Blue & White Roundtable: Kickoff Edition

This season-opening BWRT is brought to you by William F. Yurasko.

Partners in crime:
There is No Name on My Jersey
Tangled Up in White and Blue
The Nittany Notebook
Nittany Whiteout
Black Shoe Diaries

1. What are you optimistic about this season (Anthony Morelli running out of eligibility does not count)?

Beating Michigan and going to the BCS. I know, there's a lot of Kool-Aid mixed in with that, but hey, the question asked what I was "optimistic" about. So there it is. I really think Penn State can make an at-large BCS bid, if not win a share of the Big Ten title. I don't see the Lions going undefeated, but one loss doesn't rule out really big things this season.

2. What are you pessimistic about this season?

Beating Michigan and going to the BCS. Wow, what a cop-out. But no, seriously, I am really freaking worried about the Michigan game this season. How many times over the last 12 years have PSU fans said "well this year, we have to beat Michigan," only to find themselves in a post-game state of shock. Although going to the BCS is a great goal, and totally possible, there's also a strong chance that PSU won't go to the BCS if it loses more than one game.

3. Who is the most important player on either side of the ball?

Safety Anthony Scirrotto. What? Yes, if Scirrotto can play a whole season the way he did in 2006, all questions about the PSU secondary will be quickly answered. Joe Paterno just said his defense has to force more turnovers, and Scirrotto is the guy to make that happen.

Lightning Round

How many games are you going to this season?

I know I'm going to the Michigan State finale. I'm also working on the Illinois game (best chance so far) and Indiana if the mood strikes me right. I like tailgating in the brisk November air.

Do you have Big11Ten Network?

I just ordered it last week, and it's great!

Where is Coastal Carolina located?

In the creepy, creepy South and near the ocean?

What record will Penn State have on January 9?

11-2. PSU will win it's bowl game, either the Captial One Bowl, or a BCS bowl.