The Lions' secondary in a familiar place

Tom Bradley has been here before. The man is not only in charge of the team's defense, but the cornerbacks and secondary. As preseason camp inches closer (begins Aug. 10), Bradley knows all too well the challenge of having to completely rebuild a secondary that loses all four senior starters from the previous season's Big Ten Championship team.

In 2004, Penn State's pass defense was ranked No. 6 nationally at 162.3 ypg, while the Lions were No. 4 in pass efficiency defense with a 99.8 rating. Penn State allowed only five touchdown passes all season, with just two coming in the eight Big Ten contests. That unit only lost one starter, Andy Guman, but he was replaced by a former starter, Chris Harrell.

The next season, 2005, the unit slipped a bit statistically, allowing 211.7 ypg and 11 touchdown passes. But those numbers were mostly due to opponents' frantic garbage time passing as Penn State rolled to easy blowout wins. The secondary also grabbed 16 interceptions, and held opponents to just 5.8 yards per attempt.

With all the starters off to the NFL (all four were either drafted or FA), combined with the loss of 3/4 of an elite defensive line (93 ypg), the defense looked shaky at best going into 2006.

But Bradley pulled off a remarkable feat. The defense was not only as good as the 2005 edition, it actually improved. Penn State allowed a paltry 284.5 total ypg (87 rush ypg and 197 pass ypg) which was even better than the 2004 defense. The 14.4 ppg allowed in 2006 was Penn State's best mark this decade, until last year's defense matched it.

So, we know Bradley can do this. He's done it before. But there is a twist this time around -- Penn State now has the benefit of four years' worth of top-notch recruiting behind it, when in 2006, the talent level depth still left much to be desired.

The defensive line, despite the recent losses, still has plenty of VHTs (a little Phil Steele action for ya) in the two-deep and the best DT duo in the Big Ten, and the linebackers return the best group in five years.

The secondary will remain the main concern for Bradley and Joe Paterno, but all the doom and gloom could be premature, just as being overly optimistic would be.

AJ Wallace and Knowledge Timmons have been around the program a long time. Wallace was rated as the No. 1 corner out of high school, and has started six in his career. True soph D'Anton Lynn is another VHT, who played in almost every game last season.

Penn State brought in five defensive backs in this year's recruiting class, which should give the overall talent here a shot in the arm.

Although Bradley doesn't directly coach the safeties (Asst. Kermit Buggs), this group must be in lock-step with the corners this year.

Drew Astorino filled in as the third safety (PSU uses 3 safties instead of a nickelback) last year, and also started three games. Behind him is soph Nick Sukay, a VHT who has been caught by the injury bug. Sukay is now healthy and ready to push for Astorino's spot.

Penn State's HERO (SS) position is an open race, but VHT soph Andrew Dailey (former LB) is now leading. Behind Dailey is junior Cedric Jeffries, who has seen action in 26 games. The wildcard in all of this is VHT true frosh Gerald Hodges, who saw significant time in the spring game, and who the coaches are very high on.

At last week's Big Ten Media Days, Paterno told reporters, "We're going to have to take some young people and put them in key spots. There will probably be a couple of kids I haven't seen play yet. But that will go on for a while."

Looking at Penn State's defensive backfield, it's hard to imagine Paterno's comments were directed elsewhere.

You will also be able to find this article on PhilSteele.com soon!

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Tom Bradley, comedian

This made me laugh. I was going through my google alerts, and found an article from Fanhouse. I may be wrong, but Tom Bradley's quote about Joe Paterno during practices, while still in his golf cart, just made my morning.

"We're just all glad he's out of the golf cart (in practices)," defensive coordinator Tom Bradley said Wednesday afternoon. "You couldn't hear him when he'd drive up. It was like stealth. He'd be everywhere with it."

It was the stealth comment that got me. Seriously... Joe Paterno. Stealth. Giggle.

*Have something to say about this post? Let your voice be heard, in the ZN Message Forum!

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Review, 2009 Rose Bowl: USC 38, PSU 24

I’ll go through each unit and the coaching, sizing up how each one performed against USC in the Rose Bowl.

