Bleacher Report - Articles by Dan DiBacco

Penn State's 'Lift for Life' Takes Charity to New Heights

Dan DiBacco — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 08:51:10 -0400

When names like Bobby Engram, Lavar Arrington, Mike Reid, John Cappelletti, and Paul Posluszny are brought up, you know Penn State greats are being talked about.

But quite possibly no Penn State football player will ever be as influential as Scott Shirley, Damone Jones, and Dave Costlow.

Jones and Costlow were both solid offensive linemen, but had no future in football past Penn State. Costlow was best known for his Sports Illustrated article which regarded him as one of the smartest college football players in the country in 2003. And Shirley was a walk-on receiver that never recorded a reception in his time at Penn State.

So why hold them in the same regard as the greats aforementioned?

Scott's father, Don, had a bout with kidney cancer in 1993. Don was lucky to have found it early enough that it had no terminal effects and was cancer-free after removing his kidney.

Life resumed, and Don continued as a school teacher and baseball coach at Mechanisburg Area High School, while Scott became a rising star at local high school, East Pennsboro.

During the 2002 season, Scott received a phone call after practice from his mother telling him that his father's kidney cancer was back and that it had spread to his lung and liver.

More than 30,000 Americans are diagnosed with kidney cancer every year, but compared to other diseases 30,000 people is minuscule. And the doctors told the Shirleys that there was no interest in a cure for kidney cancer because too few people are affected by it.

Frustrated by the grim news, Scott began to vent to his teammate (and roommate) Damone Jones. Damone saw the whole situation as an opportunity to leverage the power that Penn State football and its players have, to do something about the disease that Don and 30,000 other Americans suffer through yearly.

"Why don't we do something about it?" Jones said to Shirley.

So in the summer of 2003, the three teammates Jones, Shirley, and Costlow made their last summer workout into a weight lifting competition to raise money for kidney cancer research. It quickly became known as "Lift for Life."

It became an annual voluntary event that most, if not all, Penn State football players participate in. And every year they raise more money than the last.

Unfortunately Don will never benefit from the money raised. Don died in November of 2005 from kidney cancer.

Penn State football players annually go to Holuba Hall and suffer through 11 grueling workouts in memory of a man none of them ever knew. And to further raise awareness, many of them can be seen on Saturdays in the fall wearing green and orange wristbands for kidney cancer.

Wearing the wristbands caused an unlikely circumstance. Jon and Carol Willey and their two children were watching a Penn State football game at their home in Portland, Oregon, over 2,500 miles away from Happy Valley, when the wristbands caught Carol's eye.

Her father, cousin, and even her husband Jon had all been diagnosed with kidney cancer. Jon and her father recovered, but her cousin lost the fight.

While Jon and her father have both overcome it once, Don Shirley is an example of why she wears the wrist band. Raise awareness, for a treatment.

While watching the Penn State game, it was the first time she ever saw someone else wearing the same wrist bands as her and her family.

The Willeys immediately became Penn State fans and got into contact with now graduated receiver Jordan Norwood, who said, "Through Scott Shirley, and through the Willey family, I feel like I do have basically family that are affected."

Damone Jones puts it the best when he said this: "They're from Oregon. They should be Duck fans, or Beaver fans. But instead they're Penn State fans, because one day three college students decided to give a damn...That's Penn State football."

In honor of his father, Scott founded the organization "Uplifting Athletes." The organization's focal point: get student-athletes across the country to compete in a workout competition to raise money for rare diseases.

And it's catching on. "Uplifting Athletes" is now run by student-athletes at Boston College, Colgate, Maryland, and Ohio State.

This year, the cleverly named "Slick Mick and the Magic Tricks," a team composed of Mickey Shuler, Navorro Bowman, Josh Hull, and Sean Lee won the competition. But all 96 players walked out with their heads held high (if they weren't throwing up) knowing that more than $80,000 was raised. A "Lift for Life" record.

That $80,000 brings the total raised at Penn State alone to nearly $400,000 over its seven year span. All for kidney cancer.

"That's Penn State football." At its finest.

Sorry Baseball Fans, But Our Vote Counts Too Much

Dan DiBacco — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:26:05 -0400

Yes. Ben Zobrist, Michael Young, and Curtis Granderson don't deserve All-Star roster spots as much as Nick Markakis, Brandon Inge, and Shin-Soo Choo do for the American League squad.

And Yadier Molina, David Wright, and Hunter Pence don't deserve it as much as Bengie Molina, Casey Blake, and Adam Dunn do for the National League.

Not to mention that Carlos Beltran and Raul Ibanez, both of whom are currently on the DL, and Josh Hamilton, just off the DL, are all named starters.

Justin Morneau, Aaron Hill, Carl Crawford, Torii Hunter, and Brad Hawpe are all "reserves" but are all having better years than those above them on the depth chart.

We can all talk about who was snubbed a roster spot for this year's All-Star Game, but are you actually surprised when someone loses a roster spot to a less-deserving player?

Ever since All-Star balloting hit the Internet and each email address was granted 25 votes, there have been a handful of players left out annually that should have been included.

It never used to matter.

It was an exhibition game where people paid a large price to see players not necessarily killing themselves, and sometimes even making excuses to miss it.

That was always the feel of the Mid-Summer Classic. Sign autographs, play anywhere from one to six innings, but don't get hurt—so, consequently, don't play too hard.

Then 2002 came along and shook up the laid-back feel.

Both the AL and NL squads ran out of position players in the 11th inning, and neither manager wanted to put a pitcher (who are always in abundance at the All-Star Game) in the outfield. So commissioner Bud Selig made the decision to call the game a tie.

Fans booed, and the media scrutinized the not-so-baseball-like feeling of a tie. Selig responded by increasing the stakes and, since 2003, whichever squad wins gets home field advantage in the World Series.

Major League Baseball handled home field advantage in the World Series backwards to begin with. Rather than granting it to whichever team had the better record, they alternated it between AL and NL every year.

Although odd that Major League Baseball was determining something as big as home field advantage in the World Series by the result of the All-Star Game, at least it required competition for home field advantage rather than earning it by default.

But there was still one large problem. The fans were, and still are, allowed to make up as many e-mail accounts as they can and vote with each one of them 25 times.

As fans, do we really have the right to decide the roster for the team that plays a deciding factor toward the outcome of the World Series?

And although we as fans help pay these athletes' salaries by purchasing tickets, and eating a $6 hot dog and drinking a $4 pop, should we really have the say in whether or not a player with an All-Star Game appearance incentive in his contract gets the extra thousands of dollars?

It's in Major League Baseball's hands, and a change is due.

If the best possible team is not on the field it should not be called the "All-Star Game." It's not fair to the players and even more unfair to the World Series teams.

While there are many players being snubbed year after year, history's also being snubbed by the best players not being able to determine home field advantage in the World Series.

Penn State 2009 Position Breakdown: Special Teams

Dan DiBacco — Tue, 26 May 2009 15:09:58 -0400

Just like any other position, it will be imperative that Penn State head coach Joe Paterno finds the right guys to replace the experience that will be lost from last season's special teams unit. If any coach can find the right guys it's definitely Paterno, who has always stressed the importance of special teams.

What We Know

Anthony Scirrotto and Derrick Williams will be missed in the return game, just as much as they will be within the secondary and receivers, respectively. Thankfully both of them have an heir apparent in Drew Astorino and Chaz Powell.

Powell will be the primary kick and punt returner just like Williams was the past four years, while Astorino will be the punt returner when defensive coordinator Tom Bradley decides to keep the defense on the field for punt returns.

Senior Jeremy Boone will be the starting punter, and is a Ray-Guy candidate for punter of the year in college football.

The Unknown

Who will replace the kicker of the past four seasons, Kevin Kelly?

Early enrollee, freshman Anthony Fera, sophomore David Soldner, and junior Colin Wagner will all fight for the starting spot during summer practice.

Who will return kicks alongside Powell?

If A.J. Wallace's hamstring wasn't so nagging, and if he wasn't so important in the secondary, Wallace would be returning kicks. But since both of those are a reality for Wallace, he won't be returning kicks this season. I'd be surprised if speedy running back Stephfon Green didn't get a shot at some point this season. But safety Gerald Hodges seems the most likely.

