Ramifications for PSU Football [Archive] - Websleuths Crime Sleuthing Community

ynotdivein

07-31-2012, 06:13 PM

Thanks, WaltzingMatilda, for this link.

Raleigh native Buckley leaves PSU for NC State (http://www.wralsportsfan.com/ncsu/story/11372354/)

WRAL Sports

"Raleigh, N.C. — NC State head football coach Tom O’Brien has announced that safety Tim Buckley has joined the Wolfpack football program. The Cardinal Gibbons High School graduate, who red-shirted last season at Penn State, will begin practice at the team’s first workout on Tuesday afternoon."

More at link (and sadly, more to come probably).

BigCat

07-31-2012, 06:17 PM

Reader

07-31-2012, 08:34 PM

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/psu-top-rb-silas-redd-220900916--ncaaf.html

Although the title is about Redd, it also has this news:

Penn State said later Tuesday that tight end Kevin Haplea was also no longer with the team. It was unclear where the junior, who started one game last year, was headed. And then, there is the case of Rob Bolden, the backup quarterback, who was dropped from the roster as well. LSU has shown interest in Bolden, but he's yet to choose a destination.........

Penn State coach Bill O'Brien and his staff have been working hard to keep the team together despite the sanctions. But Redd was his best offensive player on a team that will have a new offense patterned after the scheme run at O'Brien's previous employer, the New England Patriots.

O'Brien said last week at Big Ten media days in Chicago that he didn't anticipate losing any core players. It took less than a week for that to change.

Now, O'Brien may have to rely on a converted wideout, sophomore Bill Belton, to carry the load at tailback.

Of course, I have no idea what that last para. means, lol....

wfgodot

07-31-2012, 09:33 PM

Transfers will hurt, of course, but the loss of scholarships will be dire. Talented athletes don't often have the financial means to walk on at a program, without the financial aid. The program will be crippled for years. Even when full scholarship levels return, that may only mean, for that first year, a good freshman class - two or three years till they reach peak performance. And the next year a good freshman and sophomore class. Devastating. Only in the third year after their return will the program possibly be fully competitive. And in those years between the loss and return of full scholarships - will PSU still be thought of as a place top athletes want to play, at a school whose record of wins and losses will suffer greatly? Unless it is, scholarship talent may be very mediocre talent indeed.

wfgodot

07-31-2012, 09:37 PM

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/psu-top-rb-silas-redd-220900916--ncaaf.html
Of course, I have no idea what that last para. means, lol....
Whereas once the guy was expected to run routes and catch passes, now he will be expected to touch the ball much more often by taking handoffs and running the ball.

Reader

08-01-2012, 01:35 AM

Penn State Scandal: TE Kevin Haplea Transfers To Florida State

http://philly.sbnation.com/penn-st-nittany-lions/2012/7/31/3211289/penn-state-scandal-kevin-haplea-transfer-florida-state

BigCat

08-01-2012, 07:06 AM

Jamil Pollard leaving Penn State, accepts scholarship from Rutgers

http://www.nj.com/gloucester-sports/index.ssf/2012/07/west_deptford_high_school_grad.html

ynotdivein

08-01-2012, 09:59 PM

J. J. in Phila

08-01-2012, 11:58 PM

I'm kind of surprised by the juniors leaving, as I (probably naively) expected the sanctions to be a deterrent mostly to incoming players, and freshman/sophomore team members who perhaps haven't had time to build up more loyalty to the school.

Is this because pro scouts place more emphasis on the playing records of junior and senior recruits?

Whatever the reasons, I don't envy Bill O'Brien's position right now.

Two words, "Bowl Games." :) They have a chance to play, and be "discovered."

I can remember what a football scholarship was a method for getting talented, and intelligent, but financially disadvantaged, children a college education. Now, it is a weed out program for entering the pros. :(

Reader

08-02-2012, 01:27 PM

Kicker-punter Anthony Fera latest to leave Penn State, transferring to Texas

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/colleges/kicker-punter-anthony-fera-latest-to-leave-penn-state-transfer-tally-to-7/2012/08/02/gJQAsrpiRX_story.html

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Kicker-punter Anthony Fera is bolting Penn State for Texas, the second starter to depart Happy Valley this week following harsh NCAA sanctions against the program for the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal.

