Sad Day in College Football with the firing of Joe Paterno at Penn State University

We learned tonight that the 46 year career of Joe Paterno as head football coach at Penn State University has ended with his termination by the Board of Trustees. It is a sad day in College Football, with news of Joe Paterno's dismissal. However, it is hard to disagree that the Paterno should leave immediately.

Earlier in the day, Joe Paterno informed Penn State that he would retire at the end of the 2011 season, but the Board of Trustees decided tonight, after a meeting at the Penn State University campus that Joe Paterno has been fired. The President of Penn State University has also been fired tonight by the Board of Directors.

The Nittany Lions have three games left in the Big Ten season, with Senior Day on Saturday vs. Nebraska, then two road games, @ Ohio State and @ Wisconsin. In light of the tragic story involving a former Penn State defensive coordinator, Jerry Sandusky, and the potential cover up by the administration at Penn State University over the past nine years, it isn't surprising to see Joe Paterno's career at Penn State end tonight.

Current defensive coordinator Tom Bradley will serve as interim coach for the rest of the season. One would expect the entire staff will be dismissed at the end of the season. With this ugly story of sexual abuse by a former PSU coach and the possible cover up, Penn State University begins the purging of the principals that were present during this emerging story in State College.

Joe Paterno is not guilty of any criminal violations, but the ethics and moral responsibility appears to have a gap. In his own words, Joe Paterno wished he would have done more. The University is moving on. It is a sad day indeed in College Football and State College.

Our thoughts and prayers are with those negatively impacted by this abuse scandal and the series of events surrounding this development.

Personally, I began watching College Football around 1973, which was one of the five undefeated seasons for Joe Paterno. My College Football history has always involved Joe Paterno coaching in it. Today, like with Woody Hayes at Ohio State, we witness an end of a historic career with a firing, rather than a retirement. It was the right business decision and like many who follow College Football, I agree with it.

The B1G Season begins in Happy Valley for the University of Iowa

Iowa (3-1, 0-0 B1G Legends) @ Penn State (4-1, 1-0 B1G Leaders) on ABC at 2:30 p.m. CT on Saturday, October 8Th. This series typically has been about the visitor, with 14 of the 23 games won by the visitor in this series. Iowa is 7-4 lifetime in Beaver Stadium. Iowa has won eight of the last nine, with the lone loss in Beaver Stadium in 2007. Iowa has won three in a row over the Penn State Nittany Lions.

Kirk Ferentz is 8-2 vs. Joe Paterno, one game behind all-time leader Lloyd Carr, who stands 9-2 over Joe Pa. Will his young Iowa Hawkeyes move him to #1 with Carr?

Wow, who would have thought the Iowa Hawkeyes would do that to the Penn State Nittany Lions over the years? Iowa has won 50 Big Ten games over the past ten seasons, while Penn State has won 45 games over the past ten in the B1G. Iowa leads the series lifetime 12-10.

So, who wins in Happy Valley on Saturday?

Vegas says Penn State. The Computer (Jeff Sagarin) suggests Penn State. The Gazette picks all go for Iowa this week. Our Pick: Iowa 28, Penn State 27

So, what should we look for in Happy Valley? Iowa opens Big Ten season ...

Quarterback play is always extremely important. For Iowa, this will be #16 junior James Vandenberg's third start on the road in his career. For Penn State, they are playing two quarterbacks with #1 sophomore Rob Bolden, who started in last year's 24-3 loss @ Iowa, and #11 junior Matt McGloin. Vandenberg has thrown for 10 TDs and ran for 3 TDs in four games, while the two-headed monster for PSU have five TD passes in five games. Vandenberg has tossed one INT, while Bolden has thrown four picks. Last year in Iowa City, Bolden threw a Pick 6 to Iowa CB Shaun Prater, who is a senior now.

Vandenberg is 0-2 as a road starter for Iowa. Both games were 24-24 games at the end of regulation. In Vandenberg's first start in college in '09, Vandenberg lead Iowa, with a Big Ten title on the line in Columbus to a 27-24 loss in OT. He was only a redshirt freshman, but he made outstanding plays to keep Iowa in a tight game. In the first road game of '11, Vandenberg and the Hawkeyes fell short at Iowa State, in a 44-41 loss in three overtimes. Will the third road start be a charm for Vandenberg? It likely will have to be, if Iowa is going to win for the eighth time in 12 visits in the series.

Will Penn State win on Saturday? Defense typically fuels Penn State, but quarterback play will be extremely important. A quarterback often doesn't have to win the game, but he can't lose the game for his team. Most would believe that McGloin is the one to watch, if a PSU QB is going to shine. The offensive players to keep an eye for Penn State will be #6 senior WR Derek Moye, when the QBs are throwing the ball, but it is Penn State's run game that will test Iowa's rebuilt defensive line. At RB, #25 sophomore Silas Redd leads the Nittany Lions ground attack, but could some reserve RB come out and cause Iowa's defense trouble?

Iowa has typically done a good job slowing Penn State's ground game over the past decade. Iowa sent three linemen to the NFL this off season, so Iowa's top DT #93 senior Mike Daniels and DE #91 senior Broderick Binns, a starter in '09, need to help Iowa new line mates, including former walk on and PA native, DT # 87 senior Thomas Nardo, who is coming off a Big Ten defender of the week game in Week 4.

How much will the bye week slow Iowa? Will the Hawkeyes get off to a quick start?

Over the last five years, we have heard a lot of about Penn State's HD offense, which lost more than won vs. Iowa.

Iowa comes in with a new no-huddle offense. Iowa has three outstanding WRs this season, who have all ten TD passes in Iowa's offense over the past four games. Marvin McNutt, #7 a senior leads the unit with four TDs, with #6 junior Keenan Davis and #11 redshirt freshman Kevonte Martin-Manley, with three each.

Iowa's traditionally strong TE corp can go four deep, but consistency has been lacking, after sending four TEs to the NFL over the past four seasons. Walk-on #85 junior Zach Derby has been the most consistent, but #1 senior TE #39 Brad Herman and #86 sophomore C.J. Fiedorowicz can move the chains, if they are playing well. Inconsistency has moved Iowa to a no-huddle three WR set more in '11.

Heading into Beaver Stadium on Saturday ... how much will Iowa use the run game on offense? Will it be the pass setting up the run or will Iowa stick to the tradition of using the run to set up play action and the Hawkeye bread and butter over the past decade? Iowa is lead on the ground by #34 sophomore Marcus Coker. After losing true freshman Mika'll McCall to a season ending injury in the opener, Iowa has finally brought in #33 true freshman Jordan Canzeri in Week 4. He is a small 5-9 180 pounds out of Troy, NY. Other running backs for Iowa are walk-on #3 junior Jason White and #28 true freshman Damon Bullock out of Texas. Look for both to come out and be in the slot on passing plays in Iowa's offense.