Report From Spring Practice

Backup punter, sophomore Ryan Breen, was apparently making a push to supplant Boone for starting punter. But after an up and down Blue and White game, where he went from booming a punt some 50 yards to hitting the ball off the side of his toe, Boone will keep the spot.

Most fans expected Fera to claim the starting kicker role, but as of now he's third on the depth chart. He didn't look too great in the Blue and White game, missing an extra point, but I expect him to be Colin Wagner's backup when the season starts.

Freshmen to Watch

Anthony Fera, Curtis Drake, Gerald Hodges, and Devon Smith.

Fera has the leg to be the starter for Penn State his freshman year, but it just depends on whether or not he can stay accurate which was his problem throughout spring. At worst he'll be Wagner's backup for a year.

Drake, Hodges, and Smith could all be returning kicks this season. Drake is the prototypical return man at six-feet, 180, with a 40 in the 4.4's. Hodges has the size and speed to take it to the house and run guys over doing it.

Smith's lack of size is what will make coaches wary of putting him in to return. At only 5'7 and because his weight is in the 140's, he's small for college football. That said, he's been clocked at 4.19 before and it won't matter how small he is if he's able to run that well.

Projected Two Deep (Starter-Backup)

K: Colin Wagner/Anthony Fera

P: Jeremy Boone/Ryan Breen

KR: Chaz Powell/Gerald Hodges

PR: Chaz Powell/Drew Astorino

Final Thoughts

Special teams is what makes and breaks seasons for a lot of teams. The return game is safe with talent and speed all over the team, and with Boone's 43-yard average the past two seasons, punting is in good hands too. Kicking, the most important part of special teams is what will be the big question mark heading into the season.

Penn State 2009 Position Breakdown: Secondary

Dan DiBacco — Tue, 19 May 2009 11:06:17 -0400

Thinking back to the 2009 Rose Bowl, unfortunately, my first memory is the Penn State secondary getting torched by USC quarterback Mark Sanchez and his stable of tall receivers.

Now, with all four starters from last season gone due to graduation, Penn State will have to find the right guys to replace the experienced group that just left. Of all the positions that were decimate by loss of players, secondary's the most glaring, and Coach Joe Paterno acknowledged it saying, "I'm very concerned about it. We've got a long way to go."

What We Know

Senior A.J. Wallace and sophomore Drew Astorino have big game experience.

Wallace was supposed to have been the starter for two years already, but after so-so play and injuries the past two years, he lost his starting spot to Tony Davis. If he can use his speed and potential to its full extent, Wallace should be a great corner.

Astorino was the nickelback and sub for starting free safety Anthony Scirrotto last season. In his limited playing time, Astorino impressed, logging 39 tackles and two interceptions, and most importantly showing great football instincts and sure tackling.

Senior Knowledge Timmons seems to have the starting corner spot opposite of Wallace. Timmons reminds me of the corners last season, speedy and small, but sophomore D'Anton Lynn isn't far behind Timmons, and will present Timmons with a short leash.

The Unknown

Who will claim the starting strong safety position?

It will be a battle between true freshman Gerald Hodges and sophomore Andrew Dailey. Dailey, a converted outside linebacker, will go back and play strong safety, the position he starred at in high school.

But freshman Gerald Hodges had an impressive Blue and White Game and was one of the jewels in 2009's recruiting class. A timeshare between the two of them seems logical.

Report From Spring Practice

A.J. Wallace has a lingering hamstring injury. Wallace pulled his hamstring yet again this spring, except this time there's nobody behind him to steal the spot away from him. But because of the injury, he didn't participate much in spring and didn't play at all in the Blue and White Game.

Astorino and Timmons played consistently, both flashing their speed. Timmons was successful against the receivers he was assigned to in the Blue and White Game. Dailey looked like a linebacker in the secondary and didn't play the pass well, but was good against the run.

Hodges showed that he was everything that he was advertised as coming out of high school: a hard hitter. He had a couple impressive hits in the Blue and White Game.

Freshmen to Watch

True freshmen Darrell Givens and Gerald Hodges.

Hodges, an early enrollee, will definitely see time in a rotation of strong safeties this year, and might even claim the job before the year's over with.

Givens was another prize recruit in 2009. His receiver-like skills at corner in high school is what made him a top corner in 2009. The Ohio State decommit will most likely not be redshirted due to a lack of raw talent at corner this season. I'd not be surprised to see him in the rotation and starting at nickelback.

Projected Two Deep (Starter-Backup)

CB: A.J. Wallace/D'Anton Lynn

CB: Knowledge Timmons/Darrell Givens

SS: Andrew Dailey & Gerald Hodges/Cedric Jeffries

FS: Drew Astorino/Nick Sukay

Final Thoughts

There's definitely not a lack of talent in the secondary, but rather a lack of experience. With a strong linebacking corps and defensive line, the secondary shouldn't struggle too badly. Plus, the cupcake out-of-conference schedule that is the first three games for Penn State this season, should give the green secondary some confidence heading into the Big Ten schedule.

Next week, special teams.

Penn State 2009 Position Breakdown: Receivers

Dan DiBacco — Tue, 12 May 2009 09:58:36 -0400

For Penn State fans it will be weird not seeing Deon Butler, Jordan Norwood, and Derrick Williams spreading the field for the first time in four years. Butler and Williams were both taken in the third round of last month's draft by the Seahawks and Lions respectively, while Norwood signed as an undrafted rookie free agent with the Browns.

Now, for the first time in what seems like forever, Coach Joe Paterno will have to find the right guys to catch Daryll Clark's passes.

What We Know

There isn't zero experience coming back.

Luckily Penn State has two very talented tight ends in seniors Mickey Shuler and Andrew Quarless that both have shared time the past two seasons. Also juniors Brett Brackett and Graham Zug shared the fourth receiver spot last season, together collecting 24 catches for 334 yards and three touchdowns.

Sophomore Chaz Powell is very fast (4.3 range), sophomore Derek Moye and Brackett have great size, while Zug runs crisp routes and has great hands.

The Unknown

Though it seems that everyone will take on a role of the three, will they be able to scare a defense enough so the defense isn't always playing the run?

Powell will take on the role of Williams, fast and versatile. Zug will take on the role of Norwood, great route running and hands. And Moye and Brackett will take on Butler's role, the deep threat. But will they get into a consistent rhythm with Daryll Clark?

With the lack of proven wideouts will the talented tight ends finally be fully utilized to their full potential?

Quarless and Shuler are both great pass catching tight ends that don't get used often enough. With the tight ends being the only truly experienced receivers on the team, it will be hard for the coaches to deny them receptions.

Report From Spring Practice

Despite their lack of experience, the wideouts have been impressive. Moye has shown deceptive speed with his large frame clocking 4.4-4.5 consistently at 6'5".

Powell improved his hands greatly, which was an area of concern for him since he was moved from safety to wideout. But he reportedly suffered an ankle injury that seemed to have limited him in the Blue and White game.

Zug has been the go to guy thus far showing the great hands that he flashed last year, along with good quickness that allows him to get everything thrown his way.

Brackett seems like he'll be mostly a red zone guy because of his lack of speed, but he'll get his fair share of touchdowns because of his size. At 6'6" it will be nearly impossible for any secondary to defend the fade route with him on the receiving end.

Quarless had fans dreaming of what he can amount to this year if given the chance with a big Blue and White game where he pulled in four catches for 52 yards, but it appears that it will be a time share for Quarless and Shuler.

Freshmen to Watch

True freshman wideout Justin Brown and redshirt A.J. Price.

Brown was one of the prizes in 2009's recruiting. At 6'4" and 4.45 speed he should make enough of an impression to crack the rotation at some point in 2009.

Price is still too small for the coaches liking. At 6'5" and only 175 pounds it will be scary if he goes over the middle. He ran with the second team all spring, and will see playing time, but he'll have to put on weight before the coaches are comfortable putting him in regularly.

Projected Two Deep (Starter-Backup)

WR: Graham Zug/James McDonald

WR: Chaz Powell/A.J. Price

WR: Derek Moye/Brett Brackett

* Brackett will be first in the rotation for all receivers.

TE: Mickey Shuler & Andrew Quarless/Andrew Szczerba

Final Thoughts

Of the three position that saw a lot of players leave, the receiver's are probably the best off. There's enough experience in Brackett, Quarless, Shuler, and Zug, and enough raw talent in Moye and Powell, that the passing game will still be able to produce well. It also helps that there's All Big Ten quarterback Daryll Clark throwing to them.

