Penn State Scandal: Urban Meyer Isn't as Realistic an Option as Chris Peterson

If you've been following the news in the sports world, you'd know that there is some serious drama going on at Penn State. Former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky is being accused of sexually abusing young boys. 

All of these allegations will force legendary head coach Joe Paterno to step down, and the University is already in the process of making that happen, according to The New York Times. Penn State will be without a coach within the next few days to few weeks.

This has caused people to prognosticate who the next Nittany Lions head coach will be. There have been several rumors flying around, but Urban Meyer's name has popped up, most recently after it was found that he purchased real estate in nearby Boalsburg, PA.

Meyer left the sidelines for the broadcast booth a year ago, but many believe he will return to coach the Nittany Lions once the position opens up.

The reality is, Penn State should be focusing more on Chris Petersen because he is the most realistic option.

Petersen and Meyer both have a lot in common. Both are winners, they're both great recruiters and they both have a big name that could keep the recruits around.

Petersen has a 69-5 record at Boise State. He's won three of five bowl games, including two BCS bowl victories. He knows how to get the most out of his players, and that's the main reason for the Broncos' success. He's won 93 percent of his games with players where only a handful could make a BCS roster.

The thing is, Petersen has to be tired to getting snubbed by the BCS, and he realizes things aren't going to change for the program. Sure, they're merging with the C-USA, but that just means a conference that doubled in mediocre teams.

Boise could join the Big East, but that's not going to do anything right now. The Big East is just adding anyone in order to try and stay relevant.

Petersen is a talented coach that deserves an automatic bid to a BCS bowl and a chance to really compete for a National Championship.

Right now would be the perfect time to jump ship and begin to coach the Nittany Lions. Who knows where Boise ends up in the next year or so? Quarterback Kellen Moore is graduating, and chances are, the next quarterback to take over won't be half as good.

There are so many questions with Boise State after this season that Petersen would jump at the opportunity to coach a prestigious school like Penn State. 

The difference between the two is that Urban Meyer is good where he is at. He is fine working for ESPN right now, and he knows that he will always be a phone call away whenever another great opportunity opens up.

Petersen is a little more desperate, which makes him a more realistic option.

Not saying Meyer isn't a possibility, because I think it is, but with this ongoing distraction that doesn't look like it's going away anytime soon; Meyer may politely decline the offer.

I would shoot for the stars and try to land Urban Meyer, but Penn State must know that Petersen is the more realistic option.

Randy Chambers is a B/R Featured Columnist that covers College Football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail]

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