What happens now

What can you say about the Illinois loss? Actually, not much. From the moment UI took the lead, doom and gloom came over the PSU sideline. Although I couldn't see it (XM radio), it was pretty obvious that PSU overreacted and played as if every drive was the last of the game. But now, with two in the L column, PSU can only move on.

For three weeks now, PSU fans have said "this is probably the most important game of the season." First, it was Michigan. Then, it was Illinois. Now, it's Iowa. If you want to know which is PSU's most important game of the season, this is it. PSU has lost to a team that was supposed to contend for the national title (at least the Big Ten title), and then lost to a team that was just hoping for a bowl (and now is considered one of the conference favorites).

What's next? An Iowa team that has grossly underachieved. That's a far cry from it grossly overachieving days from 2002-2004. (10+ wins each season) If PSU wants to avoid a Michigan State-esque meltdown, it has to win this week against the Hawkeyes. The game is home, which PSU is 13-1 since the last game of 2004. That means PSU won't be able to blame it on the crowd, or lack of.

I was watching the 2002 loss to Iowa on ESPN Classic yesterday. I was at the game, but I never saw it on TV. Look at the similarities between the 2002 and 2007 seasons:

1. PSU starts 3-0 with one high-profile win.
2. PSU loses a tough one in the Big Ten opener.
3. PSU follows up the loss with an important conference road game.

Stop. That's where the simiarities end. In 2002, PSU lost to Iowa, only to upset 5-0 Wisconsin at Camp Randall 34-31. That was a tight game, which the Lions had to win. They did. What happened in 2007? PSU got royally bummed out by the UM loss, and it carried over to the Illinois loss.

PSU, whether you believe it or not, got caught up in the hype this season. Then, when they were thrown back to earth in Ann Arbor, they figured there was nothing else to play for. OK, I'm not being fair to many of the PSU players who still believe in this season. But just because some of the guys believe doesn't mean all of them do. That's the problem. In 2002, EVERYONE still believed after the first loss. In 2007, NO ONE believes anymore.

Face it PSU nation, there is still plenty to shoot for. The Big Ten title is still there for the taking, and all of the important games are still at home. (yes, there's still OSU, UW and MSU to go after Iowa) In case anyone forgot, if PSU runs the table, they'll easily make a BCS bowl. I'm not kidding.

It's time to shut up and strap it on. PSU is a Nike school, so... Just Do It!