While we have heard about the offense so far, both Iowa and Penn State are built traditionally on solid 4-3 defense schemes that look to have the linebackers make plays on the field. Iowa will likely play a little 3-4 on defense, especially, if PSU wants to attack Iowa with the short passing game. In the 3-4, Iowa will likely blitz more. Otherwise, Iowa likes to establish line play with the four defensive linemen.

Iowa has two of the leading tacklers in the B1G right now, with sophomores #44 James Morris and #20 Christian Kirksey. Iowa's leadership at LB is #45 senior Tyler Nielsen. Iowa's fourth LB is another sophomore in #31 Anthony Hitchens. Iowa is lean on numbers, but this is a good group developing for the Hawkeyes.

For Penn State, will MLB #40 sophomore Glenn Carson off the field talking lead to success on the field for the Nittany Lions vs. Iowa? B1G fans will be disappointed again to not see Penn State linebacker Michael Mauti this season, due to an early ACL injury. The leadership now turns to OLBs #6 junior Gerald Hodges and #34 senior Nate Stupar.

The Penn State secondary is banged up, but everyone who starts is a junior or senior. Iowa's secondary has two of the better CBs in the B1G with #28 Prater and #18 junior Micah Hyde. Iowa was second to Florida over the past three seasons in forcing interceptions. Iowa has new starting safeties, since the Pitt game, with #4 senior SS Jordan Bernstine, who missed ISU game, and #5 sophomore Tanner Miller, who played as a true last season, but missed the Spring coming off a shoulder surgery. Bernstine has emerged as a leader. Both should be strong in run support.

Special teams often play a huge role in the outcome of the Iowa-Penn State series. Iowa's young kickoff return coverage team will have identify #2 senior Chaz Powell, who already has one return for a TD this season. Iowa could be very solid in the kicking game, as former walk-on PK #96 Michael Meyer continues to grow into the job, after arriving in Iowa City last season only to win the placekicking job. His long is 50 yards.

Iowa lost four year starting punter Ryan Donahue, who is now with the Detroit Lions, after beating out a veteran punter as a free agent. However, a 6-6 245 fifth year senior, #6 Eric Guthrie has filled the position well, so far, and Iowa leads the conference in net punting (43.1).

We have seen some very exciting games over the years in this series. Many of the game have come down to the wire. Two games in Happy Valley (2000, 2002) finished in overtime. The 2011 game should be very similar.

Keys to the game:

• Controlling the line of scrimmage


• Field position


• Special teams


• Big plays


• Turnovers

The team that plays the better game will likely win this game. The 1983 and 2002 wins in Happy Valley were shout outs, with Iowa winning 42-34 and 42-35 OT, respectively. On the flip side, we saw a 6-4 game in 2004, another Iowa win. PSU typically beats Iowa with a strong one-sided game, as the 27-7 win in 2007 shows.

Look for a close game on Saturday, which should give Iowa, the underdog, a good opportunity to win on the road. We shall see.
Three great games on ABC today (Central Time):

• Red River Rivalry in Dallas: Oklahoma vs. Texas at 11 a.m.


• Iowa @ Penn State at 2:30 p.m.


• Ohio State @ Nebraska at 7 p.m.

Other B1G games on Saturday:

• Minnesota @ Purdue at 11 a.m. on ESPN


• Illinois @ Indiana at 1:30 p.m. on Big Ten Network


• Michigan @ Northwestern at 6 p.m. on Big Ten Network


• Bye weeks for Michigan State and Wisconsin

Some other games on TV to consider:

• Louisville @ North Carolina at 11 a.m. on ESPN2


• Mississippi State @ UAB at 11 a.m. on Comcast


• Florida @ LSU at 2:30 p.m. on CBS


• Air Force @ Notre Dame at 2:30 p.m. on NBC


• Miami-FL @ Virginia Tech at 2:30 p.m. on ESPN


• Arizona State @ Utah at 2:30 p.m. on Comcast


• Auburn @ Arkansas at 6 p.m. on ESPN


• Georgia @ Tennessee at 6 p.m. on ESPN2


• Iowa State @ Baylor at 6 p.m. on FSN


• Texas A&M @ Texas Tech at 6 p.m. on FX


• Colorado @ Stanford at 6:30 p.m. on Versus


• Washington State @ UCLA at 11 p.m. on Comcast

Defensive coordinator Norm Parker for Iowa will hopefully make his first trip in 12 years to Desert as Iowa heads to Insight Bowl vs. Missouri

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz is completing his 12Th season 2010 at Iowa this season. He enjoyed nine seasons previously, as offensive line coach under former head coach J. Hayden Fry from 1981 to 1989. Ferentz's right hand man on defense over the past 12 seasons at Iowa has been Norm Parker, who has been coaching college football as an assistant or coordinator, since 1968.

Heck, I began watching college football during the 1974 season, which was my first season as a Hawkeye ticket holder. Thank you, Mom and Dad. Unlike many coaches in today's college game, Norm Parker has been coaching longer than I have been following college football.

Well, back to Norm Parker, Iowa's defensive mastermind as defensive coordinator ...

Iowa has made two trips previously to the Desert during the Kirk Ferentz era (1999 to 2010). In 2004, the Hawkeyes traveled to Arizona State to play a non-conference game with the Sun Devils. Earlier this season, the Hawkeyes traveled to Tucson to face the Arizona Wildcats. In both cases, Norm Parker missed the trips due to health reasons, battling diabetes.

Well, with the Insight Bowl birth with the University of Missouri, Norm Parker will hopefully get that first trip as Iowa's defensive coordinator to the Desert. The always colorful Norm Parker sat down with the Media this past week for the first time, since missing much of the 2010 season, due to medical reasons associated with diabetes.

Insight Central: A Method to Their Madness - University of Iowa Athletics
IOWA CITY, Iowa -- When the Hawkeyes take on No. 14 Missouri in the Insight Bowl, they'll have a key part of their defense back in the press box. ...

December 17, 2010 - Watch Ferentz, O'Keefe, Parker Live - The University of Iowa Athletics

"Before, when I was coaching, it was all about wins and that kind of stuff.
Now it's about being around the guys. I like being around the young guys. I like
being around the coaches. I like being out of the house." - DC Norm Parker

Norm Parker says he'll be back in 2011 - ‎Washington Post
Defensive coordinator Norm Parker being out because of diabetes was the most ... Parker, Iowa's 69-year-old defensive mastermind, was hospitalized by the ...

Hawks' Parker: 'This is really where I want to be' - Quad City Times
IOWA CITY - If ever there were doubts in Norm Parker's mind about his future, all of them sifted away quickly Oct. 23. Iowa's 68-year-old defensive ...

