Blue White Roundtable :: Eastern Illinois

Penn State hosts Eastern Illinois this weekend. So, the Lions basically have a glorified scrimmage. Anyway, roundtable time...

W. F. Yurasko (host)
Happy Hour Valley
The Nittany Line
Zombie Nation
Nittany Whiteout
Penn State Clips
2 The Lion

Blue White Roundtable - Week 5, Illinois Fighting Illini

1. Penn State played its most complete game of the season thus far against Illinois. What pleased you the most about the performance?

I couldn't put my finger on one unit or player. Although, the offensive line and defense were fantastic. But I really liked how Penn State grew stronger and more dominant as the game wore on. That's an attribute any championship team must have to reach its goals. This Illinois win reminded me a lot of the 2008 Michigan win, where Penn State wasn't doing so hot early on, but gradually wore down the Wolverines into a blowout.

2. Has your outlook on the season changed dramatically compared to this time last week? What about before the Iowa game?

I thought the Iowa loss had a bit of a fluky feel to it. Turnovers skew results more than any other statistic in football. Penn State was minus-three in turnovers against Iowa, but only lost by 11. The Iowa loss didn't change how I think this team will do this season. 10-2 was a realistic regular season prediction, and it still is, especially in this year's Big Ten.

That being said, I'm not jumping the gun after one really good-looking win at Illinois. Yes, this team did much better, on the road, after a tough loss. But a team like Penn State should do those things.

I guess I try to not overreact either way after a good win or a bad loss.

3. Eastern Illinois actually looks like a decent I-AA err FCS team, having been in that division's top 25 this season. How long can they stay in it with Penn State?

I'll give it until halftime. By "in it," I mean keep it to a two-score game. If Penn State goes into the half up by 14 or 16, then consider it a close game. EIU has a very good coach, so it's kind of an x-factor that can't be schemed for. You can't double-cover a coach. If this team had just really good players, but only a decent coach, then I'd call for a blowout early. But Spoo hasn't been a head coach this long for nothing.

Lightning round

Will the scoreboard be fixed by Saturday? Some panels blew off in the wind on Wednesday.

I get a hunch they'll get lazy and not rush this one.

Anybody having luck selling their Eastern Illinois tickets at face value?

Actually got face value for them.

What is your favorite college football blog that isn't about Penn State?

I like buffets. You get a little bit of everything. Can't say I have one favorite.