Fera has submitted paperwork to enroll at Texas this season, said a person with knowledge of the decision who requested anonymity because Texas has not yet announced the move. Penn State announced Thursday that Fera was no longer on its roster.

Reader

08-02-2012, 01:33 PM

Linebacker Fortt latest of Penn State players to transfer

The Stamford Advocate said junior Khairi Fortt, who was expected to battle Glenn Carson in camp for the starting job at middle linebacker, is going to California, a school he visited last weekend.

Read more: http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/inq-pennstate/Linebacker-Fortt-latest-of-Penn-State-players-to-transfer.html#ixzz22PYDNx91
Watch sports videos you won't find anywhere else

BigCat

08-02-2012, 07:12 PM

BigCat

08-04-2012, 10:16 PM

Report: Penn State WR Justin Brown to transfer to Oklahoma

http://tracking.si.com/2012/08/05/penn-state-justin-brown-transfer-oklahoma/?section=si_latest

Rlaub44

08-05-2012, 01:12 PM

There was an interesting fact I read today in an article about Penn State's transferring players: of the nine players who have so far chosen to transfer to another program, none of them played their high school football in Pennsylvania.

It appears that some of the players who chose to remain may have felt more loyalty to PSU based on having grown up as a fan, or at least from having more familiarity.

Hopefully their decision works out for them, as I hope the decision to change environments works for those players who decided their best opportunity existed elsewhere.

BigCat

08-07-2012, 05:40 PM

Penn State Announces Changes to 2012 Football Uniform

http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/080712aaa.html

waltzingmatilda

08-07-2012, 06:27 PM

Penn State Announces Changes to 2012 Football Uniform

http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/080712aaa.html

Thanks for the link BigCat! I am so glad coach is allowing the players' names on their jerseys and that they will have the blue ribbons on their uniforms. Kudos to O'Brien! It's the beginnning of a new era for PSU football!

When they take the field at Beaver Stadium for their 126th season, The Pennsylvania State University football team will wear uniforms featuring a blue ribbon to support all victims of child abuse. Also, for the first time, the names of each football player will adorn their jersey in recognition of their resolve and dedication to the team and the University.

wm

J. J. in Phila

08-08-2012, 09:12 AM

http://www.centredaily.com/2012/08/07/3290991/offensive-lineman-dorian-johnson.html

There was an interesting fact I read today in an article about Penn State's transferring players: of the nine players who have so far chosen to transfer to another program, none of them played their high school football in Pennsylvania.

It appears that some of the players who chose to remain may have felt more loyalty to PSU based on having grown up as a fan, or at least from having more familiarity.

While not a transfer, Johnson went to high school in Belle Vernon, in the Mon Valley, about 20 miles from where Sandusky grew up.

Reader

08-08-2012, 09:45 PM

Nittany Lions lose two recruits

http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8243930/penn-state-nittany-lions-recruit-zach-bradshaw-decommits

Penn State lost two prospects Tuesday, including its biggest recruit to date since sanctions were levied against the program in late July.

Offensive tackle Dorian Johnson (Belle Vernon, Pa./Belle Vernon), No. 27 in the ESPN 150 and a Penn State commitment since June, decommitted from the Nittany Lions on Tuesday evening, his coach, Aaron Krepps said........

Three-star wide receiver prospect Zach Bradshaw also decommitted and will transfer to Virginia..........

Bradshaw and Johnson became the fourth and fifth Penn State recruits to decommit since the release of the Freeh report.

The snowballing list of decommitments includes defensive tackle Greg Webb (Erial, N.J./Timber Creek), cornerback Ross Douglas (Avon, Ohio/Avon) and receiver Will Fuller (Philadelphia/Roman Catholic), who verbally committed to Notre Dame on Sunday. Webb recently committed to North Carolina, and Douglas switched his pledge to Michigan.

More at link.....