Guess what, Hawkeye fans? Norm's coming back in 2011, if it's up to him - DesMoinesRegister.com (blog) - Sean Keeler
Other than being without a right foot, Norm Parker says he moves "like a rabbit." Iowa City, Ia. — If Norm has his way, he'll be coming back. ...

Norm Parker committed to coaching - Iowa City Press Citizen
Norm Parker rolled into the auditorium of the Iowa football complex Friday afternoon, shuffling along with the assistance of a walker. ...

Norm Parker is like Iowa's version of Joe Paterno. Despite health and age, he doesn't want to step aside and give up coaching. He enjoys being around young student-athletes and remaining active in college football.

peace

First Saturday of November will shake up things a bit in College Football

Iowa and UNI play in Indiana on Saturday, while Iowa State hosts Nebraska for the final time in Big 12 play. How will the State of Iowa's three regent institutions open November?

You have Joe Paterno going for win 400 at Penn State, while Iowa's Kirk Ferentz and IU's Bill Lynch battle head to head for win 100.

Saturday, November 6th (times are Central Time)

• Air Force at Army 11:00 a.m. CBSC (HD)
• Illinois at Michigan 11:00 a.m. ESPN (HD)
• Iowa at Indiana 11:00 a.m. BTN (HD)
• Louisville at Syracuse 11:00 a.m. MASN / SNY / ESPN-GP / ERTV (cable)
• Maryland at Miami (FL) 11:00 a.m. ESPNU (HD)
• Minnesota at Michigan State 11:00 a.m. BTN (HD)
• North Carolina State at Clemson 11:00 a.m. ESPN-GP *2 / ACC Network
• Wisconsin at Purdue 11:00 a.m. BTN (HD)
• Florida at Vanderbilt 11:21 a.m. SEC Network / ESPN-GP
• Baylor at Oklahoma State 11:30 a.m. FSN (HD) (affiliates)
• Idaho State at Georgia 11:30 a.m. ESPN-GP *2 / WSB Atlanta
• UT-Chattanooga at Auburn 12:00 p.m. ESPN-GP *2 / PPV (AL & TN) *8
• UNLV at BYU 1:00 p.m. MTN (HD)
• Alabama at LSU 2:30 p.m. CBS (HD) / cbssports.com
• Hawaii at Boise State 2:30 p.m. ESPNU (HD) / ESPN 3D
• Navy at East Carolina 2:30 p.m. MASN (HD)
• Nebraska at Iowa State 2:30 p.m. ABC *1 / ESPN-GP *2
• North Carolina at Florida State 2:30 p.m. ABC *1 / ESPN-GP *2
• Northwestern at Penn State 2:30 p.m. ABC *1 or ESPN2 *7
• TCU at Utah 2:30 p.m. CBSC (HD)
• Washington at Oregon 2:30 p.m. ABC *1 / ESPN2 *7 / ESPN-GP *2
• California at Washington State 3:00 p.m. FSNW / CSCA / FCS Pacific (cable)
• Fresno State at Louisiana Tech 3:00 p.m. ESPN-GP / WSN (cable)
• Nevada at Idaho 4:00 p.m. ESPN-GP / CSCA / (cable)
• Wyoming at New Mexico 5:00 p.m. MTN (HD)
• Arkansas at South Carolina 6:00 p.m. ESPN (HD)
• Louisiana-Lafayette at Ole Miss 6:00 p.m. ESPNU (HD)
• Oklahoma at Texas A&M 6:00 p.m. FSN (HD)
• Oregon State at UCLA 6:00 p.m. Versus (HD)
• Louisiana-Monroe at Florida International 6:30 p.m. ESPN-GP *2 / (CSS & CST) (cable)
• Arizona at Stanford 7:00 p.m. ABC *1 (HD) or ESPN-GP *2
• Missouri at Texas Tech 7:00 p.m. ABC *1 (HD) or ESPN-GP *2
• Tennessee at Memphis 7:00 p.m. CBSC (HD)
• Texas at Kansas State 7:00 p.m. ESPN2 (HD)
• Colorado State at San Diego State 9:00 p.m. MTN (HD)
• Arizona State at USC 9:30 p.m. FSN (HD)

Games not selected for nationally available networks.

• Akron at Ball State 12:00 p.m.
• Boston College at Wake Forest 2:30 p.m. espn3.com
• Colorado at Kansas 1:00 p.m.
• Florida Atlantic at Western Kentucky 3:30 p.m.
• Marshall at UAB 3:00 p.m. CSS (cable)
• New Mexico State at Utah State 2:00 p.m. CW30 (cable)
• Rice at Tulsa 1:00 p.m.
• SMU at UTEP 8:00 p.m.
• Southern Miss at Tulane 2:30 p.m.
• Temple at Kent State 1:00 p.m.
• Troy at North Texas 6:00 p.m.
• Virginia at Duke 11:00 a.m. espn3.com
• Northern Iowa at Indiana State, 2:00 p.m.

peace

Game Day: #21 Penn State @ #17 Iowa on ESPN, 7 p.m. at Kinnick Stadium

The Iowa Hawkeyes (3-1) have won seven of eight in this series under coach Kirk Ferentz, as Iowa hosts Joe Paterno and the Penn State Nittany Lions (3-1) in Iowa City tonight for a Homecoming for the Hawkeyes. The all-time series is tied at 11-11. Does Iowa get to +1 vs. the Nittany Lions on Satuday?

The Quarterbacks

• #12 senior Ricky Stanzi for Iowa vs. #1 true freshman Rob Bolden for PSU


• Iowa needs to avoid turnovers, Stanzi has 9 Tds to 1 INT


• PSU's true freshman has 5 INTs to 3 TDs

The Running Backs

• #32 Iowa sophomore Adam Robinson is the #1 gun now for the Hawkeyes


• PSU has #22 senior Evan Royster and #21 junior Stephon Green


• Establishing the run game is always a big priority for either program


• Can Iowa shutdown the Nittany Lions ground attack and force Bolden to make plays?