OFFENSE :: B

Line – Many were quick to blame Penn State's offensive troubles on the offensive line. But that's only true to an extent. Problems persisted in too many other places to heave so much blame on the line. Penn State was called for holding only once, and the other two offensive penalties were a false start and delay of game. Surprisingly, when all was said and done, Penn State's line held up very well against USC's front seven. When PSU went to the screen game, allowing the offensive linemen to block in space, it was a sight to behold. PSU runners averaged 4.7 yards a pop, while Daryll Clark threw for 273 yards, and was sacked only once. I really think that if Evan Royster didn't go down, and the defense didn't give up so many points, PSU could have played knowing it wasn't catch-up mode in before the half even ended.

Receivers – As if I wasn't going to miss Deon Butler, Derrick Williams and Jordan Norwood before, this Rose Bowl just made it worse. While Clark played one hell of a game, it was the receivers that continued to give his passes life. Early in the game, I thought going right to Butler on the long pass plays was fantastic, and he delivered as he always does, finishing with 97 yards, not including the 45-yarder that was called back in the first quarter. Williams and Norwood both caught touchdowns, and combined for seven catches for 66 yards. That doesn't sound like a lot, but there were a few key receptions (like the two touchdowns, duh!) that really kept PSU afloat. I'm going to throw in Green here, as he was actually the team leader in receptions, with six for 67 yards. Outside of the fumble, Green had a very good day replacing Royster. So I can't get on his case too much, since Green was supposed to be a change-of-pace back like he was during the season.

Quarterbacks - Lost in the post-game depression, was Clark's performance against the best defense in college football. He frequently made plays when even the best quarterbacks wouldn't have, scrambling away from pressure, taking the hits knowing they were coming, but above all, making super-accurate throws while two and three defenders were actually holding on to him. If there was doubt in the "experts" minds about Clark's ability to be a leader, and make plays when he absolutely had to, this Rose Bowl loss just wiped them out. It was a gutsy performance, and a very productive one at that. Clark, after all, did account for all three of PSU's touchdowns, with two passing and one rushing. And the final stat sheet is very misleading. The first of Clark's interceptions came under the usually strong pressure rush, and was slightly tipped at the line. The second, came on a Hail Mary pass on the final play. USC could have knocked it down, but I guess they felt the need to make their own stats look better than they were.

Rushers – My heart sunk when I saw Royster on the trainer's table. While the medical staff was working frantically, I knew it wasn't going to happen, and Royster was done. When he was in the game for less than one quarter, PSU's offense was going about its workman-like performance. Royster carried the ball six times for 34 yards. That's an average of 5.7 yards per rush, including no lost yardage. If Royster had played all four quarters, you can bet your ass he would have gone over 100 yards. With Royster out, and Green in, we have to commend the young speedster's performance, the fumble aside. Green himself rushed the ball 10 times for 57 yards, matching Royster's average, including–again–no yards lost. If this isn't the best running back duo in college football next season, I don't know who will be. Even Clark and Williams had some success running the ball. PSU had the right idea on offense, and it was working, until...

DEFENSE :: D

Line – ... until the defense blew it, big time. Let's start with the line. At first, this was a huge area of pride for PSU, especially on that first USC drive when Aaron Maybin got Mark Sanchez and knocked the ball from his hands. Well, talk about a bad omen, as Maybin was called for the worst single penalty of the game. He was lined up in the neutral zone. Ballgame. USC went on to score its first of many touchdowns. I did think the line was getting decent pressure on Sanchez, but he released the ball so quickly (due to the PSU secondary playing 10 yards off, but more on that in a bit) that even the blitzes weren't getting to him on time. On run defense, even though USC didn't really need to run, the line held up extremely well, limiting USC to its lowest rush total for the year. But there's one thing that makes me think that the line was better than we originally thought. On run plays, the defensive linemen were able to suck up enough blocks to allow the linebackers to make a ton of TFLs. That tells me that the line did its job, but the secondary (again, more in a sec) didn't help it in any way.