The production that left in Butler, Norwood, and Williams may be reproduced, but it will be near impossible to recreate the heart and determination of Deon Butler, the athleticism and fearlessness of Jordan Norwood, and the leadership of Derrick Williams.

Next week, secondary.

Penn State 2009 Position Breakdown: Running Backs

Dan DiBacco — Tue, 05 May 2009 22:06:53 -0400

Heading into last season, there were questions at running back. Could Evan Royster handle full time duty?

Would Stephfon Green be as good as reports from practice in 2007 made him out to be? And could anyone replace the loss of fullback Matt Hahn?

All those questions were answered with a resounding, "Yes."

Royster showed the same patient running style with 20 carries in a game, as he did in 2007 with just five a game.

Green provided a perfect compliment to Royster's patient running style with his 4.2 speed. And fullback Dan Lawlor was one of the best fullbacks I've seen in a while at Penn State.

If I had to describe the running game in 2008 with one word it would be consistency.

The offensive line consistently provided holes that a truck could drive through, Lawlor consistently guided the way, Royster consistently showed patience following his blockers to an average of 6.5 yards per carry, and Green consistently provided the perfect change of pace to Royster.

But just like last season, there will be a few questions regarding the running backs heading into the 2009 season.

What We Know

Penn State brings back four running backs with worthwhile game experience. Juniors Brent Carter and Evan Royster, and sophomores Brandon Beachum and Stephfon Green.

Michael Zordich, who most felt was the sure-fire 2009 starting fullback, is nowhere to be seen on the fullback depth chart, but rather buried on the middle linebacker depth chart. This leaves sophomore Joe Suhey as the likely starter at fullback.

The Unknown

Will all the injuries be fully healed by the start of the season?

By the end of the 2009 Rose Bowl, Penn State was down to one running back, Brandon Beachum. Carter tore his right ACL against Wisconsin in October and was obviously lost for the season.

Royster and Green both were injured against USC in the Rose Bowl. Green broke bones in his lower right leg and ankle that required surgery, and Royster sprained his knee. Due to all the injuries only Royster and Beachum participated in spring practice.

Report From Spring Practice

Royster, along with Clark, this year has received minimal time in full contact drills because he's too valuable to the team. Although he appeared to be in mid-season form during the Blue and White game running the ball three time for 21 yards.

Beachum made his case this spring to share time on the field come fall, by showing a great combination of size and speed.

The surprise of the spring was Suhey. He showed good power for a small-framed fullback, but I don't know if he'll be able to throw blocks like the past couple fullbacks at Penn State.

Freshman to Watch

The chances of Curtis Dukes seeing the field in 2009 are pretty slim with four upperclassmen running backs in front of him, and he'll probably redshirt.

But he's a freak of nature at 6'2" and 235 with a 4.5 forty. I'm sure we'll hear stories about him during practices in his freshman year like we did with Green.

Projected Three Deep (Starter-Backup-Backup)

RB: Evan Royster-Stephfon Green-Brandon Beachum

FB: Joe Suhey-Shaine Thompson-Larry Federoff

Final Thoughts

Royster is a very good running back, and has popped up on watch lists for All-American, Doak Walker, and even Heisman for 2009.

As long as he stays healthy the running game will be successful this year. That said, Green's change of pace and better hands are very important for the offense.

The experienced running backs will be responsible to take some of the heat off of the inexperienced wide receivers that I'll hit on next Tuesday.

Penn State 2009 Position Breakdown: Linebackers

Dan DiBacco — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 22:28:41 -0400

What was looking to be a linebacking corp for the ages at Penn State in 2009 got grim last week. Navorro Bowman, Penn State's leading tackler in 2008, had his probation revocation hearing for a 2007 campus fight.

In the hearing, Bowman admitted to completing zero of the 100 hours of community service that he was supposed to complete and to smoking marijuana twice since December, getting his probation extended another year.

As of now, there's no word on what Coach Joe Paterno will do to punish Bowman. A previous example is Maurice Evans and Abe Koroma, who were suspended three games by Paterno last fall for marijuana possession.

Though I don't agree with marijuana use at all, Bowman has been going through much stress as of late with the death of his father, high school football coach, and several friends from high school.

Bowman now will be forced to make good decisions from here on out, because he'll be forced to take random drug and alcohol tests monthly. Any slip up will result in a promise made by Judge Bradley Lunsford, six months in jail.

But enough with the negative stuff! There's no doubt that Penn State is still Linebacker U. Third stringers could start on a good amount of BCS teams, and one of the best players in last weeks Blue and White Game was Michael Zordich, who will probably start the season as the fourth middle-linebacker on the depth chart.

What We Know

Like I just said, Penn State could lose their top two at all three linebacker positions and they'd still be a good linebacking corp. In other words, the linebacker position is deep. Sean Lee will be back after missing all last season and is ready to lay the wood on someone coming over the middle.

Sophomore linebacker Michael Mauti has received rave reviews and the nickname by some of "The Cajun Connor," referring to him being from Louisiana and the comparison in discipline, build, and instincts to Penn State's all-time tackles leader, Dan Connor.

The Unknown

A week ago, I would have posed the question of who will claim the other outside linebacker spot between sophomores Michael Mauti and Nate Stupar. Saturday, Paterno referred to Mauti as "a big time player," convincing me that it's Mauti's spot to lose.

Now the bigger question is what will Bowman's punishment be? As I said previously, Maurice Evans and Abe Koroma were suspended three games, last year, for marijuana possession. And although in constant rotation, they never got their starting spots back.

Report from Spring Practice

Really not much other than everyone has impressed when given the chance. Maybe the most surprising of them all is the tight end, turned wide receiver, turned outside linebacker, Jon Ditto. Ditto a sophomore has reportedly looked good thus far and recorded the only turnover on a fumble recovery in the Blue and White Game.

Freshmen to Watch

Redshirts, Michael Zordich and Michael Yancich both led their respective sides in the Blue White Game in tackles. Zordich, wearing White, recorded six tackles, one for a loss and Yancich, wearing Blue, recorded four. Still, they'll have a load of impressing to do in August, if they want to crack the rotation this fall.

Projected Three Deep (Starter-Backup-Backup)

Strong Side: Navorro Bowman/Bani Gbadyu/Michael Yancich

Middle: Sean Lee/Josh Hull/Chris Colasanti

Weak Side: Mike Mauti/Nate Stupar/Jon Ditto

Final Thoughts

This group of linebackers is the perfect mix of veteran leadership and young talent. Even if Bowman does receive suspension, Gbadyu has starting experience, starting in front of Bowman for the beginning of last season.

Lastly, I feel bad for the unlucky soul who takes the first lick from Sean Lee this August. It will probably be one of the running backs that I'll hit on next Tuesday.

Penn State 2009 Position Breakdown: Defensive Line

Dan DiBacco — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 20:46:24 -0400

As long as defensive line coach Larry Johnson is at Penn State the defensive line will continue to reload year after year. Though Penn State loses three star defensive ends in Maurice Evans, Josh Gaines, and Aaron Maybin, many look to the defensive line to be the best in the Big Ten.

What We Know

The defensive tackle position is talented, experienced, and deep. All-American candidate, tackle Jared Odrick has a motor that doesn't stop. Aside from Odrick, the defensive line will most likely be a timeshare at the other positions to utilize all the talent. You'll hear of Odrick, Ollie Ogbu, Abe Koroma, and Devon Still at defensive tackle, and Jack Crawford, Jerome Hayes, Kevion Latham, and Eric Latimore at defensive end.

The Unknown

Who will the official starters be?

As of now fifth-year senior Jerome Hayes isn't participating in spring drills because of an injury, but he and sophomore Jack Crawford will probably claim the starting spots at defensive end. At defensive tackle junior Ogbu will probably claim the spot next to Odrick but I wouldn't be surprised if junior Abe Koroma or sophomore Devon Still got it instead.

Neverthless, the defensive line will be a constant rotation the whole season.

Report From Spring Practice

Everyone I've mentioned has been having a field day against the young offensive line thus far. The defensive ends have been playing very fast, and have been very effective rushing the quarterback. Odrick has said "My whole goal is to be more violent.'' Those are pretty scary words for any Big Ten offensive linemen to hear, especially since even a double team can barely contain him long enough for the quarterback to get a good pass off.