The Receivers and Tight Ends

• QB Ricky Stanzi and the Iowa attack should be healthier than the '09 game


• #15 senior WR Derrell Johnson-Koulanos missed last year's game in Happy Valley and leads Iowa's solid WR/TE squad


• The TE position is often a huge part of the Iowa passing game


• #6 junior WR Derek Moye leads Penn State's receiving crew


• #83 senior Brett Brackett is a large WR at 6-6 242

Offensive Line vs. Defensive Line

• Iowa's defensive line is considered one of the best in the nation


• #94 Iowa senior DE Adrian Clayborn has been a little quiet thus far in '10


• #93 Iowa junior DT Mike Daniels doesn't start, but he is getting national attention


• PSU typically finds d-lineman to complement the Linebacker U motto


• #85 PSU senior Ollie Ogbu is a three year starter for the Nittany Lions

Linebackers

• Penn State is Linebacker U
• Iowa's linebackers were huge in '09
• #42 Iowa senior WLB Jeremiha Hunter is from York, PA and only returning starter for either squad and like last season is #2 in tackles for the Hawkeyes


• #33 Iowa senior MLB Jeff Tarpanian leads the Iowa's LBs in '10


• #48 PSU senior Chris Calasanti leads the 1-2-3 punch at LB U

Secondary

• Iowa's secondary is lead by returning safeties #9 junior Tyler Sash and #30 Brent Greenwood, while #28 junior Shaun Prater is the top corner this year


• #1 PSU junior FS Nick Sukay leads the Nittany Lions in the back 4

Special Teams

• Iowa has won the past two games in the kicking game


• Many would give the edge to Penn State heading into Kinnick Stadium


• Is this Joe Paterno's ace, as he heads into Iowa City?


• How will teams execute on Saturday night?

Coaching

• Joe Paterno - 45 years as head coach for PSU


• Kirk Ferentz - 12 years as head coach for Iowa


• The most seasoned staffs in the Big Ten squaring off


• Iowa will be missing long-time DC Norm Parker, for the third straight game, due to health reasons.

Outlook:

Field position is always important in football. Over the past nine games, there may not be any Big Ten game that field position hasn't turned out to be as huge factor for the winning program.

If Iowa can control field position and the line of scrimmage, Iowa is clearly worthy of the 7 point favorite.

Turnovers, penalties and special teams are likely statistics to keep a good eye on. Penn State has a true freshman at QB. Penn State has been very disciplined in there 3-1 start and have avoided penalties. Special teams could be an area where the Nittany Lions can be successful. Iowa is 3-1 and entered the season in the Top 10 by many. Special teams has been the only negative thus far.

Iowa and Penn State are usually close games. Iowa has played well at home scoring 35 points or more in three ball games. But, Penn State is clearly a better opponent, other than #16 Arizona, who upset Iowa 34-27, in Iowa's only road game in the out of conference. Penn State has already traveled to #1 Alabama, where they lost 3-24. So, a trip to Kinnick Stadium will not likely be as big a hurdle as it may have been had PSU had a traditional four game start at home, like Ohio State, this year.

Prediction:

#17 Iowa Hawkeyes 22

#21 Penn State 15

@ Kinnick Stadium

peace

The 2010 All-Iowa Opponent Team

The University of Iowa will face some outstanding players during the 2010 season. Iowa faces eight Big Ten opponents, including Ohio State, Penn State, Wisconsin, @ Northwestern, Michigan State, @ Michigan, @ Minnesota and @ Indiana. Iowa also will travel to Arizona in the OOC, along with hosting OOC opponents Iowa State, Ball State and Eastern Illinois at Kinnick Stadium for the 2010 season.

Top opponent players by position in 2010, likely to face Iowa:

While the Iowa defense is on the field, watch for:

• QB - Ohio State junior Terrelle Pryor and Arizona junior Nick Foles
• RB - Penn State senior Evan Royster (pictured), Wisconsin junior John Clay, Arizona senior Nic Grisgby, Iowa State senior Alexander Robinson and Ball State senior MiQuale Lewis
  
• FB - Penn State junior Joe Suhey
• WR - Ohio State junior DeVier Polsey, Wisconsin junior Nick Toon and Arizona junior Juron Criner
  
• WR - Penn State junior Derek Moye, Indiana juniors Tandon Doss and Damerio Belcher (note Iowa fans, Belcher is a 6-5 IU receiver)
  
• TE - Wisconsin senior Lance Kendricks, Michigan State senior Charlie Gantt, Northwestern junior Drake Dunsmore and Arizona junior A.J. Simmons
  
• LT- Wisconsin senior Gabe Carimi, Ohio State junior Mike Adams, Northwestern junior Al Netter, Arizona senior Adam Grant and Iowa State junior Kelechi Osemele
  
• LG- Ohio State senior Justin Boren, and Ball State senior Michael Switzer
  
• C- Arizona senior Colin Baxter, Iowa State senior Ben Lamaak, Ohio State junior Mike Brewster, Wisconsin senior John Moffitt and Michigan junior David Molk are the top names
  
• RG- Penn State senior Stefen Wisniewski and Ohio State senior Bryant Browning
  
• RT - Wisconsin junior Josh Ogelsby and Ohio State junior J.B. Schugarts
  

While the Iowa offense is on the field, watch for:

• DE - Ohio State senior Cameron Hayward, Penn State junior Jack Crawford and Michigan junior Ryan Van Bergen
  
• DT - Michigan State sophomore Jerel Worthy, Michigan junior Mike Martin and Arizona sophomore Willie Mobley
  
• DT- Penn State senior Ollie Ogbu, Ohio State senior Dexter Larimore and Indiana sophomore Larry Black
  
• DE- Arizona senior Ricky Elmore, Wisconson junior J.J. Watt, Northwestern junior Vince Browne, Oho State junior Nathan Williams and Ball State Robert Eddins
  
• OLB - Ohio State senior Ross Homan, Northwestern senior Quentin Davie, Michigan State senior Eric Gordon and Penn State senior Bani Gbadyu
  
• ILB - Michigan State senior Greg Jones, Ohio State junior Elienne Sabino and Northwestern Nate Williams
  
• ILB - Ohio State senior Brian Rolle, Michigan senior Obi Ezeh and Wisconsin senior Culmer St. Jean
  
• CB - Arizona junior Trevin Wade, Northwestern junior Jordon Mabin, Iowa State junior Leonard Johnson and Penn State junior D'Anton Lynn
  
• SS - Arizona junior Robert Golden, Iowa State senior David Sims, Wisconsin senior Jay Valai and Penn State junior Nick Sukay
  
• FS - Ohio State senior Jermale Hines, Wisconsin junior Aaron Henry and Minnesota senior Kim Royston
  
• CB - Ohio State senior Chimdi Cheskwa, Michigan State senior Chris Rucker and Wisconsin junior Devin Smith
  

One can't forget the importance of special teams:

• PK - Northwestern senior Stefan Demos, Wisconsin junior Philip Welsch and Ball State senior Ian McGarvey. Iowa returns senior Daniel Murray and sophomore Trent Mossbrucker, who redshirted in '09, but kicked as a true freshman in '08.
  
• PT - Michigan State senior Aaron Bates, Wisconsin junior Brad Nortman, Indiana junior Chris Hagerup and Arizona senior Keenyn Crier. Iowa returns senior Ryan Donahue, who may be the nation's top punter in 2010.
  
• KR - Michigan State junior Keshawn Martin, Michigan junior Darryl Stonum, Minnesota junior Troy Stoudermire and Ball State's Eric Williams. Iowa returns senior Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, who had a 99 yard KOR at Ohio State in '09.
  