Rlaub44

08-09-2012, 12:02 AM

http://www.centredaily.com/2012/08/07/3290991/offensive-lineman-dorian-johnson.html

While not a transfer, Johnson went to high school in Belle Vernon, in the Mon Valley, about 20 miles from where Sandusky grew up.

I'm not surprised. Top recruits haven't made any real connections with the school yet, and a prospect like Johnson can go anywhere and make an impact without the struggles that Penn State will face over the next four years (and beyond).

What I expect to see during the sanction period are second and third tier recruits, who are a step below what PSU is used to in terms of ready-made talent, but who will see the appeal of getting more and earlier playing time (and thus exposure) than they would in choosing a school that the "bigger name" recruits will be attending.

RR0004

08-09-2012, 12:20 AM

No matter who plays...I will be watching.
And to show my support for the students, both on and off the field..my PSU flag will be flying.

J. J. in Phila

08-09-2012, 12:33 AM

RR0004

08-09-2012, 12:59 AM

I have never been a football fan, but nearly every post I've made has either been while wearing a Penn State shirt or my class ring.

That said, I am disappointed with some of fellow alums who somehow think they can salvage the situation by "fighting back." I don't think they realize how much worse this could be, even if they are football fanatics. They are thinking about next season, when they should be thinking about 2020. If they keep it up, they should be thinking about 2040. :(
To be honest...I'm liking the new coach and hoping things go well for him...as well as can be expected under the circumstances.
Let the new generation have their due. There sure is a whole lot of good stuff going on at Penn State outside of football. Never have I seen so many committed to giving back to help others. I hope their voices are still heard.
And, no....I am not an alum...just the mom of one. :)

J. J. in Phila

08-09-2012, 08:33 AM

Royer leaving team, but staying at Penn State.

http://www.centredaily.com/2012/08/09/3292840/royers-career-finished-with-penn.html#storylink=omni_popular#wgt=pop

BigCat

08-09-2012, 01:52 PM

I have never been a football fan, but nearly every post I've made has either been while wearing a Penn State shirt or my class ring.

That said, I am disappointed with some of fellow alums who somehow think they can salvage the situation by "fighting back." I don't think they realize how much worse this could be, even if they are football fanatics. They are thinking about next season, when they should be thinking about 2020. If they keep it up, they should be thinking about 2040. :(

I think Erickson made the right decision by taking the offer on the table rather than "fighting back" and dragging out the process. There are just too many unknowns out there. Here are a few that I could think of: the Curley/Schultz perjury trial, victim 2's lawsuit and possible interviews, the identity of victim 8, potential interviews and/or book by Jerry Sandusky, Mike McQueary's whistleblower lawsuit, the federal investigation of possible violations of the Clery Act, civil litigation by Sandusky's victims, and a potential investigation into the disappearance of Ray Gricar, etc. How can anyone confidentially say that all of the above will break in favor of Penn State?

BigCat

08-09-2012, 05:05 PM

O'Brien urges Penn Staters to move forward

http://espn.go.com/blog/ncfnation/post/_/id/63605/obrien-urges-penn-staters-to-move-forward

"This is a special place. Now we all have to come together and realize we're in the position we're in. We have to. We have to stop arguing about it, and we've got to move forward."

Reader

08-13-2012, 08:01 PM

Penn State gets first commitment since NCAA penalties

http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/story/2012-08-12/college-football-recruiting-2013-penn-state-jordan-smith-first-commitment-ncaa

Penn State has added its first commitment since the NCAA sanctions were handed down earlier this summer. Jordan Smith, a consensus two-star defensive back out of Washington (D.C.) whose only other scholarship offer reported was from Colorado, chose the Nittany Lions this past weekend. ..........

BigCat

08-16-2012, 08:31 PM

Hate Mail: Too many Penn State fans are still living on another planet

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/story/19806585/hate-mail-plenty-of-penn-state-fans-are-still-living-on-another-planet

I'm sick of deranged Penn State fans. It's not all of you, Penn Staters, so don't get bent out of shape. But there are wackos among you, hero worshippers and idiots, and they're casting a devastating shadow on your fan base.