Freshmen to Watch

Redshirt Pete Massaro has been running with the second team all spring, but that's without Jerome Hayes receiving reps. But don't be surprised to see him get some action early in the season, and possibly cement himself into the rotation.

Projected Two Deep (Starter-Backup)

RE: Jerome Hayes/Kevion Latham
RT: Jared Odrick/Abe Koroma
LT: Ollie Ogbu/Devon Still
LE: Jack Crawford/Eric Latimore

Final Thoughts

Many say that a dominant defensive line can make up for a weak secondary, and this season the defensive line will have to provide a lot of support for the green secondary. This group of defensive linemen, though some are unproven, have the talent to be one of the best Penn State has ever fielded.

Next week, linebackers.

Penn State 2009 Position Breakdown: Quarterback

Dan DiBacco — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:07:39 -0400

Penn State had a very desirable quarterback situation heading into last season. There were three capable quarterbacks battling for the starting spot. Fifth year senior Paul Cianciolo, although talented, was a long shot because he was a traditional drop back passer and wouldn't fit the spread offense the coaches were implementing.

Though Coach Joe Paterno would tell you otherwise, it was mainly a two horse race between the two mobile quarterbacks, sophomore Pat Devlin and junior Darryll Clark.

It was a long drawn out battle between the two, but Daryll Clark was eventually named the starter just days before Penn State's first game of the season.

Clark went on to be first team All Big Ten, wile Devlin, a much sought after quarterback in the 2006 recruiting class was obviously disappointed in how his career was panning out at Penn State. It looked like he'd only get one year as the starter, so he transferred to FCS Delaware before Penn State's trip to the Rose Bowl.

After the Rose Bowl, Paul Cianciolo's career at Penn State was over, leaving the quarterback position uncomfortably thin.

What We Know

Thanks in part to Penn State's failure to get a quarterback in two consecutive signing classes, there's the star Daryll Clark and then walk-on redshirt freshman Matt McGloin and true freshman Kevin Newsome. Quite a difference from last year.

The Unknown

Who will back up Clark?

The leading candidate right now is Newsome, who enrolled early, but McGloin has an obvious advantage on him because he's had a year to get to know the playbook. However, Newsome is the better talent and will likely be handed the second string duties.

Report from Spring Practice

While Clark is wearing the red jersey to remind the defense not to hit him, the defense has all the right in the world to hit the backups, and the report from practice so far is both McGloin and Newsome are struggling against the rush, and making mistakes.

Both have been inconsistent with their throws, but Newsome is consistently showing he's a threat on his feet, and is already taking a large leadership role with the second team offense.

Projected Two Deep (Starter-Backup)

QB: Daryll Clark/Kevin Newsome

Final Thoughts

Daryll Clark is a very good quarterback and, to many, a Heisman candidate for 2009, and as long as the offensive line can give him enough time to drop back and survey the field, Penn State will have no problems at quarterback.

Newsome will learn a lot from Clark and should be ready to back him up if need be. With the cupcake schedule at the beginning of the season, all three quarterbacks should see valuable playing time, which will be very beneficial.

Next week, defensive line.

Nick Adenhart Wearing a Different Angels Jersey.

Dan DiBacco — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 23:01:24 -0400

Jim Adenhart walked out onto the empty field of Angels Stadium, and stood on the pitchers mound, where the night before his 22 year old son Nick made an impression to the Angels and to Major League Baseball. He gave up seven hits through six scoreless innings, and gave hope to a currently bleak pitching situation for the Angels who are trying to contend with three starters on the disabled list.

Jim flew to Anaheim from Baltimore after Nick told him he better be there to see it. It was just his fourth start and Nick knew that this was a real opportunity to cement himself into the rotation. But rather than celebrating the win with his son, Jim had to walk onto the empty stadium's pitching mound alone without his son who just hours before was involved in a fatal car accident. While standing on the mound he only covered his eyes briefly before walking back off the field.

Adenhart was a passenger in the car being driven by 20 year old Courtney Frances Stewart, a Cal State Fullerton student, when 22 year old Andrew Thomas Gallo ran a red light and blindsided them in a mini van. Stewart and another passenger, 25 year old Henry Nigel Pearson, were pronounced dead at the scene. Adenhart later died in surgery at University of California Irvine Medical Center. The other passenger in the car, 24 year old Jon Wilhite is listed in critical condition at the same hospital, but is expected to live.

Gallo fled the scene and was caught a half hour later. Police said that he was under the influence of alcohol, and had a suspended license due to a previous DUI arrest. Gallo faces three counts of murder, three counts of vehicular manslaughter, felony hit and run, and DUI.

Adenhart's agent Scott Boras who couldn't hold his tears back during a stadium news conference said, "His parents really want to communicate to everyone that it's a very difficult moment, but it's also a very special moment because Nick was most accomplished and his life's goal was to be a major league baseball player and he certainly achieved that standard." And while all we can do is offer our condolences and prayers to the Adenhart family during their unimaginable tough time, we have to respect their wish and realize that Nick is in the better of the two Angels uniforms now, and he's pitching to Hall Of Famers, like Roy Campanella and Bill Dickey up in Heaven.

Rest In Peace Nick Adenhart, Henry Nigel Pearson, Courtney Frances Stewart, and may God bless your families.

Penn State 2009 Position Breakdown: Offensive Line

Dan DiBacco — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 18:24:14 -0400

Going into the 2009 offseason, Penn State coach Joe Paterno and his staff knew that there was a lot of work to be done. The departure of the 2008 class meant having to replace the whole secondary, a linebacker, three defensive ends, three receivers, the kicker, and three offensive linemen.

All-Big Ten first-teamers center A.Q. Shipley, left guard Rich Ohrnberger, and left tackle Gerald Cadogan will all soon be trying to get on an NFL team, and many possible candidates on PSU's roster will be trying to fill the big holes they've left behind.

Whether or not the offense is able to move the ball in 2009 will hinge on finding the right replacements on the offensive line.

What We Know

Junior Stefen Wisniewski, who has played at right guard his first two years, will take a couple steps to his left and take over at center. Senior Dennis Landolt will stay at right tackle.

The Unknowns

Who will fill in at the left tackle and both guard spots?

Leading candidates are sophomore DeOn'tae Pannell at left tackle, junior Lou Eliades at right guard, and redshirt freshman Matt Stankiewitch at left guard.

The left guard was sophomore J.B. Walton's position to lose heading into the offseason, but he's recently been removed from the depth chart due to a leg injury suffered during practice.

Report from Spring Practice

All reports coming out of Happy Valley so far are that the defensive line has been man-handling everyone on the inexperienced offensive line. This means that unless you're Wisniewski or Landolt, no first-team spots have been given out yet.

Last season, indicators were that Pannell was a beast on the line, but now word from spring practice is that he's being pushed by senior Nerraw McCormack for first-team at left tackle. Sophomore Johnnie Troutman will push Stankiewitch for first team at left guard as well.

Freshmen to Watch

Eric Shrive is a 6'7", 305-pound tackle who was one of the best gets in Penn State's 2009 class. Don't be surprised if you see him crack the rotation his freshman year at one of the tackle spots.

Ty Howle, a 6'1", 280-pound center, is already enrolled at the university and is nearing the end of his first semester. He'll push Quinn Barham for the backup roll.

Projected Two-Deep (Starter-Backup)

Keep in mind this is all dependent on the severity of J.B. Walton's injury. That's what's keeping him from being on here; when he's 100 percent, he'll likely be the starter at one of the guard spots.

LT: DeOn’tae Pannell/Nerraw McCormack

LG: Matt Stankiewitch/Johnnie Troutman

C: Stefen Wisniewski/Quinn Barham

RG: Lou Eliades/James Terry

RT: Dennis Landolt/Eric Shrive

Final Thoughts

Penn State will have to get some chemistry going on the offensive line quickly so they can adequately protect quarterback Daryll Clark, who has no experience behind him on the depth chart.

Granted, it's just April, and Penn State's defensive line is above-average. But that isn't an excuse for veterans like Wisniewski and Landolt being burnt.

I'll be posting a different position breakdown every Tuesday. Next week is quarterback.

Penn State Football Spring Preview: Breaking Down 2009 from Every Angle

Dan DiBacco — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:53:08 -0500

As the snow is just about all melted, and the temperatures warm up in Happy Valley that means only one thing. Spring football is just around the corner.

