Bleacher Report - Articles by Steven Swanson

Penn State Football Moves to 9-0

Steven Swanson — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 16:53:23 -0400

In the past couple of weeks, people have been doubting if Penn State could win against Ohio State. I know the answer—it's yes.

I just finished watching the PSU-OSU game, and the Lions got it in a close 13-6 win. I will admit that I thought PSU would blow OSU out of the water—I was wrong about the blowout, but I was correct about Penn State's victory.

That is two streaks Penn State has broken this year—the first being against Michigan.

People wondered if Penn State would be able to step up and finally win in the 'Shoe. People also said PSU was overrated. I say this win proved both wrong.

Both teams played great defense, but both lacked on offense, as the score was 3-3 at the half. Penn State came out in the second half and looked as if OSU would run all over them. That is, until the fumble by Terrelle Pryor.

Pryor was not ready to play against such a great team. This is OSU's second game without a touchdown. The first was against USC.

Penn State held Pryor to six rushing yards. Only six! This was the win that really counted. And we did it.

So all I have to say is we will see whomever at the championship. WE ARE...PENN STATE!

Penn State-Ohio State: The Game That Counts

Steven Swanson — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 01:58:34 -0400

Ah yes, the game that counts if either team has Championship hopes. I think both teams are looking for that trophy—but I see everyone is saying OSU wins big or even wins at all.

Apparently if they say that, they know absolutely NOTHING about football. Let me tell you that PSU wins big here. Penn State is a great football team on both sides of the ball. That will win them the game as OSU is starting a freshman quarterback against a very good team.

Just a quick fact: The last time PSU beat OSU in Columbus was the last time that OSU started a freshman QB.

But anyway, PSU has a great run defense. I mean a GREAT run defense. They will be able to stop Wells, which will force Pryor to pass—and let's just say passing is not Pryor's best skill. Not even close.

The Buckeyes will also not be able to stop Penn State from scoring, as they average 46 points a game. So if the Buckeyes want to win, they will have to score every time Penn State does, and I don't see that happening.

Yes, Ohio State is a good football team—don't get me wrong. But in my opinion, they don't have the talent and skill to get a win over the No. 3 team in the nation.

So all you people who think the Buckeyes will win big or even at all, think again.

Final Score

Penn State 35

Buckeyes 21

Can No. 3 Penn State Make It to the National Championship?

Steven Swanson — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 08:50:46 -0400

There have been a lot of doubts as to whether No. 3 Penn State can make it to the National Championship. But if you ask me, I believe they have the best shot. This is because I believe they also have the best shot at staying undefeated.

Here are their remaining games.

Oct. 18, 2008: Michigan

Oct. 25, 2008: at Ohio State

Nov. 8, 2008: at Iowa

Nov. 15, 2008: Indiana

Nov. 22, 2008: Michigan State

The only game that stands out to me is Oct. 25 at No. 12 Ohio State. This to me is the only game I think they have a chance to lose. I think the rest will be a cakewalk.

I think if they can leave Buckeye City undefeated, they are going to the Championship. But then again, upsets have shocked the nation all season long, such as now No. 1 Texas Longhorns defeating the now No. 4 Oklahoma Sooners, who were ranked No. 1 at the time.

So can they really stay undefeated? I think so—and I think they will be going to the National Championship. But it's hard telling who they might play. If Texas can stay undefeated, that is who they would be playing.

Here are the current Top 25 rankings.

1. Texas 6-0
2. Alabama 6-0
3. Penn State 7-0
4. Oklahoma 5-1
5. Florida 5-1
6. USC 4-1
7. Texas Tech 6-0
8. OK State 6-0
9. BYU 6-1
10. Georgia 5-1
11. Missouri 5-1
12. Ohio State 6-1
13. LSU 4-1
14. Utah 7-0
15. Boise State 5-0
16. Kansas 5-1
17. Virginia Tech 5-1
18. North Carolina 5-1
19. South Florida 5-1
20. Michigan State 6-1
21. Wake Forest 4-1
22. Vanderbilt 5-1
23. Pittsburgh 4-1
24. Ball State 7-0
25. California 4-1

Now this weekend No. 1 Texas will play No. 11 Missouri. I know I will be hoping for Missouri to pull off an upset, because if that happens, Penn State might have a shot at the No. 1 spot.

Let me know what your opinion about this topic is. But my final opinion is Penn State will be playing Texas.

Penn State-Michigan: Four Reasons the Nittany Lions Will End the Streak

Steven Swanson — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 14:04:07 -0400

Every year, as a Penn State fan, you get that gut-wrenching feeling when the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Michigan Wolverines get on the same field on the same day.

Michigan has won nine times straight. Why shouldn't we? But the curse will finally be broken this year, and I'm going to tell you why.

1. Penn State has too many offensive weapons

Penn State's offense has proved more dominant as the year goes on. Just look at the statistics of all their offensive players.

Daryll Clark

96/149 passes completed for 1,360 yards and 10 touchdowns.

145 yards rushing with six rushing touchdowns!

He averages 9.1 yards every time he passes.

Evan Royster

98 rushes for 719 yards and nine touchdowns.

He averages 7.3 yards every time he touches the ball.

Stephfon Green

60 rushes for 383 yards and four touchdowns.

He averages 6.4 yards every time he's handed the ball.

Derrick Williams

23 catches for 266 yards with only one touchdown.

He is averaging 11.6 yards per catch.

17 rushes for 85 yards, averaging five yards per carry.

Deon Butler

22 catches for 381 yards and three touchdowns.

AVERAGES 17.3 YARDS EVERY CATCH!!!

Jordan Norwood

21 catches for 377 yards and four touchdowns.

He averages 18 yards per catch!

Who does Michigan have?

2. Penn State's D is too strong

Wow. Penn State has always been known for its amazing D and their linebackers. Does the weak Michigan offense really stand a chance? I think not. Penn State's D will prove to be too much for the Wolverines. No more to say on that topic.

3. Home field advantage and the white out

Penn State's white out is amazing at getting the job done. That's due to all the hardcore fans that attend the games.

It's hard for a team that is the underdog to come into Beaver Stadium and leave with a win—once again, mostly due to the white out.

4. Look at statistics

Penn State has scored 317 points all together this season. They have only allowed 77 points total! They have a total of 1,646 rushing yards and 1,729 passing yards. Penn State's D has 11 interceptions already—and the stats go on.

Well, I think I proved my point. If I missed anything, let me know.

Just one more thing: For all you people who think Penn State players are cocky, look at this...

"Every year we look at it as, it's 0-0. We don't look at the streak; we just try to go out there and win a game."—Penn State wide receiver Derrick Williams on Penn State's nine consecutive losses to Michigan.

Let me know what you think.