JurysOut

08-16-2012, 08:45 PM

Hate Mail: Too many Penn State fans are still living on another planet

http://www.cbssports.com/collegebasketball/story/19806585/hate-mail-plenty-of-penn-state-fans-are-still-living-on-another-planet

It's becoming an embarrassment to say I live in Pennsylvania and work for Penn State.

I don't know what to say to these people anymore.

What more can you say to someone who refuses to see the truth?

I don't understand these people.

J. J. in Phila

08-16-2012, 10:28 PM

I just dropped a little bomb on an alumni board and pointed out that, if the school loses accreditation, they are no longer eligible to be in the NCAA, under the NCAA bylaws.

Rlaub44

08-16-2012, 11:10 PM

I just dropped a little bomb on an alumni board and pointed out that, if the school loses accreditation, they are no longer eligible to be in the NCAA, under the NCAA bylaws.

While I understand Middle States needing to take a stand, the move seems mostly procedural. There are currently 15 schools of the 525 or so that they accredit who are on this warning status, and they report that most work their way off the list within a year to 18 months.

Penn State can show that they have already taken observable actions to address the stated problems, such as naming a new president, bringing in George Mitchell as an Athletic Integrity monitor, hiring the Freeh Commission as a purely voluntary internal investigation and then releasing the findings and accepting NCAA sanctions as a result, as well as several other smaller acts that demonstrate that the University is committed to learning from the mistakes in governance that allowed this tragedy to go unchecked for so many years.

As long as the BOT comes together and presents a unified front (which will eventually happen) and implements the recommendations made by the Freeh commission, the school's accreditation will never be in serious jeopardy.

FLmom777

08-17-2012, 01:22 PM

I am a huge college football fan. I watch pro but it lacks the excitement of college ball. I am a booster of FSU sports. Both of my kids are FSU alumni and some of their best memories are with Bobby Bowden. My son has one of his hats he wore at a game. Bobby always threw his hat at the end of an away game to the band. My son caught it at his last away game. I share this info to show you how much I understand the depth of your feelings. I know how devastating it would be if a scandal like this was connected to Bobby. To further clarify my background, my roots lie in Pa. When I saw there was a recruit from Belle Vernon, it took me back to my childhood visits to that town. My great aunt lived there. My father was born and raised in Washington County. My mother was from Punxsutawney. My deepest sympathy is extended to all off the PSU fans and alum here. I just felt it was time to express my own sorrow for what you are going through.

wfgodot

08-27-2012, 01:59 PM

‘Sweet Caroline’ is no longer welcome at Penn State football games (http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaaf-dr-saturday/sweet-caroline-no-longer-welcome-penn-state-football-170850928--ncaaf.html)
Don't expect to hear Neil Diamond's hit "Sweet Caroline" at Penn State football games this season.

According to Cory Geiger, a writer for the Altoona Mirror, the song has been cut from the rotation along with several other tunes, but he didn't know which ones.

"Sweet Caroline," which is a big fan participation song during games, is being cut because of the lyrics, more specifically the line "touching me, touching you."
---
the rest at the Yahoo Sports link above

Rlaub44

08-29-2012, 03:09 PM

Penn State University wins ESPN's College Colors Day competition:

http://live.psu.edu/story/60944

OilPainter

08-29-2012, 10:33 PM

If you think you're saturated enough with this topic - here's one more jaw dropping tidbit.

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/college/ohio-state-alum-takes-aim-offensive-t-shirt-jerry-sandusky-sex-abuse-scandal-penn-state-taunt-rival-michigan-article-1.1147166

Reader

08-30-2012, 05:41 AM

Penn State to give back trophies because of NCAA sanctions

http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2012/08/29/penn-state-to-give-back-trophies-because-of-ncaa-sanctions/

Penn State will have to return all of the football trophies they won during a 14-year span as a result of sanctions handed down by the National Collegiate Athletic Association for school's role in the Jerry Sandusky child sexual abuse scandal, a school official said on Wednesday..............

Reader

08-30-2012, 05:53 AM

Daily News' experts college football picks: Penn State give up the fight and move on

With Penn State’s home opener against Ohio U. just two days away, the fallout from the Jerry Sandusky child sex abuse scandal continues, making it next to impossible for new coach Bill O’Brien to turn the page and establish himself as the current face of the Nittany Lions’ program..........