The team will take the indoor field of Holuba Hall the week of March 30, for what should be a very interesting few weeks of practice. The intra-squad, Blue-White Game will take place on April 25 which will reveal the likely starters for the 2009 season. But until then here’s a preview of what to expect during this spring.

Who’s Gone?

There are 15 starting roles that are currently vacant, seven on offense and defense, and a kicker. Defensive ends Maurice Evans and Aaron Maybin both left school early for the NFL leaving two defensive end spots open. Maybin an All-American will be missed a lot because of his speed, as a rush end he was phenomenal in the passing game. Maurice Evans had a great season his sophomore year, but a suspension early in the season last season caused him to miss three games, and he never got back to the previous year form. Also lost on the defensive line is starting defensive end Josh Gaines. Gaines leadership, and consistent play will be missed as the Lions head into 2009 with a very young group of defensive ends.

Outside Linebacker Tyrell Sales, a two year starter along with everyone in the secondary’s gone. Corners Lydell Sargeant and Tony Davis never received enough praise as they should have all season long. Both at only 5’10” consistently shut down receivers with great awareness, and coverage. Both will be missed for their talent and their experience. Safeties Anthony Scirrotto, and Mark Rubin are both gone as well. There’s much work to be done here to replace this veteran group.

On the offensive side of the ball much experience is lost. Receivers Deon Butler, Jordan Norwood, and Derrick Williams have all been starters since their freshman year, and they all possess something different that made them one of the best receiving corps in the country. All three of them will be missed greatly because of their consistent play and experience.

Offensive line loses three linemen for arguably one of the best Penn State lines ever. Needing to be replaced is, Rich Ohrnberger and Rimington Award winner AQ Shipley, both were three year starters and captains last year, and Gerald Cadogan a two year starter. Once again leadership and experience is what will be most missed in this group.

Fullback Dan Lawlor consistently made great blocks for running backs Evan Royster, and Stephfon Green all season long last year, and never received any credit for it. He will be missed in the running game a lot. And kicker Kevin Kelly leaves Penn State as the career points leader, and second all time in the Big Ten behind Ron Dayne. Kelly a four year starter will be missed as he was very consistent from 40 yards and closer.

The Replacements

*All class identifications are for the 09-10 school year.

Defensive Ends

As long as Larry Johnson Sr. is the defensive line coach, this team continues to produce good defensive ends. Early favorites are sophomore Jack Crawford, and fifth year senior Jerome Hayes. Hayes a rush end, has shown flashes of being a good defensive end the past two years, but both years has tore an ACL, in two different legs. If Hayes doesn’t appear to be 100% Kevion Latham and Eric Lattimore both sophomores are waiting, but both should see significant time anyways with Crawford starting for the first time, and Hayes coming off an injury.

Secondary

Senior AJ Wallace and Sophomore D’Anton Lynn are the early favorites to fill the vacancies at cornerback. Both are 6’1” which is a nice change from 5’10” Sargeant and Davis, but Wallace and Lynn have big shoes to fill. At safety promising sophomore, Drew Astorino will fill in for Scirrotto. In Astorino’s minimal time at safety he looked very promising, and showed great instincts for the ball. The other safety spot has many candidates to claim the job. Early enrollee freshman Gerald Hodges, sophomore Nick Sukay, and juniors Cedric Jefferies, and Knowledge Timmons, will all vie for the starting spot.

Outside linebacker

Once again there are many options here. Sean Lee will be back after tearing his ACL last year in spring practice, and before the injury he was on just about everyone’s preseason All American list. Lee a senior will most likely will play middle linebacker, and Navorro Bowman will have the other outside spot locked up. This leaves sophomores, Andrew Dailey, Michael Mauti, Nate Stupar, Michael Yanchich, juniors, Chris Colasanti, Bani Gbadyu, and Senior, Josh Hull all candidates for the vacancy. Keeping Lee on the outside will allow everyone listed but Yanchich, and Gbadyu as candidates for the middle, but Lee will most likely play middle.

Offensive line

The whole left side of the line from center over is up for grabs. Whenever there’s a shakeup on the offensive line there seems to be infinite possibilities. Sophomore DeOn’tae Pannell will step into left tackle, and last season’s starting right guard, junior Stefen Wisniewski will probably take over center. Junior Lou Eliades, and sophomores, Johnnie Troutman and J.B. Walton will fight for the two guard spots. Other names to remember are sophomore, Quinn Barham and true freshman Eric Shrive. Many possibilities exist here.

Receivers

Juniors Graham Zug and Brett Brackett are the only receivers who saw any playing time in a meaningful situation last season. In their limited time both showed signs of good hands, and both possess a big target, but neither are going to wow with their speed. For the third and fourth receiver spots expect to see sophomores Chaz Powell, and Derek Moye who both saw the field in mop-up duty last season. Of course colleges always seem to have an influx of wide receivers on their squad but all the following could see the field in 09; fifth year seniors Kevin Cousins and James McDonald, sophomore Jon Ditto, redshirt freshman A.J. Price, true freshmen, Justin Brown, Curtis Drake, Shawney Kersey, Devon Smith, and sophomore running back Stephfon Green could play in the slot occasionally after showing good hands last season.

Fullback

Redshirt freshman Michael Zordich was a highly touted middle linebacker and fullback in the 2008 recruiting class, and has apparently showed that he can play fullback. He was almost immediately listed as a fullback upon reporting to summer practice in 08, when he was more highly regarded at middle linebacker, coaches must see something good in him. Other possibilities are fifth year senior Larry Federoff, or sophomore Joe Suhey.

Special Teams

Junior kicker, Collin Wagner is probably the favorite right now, but early enrollee Anthony Fera, ranked 2009’s second best kicker will have a shot at the starting job as well. With Derrick Williams and Anthony Scirrotto’s departure this leaves punt return and kick return duties open. Chaz Powell will take Williams’ role in kickoff, on the side of Powell will be either A.J. Wallace, Stephfon Green, or a freshman like Devon Smith or Curtis Drake. Punt return, not too sure here since it has been solely Williams and Scirrotto the past few seasons, my guess is one of the guys mentioned for kickoffs will be the primary guy for punts.

Recruiting Summary

(Name-Position-Height-Weight-40 time)

Mark Arcidiacono-Offensive Line-6’4”-289-NA

Strong upper body, and overall size has formed Arcidiacono into a great high school lineman. Instinctive to where he should move the d lineman after initial contact, and shows impressive footwork.

Justin Brown-Wide Receiver-6’3”-210-4.44

Tall and surprisingly bulky, Brown is a physical receiver that can stretch the field, and shows good hands. Catches everything thrown in his direction, and shows overall intelligence on the field.

Nate Cadogan-Lineman-6’6”-265-5.0

Recruited as an offensive lineman, Cadogan has shown throughout high school that he can play defensive end, and tight end. At 6’6” and 265, Cadogan will probably play either defensive or offensive tackle. Older brother Gerald Cadogan just finished his career at Penn State at offensive tackle, and that’s where he will most likely fit in.

Glenn Carson-Linebacker-6’3”-220-4.6

He looks like the typical linebackers at “Linebacker U” when they’re still in high school, 6’3” and 220, with a build that could add 10 more pounds without losing a step. Shows good speed, and quickness for a middle linebacker, along with good instincts and sure tackling.

Curtis Drake-Athlete-6’-175-4.49

AA Player of the Year, Drake lead his high school to the Pennsylvania State Championship game as the quarterback, but looks better running the ball than throwing it. Penn State coaches have told him that his future is most likely in the secondary, or receiver. Expect to see him taking on a sort of role like Derrick Williams, who also played QB in high school and gave the offense versatility.

Curtis Dukes-Running Back-6’2”-225-4.4

6’2” and 225, with a 4.4 40, reminds me of Eddie George, with his size and speed. Could put on weight, and become a fullback, but with Zordich being a redshirt freshman, and his size and speed combination he’s meant to play running back at Beaver Stadium.

Brandon Felder-Wide Receiver-6’2”-167-4.43

As a junior Felder was a stud pulling in 40 catches for nearly 1,000 yards, and 11 touchdowns, but in a pre season scrimmage game suffered a season ending knee injury. Felder definitely possesses the physical tools at 6’3” and 167 with a 4.43 40 but as it is with any injury, rehab is very important to get back onto the field.