Linebackers – And speaking of linebackers making TFLs, how about Navorro Bowman making FIVE behind the line of scrimmage, and PSU's only sack. On top of all that, seven of his eight tackles were solo. But he didn't even lead the team in takedowns. Josh Hull racked up nine, with a TFL of his own. I really thought the linebackers played well in this game. Even unsung Tyrell Sales, the only defensive player to have started in 2005, made four solo tackles, and forced a huge fumble. Sales may not have been the fastest, or the strongest, but he was a true team player, and always worked hard. The only other linebacker to register a tackle was freshman Michael Mauti, with two. Nate Stupar, Andrew Daily and Chris Colasanti all played, but none recorded anything. This unit was the most consistent during the Rose Bowl. Well, I should correct myself. The linebackers were the most consistently decent defensive unit, unlike this next unit...

Secondary – ...which was consistently horrible, terrible, no good, very bad. You could blame it on the scheme (and I will in a minute, trust me, but not right now), or USC's superior talent. But none of that flies with me as a truly legitimate reason for PSU getting torched. I realize that the players are told what to do, but even when they did it, this secondary played scared. I'm sorry, but once that ball is snapped, you go and make the play that's given to you. I didn't see one corner, or safety go up for a ball, or even get a good knockdown. But the worst moment of this game, the one that cemented which unit would be to blame for the loss, was after Penn State pulled to 31-17. USC was scared, and PSU was amped. What happens next? The safeties get caught with their pants around their ankles, and the corners are no where to be found. USC's Ronald Johnson is all alone, soon joined by the ball, for a 45-yard touchdown. The air was officially gone from the Blue and White side of the field.

SPECIAL TEAMS :: B

Kickers – Don't peg this loss on special teams. Kevin Kelly was a monster on kickoffs, and nailed the only field goal he was given. As pissed off as I was at that point, I was very happy Kelly got to make that kick. He's had a great season, and it would have been a shame if he didn't get to contribute at least that much to the score. Of course, I'm sure he'd give up that field goal for a few more extra points. Then there's Jeremy Boone. He averaged 47.8 yards per boot, with a long of 56. Yeah, PSU had some good kickers this season.

Returners – I can't really rate the return teams here, because when you're only given five kickoffs and no punt returns, there's not many opportunities to make a big play. I was really hedging my bets that PSU would launch a big punt return in this game, figuring that kickoff returns are harder to make big plays. But it would have been nice if Chaz Powell or Williams could have done something on the kickoff returns. We've seen better days here, but then again, we haven't really needed better days until this game.

Coverage – A little told story about this year's team, was the vastly improved play of the return coverage units. In 2007 PSU gave up two kick return touchdowns, and a 26.4 average. In 2008, no opponent scored a kickoff return touchdown, and PSU held them to only 21.3 yards per return. Special teams was definitely a strength, and even though it didn't make any huge plays in the Rose Bowl, it sure didn't cause any problems.

COACHES :: C-
I gave the coaches the "C-" because I really thought the offense did fine, but was forced out of its game by USC racking up 24 unanswered points in the second quarter. The "C-" represents just low enough for failure. Sure, there was a turnover, and penalties, but the offense wasn't the majority share of PSU's woes. Galen Hall and Jay Paterno called a good game, and it showed early one with the passing down field to Butler, and the strong runs by Royster and Clark. PSU gained 410 yards of offense, and was very balanced under the circumstances, with 273 passing and 137 rushing. That's not bad considering the hole PSU was stuck in by the defense. But that was the problem. Tom Bradley coached his worst game, probably of his career as defensive coordinator. He refused to adjust to USC's passing calls, and got torched in the process. I know he tried, and works very hard, but this one was bad, real bad. There's a difference between playing disciplined and playing tight. PSU played tight, and in the process lost its discipline. That what coaches are for, and Bradley had a tough time with restoring his unit's confidence and composure. His playcalling didn't help, either. Joe Paterno even admitted that this game got out of hand early, but didn't he just compound matters later in the game? Where was the onsides kick? Where was the fight? Where was anything from the coaching staff? It looked like Clark had to will this team to point, almost fighting against the coaching staff as much as USC's defense. In 2008, we saw Penn State football at its finest, but in the 2009 Rose Bowl, it was less than fine.