In order for O’Brien to accomplish this, the university community must do its part. And so far, it hasn’t.

The latest noise in the machine came on Tuesday, from former Penn State faculty leaders who blasted the NCAA and former FBI director Louis Freeh over their handling of the Sandusky matter,................

“We did not interview him; that was at the request of the attorney general,” Freeh said. “Some of the people we normally would have interviewed, we were asked by the prosecutors not to do so.”

“We stand very strongly behind our report,” Freeh said................

This action by the faculty is the latest salvo in a rear guard action by a small, but vocal group of Paterno loyalists who include his family, Spanier and at least one member of the Board of Trustees, who are not only loyal to JoePa but also have their own agenda.

Although loyalty is generally considered a virtue, it can be misplaced. In this case, allegiance to the image of Paterno is hindering the healing process..............

It seems as if O’Brien accepts the current reality, and is willing to move on.

“We are very, very mindful of what happened here. But it’s time, in my opinion, to stop the dour attitude.

“It’s time to think of ways to help us through this,” he said. “We all have to come together and realize why we’re in the position we’re in. We have to. We have to stop arguing about it. We have to move forward.”

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/college/dick-weiss-penn-st-give-fight-move-article-1.1147589#ixzz251OzWVUB

Rlaub44

08-31-2012, 07:01 PM

With the first football game of the season this Saturday, PSU students have started several initiatives to raise awareness and funds for abuse victims:
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2012/08/penn_state_students_roll_out_e.html

Rlaub44

08-31-2012, 07:10 PM

Article about how long-time PSU fans are feeling about the first game under the vastly different landscape:

Only other Penn Staters know what they've been going through over these long months of scandal, disgrace, death, NCAA punishment and media scorn. But now they are safe. Back in State College, they are among their own. And on Saturday, they will roar again. . .
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2012/08/for_penn_staters_flocking_to_s.html#incart_river_d efault

BigCat

09-02-2012, 08:59 AM

azwriter

09-02-2012, 12:46 PM

‘Sweet Caroline’ is no longer welcome at Penn State football games (http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaaf-dr-saturday/sweet-caroline-no-longer-welcome-penn-state-football-170850928--ncaaf.html)

the rest at the Yahoo Sports link above

Thanks for this. But yet, do they still carry Sandusky's book Touched in the book store?

azwriter

09-02-2012, 12:49 PM

I thought Bill O'Brien appeared a bit overwhelmed yesterday. The constant negativity has to be wearing on him.

http://www.pennstateclothes.com/istarimages/mp/TS-WEAREPISSEDO!000-15911.jpg

http://www.pennstateclothes.com/store/TS-WEAREPISSEDO!000/We+Are+Pissed+Off+T-shirt

And, those of us who find this entire episode of covering for a child abuser are also pissed. Maybe there should be another t-shirt design that reads:
We Are Pissed At Penn State.

jmo

Kimster

09-02-2012, 12:53 PM

I wonder how many people were as happy as I was over their loss yesterday. I felt a tinge of guilt for the students.

But I was still happy they lost.

zippitydoda

09-02-2012, 01:37 PM

The media providing the Paterno family and former players like Franco Harris a platform only futher aggravates this horrible situation.

This shirt is just another classless act designed to make money off the misery of these young victims. We are pissed off???!!! Disgraceful.

<----ducking from possible ray gun zaps... I gained no joy from their loss yestderday. But, if it somehow lets some pressure off the coaches, players, students, fans and alumni by seeing no glory in a win, then maybe in some way it will help everyone in moving forward. These innocents too have been brought to their knees, maybe its time to let them back up.

Rlaub44

09-02-2012, 02:15 PM

Very even-handed column about the struggles Penn State faces in overcoming its past:
http://tribune-democrat.com/sports/x2039226163/TIM-DAHLBERG-Worst-may-not-be-over-for-Penn-State

FLmom777

09-02-2012, 02:16 PM

I find the shirt remarkably neutral. It could signify anger at the powers that removed the statue etc. It could also show anger at the crimes and subsequent cover-up.