Anthony Fera-Kicker-6’2”-230-4.8

Showed great leg strength throughout high school, consistently kicking into or outside of the end zone, and a 4 second hang time in kickoffs, and consistent in the 40’s on field goals. As a punter in high school he would provide coverage on the punt as well, which is a plus with a kicker not being afraid to take a hit, and at 6’2” and 230 he’s definitely not fragile. Already Enrolled.

Frank Figueroa-Offensive Line-6’4”-285-5.2

Has shown much dedication to get here. Figueroa has put 40 pounds on his frame the past two years. Enjoys going to the next level to put a hit on the linebackers. At 6’4” and 285 pounds he plays smart and will most likely play guard or center at Penn State.

Gary Gilliam-End-6’6”-260-4.7

At 6’6” and 260 with a 4.7 40, he belongs playing some end position. It has been mentioned that he could play offensive tackle, but for how athletic he is he belongs at a skill position. Tight end is where he’ll probably get his first shot, but don’t be surprised if he plays defensive end as well.

Darrell Givens-Cornerback-6’1”-170-4.46

Athletic, instinctive, and rangy make Givens one of the premier corners in the nation. Physical in press coverage, and his technique in man-to-man coverage is well above average. At 6’1” and a 36” vertical, he becomes receiver-like when the ball’s in the air, demonstrating leaping ability, timing, and great ball skills for a corner.

Adam Gress-Offensive Line-6’7”-294-5.22

Look at a picture of him, and you see his chest and shoulders dominate the picture. Upper body strength is Gress’s strongpoint in his game, and he successfully dominates defensive lineman with his upper body strength and long arms.

Jordan Hill-Defensive End-6’3”-290-4.7

Hasn’t played defensive line at all during high school, but rather was an oversized middle linebacker. Is hard to move, and shows good hand work in shedding blocks, but will obviously have to show that he can do these much quicker on the defensive line, and will have to learn how to do all of that coming out of a three point stance. But being an ex linebacker will be a plus for him against the run.

Gerald Hodges-Safety/Outside Linebacker

At 6’3”and 211 pounds, with a 4.46 40, he could be plugged in at safety right now. Shows great instincts for the ball at safety, and displays great athleticim. Takes proper angles, doesn’t get fooled by a juke, and knows how to properly tackle. One of the best gets in this class for Penn State easily. Already enrolled.

Ty Howle-Center-6’1”-290-5.4

Howle has physically dominated defensive lineman throughout high school. Off the snap he’s not satisfied until he has his defender in another zip code. Very hard worker, and never eases up, gives 100% every play. Good in the pass, but great in the run. Already enrolled.

Shawney Kersey-Wide Receiver-6’2”-190-4.5

Big target, with long arms and good hands, Kersey is a good receiver. Once he separates from the defender, he shows good downfield speed, and shows his toughness by going over the middle and taking a lick from defenders.

Christian Kuntz-Athlete-6’4”-195-4.5

Kuntz is an interesting prospect. He could play a number of positions at Penn State, including H-back, tight-end, wide receiver, safety, or outside linebacker. Shows good ball skills, is great after the catch, and at his size doesn’t mind taking a hit. Good athlete with high upside.

Stephon Morris-Cornerback-5’8”-170-4.48

Makes up for lack of size by being a good cornerback, and not letting his man get past him. Reads the quarterback well, and knows exactly when to jump the route to make the pick. Follows the ball well and makes up for the lack of height by timing the ball perfectly, and playing the ball well. He provides good run support, slips past lineman and running backs with his small size when he blitzes, and is a threat to take it to the house on a pick. Could bulk up and play safety so his lack of height wouldn’t be as big of an issue.

Kevin Newsome-Dual Threat QB-6’3”-217-4.57

It was absolutely imperative for Penn State to get a QB in this class, especially with Junior Pat Devlin transferring to Delaware. Newsome will likely backup Daryll Clark as a freshman, and with the weak schedule at the beginning of the season Newsome will get a good amount of playing time his freshman year. Great runner, who has a good strong arm to go with it, and can put the two together very well throwing on the run, and across his body. Already enrolled.

Stephen Obeng-Agyapong-DB-5’10”-175-4.5

Has good speed, and good instincts toward the ball. Has a solid frame combined with his speed that allows him to tackle well in a large range. Also hawks the ball very well, will most likely play safety at Penn State.

Eric Shrive-Offensive Line-6’7”-285-5.1

Great size, with very impressive and unexpected speed to go with it. With the unexpected speed he gets into the next level, and blocks linebackers as well. Most likely will play either tackle position at Penn State, and could press for time his freshman year. Shrive boasts one of the most impressive offers list in the nation.

Devon Smith-Athlete-5’7”-150-4.35

One of the fastest high school kids in the country, has been clocked at 4.19 before. Makes up for his lack of size by blowing people away with his speed. Is at top speed after his first few steps, and shows great balance weaving through the secondary after a catch. Despite his size, he’s not afraid of taking a hit, and will fight for extra yards after initial contact. Realistically Smith may play a little in the slot, and take a few handoffs a game, but will mostly be a return specialist.

Sean Stanley-Defensive Lineman-6’2”-250-4.7

Tall and built, without pads he looks more like a tackle, with pads he looks like an end. Comes off the ball with a decent pad level, and holds his own when he takes on a block. Sheds blockers well, and is strong enough to knock his blockers to the ground, possesses the speed, and shiftiness needed to pursue the ball holder. Could lose, or add weight and play either end or tackle.

Derrick Thomas-Athlete-6’-175-4.48

Versatile athlete who played receiver, and safety in high school, and it’s a tossup of where he’ll play at Penn State. Showed that he was fully capable playing all three phases of the game in high school, with his good size, and speed combination. High upside because of his versatility, and knowledge of all the possible positions he could play.

John Urschel-Lineman-6’3”-270-5.18

Very lean body and strong frame, but his biggest asset is his brain. Most of Urschel’s offers were from Ivy League schools, but he also got offers from Stanford and Boston College. Urschel was an all state player on the offensive line, and a standout on the defensive line as well, and could play either way at Penn State.

Mike Wallace-DB-5’10”-182-4.57

Probably got an offer from Penn State mostly because his teammate and good friend Jelani Jenkins was between Penn State and Florida, and would be just another incentive for Jenkins to come to Penn State. Penn State didn’t get Jenkins but got a good athlete in Wallace, who shows he knows how to play the position well. What he lacks in height, he makes up with good muscle tone, and range. Plays both the run and pass well and is a good tackler, could play any position in the secondary.

Malcolm Willis-Safety-5’11”-205-4.65

With his size, he shows great range against both the run and pass. Reads the passer well and takes the proper angles to get the ball or ball carrier. Very athletic and aggressive prospect that could become a concern for receivers going over the middle, could also move up and become an outside linebacker.

Impact Freshmen

Justin Brown, Anthony Fera, Darrell Givens, Gerald Hodges, Kevin Newsome, Eric Shrive, and Devon Smith.

Projected Starters

Offense

QB: Daryll Clark

RB: Evan Royster

FB: Mike Zordich

WR: Graham Zug

WR: Brett Brackett

WR: Chaz Powell

TE: Mickey Shuler Jr.

LT: DeOn’tae Pannell

LG: J.B. Walton

C: Stefen Wisniewski

RG: Lou Eliades

RT: Dennis Landolt

Defense

DE: Jerome Hayes

DT: Abe Koroma

DT: Jared Odrick

DE: Jack Crawford

OLB: Navorro Bowman

MLB: Sean Lee

OLB: Michael Mauti

CB: A.J. Wallace

CB: D’Anton Lynn

S: Drew Astorino

S: Knowledge Timmons/Gerald Hodges

Special Teams

K: Anthony Fera

P: Jeremy Boone

KR: Chaz Powell

KR: Devon Smith

PR: A.J. Wallace

Names You Might Still Hear

(*=Will be receiving regular playing time)

*RB Stephfon Green, *RB Brandon Beachum, *WR Derek Moye, WR Justin Brown, WR James McDonald, WR Kevin Cousins, OL Eric Shrive, OL Johnnie Troutman, *TE Andrew Quarless, TE Andrew Szczeba, DB Nick Sukay, K Collin Wagner,*LB Josh Hull, LB Bani Gbadyu, LB Nate Stupar, LB Mike Yanchich, LB Chris Colasanti, LB Andrew Dailey, *DL Devon Still, DT Brandon Ware, DE Eric Latimore, DE Kevion Latham, DT Ollie Ogbu.