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2008 Herbies: Where's the love?

I'm still convinced Kirk Herbstreit is a closet Penn State fan. But this time around, his eighth annual Herbie Awards had a bit less love for the Lions. There was the customary pitch for PSU as the best student section, as Herbie has been infatuated with the Whiteout since Ohio State 2005. We're always glad to have that feather in our cap.

"1. Penn State -- If you haven't been to Happy Valley in the fall, you're missing out on one of the great happenings in all of sports. Quite simply the loudest, most supportive student section in college football."

Coming in second...Florida (muahahahaha!)

In another PSU plug, Herbie named Tom Bradley and his defense No. 5 overall, alongside Pete Carroll (No. 1), Willie Martinez (No. 2), Will Muschamp (No. 3) and Jim Heacock (No. 4). Not bad company.

And before I go negative, I'll mention that PSU was listed next to MSU for sleepers in the Big Ten this year. (It was a "Penn State/Michigan St" sort of thing) So that's positive. But now for my gripe.

Maurice Evans wasn't even listed as one of the top SEVEN defensive ends in college football. Mr. Herbstreit, we as PSU fans love you. You've supported us in our dark times, and cheered us in the light. But now you disappoint us, as well as many of your colleagues who voted Evans All-America last year. But I guess we shouldn't be all that shocked, since you also chose to leave off Greg Middleton of Indiana. He, after all, only led the nation in sacks last season!

We still love you, Herbie, and get GameDay back to PSU!

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P.S. I know U., 2008 - Part 5, The Coaches

This is the final installment for P.S. I know U., 2008. Today I'll look at the coaching staff, which is always a touchy subject with PSU fans. So it should be fun. As usual, this won’t be full of messy stats (even though I do love them, oh so much), but it also won’t be straight opinion. This is just to get everyone in the loop when it comes to the key figures for 2008. Hope you enjoyed P.S. I know U., 2008.

Just like I did with the players, I'll rate the coaches on three levels - Great, Good, Decent. ‘Great’ indicates that the coach will go down as one of the best in PSU and CFB history. ‘Good’ is a guy who PSU cannot do without, and is someone other schools would love to hire. ‘Decent’ are very serviceable coaches who get the job done with the team, but they're not superstars by any means. And before I even get that first nasty comment about Jay Paterno, yes, I put him as decent. He's surely not the best man for the job, but he would have been pushed out if it were all that bad.

Part 5, The Coaches - Head, Defense, Offense, Strength

:: Head Coach ::

Joe Paterno [HC; 43rd Season; 500 Games, 372-125-3] – Living God. Ok, so shoot me for drinking the Paterno Kool-Aid. I really don't care how many people want him to leave, he's done more for Penn State than most want to know. And although I've had harsh words about him in the past, I don't believe he should be fired before he wants to go (I just wish he'd figure out when that will be). Bringing PSU back from the lower depths of mediocrity, look for another double-digit win this season. 2007: 9-4 (4-4), Alamo Bowl win over Texas A&M; Trails Bobby Bowden by 1 in the all-time "major college" wins record.

:: Defense :: Tom Bradley, Kermitt Buggs, Larry Johnson Sr., Ron Vanderlinden

Tom Bradley [In Charge of Defense/Cornerbacks; 30th Season, 9th as DC; 337.8 ypg/20.2 ppg] - Great. I really would be shocked if PSU didn't name Bradley the HC when Joe Paterno retires. I'm not one for nepotism (we've all seen how great that worked out with Jay), but it wouldn't seem right if Bradley didn't get the job. His defenses have nearly carried this team the past few years. And quite honestly, I'm surprised he hasn't left for a HC elsewhere. Could that be an indication that he knows something we don't? Maybe, but for now, let's hope he does as good a job this year has he's done the past 30. 2007: 17.5 ypg/93.8 rush/214.5 pass; 1 shutout (Temple 31-0).