• PR - Arizona junior William Wright, Michigan State junior Keshawn Martin and Wisconsin senior David Gilreath. Iowa returns senior Colin Sandeman for 2010.

Looking forward to the seven games at Kinnick Stadium this season. It should be an outstanding 2010 college football season around the country. Penn State's Joe Paterno is entering his 45Th season as head football coach in Happy Valley. Penn State opens the 2010 Big Ten season on October 2Nd in Iowa City vs. the Iowa Hawkeyes.

peace

Not many surprises as we kick off the New Year and the January 1 Bowl Games

Were there really any major surprises on January 1 with the two BCS bowls and other January 1 bowl games?

• Florida State's coach Bobby Bowden and DC Mickey Andrews go out winners


• Joe Paterno wins his 24Th bowl game as head coach at Penn State


• Northwestern still hasn't won a bowl game, since the 1940s, after losing in OT on the final play


• Ohio State picks up from last trip to Pasadena and wins the 2010 Rose Bowl


• Florida rolls on Cincinnati in what could be Urban Meyer's final game as the Gators head coach; while the Bearcats were without their coach who faulted to Notre Dame

January 1 Bowl Results:

• Outback Bowl: Auburn 38, Northwestern 35 (OT)


• Capital One Bowl: Penn State 19, LSU 17


• Konica Minolta Gator: Florida State 33, West Virginia 21


• Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi: Ohio State 26, Oregon 17


• Allstate Sugar Bowl: Florida 51, Cincinnati 24
  

It's January 2Nd and the tradition of non-BCS bowls still on the bowl landscape is front and center. Ouch? Five bowls on January 2Nd are on tap, with the best non-BCS, after January 1 bowl game slated for January 6Th between two conference champions: the Sun Belt vs. the MAC.

• January 2, 2010 at 11 a.m. Central Time on ESPN 2
  International Bowl: South Florida vs. Northern Illinois
  from Toronto, Canada and the Rogers Centre


• January 2, 2010 at 1 p.m. Central Time on ESPN
  Papajohns.com Bowl: South Carolina vs. UConn
  from Birmingham, Alabama and Legion Field


• January 2, 2010 at 1 p.m. Central Time on FOX
  AT&T Cotton Bowl: Oklahoma State vs. Ole Miss
  from Arlington, Texas and Cowboys Stadium


• January 2, 2010 at 4:30 p.m. Central Time on ESPN
  AutoZone Liberty Bowl: Arkansas vs. East Carolina
  from Memphis, Tenn. and the Liberty Bowl


• January 2, 2009 at 8 p.m. on ESPN
  Valero Alamo Bowl: Michigan State vs. Texas Tech
  from San Antonio and the Alamodome
  

Also today is a full slate of college basketball, while the Iowa Hawkeyes (0-1 in conference) host the Minnesota Golden Gophers from Carver-Hawkeye Arena at 3:05 pm (also on Big Ten Network). On Sunday, the bowl games will take a break for the final week of the NFL (Week 17).

Two solid BCS bowl games for Monday and Tuesday:

• Tostitos Fiesta Bowl: Boise State vs. TCU
  from Glendale, Ariz.U. of Phoenix Stadium
  January 4Th, 7 p.m. Central Time kickoff on FOX/ESPN Radio


• FedEx OrangeBowl: Iowa vs. Georgia Tech
  from Miami and Land Shark Stadium
  Jan. 5Th, 7 p.m. Central Time kickoff on FOX/ESPN Radio
  
  
  The final non-BCS bowl game between the Sun Belt champion vs. the MAC champion on Wednesday:

• GMAC Bowl: Central Michigan vs. Troy
  from Mobile, Alabama and Ladd-Peebles Stadium
  Jan. 6Th, 6 p.m. kickoff on ESPN

The final college football game of the 2009-10 season will be on Thursday with the BCS Title Game. Sorry, but drop the National Championship Game in the title ABC/ESPN. We have a BCS System, not a playoff system. While we would suggest the National Championship Game would be fitting in a +2 system, with the traditional bowl line up being reinstated. The #1 vs. #2 in the BCS is scheduled for Thursday.

Citi presents the BCS Title Game: Texas vs. Alabama
from Pasadena, Calif. and the Rose Bowl
Kickoff: Jan. 7Th at 7 p.m.
ABC/ESPN Radio

The 2009 College Football season is winding down. It's been an interesting year in college football, certainly there has been a wide share of drama and intrigue. It's nice to welcome in the New Year and the next decade of College Football and there should be plenty to talk about in the off season heading into the kick off of the 2010 college football season!

peace

Iowa moves to 4-0, 1-0 in Big Ten with exciting 21-10 win in Happy Valley over Penn State

Wow, the Iowa Hawkeyes pull off the 21-10 win @ Penn State, despite the hype, white out and Game Day elements outside the lines. Iowa moves the series lifetime with Penn State to an even .500. Each team has won 12 times each against each other. By the way, Penn State moves to .500 in night games at home too.

Iowa has won seven out of the last eight games vs. Joe Paterno and his Penn State teams. Kirk Ferentz clearly has Joe Pa's number, since becoming Iowa's head coach in 1999. The Hawkeyes have won four of the last five games played in Happy Valley this decade.

Wow!

Iowa has trailed in each of their four ball games, so far, this season. Iowa is 4-0 and now 1-0 in the Big Ten. The 10-0 lead after the first quarter @ Penn State did have some similarities to last year's 24-23 win on a last second field goal at Kinnick over Penn State.

Iowa trailed Penn State 5-10 at halftime and in last year's game, Iowa was down 7-13 at half and 7-16 at the end of the third quarter. Iowa outscored Penn State 17-7 in the fourth quarter in '08 to pull out the upset. This year, Iowa, a 9.5 underdog, outscored Penn State 16-0 in the fourth quarter. In the Iowa-PSU series, 14 of the past 22 games have been won by the visiting team.

It was a great momentum game. After falling down 0-10 early in the game, Iowa began to take control of the line of scrimmage. Special teams and out distancing the Nittany Lions with fewer mistakes and capitalizing on turnovers ended out to be the difference again.

Iowa has a very stout defense, a good mix of special teams and enough offense. The coaching staff at Iowa have to be very happy. The schemes were outstanding, but at times the execution was poor. The Iowa coaching staff should have a lot of good teaching moments on the game film. If the team continues to work hard and improve week to week, as they have in September, this could become a very good Iowa team.

Iowa has been ranked #20 in our Cidsports poll all year. It's time to move them up, after a very nice 4-0 start. Kirk Ferentz is in his 11Th season as head coach at Iowa. The 2009 season is the first undefeated season for a coach Ferentz team in Iowa City.

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Is Kirk Ferentz on the cusp of becoming the Dean of Big Ten Football coaches?