All-Big Ten Candidates

QB Daryll Clark, RB Evan Royster, OL Stefen Wisniewski, OL Dennis Landolt, DL Jared Odrick, LB Navorro Bowman, LB Sean Lee, S Drew Astorino

Probable Captains

LB Sean Lee, DT Jared Odrick, QB, Daryll Clark, TE Mickey Shuler

Schedule/Projected Result

9/5: Akron-W-Easy win.

9/12: Syracuse-W-Easy win.

9/19: Temple-W-Easy win.

9/26: Iowa-W-First true test of the season for Penn State. After Penn State’s National Championship dreams were shattered last year at Iowa, Penn State takes care of Iowa pretty handily at home in a revenge game.

10/3: at Illinois-W-One of the three toughest games of the season. Illinois puzzlingly went 5-7 last season, but Penn State had trouble with them at home. Now Penn State goes to Illinois where they lost in 07.

10/10: Eastern Illinois-W-Easy win.

10/17: Minnesota-W-Minnesota is returning just about the same team as last year. The team that went 7-1 and imploded finishing 7-5, Penn State wins handily.

10/24: at Michigan-W-Two words that will forever make Penn State fans cringe; “At Michigan.” Fortunately for Penn State, Michigan’s going to need at least another year until Rodriguez has the spread offense working well in Ann Arbor, and Penn State will have the spread running very smooth.

10/31: at Northwestern-W-This definitely isn’t the Northwestern team Penn State’s used to playing. Last time they went to Northwestern was in 05, and they needed a last second touchdown to win the game. Penn State won’t need a last second touchdown to win, but it will be closer than most think.

11/7: Ohio State-?-This game could go either way. Whichever team wins this game will probably win the Big Ten.

11/14: Indiana-W-Easy win.

11/21: at Michigan State-W-Hardest game besides Ohio State. Michigan State is a dark horse candidate for the Big Ten title, and not playing Ohio State helps their chances. Penn State always struggles in East Lansing and Michigan State has a good team coming back. Penn State wins by a small margin.

Clearly Penn State has their hands full come this offseason. There’s much leadership lost on the team, and many talented players as well. There are areas that will improve, and there are areas that will probably see a drop off. But if this team can pick up the lost leadership and play at a high level like last year, the sky’s the limit. Hope to see you April 25.

Hey USC, We Are...Penn State, Not "Just Another Big Ten Victim"

Dan DiBacco — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 15:13:49 -0500

This Jan. 1 Penn State (11-1) will be making the trip to The Rose Bowl for just the third time in school history, and for the first time since 1995. Their opponent USC (11-1) on the other hand, will be taking the short trip to Pasadena for the 33rd time in school history, and the fifth time in six years.

Of USC's previous 32 appearances in "The Granddaddy of Them All," they've won 23 of them. With The Rose Bowl being a traditional Big Ten Champ vs. Pac 10 Champ game, 16 of USC's 23 wins have come against the Big Ten representative.

In the past three Rose Bowls that USC has played a Big Ten team, USC has won by a combined 109-49. And in the third week of this season, USC and Ohio State squared off in the Coliseum in what was supposed to be a game that decided who'd make the National Championship Game in Miami.

USC continued their trend against the Big Ten as they cruised to a 35-3 win over Ohio State, and instantly became everyone's favorite to be playing in Miami on Jan. 8.

So why do both teams end up meeting in The Rose Bowl, rather than the National Championship? Both teams were upset in last second fashion to conference rivals. USC lost to Oregon State in Corvallis 27-21, and Penn State lost to Iowa in Iowa City 24-23. National Championship hopes for both teams were ultimately lost due to these losses.

What most people consider one of the better matchups of the bowl games, USC fans, and some of the media don't agree. Many think that the game will be just another USC drubbing of a Big Ten team, and they deserve the National Championship instead.

Here's an idea USC, don't go 11-1 with your only loss to a huge underdog like you have the past three years!

The following FACTS are why this won't be a blowout.

Joe Paterno has appeared in 34 bowl games, and has a 23-10-1 record in those games. That's a .697 winning percentage. Pete Carroll has appeared in seven bowl games, and has a 5-2 record. That's a .714 winning percentage. Both these coaches know how to get their teams ready to play in big games.

Both teams have above-average defenses, Penn State has only allowed 149 points this season and USC has allowed only 93.

Penn State has one of the best front four in the Nation with defensive ends Aaron Maybin and Maurice Evans, and defensive tackle Jared Odrick, between the three of them they have 19.5 sacks, and 32.5 tackles for a loss.

Behind them could be the next great linebacker at "Linebacker U," Navorro Bowman who has 98 tackles on the year. Penn State also has two good cornerbacks in Lydell Sargeant, and Tony Davis.

Penn State's safeties are a classic example of bend but don't break, but they seem to break every once in a while. Anthony Scirrotto showed signs of being a star his sophomore year, but never seemed to progress from there. Mark Rubin is great against the run, but mediocre against the pass, and against USC QB Mark Sanchez, both of them could have a long day.

The media-darling USC defense is obviously the most intimidating defense in the nation. With names like Rey Maualuga, Brian Cushing, Kaluka Maiava, Clay Matthews, Fili Moala, and Taylor Mays being household names by now, and the fact that they're all on the same team is very intimidating.

Almost as intimidating as the 5' 6" freshman running back Jacquizz Rodgers of Oregon State who ran for 186 yards on the mighty USC defense, and lead the Beavers to a victory over the then-No. 1 Trojans.

The same Jacquizz (not that there's more than one in this world) had a successful game against Penn State as well with 22 rushes for 99 yards. But more impressively Penn State steam rolled Oregon State 45-14.

Yes, the same team that USC lost to. Though conveniently the common opponent brought up is Ohio State, and USCs 35-3 win over them, but Penn State only managed to beat them 13-6.

The Ohio State team USC played didn't have the Heisman favorite at the time, Chris "Beanie" Wells playing for them, and the game was at the Coliseum. Penn State was able to beat Ohio State at the Horse Shoe, with a healthy Beanie Wells.

Obviously the same argument can be brought up about the USC–Oregon State game. It was away, in a hostile environment, etc. But what really irks me is when the media, or a USC article says how much Oregon State progressed from the Penn State game to the USC game.

Wow! What a difference 19 days makes. If that's the case, then imagine how much better Ohio State was 42 days after playing USC, when they played Penn State.

Anyways, both teams have potent offenses as well. Penn State scored 482 points this year with one of the most talented offenses in school history lead by QB Daryll Clark.

And USC didn't seem to miss a beat with the departure of John David Booty, scoring 450 points with 2005's No. 1 QB recruit Mark Sanchez looking like he had the job since the day he got there.

Sanchez threw for 28 touchdowns, rushed for two more, and was intercepted 10 times. Catching everything was predominantly Damian Williams and Patrick Turner.

Williams has 707 yards receiving, and eight touchdowns with his 48 receptions. Turner has 667 yards receiving, with 10 touchdowns in his 45 receptions.

With fewer receptions but just as impressive stats, Ronald Johnson has 29 receptions for 488 yards, and six touchdowns.

Clark threw for 17 touchdowns, ran for another nine, and was intercepted four times. Clark also has three good receivers in Deon Butler, Jordan Norwood, and Derrick Williams. Butler leads the team in receiving, with 43 receptions for 713 yards, and seven touchdowns.

Norwood has 38 receptions for 605 yards and five touchdowns, while Williams has 40 receptions, 451 yards, and four touchdowns.

But they don't call Penn State "Linebacker U" for nothing, nor do refer to USC as "Tailback U" for nothing. It's no secret that USC has a stable of running backs; USC has three running backs that have over 600 yards in Joe McKnight, Stafon Johnson, and CJ Gable.

Between the three of them there's 19 touchdowns, and just under 1,900 yards. All three running backs possess the skill to be starting stars anywhere, but it's USC, and they all complement each other perfectly.

Penn State's not too shabby at the running back position either, largely due to the wonderful job that the offensive line does for the feature back Evan Royster.

Royster a 1,200-yard rusher brings with him to Pasadena 6.5 yards per carry, and 12 touchdowns, and his backup Stephon Green isn't bad either. Green has 521 yards so far this season, with four touchdowns on top of that, but what Green really possesses is speed.