Ron Vanderlinden [Linebackers; 8th Season] - Great. Until you read about Vanderlinden, you don't get a good understanding for how good he really is. He's coaches defensive units at Colorado (1990 Nat'l Champs), Northwestern (1996 Big Ten Champs), and was head coach at Maryland prior to PSU. He also coached up the only two two-time Bednarik winners, Paul Posluszny and Pat Fitzgerald (Northwestern 1995 and '96, now head coach there). PSU can't pay this guy enough for what he's done in Happy Valley. Vanderlinden is the unsung hero of this coaching staff, and one of the most consistent position coaches in PSU history. 2007: LBs Connor and Lee named All-Big Ten; Connor named All-America, Bednarik winner, and 2nd Round NFL pick.

Larry Johnson Sr. [Defensive Line; 13th Season, 8th at DL] - Great. I challenge anyone to name a better defensive line coach in college football today. PSU has finished with the No. 7 rush defense the last two seasons, and was No. 2 overall nationally in sacks last year. He's coached up FIVE All-American defensive linemen, including four first-round draft picks, and the No. 1 overall pick in 2000 (Courtney Brown). Prior to taking over the defensive line spot, Johnson was soley in charge of the defensive ends (1996-99). He's a prime candidate to take over at DC, should Bradley get the nod at HC. Johnson also directs the punting unit, which has made enormous strides the past few seasons, including Ray Guy finalist Jeremy Kapinos, and All-Big Ten selection Jeremy Boone. 2007: 98.3 rush per game; DE Maurice Evans named All-America; P Boone named All-Big Ten.

Kermit Buggs [Safeties; 1st Season] - Decent. The loss of Brian Norwood to Baylor (hired as DC), left a gaping hole in the PSU defensive staff. Buggs had been PSU's player personnel coordinator since 2003, but not much more is known about his coaching abilities. He knows how PSU operates, and with the stable of good stafeties to work with this year, Buggs should be just fine. The true test will be if he can get Anthony Scirrotto back to his 2006 form. If he gets at least 1st Team All-Big Ten this year, we'll know Buggs is a keeper. 2007: Not on Coaching Staff.

:: Offense :: Galen Hall, Jay Paterno, Dick Anderson, Bill Kenney, Mike McQueary

Galen Hall [In Charge of Offense/Running Backs; 5th Season; 370.5 ypg/26.1 ppg] - Great. I'm not overrating him by saying he's great. The move back to a traditional offense led by QB Anthony Morelli really hampered the production under Hall, as he's more comfortable with the spread offense he ran at the tail-end of 2004 and during the championship season in '05. This year, I fully expect PSU to average more than 35 points per game with the spread offense and two mobile QBs. Hall's resume is long and distinguished, but you wouldn't know that, since PSU keeps him generally away from the press. He was OC at Oklahoma from '66-'83, and then HC at Florida from '84-'89 (40-18-1), where he won Coach of the Year in '84. As an assistant coach with the Dallas Cowboys, he developed Emmitt Smith into a Hall of Fame back, and since arriving at Penn State, has produced a 1000-yard back the past three seasons. He was starting QB for PSU from 1960-61. 2007: 30.3 ppg/193.8 rush/206.3 pass; 53-59 in Red Zone.

Jay Paterno [Quarterbacks; 14th Season, 9th at QB] - Decent. I'm not sure I want to delve to deeply into Jay Paterno. But for years, PSU fans have been clamoring for his removal. One NFL scout said of QB Anthony Morelli, he was "severely undercoached." That should really say it all, as Morelli just never made the progress we were all hoping for at PSU. Jay will probably have a better year this time around, as both Pat Devlin and Daryll Clark can make things happen with their feet, unlike Morelli. Jay's vision of the "Spread HD" seems to have become a punchline all spring and summer. We can only wait and see what that will be like. I'm not trying to get on his case today, but he was also recruiting coordinator from 1996-99. His later classes were the reason PSU suffered it's first two consecutive losing seasons in 2000 and 2001. Just thought I'd mention that. 2007: QB Morelli became the first PSU player to throw 2000 yards in two consecutive seasons.

