SB Nation User Blog: JoePaPa

SEC dominance over the Big 10

JoePaPa — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 18:43:05 -0000

We've heard it many times, that the Big Ten is weak, and the SEC takes rose smelling craps on us. It is Ohio States fault for coming up short in the national championship game, last year they were the lesser team, the year before I believe that they were more talented but got outcoached by Urban Meyer.

What I only just realized though is the Big Ten's record in bowl games against the SEC.

The Big Ten has won the past 4 Capital One bowl matchups (all against the SEC), and 7 of the past 10, and while we havent faired as well in the outback bowl, we are by no means getting "SEC FAST RUN BY", winning 3 of the past 6 and 4 of the past 10.

I'm sure everyone is as sick of hearing it as I am. I acknowledge that they are a better conference, but not as much better as the respect they are getting (or is it disrespect to us?)

The "weakness" of the big ten

JoePaPa — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 15:34:53 -0000

Now that the majority of the Kool-aid has been consumed, I realize that we should have saved some for the national media...

But it doesn't bother me that we are being bashed because of our weak schedule, down conference. Hell it doesn't even bother me that we might get left out of the BCS title game, just like in 94, an undefeated season makes me feel like a champion. If anything it will help to promote a playoff system, which along with instant replay would further solidify the importance of Joe Paterno to college football.

What really bothers me is the fickle inconsistencies of the media.

We are looked down upon for being the best team in the Big Ten, and a possible BCS champion. At this time last year everyone was more than happy to hand deliver West Virginia an invitation to the BCS game, with their potential opponent being Boston College.

Anyone who considers the ACC or Big East to be in the same tier as the Big Ten should have their head examined, unfortunately for us that is the case for many of the members of the mainstream media.

What is wrong with optimism?

JoePaPa — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 14:49:03 -0000

I want to try to settle something that has turned into my biggest pet peeve of this season. It's not an ineffective blitz by Josh Hull, a blown coverage by Mark Rubin, or even a post by Jay Paterno on the Obama website during work hours.

Its this "don't get our hopes up" mentality.

Our team is good, as good as any in the nation. When you point out how good we are, but nitpick about our secondary, keep in mind that no college football team is perfect, and the majority of teams in the big 12 would trade secondaries with us in a minute.

Wisconsin doesn't look good, and I'm honestly not afraid of Terrelle Pryor, road games there are tough, but we have the talent and character to win those. WE SHOULD WIN THOSE GAMES.

So please, don't start a post saying how great we are, then follow that up with "I'd be happy to go 10-2 and play in the Capital One bowl". This team is better than that and you should not be happy with that result. You can't whine about the Morelli years suffering at 9-3 and then be happy with 10-2. The way we are playing, we should not be happy with anything less than a BCS game.

You are not going to jinx this team, face facts and admit that "you already have your hopes up". Lastly and most importantly, if we lose a game, its not going to hurt any less if you have a pessimistic attitude. I expect to win every game this year, and if we lose, I'll be disappointed, but no more so than someone who hopes for 10-2.

THANK YOU.....