Greens 4.2-second 40-yard dash provides speed to complement Royster's patience, and they've worked well together all year. Wide receiver Derrick Williams, and QB Daryll Clark are often involved in the running game as well. Williams has rushed for 226 yards, and three touchdowns, and as stated earlier Clark for nine touchdowns and 265 yards.

On Jan. 1, none of these stats will matter. Both teams will be walking onto the field confident. But only one will leave confident, as the other will leave heart broken. A lot will be found out in the 2009 Rose Bowl.

Is the Big Ten as weak as they're made out to be? Is USC's defense as great as it's made out to be? Did USC deserve a shot at the National Championship? Did Penn State? Did Penn State even deserve to play in the Rose Bowl?

These questions can only be answered by the team, and if there's nothing else for Penn State to play for other than winning "The Granddaddy of Them All," all they have to do is look to the sideline, and see the real granddaddy of them all, Joe Paterno.

This game will be not be a blowout. It will be a well-played game with some of the greatest coaches ever squaring off against each other. I can see a minor mistake being the turning point of the game in a low scoring affair.

With both coaches known for preparing their teams wonderfully this could be one that goes in the history books.

Penn State is not "just another Big Ten victim" for USC.

WE ARE...

Victor Martinez's Best Interest Is at First Base

Dan DiBacco — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 13:38:48 -0500

Victor Martinez is a two-time all star, undoubtedly one of the leaders in the Tribes' clubhouse, and a key piece to the Indians' puzzle. And all of this has been established while he's been the catcher for the Tribe.

But a 2008 opening day injury to the catcher and an inflamed right elbow forced Martinez to only appear in 73 games in '08. Nothing good comes out of an injury to a team's best player/leader, but you can also find out a lot about a team when that happens.

And the Tribe indeed found something out. Kelly Shoppach, their backup catcher, can flat out play.

The team and the fans were aware of who Kelly Shoppach was due to him being Paul Byrd's personal catcher. So every five days, the Tribe would place Shoppach behind the plate, and Martinez being too valuable to keep out of the lineup, would move 90 feet to first base.

But with Martinez going out for an extended period of time in '08, the fans and the Indians had to get used to the idea of Shoppach being the guy behind the plate. To say that he was expected to put up Victor Martinez like numbers would be false. But putting up Victor Martinez like numbers is exactly what he did. In 112 games, he batted .261, with 21 homers and 55 RBI.

But the return of Martinez in September left the Tribe with two very serviceable catchers, both of whom surprised people with their numbers. Martinez surprised the wrong way. He only had 21 RBI, a .279 batting average, and most shocking of all, no home runs through 54 games.

Meanwhile, Shoppach continued to make the best out of his chances, and put up big numbers. Martinez eventually found his swing again in the last month of the season finishing the season with a .278 average, 35 RBI, and two home runs.

This problem (if you want to call too much talent that) will follow the Tribe into Spring Training and can only be resolved by doing what's logical. Move Victor Martinez to first base. It's a much less physically demanding position to play, and it's no coincidence that older players are often playing first base.

This leaves Shoppach, the less injury prone, younger and arguably better defensive catcher with the everyday duties behind the plate. But this scenario will still leave an odd man out. Ryan Garko the everyday first basemen the past two years. But there's also a scenario if this were to happen.

Garko, a good defensive first basemen who also shows streaks of great offense could be a candidate to be traded to the Orioles, who have expressed interest in a first basemen, and have also been listening to offers for their second basemen, Brian Roberts.

Roberts and Garko wouldn't be a straight up trade for each other, the Tribe would most likely have to include either an outfielder (Ben Francisco, David Dellucci, or Franklin Gutierrez) or a pitcher, (Aaron Laffey, Anthony Reyes, or Jeremy Sowers) but Roberts would address a pressing need in the Indians infield.

By signing Roberts, and trading Garko this would allow Martinez to move to first, Roberts to jump into second base, and Asdrubal Cabrera the teams current second basemen, to move to shortstop where he played in the minors, and Jhonny Peralta the teams current shortstop to move to third, where he's better suited, due to his lack of range.

Brian Roberts would also allow for the Tribe to move their Silver Slugger center fielder, Grady Sizemore down the lineup from the lead off spot to the three hole where a player with his power is better suited.

Big 12 and Big 10 Comparison

Dan DiBacco — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 02:04:20 -0500

Watching College Gameday and seeing Corso and company in front of a Big 12, or SEC stadium every week can become aggravating for the fans of teams outside of the two "powerhouse" conferences in College Football.

But can you blame them for camping out on the campus of either conferences schools 10 of the 14 weeks this 2008 season?

The Big 12 is sure to be a high scoring, fun to watch game, that if the other teams defense is able to make a stop on the first drive of the game the game may already be over. Meanwhile the SEC has the great defenses, and of course the "SEC Speed" that was able to hand The Ohio State University, back to back losses in the 2007 and 2008 National Championship games, hence allowing the College Football world label the Big Ten as one of the "weak" conferences. Illinois' blowout loss to USC didn't help the Big Ten's image much either.

Although Ohio State still had a lot to play for coming into this season. Ohio State was a National Championship favorite with a load of talent coming back for their senior year when many could have been drafted high coming out as juniors. And Jim Tressel was able to get the relatively under the radar recruit Terrelle Pryor to sign on as a Buckeye in the off season.

Pryor, of course, was supposed to be the Tim Tebow to Ohio State's Chris Leak; Todd Boeckman. The offense that worked so perfectly in the Gators 06 season, and what was able to dismantle the Troy "Mr. Heisman" Smith lead Buckeyes in the 07 National Championship Game, was what Tressel was going to use to get back to the National Championship for a third time in three seasons.

Then came the trip to USC for the Buckeyes that spoiled all plans for Ohio State's championship run with an embarrassing 35-3 loss, furthering the idea that the Big Ten was weak.

In the midst of Ohio State falling flat in the past two National Championship Games, there was another losing trend going on to an overwhelming favorite the same two years. Oklahoma lost 43-42 to the undefeated, non-BCS conference "BCS Buster" Boise State in a stunning thriller game in 2007, and in 2008 proceeded to lose 48-28 to West Virginia. Somehow this has failed to not be brought up much during the Big 12's successful year.

Could it be due to the fact that the Big 12 plays a tough out of conference schedule? Hardly. The Big 12's premier out of conference games this year were Cincinnati's match-up at Oklahoma, and Missouri's game against Illinois on a neutral field. Cincinnati representing the Big East conference was crushed by the Sooners 52-26.

But Illinois representing the conference that was in much question after its best team was destroyed in back-to-back Title games only lost to the Heisman Favorite, Chase Daniel lead Big 12 North/Big 12 favorites 52-42. At the time that score seemed about right, but as the season unfolded Illinois showed many signs of missing the 2007 Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, Rashard Mendenhall who bolted early for the draft, and ended the season 5-7.

So does this mean that I'm saying the Big Ten is under-rated? It's definitely is not over-rated! But what I'm getting at is how naive the media and pollsters are. 61-41, 45-35, 58-35, do they actually have defense in the Big 12? They may as well not even waste the scholarships on defensive players!

What I'm saying is why should the Big Ten be getting treated as if they're pathetic while the Big 12 just continues to rack up the "style points" against each other because they don't play defense, but when the two conferences played head to head, the game was close between the Big 12 North Champ, and Bowl Ineligible Illinois.

As a PSU fan I began to find it hard to watch as everyone began to say that it would be a matter of time before one loss Oklahoma, or Texas would hop over an unbeaten PSU team, and thankfully for my sanity PSU lost to Iowa, and I didn't have to watch what would have been another undefeated PSU team lose out on the Title game.

So why aren't we hearing the same about Big 12 teams, as they play a rather weak out of conference schedule, and the Big 12 winner the past two years has fallen just as hard on their face as Ohio State has in their Bowl Games?

It's time to wake up and see that just one team can't define a whole conference, and that it can't be done with select conferences either, just because the media is sick of them. Personally I'm more sick of the SEC hype more than anything in this world, and hope to see the Big 12 team in the title game hand them a loss.

But if it's another SEC lopsided win, prepare yourselves Big 12 fans, because that's when the media will wake up and begin to point out Oklahoma's embarrassing losses in the Fiesta Bowl the two years prior, and it's an annoyingly long, media infested, bumpy road that will begin to give your conference a bad name.