Dick Anderson [Guards/Centers; 31st Season, 9th at G/C] - Great. Anderson has been around PSU since Joe Paterno, and played for Rip Engle at end (both ways). He's coached almost every offensive position at PSU, and was head coach at Rutgers, where he beat PSU in 1988. Something I didn't know until now, Anderson was the QB coach at PSU from 1993-1999. Does the name Kerry Collins ring a bell? Yeah, I'll let you think about that for a while. Anderson reminds me a lot of Ron Vanderlinden, in that he's unappreciated by most modern PSU fans. By the end of this season, however, everyone will know his name again, as it should be the best offensive line at PSU since 1994. 2007: C AQ Shipley and G Rich Ohrnberger named All-Big Ten; 193.8 rush ypg and only 20 sacks.

Bill Kenney [Tackles/Tight Ends; 21st Season] - Great. Kenney has been the OT/TE coach at PSU forever, and has produced some of the best players at those positions, including Levi Brown, Kareem McKenzie, Jeff Hartings and Kyle Brady. He was also recruiting coordinator in 1992. This will be the first time the OL comes back fully intact, and with two full seasons of experience together, Kenney's coaching abilities will shine. 2007: 193.8 rush ypg and only 20 sacks.

Mike McQueary [Wide Receivers/Recruiting Coordinator; 5th Season] - Good. Most PSU fans only remember McQueary as the starting QB in 1997. Now, he's known for constant beratement from Joe Paterno on the sidelines. But that's not a bad thing. McQueary has grown into the position, and has emerged as one of the hardest working coaches on staff. He's developed three of the best WRs in PSU history, and two of them were barely known upon arrival at PSU. His coaching efforts with these guys should finally pay off this year, as the offense should give them more opportunities to produce like they did in 2005. McQueary is also the recruiting coordinator, one of the best moves by Paterno in recent memory. 2007: WRs Butler, Williams and Norwood each had 40+ catches totalling 1646 yds; all three are in the top-10 all-time receiving charts at PSU.

:: Strength and Conditioning ::

John Thomas [Strength and Conditioning; 17th Season] - Great. Don't blame Thomas for PSU losing games in the fourth quarter, as it was lack of depth, not conditioning, which led to a few of those losses last season. Thomas came to PSU from the US Military Academy in 1991, and has since been named National Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year (1997) and Master of Strength and Conditioning Coach (2002). Thomas' pre-bowl workouts have been key to PSU's 3-0 post season record the last three years.

P.S. I know U., 2008:
Part 1, Offense
Part 2, Offense (cont’d)
Part, 3 Defense
Part, 4 Defense/Special Teams

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PSU Defenders Highly Ranked by CFN

Tom Bradley is the most underpaid defensive coordinator in the nation. Whatever he makes, it's not enough. Just as Larry Johnson, Sr. is the most underpaid positions coach in the nation. Whatever he makes is not enough. Both need promotions--hint, hint.

CollegeFootballNews.com released its 2009 NFL Draft rankings for defensive players. Maurice Evans landed himself at the No. 2 overall defensive end going into 2008, his junior season. We can only hope he stays to become No. 1 overall in 2009, and a very high draft pick in 2010.

In an interesting twist--fully expected by any Penn State fan, though--Sean Lee was still ranked as the No. 7 overall outside linebacker prospect. We all know he blew up his ACL a few weeks ago and will miss all of 2008. That's saying something about Lee, considering most ACL injuries greatly tarnish any one's NFL draft ratings. Not Lee.

Now think about this. If Evans returns for 2009, and Lee makes a full recovery. Might Penn State be looking at possibly the best defensive end-linebacker tandem since LaVar Arrington and Courtney Brown? Just a thought.

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Farrell picks Penn State

Looks like Penn State's 2008 recruiting class is filling up quick. Not much room left. This one is actually a nice pickup.

Penn State Lands Another
Sean Fitz
BlueWhiteIllustrated.com Recruiting Analyst

Pittsburgh (Pa.) Shady Side Academy offensive lineman Mike Farrell took a final official visit this past weekend, but it wasn't enough to sway him from his first choice. The 6-foot-6, 280-pound two-star prospect picked in-state Penn State over Miami (Ohio) on Monday evening.