One size fits all.

Rlaub44

09-05-2012, 10:39 PM

After watching Saturday's performance, I don't think anyone has to worry about this . . .

The Big Ten notified athletic department officials today that the school is eligible to receive the Leaders Division trophy if it finishes with the best record in the six-team division.
Read more here: http://www.centredaily.com/2012/09/05/3324132/big-ten-notifies-penn-state-it.html#storylink=cpy

This may have more ramifications for Ohio State, which is also barred from postseason play this year.

BigCat

09-08-2012, 03:44 PM

Tipstaff

09-09-2012, 08:22 AM

17-16, Virginia over Penn State. PSU's kicker missed 4 field goals, including one on the last play of the game.

PSU's kicker from last season transfered to the University of Texas, so the sanctions made a difference.

2 losses in a row has to be a real moral buster for those players that remained at PSU! Definitely have sympathy for the PS players that remained.

Reader

09-09-2012, 12:00 PM

2 losses in a row has to be a real moral buster for those players that remained at PSU! Definitely have sympathy for the PS players that remained.

Me too, Tipstaff, esp. for the kicker...if he is not replaced he will need to practice, practice, practice....

At least it was a close score, not a complete wipe-out...I saw several scores with 0 scores from the losers yesterday....FSU 55, Savannah State 0 and TCU 56, Grambling State 0, now that would be really embarrassing...

In fact, I've been hoping for some wins because maybe that will help the fans feel like they are going forward and stop some of the negativity....

Tipstaff

09-09-2012, 02:15 PM

Me too, Tipstaff, esp. for the kicker...if he is not replaced he will need to practice, practice, practice....

At least it was a close score, not a complete wipe-out...I saw several scores with 0 scores from the losers yesterday....FSU 55, Savannah State 0 and TCU 56, Grambling State 0, now that would be really embarrassing...

In fact, I've been hoping for some wins because maybe that will help the fans feel like they are going forward and stop some of the negativity....

A win in the next game or two is going to be a must for Penn State to be able to recruit as well. The longer it takes the more the current class of high school senior players will not even consider PS.

But I do feel that the two loses are a pretty humbling experience.

Wonder over the season how the local shop keepers, restaurants etc. are going to fare? I imagine they make a large percentage of the yearly goals during the home games.

The cover-up of Jerry Sandusky created a mess for so many innocent people.

Hope the special teams coaches work with the kicker - it wasn't pretty yesterday.

Rlaub44

09-11-2012, 10:12 PM

Early reports indicate redshirt junior receiver Shawney Kersey has left the team for personal reasons.
http://www.altoonamirror.com/page/blogs.detail/display/5549/Reports--WR-Kersey-leaves-PSU-football-team.html

Rlaub44

09-15-2012, 06:37 PM

Penn State defeats Navy at Beaver Stadium, 34-7.

J. J. in Phila

09-16-2012, 01:17 AM

98,000 attended, which might be down, but that is still a lot.

waltzingmatilda

09-16-2012, 09:20 AM

Penn State defeats Navy at Beaver Stadium, 34-7.

Congrats! I am so happy that the students, new coaches, faculty and fans have something positive to celebrate! The gloom and doom has been going on in State College for almost a year now but finally a crack shining a glimmer of success. Keep moving forward PSU!

wm

Reader

09-28-2012, 09:37 PM

On-field drama ahead for Illinois-Penn State

http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20120928/sports/709289688/

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — The Penn State and Illinois camps seem to agree on one thing ahead of their Big Ten opener Saturday: Last summer’s visit by Illinois coaches to talk to players interested in leaving Penn State doesn’t matter much now.

Illini quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase said he doesn’t think the players will be talking about “what went on in July” after that first series. And there’s no shortage of on-field drama to focus on instead.

Start with Penn State (2-2).

The NCAA sanctions that followed the child sex-abuse scandal mean Penn State can’t go to a bowl game. But the Nittany Lions can still win the Big Ten Leaders Division, a carrot that gives many of them something tangible to chase. They’ve won two straight games and appear to be getting better after the shocks, and departures, of the offseason...............

