Derek Moye. Florida struggled much of the day on offense, which was compounded by a stellar effort by the Penn State defense. But mistake after mistake led to the Gators being allowed to stay in, and win, the 2011 Outback Bowl.

Penn State still has all its coaches. So now what, geniuses?

As far as anyone knows, by Tom Bradley and Ron Vanderlinden not leaving for Temple, Penn State will retain its staff for the foreseeable future. Will things stay put all the way though next football season? Probably, but not definitely.

Here are a few quick thoughts on the matter, as this entire situation we will promptly put on hold until anything new or more substantive comes up...

On the 'Group Email' circulating about Joe Paterno

How much do we love internet gossip? Enough where an unverified, voraciously-meaty email has become the focus of every twitter account and message board the last 12 hours.

The chatter about Joe's retirement
is louder than ever. But does anyone actually
know what they're talking about?
(Photo: LBU/Mike)

What's hysterical about all this, is that I'm not the only one writing up a post just to say how nuts things are when it comes to the perpetual discussion of Joe Paterno's impending retirement:

Retirement rumors are a staple of the Penn State football beat, an ever-present slant that commentators with nothing substantial to discuss pursue relentlessly. Just like I am about to…

Talk about summing up everything we're reading on the internet these days, huh? I have to shamelessly agree with that sentiment, but also with the idea that this time, things seem different.

Outback Bowl '11: Media Day Quick Hits

Not much in the way of real news, mostly just fluff stuff from the Outback Bowl Media Day this week. But we'll quickly touch on some of the more substantive bits from the day, including injury updates, which for this Penn State team is critical, and Kevin Newsome.

Michael Mauti should be fully healthy
for the Outback Bowl. (Photo: Mike/LBU)

• Anthony Fera should--should--be ready to go for the game. This could be huge, as he was sorely missed on kickoffs the final few games. It initially wasn't expected for him to return, but this is good news, albeit tempered a bit by the uncertainty. 
• Kevin Newsome met with Joe Paterno this week, to discuss options for transferring. Paterno said he doesn't want to prevent Newsome from playing, and told the true sophomore QB to at least wait through the bowl preparations and game. Newsome is set on playing quarterback, which doesn't bode well for him staying at Penn State. If he was interested in switching positions, then there would definitely be a place for him. But nothing yet has been decided.

Outback Bowl '11: The Coaches Teleconferences

Both Joe Paterno and Urban Meyer participated in teleconferences yesterday. Here are some of the finer points to take from them. One of those, I want to mention now, is on the possibility that one or two Penn State players are thinking about leaving early for the NFL. Joe said that, not me. To any Penn State football players that just finished up that 7-5 regular season, I have but one name to tell you: Aaron Maybin.

Onward.

Outback Bowl '11: Matt McGloin will start at QB

F- it, let's go deep! Right?
(Photo: Mike/LBU)

Joe Paterno confirmed today what many had expected, that Matt McGloin will be Penn State's starting quarterback in the 2011 Outback Bowl.

"I think that Matt is the quarterback. Now the other kid has a lot of ability but he is a true freshman in the truest sense of the word- he wasn't even here for spring practice. He came in and unfortunately we had to start him a few games early until the other kid (Rob Bolden) started to show some promise. I think we are all right at quarterback. We are not great. We have had some problems with our offensive line early but we are getting a little bit better. I think that Matt has done a good job for us."

This isn't surprising, but it's definitely good to get it out of the way now. For all the pushing I've done for Rob Bolden to be the starter, I'd rather just see a deliberate confirmation like this that McGloin is the guy.

I'll have a meatier post tomorrow on Paterno's teleconference. It was pretty brief, but there were some neat things said.

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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.

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.

Joe Paterno Press Conference Recap: Indiana Week

(Photo: GoPSUsports.com)

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

• Don't count out Indiana because of last week's 83-20 loss at Wisconsin. If you forgot, Indiana had Iowa on the ropes and lost the game late. Indiana has always given Penn State some trouble when PSU is down or up. Look at 1994 and 2004.
• Who knows what to expect playing on a neutral site. The field conditions are the only real concern when it comes to a foreign facility, as in not Penn State's or Indiana's fields.
• Michael Mauti probably WON'T go against Indiana. The shoulder injury (very vague) is pretty bad. 
• Nate Stupar will fill in for Mauti. Stupar was the original starter at the "Fritz" OLB spot this year.
• Evan Royster seems fine after a minor leg injury. He and Stephfon Green should be good to go.

Game Week Q&A with The Buckeye Battle Cry

It's that time of year again...

Our Buckeye buds over at The Buckeye Battle Cry brought up the idea of a game week Q&A. Naturally, I couldn't resist running my mouth about Penn State football, and it's always a pleasure to chat up the opposition about their own squad.

You can find the BBC's Q&A with me, HERE.

LBU: Ohio State is obviously more concerned with beating Michigan each year, than beating Penn State. But taking UM out of it, how would you gauge the "rivalry" between the two programs, particularly since the series became an annual Big Ten matchup?

BBC writer James: Taking UM out of it, Penn State is right up there with Wisconsin as the most competitive game each year on Ohio State's schedule. The closeness of the two schools (relatively speaking) as well as the yearly match up probably bumps Penn State above Wisconsin (who we didn't play in 2005 or 2006) in terms of a 'rivalry' in the eyes of most Ohio State fans.

10 Minutes or Less: 2005 Ohio State at Penn State

The No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes rolled into town, following an early-season defeat at home to eventual national champs Texas, ready to take on a resurgent Penn State team. The stage was set. It was a night game. Penn State whipped out the still-new "White Out" for fans. The Buckeyes were still national title contenders at 3-1. The No. 16 Nittany Lions were still regarded as unproven, despite their 5-0 record.

It was Troy Smith, Antonio Pittman, Santonio Holmes and Ted Ginn, Jr. against Tamba Hali, Paul Posluszny, Dan Connor and Calvin Lowry. It was Michael Robinson, Tony Hunt, Derrick Williams and Deon Butler against A.J. Hawk, Bobby Carpenter, Quinn Pitcock and Nate Salley.

On Oct. 8, 2005, Penn State was out to show the college football world it was not dead, that the game had not passed by Joe Paterno, that it was indeed "back." For Ohio State, this was supposed to be the year it all came together for another national title for Jim Tressel. But on that night in Beaver Stadium, only one team's ambitions would come to fruition...



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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...

Joe Paterno Press Conference Recap: Ohio State Week

It was a relatively short presser this week for Joe Paterno, heading into the tempest at Ohio State. The Nittany Lions are at a bit of a crossroads for the season. While there isn't much to lose going into Columbus, Penn State still wants this win, badly. Does Joe? And what about the starting quarterback issue? And that kid, what's his name, Pryor is it?

Yeah. That and more in this week's presser wrap.