With Joe Tiller retiring at Purdue at the end of this season, and with Joe Paterno's status at Penn State up in the air, Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz could become the Dean of Big Ten Conference football coaches this off season.

Kirk Ferentz came to Iowa City as J. Hayden Fry's replacement, before the 1999 season.

Here are the coaches that have come and gone, since Mr. Ferentz arrived in Iowa City ahead of the 1999 season:

Indiana: Cam Cameron, Gerry Dinardo, Terry Hoepner, Bill Lynch
Illinois: Ron Turner, Ron Zook
Michigan: Lloyd Carr, Rich Rodriguez
Michigan State: Nick Saban, Bobby Williams, John L Smith, Mark Dantonio
Minnesota: Glenn Mason, Tim Brewster
Northwestern: Randy Walker, Pat Fitzgerald
Ohio State: John Cooper, Jim Tressel
Penn State: Joe Paterno (Joe Pa is 81 years old and his contract expires after this season)
Purdue: Jor Tiller (on his way out after tomorrow, with Danny Hope in waiting)
Wisconsin: Barry Alvarez, Brett Bielema

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Could Iowa be Joe Paterno's final loss of his historical career at Penn State and in college football?

At age 81, is Joe Paterno two games away from closing out his long and storied career as head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions? Penn State has one loss on the season, a 23-24 defeat at Iowa on November 8, 2008.

Penn State (10-1, 6-1 Big Ten) will host Michigan State (9-2, 6-1 Big Ten) in Happy Valley to close out the Big Ten and regular season. Penn State is likely headed to a nice bowl game to close out the 2008 season.

Will 2008 be Joe Paterno's final season as a head coach in college football?

My choice is yes. Hopefully, after surgery in the off season, Mr. Paterno will find a role as a college television studio analyst or guest speaker. He has been a great ambassador for college athletics. He has been head coach at PSU, since 1966.

What are others saying about JoePa?

End of an era? Joe Paterno says he honestly doesn't know - Nov 19, 2008
Might Saturday's game be legendary coach Joe Paterno's last at home? If so, Paterno swears he doesn't yet know himself. There has been speculation that this ...
Detroit Free Press - 952 related articles »

Paterno has no plans to retire; predicts victory - Chicago Tribune - November 21, 2008

Joe Paterno says he'll 'run out of that tunnel next year' as Penn ... - ESPN - November 21, 2008

Penn St. picking up steam; Paterno plans on surgery - Chicago Tribune - November 16, 2008

Xtra Points: Retirement not in Hamilton's future just yet - Pittsburgh Post Gazette - November 20, 2008

In preparing this post, recent stories were found saying I may be off track, regarding JoePa's future. But, my thoughts were that this year's game at Kinnick would be JoePa's last game vs. Iowa. My prediction is that Joe Paterno will be coaching his two final games, then will retire at the end of this season. Mr. Paterno's contract expires at the end of the season.

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Iowa wins Senior Day game over Purdue 22-17

The Iowa Hawkeyes (7-4, 4-3 Big Ten) picked up a nice win over Purdue (3-8, 1-6 Big Ten) 22-17 on Senior Day. It was Iowa's Kirk Ferentz final match up with retiring coach Joe Tiller from Purdue. Ferentz may become the Dean of the Big Ten coaches, if Penn State's Joe Paterno retires after the 2008 season.

The Hawkeyes pick up their first win in three seasons on Senior Day, after losses by the 2006 and 2007 teams.

Next week, at Minnesota, in the final game in the Metrodome, the Hawkeyes look to win their seventh game in eight seasons, in their final conference road game of the year in the Big Ten Conference, under coach Ferentz.

The Hawkeyes had a very good run from 2002 to 2004, finishing #8 nationally for three straight seasons. From 2005 to 2007, Iowa was stuck at six to seven wins per season. Bowl eligible, but not particular competitive game in and game out.

In 2008, Iowa has been very competitive. In their four losses, Iowa lost by a total of 12 points. The Battle for the Floyd of Rosedale is ahead for Iowa, at Minnesota. A 5-3 finish in the Big Ten was my projection entering 2008. Huge game for Iowa next week!

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Can Iowa knock off #2 Penn State at Kinnick today?

The University of Iowa have given Penn State Joe Pa some difficult games over the years. A lot of Iowa's success has been in Happy Valley, with head coaches Bob Commings, J Hayden Fry and present coach Kirk Ferentz all picking up big wins over in PA.

Iowa has won five of the last six games over Joe Pa and Penn State. Last year though, Penn State pulled out a 27-7 win over Iowa.

Iowa in on pace to beat opponents in the Big Ten they lost to last year, but lose to opponents they beat in '07

Penn State stands in the Hawkeyes way today.

A Penn State team that enters Iowa City and Kinnick Stadium off a bye week. A Nittany Lion team that could be playing in the BCS National Title Game, if they can get by Iowa and their next two oppoents.

Can Iowa (5-4, 2-3 Big Ten upset Penn State (9-0, 5-0 Big Ten) in Iowa City today?

Prior to the last two Iowa wins in Kinnick Stadium over Penn State, the Hawkeyes hadn't won over Penn State at home, since 1930. This is an Iowa team that has been pretty good in match ups with Penn State. We saw a huge high scoring affair in 2002, with Iowa winning 42-35 in OT, while seeing an offensive depleted game, where Iowa beat PSU 6-4. Two Iowa wins have been in OT over Joe Pa.

Last week, Iowa ended a five game win streak over Illinois (5-4, 3-3 Big Ten) with a 24-27 loss at Champaign on a last minute FG by the Illini. The Hawkeyes have lost four games in '08 by a total of 15 points, with a 5 point loss being the worse.

What Iowa team will we see today?

Iowa beat Wisconsin 38-16, but loss to Northwestern 22-17 (5 Iowa turnovers) at Kinnick Stadium earlier this season in the Big Ten. Can Iowa win all three phases of the game?

So, who knows what we will get with Iowa this week.

Does Penn State become Iowa's Illinois victory from last year?

The pundits at ESPN say Penn State will beat Iowa. Lee Corso says by a field goal... the Nittany Lions will still absent a statement game nationally. On the flip side, Kirk Herbstreet says Iowa will keep it close early, but from the sounds of it... Iowa will fall, like Michigan, in the second half.

So, can Iowa say, not so fast?

cidsports' Prediction:

Iowa 15

Penn State 13

Why not Iowa pulling off the close game in '08 for once? Why not Shonn Greene running for 109 yards, which is about 80% the yardage given up by Penn State (136.6) in Big Ten games this season.

Make Penn State quarterback Darryl Clark beat Iowa at quarterback... is he up the Juice? Illinois QB Juice Williams was up to the task last week, unlike Iowa's QB Ricky Stanzi.

On Iowa!