Reader

09-29-2012, 06:01 PM

Illini drop Big Ten opener to Penn State, 35-7

http://www.chron.com/sports/article/Penn-State-opens-Big-Ten-with-35-7-win-at-Illinois-3905235.php

..........."It was sweet, that's what it was," Mauti said. "We haven't forgotten about what happened in the summer. Yeah, to be honest with you we had that in the back of our minds and that kept us going. I mean, it's all about opening up the conference strong and keeping things going."

Quarterback Matt McGloin was a problem for the Illini, too. He threw for 211 yards and a touchdown and ran for two more scores. Running back Zach Zwinak had 101 yards and two touchdowns.

Illinois had three turnovers in all, and eight costly penalties.

More at link.....

Twindad

11-21-2012, 02:32 PM

http://deadspin.com/5959913/after-blown-call-and-ensuing-freakout-one-journo-wonders-if-penn-state-football-should-have-received-the-death-penalty?tag=penn-state-scandal

Rlaub44

11-24-2012, 08:08 PM

Penn State defeated Wisconsin today in overtime, 24-21, at Beaver Stadium to end their first season under NCAA sanctions with an 8-4 overall record, 6-2 in the Big Ten.
http://www.centredaily.com/2012/11/24/3413887/penn-state-football-lions-edge.html

Now comes the next challenge, as Coach O'Brien tries to re-recruit his players to stay at PSU through the sanctioned "free-transfer" deadline of the start of pre-season practice in 2013.

Rlaub44

11-25-2012, 11:13 PM

This is big news. Redd is Penn State's best returning player.

Silas Redd Leaving Penn State For USC

http://www.courant.com/sports/college/hc-silas-redd-0801-20120731,0,5535985.story

All of us who are Penn State football fans were very concerned about the impact that Redd's departure would have on the season, but redshirt sophomore Zach Zwinak rose from far down the depth chart to take over the starting position, and in the final accounting:

Zwinak...PSU (8-4)...1000 yards rushing
Redd.......USC (7-5)....817 yards rushing
Read more here: http://www.centredaily.com/2012/11/24/3414296/zwinak-outduels-ball-in-ot.html#storylink=cpy

Zwinak ended up having a more productive year than Redd, and he has two more years of eligibility remaining.

The next few years will be far more difficult for Penn State to field a competitive team in the Big Ten because of the scholarship and roster limitations that take effect, but Coach O'Brien has certainly set the tone for good players to still consider coming to Penn State, with weekly TV exposure in a pro-style offense and Ted Roof's multi-look defensive schemes.

Salem

11-27-2012, 10:42 AM

I am glad to see the spirit of these players come shining through.

Salem

Rlaub44

11-27-2012, 08:18 PM

Head Coach Bill O'Brien wins Big Ten Coach of the Year award:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1424537-penn-states-bill-obrien-wins-big-ten-coach-of-the-year

Rlaub44

12-04-2012, 11:47 PM

The Maxwell Football Club plans to honor Penn State (http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/)'s seniors for the players' commitment and leadership during a challenging season.

http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2012/12/maxwell_club_to_honor_penn_sta.html#incart_river_d efault

RR0004

12-05-2012, 12:21 AM

My son forwarded me this article. The title (IMO) says it all...

They Stayed, They Played, They Saved the Program

http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2012/11/23/3682446/they-stayed-they-played-they-saved-the-program

BigCat

01-02-2013, 06:18 PM

Bill O'Brien's name is getting mentioned for several NFL head coaching jobs. http://boston.cbslocal.com/2013/01/01/report-bill-obrien-strongly-considering-nfl-interviews/

I believe he has something like a 9 million dollar buyout if he wants to leave. One source states that it's closer to 19 million. http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/penn-state-nittany-lions-bill-obrien-big-buyout-for-interested-nfl-teams-010113

I've read rumors that he's considering suing the university to escape the buyout on the grounds that he was told that the Sandusky situation was strictly a criminal matter and not a NCAA matter. He would really have to be a masochist to hang around for the sanctions to take effect. Or he could just be an honorable fellow. But I think the university will have to give him a raise.