Penn State wins, 48-7!

Penn State just blasted Wisconsin tonight in Madison. Here's some initial thoughts. I'll have the full review tomorrow.

The Good: The defense really showed up tonight. In a hostile environment like Camp Randall, you have to keep the opposing offense out of synch. Penn State did that tonight with a great pass rush, and the help of guys like Lydell Sargeant (2 picks). Aaron Maybin established himself as a First Team Big Ten selection, and if he keeps this pace, should be All America. On the offensive side, there were no big mistakes after the first possession. Evan Royster, the line, and the receivers all played great. But Daryll Clark IS Penn State right now. The first drive of the second half really defined this game for Penn State, driving down the field like a machine for a TD. Derrick Williams could just be the best return man Penn State’s ever had. Oh, and who is that No. 23 kicker kid? Can’t be Kevin Kelly, right?

The Bad: The first drive of the game, Penn State looked very shaky. That can’t happen at Ohio State. Derrick Williams dropped an almost sure TD, and Clark fumbled the snap on the next play. On defense, I wasn’t at all happy with the 85-yard drive Wisconsin put together in the second quarter. Allen Evridge should escape the pocket and get so many yards against PSU, but he did. Think Terrelle Pryor will have much trouble doing that?

Overall: This was a great win on the road in one of the toughest places to play. The offense looked like a championship-caliber unit, while the defense looked even better. Penn State hasn’t been this impressive through the first seven games since 1994. I’m not exaggerating. 1999, 1997, 1986 and the rest can’t compare to the complete dominance Penn State has exercised over its first seven opponents in 2008. I know there are a lot more games to play, but I’m getting really excited.