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Week 9: Texas, Penn State and Alabama remain all undefeated... atop the Top 25

We head into November next weekend with some big games ahead, after Week 9 concludes with two of the Top 3 teams going to the wire, but winning to remain undefeated! Week 9's Top 25:

1. Texas Longhorns (8-0, 4-0 Big 12) - The Longhorns take down former #10 Oklahoma State (7-1, 3-1 Big 12) 28-24 in Austin in a close battle between Top 10 teams. Next up: at #8 Texas Tech (8-0, 4-0 Big 12) for another Top 10 battle against the other remaining undefeated Big 12 team in Lubbock...


2. Penn State Nittany Lions (9-0, 5-0 Big Ten) - The special season for Joe Pa is still alive, as the Nittany Lions pick up their first Big Ten win in Columbus and the first win in 30 years in Columbus under Joe Pa 13-6 over Ohio State (7-2, 4-1 Big Ten) to jump into the top place in the Big Ten by themselves. Next up: Bye week to prepare for final 3... at Iowa (5-3, 2-2 Big Ten) on November 8th.


3. Alabama Crimson Tide (8-0, 5-0 SEC) - Coach Nick Saban keeps his second campaign at Bama undefeated with a solid 29-9 win at Tennessee (3-5, 1-4 SEC). Next up: vs. Arkansas State (4-3, 2-1 Sun Belt) for an OOC tilt in November for the Tide.


4. Southern Cal Trojans (6-1, 4-1 Pac 10) - The Trojans grind out a key Pac 10 road game at Arizona (5-3, 3-2 Pac 10) 17-10 to remain among the leaders in the Pac 10 race. Next up: vs. Washington (0-7, 0-4 Pac 10) at home in the Coliseum.


5. Florida Gators (6-1, 4-1 SEC) - The Gators take down soundly Kentucky (5-3, 1-3 SEC) 63-5 in SEC play. Next up: vs. #6 Georgia (7-1, 4-1 SEC) in the world's largest cocktail party in Jacksonville.


6. Georgia Bulldogs (7-1, 4-1 SEC) - The Bulldogs take down former # 8 LSU (5-2, 3-2 SEC) on the road 52-38 to remain at the top of the SEC East with others. Next up: vs. #5 Florida (6-1, 4-1 SEC) in Jacksonville for the top spot in the Division.


7. Oklahoma Sooners (7-1, 3-1 Big 12) - The Sooners win an important road game at Kansas State (4-4, 1-3 Big 12) 58-35, but need help in the South. Next up: vs. Nebraska (5-3, 2-2 Big 12) for an old classic Big 8 match up in Norman.


8. Texas Tech Red Raiders (8-0, 4-0) - The Red Raiders took down former #20 Kansas (5-3, 2-2 Big 12) on their home turf 63-21 to remain undefeated. Next up: vs. #1 Texas (8-0, 4-0 Big 12) in the largest game in Lubbock ever... JW would be proud, rip!


9. Oklahoma State Cowboys (7-1, 3-1 Big 12) - The Cowboys are clearly playing like a Top 10 team, but lose 24-28 in a close game at #1 Texas (8-0, 4-0 Big 12) to fall off the lead in the South. Next up: vs. Iowa State (2-6, 0-4 Big 12) against a team going through growing pains under second year coach Gene Chizik.


10. Missouri Tigers (6-2, 2-2 Big 12) - Are the Tigers really worthy of a Top 10 position, a 58-0 home shutout of Colorado (4-4, 1-3 Big 12) says yes for now. Next up: at Baylor (3-5, 1-3 Big 12) for another road date with a South opponent.


11. Utah Utes (8-0, 4-0 MWC) - The Utes enjoyed a bye week to close out the month of October to stay atop the top non-BCS teams for now. Next up: at New Mexico (4-5, 2-3 MWC) for dangerous road test in the Mountain West!


12. Boise State Broncos (7-0, 3-0 WAC) - The Broncos won 33-16 in Friday night WAC game at San Jose State (5-3, 3-1 WAC) to remain undefeated overall and to take the sole lead in the WAC.


13. TCU Horned Frogs (8-1, 5-0 MWC) - The Horned Frogs keep the lead in the MWC with 54-7 home win vs. Wyoming (2-6, 0-5 MWC). Next up: at UNLV (3-5, 0-4 MWC) in an important road test, before the showdown at Utah the following week.


14. LSU Tigers (5-2, 3-2 SEC) - The Tigers fall again in the SEC... this time 38-52 to #6 Georgia (6-1, 3-1 SEC) at home. Next up: vs. Tulane (2-5, 1-3 C-USA) ... an easy opponent for the Tigers to lick their wounds with.


15. Ohio State Buckeyes (7-2, 4-1 Big Ten) - The Buckeyes continue to grow with true freshman QB Terrelle Pryor, but his costly fumble derails the Buckeyes 6-13 vs. #2 Penn State (8-0, 5-0 Big Ten) in Columbus. Next up: Bye week to open November.


16. Florida State Seminoles (6-1, 3-1 ACC) - The Seminoles pick up a good home win over Virginia Tech (5-3, 2-3 ACC) 30-20 to stay tied for the lead Atlantic Division of the ACC. Next up: at Georgia Tech (6-2, 3-2 ACC) in an ACC road test against a Coastal Division opponent.


17. Tulsa Golden Hurricane*** (7-0, 4-0 C-USA) - Tulsa hosts Central Florida (2-4, 1-1 C-USA) in a Sunday game of Week 8. Next up: at Arkansas (3-5, 1-4 SEC) in a key OOC test to open November.


18. Brigham Young Cougars (7-1, 3-1 MWC) - The Cougars bounce back at home with a 42-35 win over UNLV (3-5, 0-4 MWC). Next up: at Colorado State (4-4, 2-2 MWC) in an important road test in the Mountain West.
    
19. Ball State Cardinals (8-0, 4-0 MAC) - The Cardinals resume their winning ways coming off bye week with a 38-16 home win over Eastern Michigan (2-7, 1-4 MAC) in conference play. Next up: vs. Northern Illinois (5-3, 4-1 MAC) on Wednesday night in MAC West play.
    
20. Michigan State Spartans - (7-2, 4-1 Big Ten) - The Spartans regrouped after disappointment vs. Ohio State in Week 8... with a solid 35-21 road win over in-state rival Michigan (2-6, 1-3 Big Ten) for the Paul Bunyan Trophy. Next up: vs. Wisconsin (4-4, 1-4 Big Ten) in a key conference battle.


21. Oregon Ducks (6-2, 4-1 Pac 10) - The Ducks pick up a solid 54-20 road win at Arizona State (2-5, 1-3 Pac 10). Next up: at California (5-2, 3-1 Pac 10) for another important Pac 10 road game.