Farrell becomes the 14th member of the Penn State class of 2008.
"I committed to Penn State last night," said Farrell. "I really wanted to see Miami of Ohio before I made the decision, and I told the Penn State coaches that after I visited in December. I took the visit, I really liked it, and it was a really hard decision, but I just had to get down to business and find what was best for me, and that was Penn State."

Farrell was recruited by the Nittany Lions by defensive coordinator Tom Bradley, whom he broke the news to last night.

"I talked to Coach Bradley on the phone last night," he said. "I called Miami and let them know this morning. He said that he was excited. They're going to redshirt me and get me bigger in the weight room. I'll start up in July when summer session starts."

He becomes the 14th member of the Penn State class of 2008, and the second player to verbally commit to the Nittany Lions this week. A.J. Price gave his oral pledge on Sunday.

Farrell noted that being from the Keystone State was a big reason that he chose the Nittany Lions. He grew up a Penn State fan.

"I really just think, being from Pennsylvania was part of it," he said. "Being closer, and having the opportunity to play in the Big Ten for Penn State."

Farrell was a PIAA Class AA first team all state selection in 2007, as he helped lead the Indians to a 9-2 record before being bounced by Terrelle Pryor and Jeannette in the WPIAL playoffs. He was also named second team all-state by the Pennsylvania Football News.

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Successionist Party

Talk has officially grown to roar on Joe Paterno's possible succession plan at Penn State. Partly due to West Virginia losing Rich Rodriguez to Michigan, and taking interest in ICOD Tom Bradley, and partly due to the recent announcement of Jimbo Fisher as the "Head Coach In-Waiting" at Florida State, the Penn State football nation has clamored for an outline of the program's future--any future.

The cries for his retirement plan have only made Paterno more tight-lipped about the issue. Rumors of him leaving have swirled around Happy Valley since the New England Patriots tried to woo him in the early 1970s. But that wasn't talk of retirement. Many believed that Paterno would go after he won his second national championship in the 1987 Fiesta Bowl, capping his first undefeated championship season. He didn't go anywhere, instead staying to reel off some of the most underachieving years in the Paterno era at Penn State--8-4, 5-6, 8-3-1, 7-5.

Then it happened, the perfect opportunity. From 1991 through 1994, Penn State landed itself into three New Years Day bowls and 49 wins over that span. Above all, the 1994Lions were considered by many as national champions, sporting a 12-0 record. Penn State was ready for Paterno to say "I'm done." But again, it didn't happen. Another close call came in 1999, when ICOD Jerry Sandusky left. But Joe remained.

Now, with many big-time programs like Florida State, Michigan and Wisconsin giving advanced notice of their coaches' plans, Penn State fans are wondering why Tim Curley and Paterno are keeping mum on the issue. Paterno has said time after time that he would like one more undefeated season, especially after coming so close in 2005. He mentioned that although he doesn't hold stock in records, stats and public opinion, he would like to have a perfect year in each decade he's coached. He's only got three seasons left to do it.

Penn State is not known for its element of surprise when it comes to almost anything, but there's a very real chance the events of the past week and a half could spark a sudden change of heart in the Lasch Building. While it would catch many off guard to see a press conference called sometime before Coastal Carolina comes to town, announcing a succession plan, I wouldn't be that shocked. Penn State is conservative. Penn State is old school. But above all, Penn State is Joe Paterno, and no one will call the shots but Joe Paterno.

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Bradley going, going, gone?

Straight from the people who brought you Joe Paterno's salary, David Jones of the Patriot News reported Monday:

Penn State defensive coodinator Tom Bradley has been contacted by an intermediary at West Virginia University regarding the Mountaineers' coaching vacancy, The Patriot-News has learned.
Bradley, who has been a Penn State assistant coach for 29 years and defensive coordinator since 2000, indicated he is interested in talking to West Virginia officials for the job, a source told The Patriot-News.
Bradley did not return two calls made Monday by The Patriot-News.
The Mountaineers are seeking a new coach to replace Rich Rodriguez, who was introduced Monday as the head at the University of Michigan.

This SEC-esque stunt Rodriguez pulled is really starting to bother me. It would be one thing to lose Brian Norwood, but Scrap too? In the same off season? Well, at least we have Larry Johnson Sr... For Nowwww....

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