Come On Penn State, Convince Me

Right, I'm probably not going to be convinced if Penn State put 30 on Division I-AA Eastern Illinois, but I might be a little convinced if we hang 50.

Sorry, I know this is unlikely, bearing in mind that Joe Paterno's never been keen to run the score up on anybody, and probably won't start with Eastern Illinois—despite the fact that ex-Iowa QB Jake Christensen is quarterbacking the EIs.

Here's a few things I'd like to see in a few hours:

1) Continued improved offensive line play

Last week Evan Royster, Stefphon Green and Darryl Clark & Co. put up nearly 400 on the Illini. According to the good folks at Penn Live, it was because of good blocking. If we can do it against a 'tough' team on the road, we can continue to do the same against Eastern Illinois.

2) Darryl Clark to get over his post-Iowa hangover

Darryl Clark returns to Beaver Stadium, the home of one of his more dreadful performances, in the 'White Out' against Iowa. A few good passes—even if they are little screen passes rather than 40 yard bombs—may help him start his rhythm. I'd like to see a little more of our wide receivers, but is that likely against a Division I-AA school? Probably not.

3) Continued stout defense

If there's one word that could be used for Penn State's 'D' this season, it's 'injured'. We could fill a hospital ward full of injured PSU defenders. We have to learn we're not like USC, we can't just injure a couple of players and then see them replaced by future NFLers. How about preserving somebody, pops? Oh, and the other word is 'stout'—Penn State has given up points—but generally in garbage time (unless it's Iowa).

One blogger said that he can't understand why we're a top 25 team (yet put us in his top 25). He needs convincing.