22. North Carolina Tar Heels (6-2, 2-2 ACC) - The Tar Heels jump back into the Top 25 and back in the win column with a 45-25 home win over Boston College (5-2, 2-2 ACC)... one game back in the ACC Coastal Division. Next up: vs. Georgia Tech (6-2, 3-2) in a key division game in the ACC.


23. Minnesota Golden Gophers (7-1, 3-1 Big Ten) - Coach Tim Brewster has the Golden Gophers on track in his second year as coach, benefiting from a favorable schedule. The Golden Gophers 17-6 road win at Purdue (2-6, 0-4) springs them into the Top 25 this week. Next up: vs. Northwestern (6-2, 2-2 Big Ten), who may be without their starting QB for the game with the Gophers.


24. Maryland Terrapins (6-2, 3-1 ACC) - The Terps picked up a 27-24 home win vs. North Carolina State (2-6, 0-4 ACC) to stay even with the Seminoles in the Atlantic Division. Next up: at Virginia Tech (5-3, 2-2 ACC) in a inter-division ACC game.


25. West Virginia Mountaineers (5-2, 2-0 Big East) - The Mountaineers picked up their fourth straight win with 34-17 home win over Auburn (4-4, 2-3 SEC). Next up: at UConn (6-2, 2-1 Big East) for a key road test and to defend the Mountaineers lead in the Big East race.

*** Week 9 Poll was determined prior to Tulsa's Sunday, October 26, 2008 game.

Teams Out of the Top 25 after Week 9 - South Florida Bulls (6-2, 1-2 Big East), Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (6-2, 3-2 ACC), Kansas Jayhawks (5-3, 2-2 Big 12), Northwestern Wildcats (6-2, 2-2 Big Ten), Pittsburgh Panthers (5-2, 2-1 Big East).

Team to Watch - Iowa Hawkeyes (5-3, 2-2 Big Ten) - Bye week during Week 9, the Hawkeyes lost three straight, before winning two straight to enter the bye week. All three losses came from a total of 9 points. Now, first year starting QB sophomore Ricky Stanzi has taken over for QB Jake Christensen and appears to be finding his way, with the support of junior RB Shonn Greene, the only RB in the FBS to run for at least 100 yards in each game this season. Next up: at Illinois (4-4, 2-3 Big Ten), which will test a solid Hawkeye defense.

Game of the Week - #1 Texas @ #8 Texas Tech in Lubbock...

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Joe Pa and PSU win at Columbus over OSU 13-6

It's Joe Pa's first win at Columbus, since Penn State joined the Big Ten and Joe's first win in 30 years in Columbus overall. One key turnover was a major difference... when Terrelle Pryor's fumble lead to Penn State's only TD drive in the fourth quarter in Columbus.

Pat Devlin lead the Nittany Lions on that touchdown drive, after starting quarterback Daryll Clark was hit in the head and had to leave the game.

It was clearly an old fashion Big Ten slugfest. Penn State's offensive line stepped up enough in the second half, after both teams were tied 3-3 at halftime.

Penn State (9-0, 5-0 Big Ten) return home to Happy Valley for a bye week. They will travel to Iowa City to face the Iowa Hawkeyes (5-3, 2-2 Big Ten) on November 8, 2008.

Joe Paterno's final season, projected by many, could become very special, if the Nittany Lions can finish off the final Big Ten slate of at Iowa, vs. Indiana and vs. Michigan State to finish the '08 regular season.

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College Football is certainly a better place for this man...

Purdue's head coach Joe Tiller is right... while Penn State will certainly miss Joe Paterno, when he decides to step down from coaching. However, college football in general, will miss this great ambassador when it comes time for Joe Pa to step down.

Tuning into the Big Ten Network tonight, it was refreshing to listen to Joe Paterno speak to the media. On one question, he basically gave his feelings, but closed by saying, whatever the younger coaches feel is right, I can live with that. The question was on an early signing period.

One job I think Joe Paterno would have been very good at... would be as an in-studio TV analyst. He is a just a bright and refreshing ambassador for college football.

Cheers Joe! Here's to your health and family!

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Big Ten Football Coaches Meet with Media Today

All eleven Big Ten head football coaches met with the media today in Chicago. Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany also meet with the media, as well.

Ten of the eleven coaches are returning from last year, with the exception of new head coach Rich Rodriguez at Michigan, who moved over from West Virginia for the '08 season.

Ohio State is considered the front runner entering the '08 season. Buckeye head coach Jim Tressel is going for his fourth title or share of a title in four straight years. Wisconsin and Illinois join OSU as the Top 3 in the preseason for '08.

Eight teams will bring their version of the spread offense to the field in '08. Rodriguez brings over his version of the spread offense from the Big East Conference.

Purdue's Joe Tiller will wrap up his final season as head coach for the Boilermakers in '08. Plenty of questions about Joe Paterno's future at Penn State and whether '08 could be his final year.

Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz met with the media on a variety of fronts. One is looking at the '08 team that began building towards the '08 season back in March. Ferentz also met with the local Iowa media and other media to address another front. The other front was resolving questions regarding a highly publicized sexual assault case that lead to Coach Ferentz dismissing two players in the middle of the '07 Big Ten season.

All eyes are on the Big Ten, especially the Ohio State Buckeyes, after two straight defeats in the BCS Title Game. The 2008 Big Ten season should be another outstanding one, with the quality of head coaches in the conference. The race for #2 in the conference should be a very interesting one.

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Is Joe Pa coaching his final games in '08?

Joe Paterno has been an icon at Penn State and for college football for quite some time. He became head coach at Penn State in 1966.

My first memories of Joe Paterno were in the early to mid 1970s. I began attending Iowa football games in 1974. Iowa and Penn State were playing one another back then.

With Joe Paterno under contact only through the end of this season, it's pretty easy to speculate that one of his assistants could be taking over on the sidelines quite soon.

Reports out of Pennsylvania speculate that Joe Paterno and Penn State will look inside the Nittany Lion program for his replacement.

So, could former Florida Gator head coach and current Penn State offensive coordinator Galen Hall be a top candidate in the near future? I have heard many college football fans mention current Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Bradley, who has been a loyal Joe Pa assistant for more years.

Galen Hall coached at Florida from mid-1984 to mid-1989. There were problems associated with the SEC program back in the 1980s. But, Hall is coaching currently at Penn State, so past issues shouldn't be relevant today? Hall was 40-18-1 for the Florida Gators as head coach. His best season, they went 9-1-1, but were ineligible for post season play and conference honors.

Ironically, UCLA hired former college head coach Rick Neuheisel, who has been coaching in the NFL as an assistant after run-ins with the NCAA, while a head coach in the Pac Ten.

It will be an interesting season, but conventional wisdom seems to indicate that Purdue's Joe Tiller may not be the only head coach in the Big Ten finishing his career as a football coach after the 2008 season. Stay tuned.

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