A couple of years ago I made a post about my favorite books at that current time. It turned into an unexpected hit around here, and others have followed it up since then.

Since we are looking at the start of summer I thought we could get a jump on our summer reading lists, even though I am sure it will only be an appetizer to the main course. I am going to ask us all to post the one book you recommend to all of us BSDers.

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Basically I was getting jacked up for this game around 6 am this morning, nothing like some classic Mike Lange calls to get you jacked to go teach kids all day on prom day. But what got me thinking about the title to this post was the latest posting over at Thepensblog.com. In that post they mention the 2009 Scuds game where the game opened with a "Fleury" chant to boost the psyche of our beleaguered goalie. That got me thinking, if there was ever a time for the fan base to uplift a player it would be tonight, in our barn, with MAF. The guy has been battered, bashed, and blamed for everything that has gone wrong in the series. Some of it is justified, some of it hasn't. This would be a great way to show him our love, and possibly jump start him tonight when we need him most. So if you are going to tonight's game uplift the Flower and let's do this thing.

"After all the cheers have died down and the stadium is empty, after the headlines have been written… after all the pomp and fanfare have faded, the enduring thing that is left is the dedication to doing with our lives the very best we can to make the world a better place in which to live." – Vince Lombardi

The past few days have been a rollercoaster of emotion for many Nittany Lions. We are obviously grieving the loss of the living embodiment of our beloved University, but we are also struggling with the concept of Joseph V. Paterno's place in history. At this point in time it is obviously too early to make any lasting judgments, the historiography is nowhere near complete, the facts have not completely come out. Many writers in the days since his death have been unable to come to grips with his legacy. As many have pointed out a life that was previously black and white has become smeared to the point of hazy grey. How could a man with such wit, such sharpness for minute detail seem as aloof about something as vile and corrupt as child abuse? How could a man with the ability to discipline and mold young men into successful members of society, be so unsuccessful in protecting the weakest of society?

At this point in time there is nothing we can do or say that will add or subtract to the legacy of Coach Paterno. That it might change in the coming years is possible, and hopeful. But right now we are where we are: stuck with a complicated debate. But does it ultimately matter? Do we have to feel, as the national pundits would lead us to believe, that everything Paterno is tarnished? That his impact on the lives of thousands of young men is any less cheapened by the sins of omission? That his ability to take a university on his back and transform it is negated by his inability to keep his university from failing in a time of moral obligation? I would say it does not, and it should not. We need to recognize that this man was no "Saint Joe". His transgressions have been laid bare on the altar of public opinion, and we have been made aware of his human failings.

But we also need to remember that he had to endure the sickening fall that accompanies the usurping of a moral throne, and when it became apparent to him that he had failed he had the fortitude to publicly admit his shortcomings. In a society where accountability and responsibility are becoming something as antiquated as punchcards, Joe's final chapter is both disappointing and encouraging. We all fail, but the best of us acknowledge our failures in the hope that we, and others can learn from them. As for now the pomp and fanfare are far from over, they will be roused again in a few months when the next court date occurs. But in a few years and with the perspective of time I think that the enduring story that will be left is that life of Joeseph V. Paterno made this world a better place in which to live.

http://ideas.time.com/2011/12/07/paternos-revenge-penn-state-football-is-no-1-in-academic-bowl/ With all of the negative press surrounding the University it was good to see such a positive take on Paterno's tenure at the university. It is an article on the just released data compiled by the New America Foundation on graduation rates in major college football. While we shouldn't be shocked to see Penn State at number 1, it seems like the rest of America may be surprised that Joe and Penn State actually did something other than harbor and enable child predators. What is even more encouraging is the lack of an achievement gap (which is the rate at which the white players graduate in comparison to their black counterparts) between our white and black players, to put this in perspective #13 ranked LSU has a 32% achievement gap. Most BCS conference universities sport a sizable achievement gap, not PSU. So with all of the negativity in recent weeks we can hang our hat on the fact that Joe and the Staff still believed in the Grand Experiment until the end.

I stumbled across this blog post today and thought I would share it with you. It basically sums up how I feel about the media in this country today. Many of you know that I feel the media has turned into a digital era version of the French Terror, a group with nearly unchecked power that can turn it's attention to a person and/or situation and can figuratively(for now) make heads roll. I only hope that the Bernie Fine mess, and the ESPN lack of action is the beginning of the phase where, much like the French Terror, the Media Terror begins to devour it's own. I doubt that anything will come of this in the end, but I have decided to give up on ESPN, other than live sporting events. That is why the news about the re-branding of the Versus channel made me happy. If you haven't watched Hockey coverage on Versus you are missing out on some pretty good broadcasting. And NFL turning point is one of the best analysis shows on TV. You get a great NFL film worthy picture, subtle yet in-depth narration, and a nice dose of Tony Dungy thrown in at the end for good measure. If they can develop a news show to highlight the daily sports news I think NBC sports could be the way to go for our sports coverage/analysis. Lord knows ESPN needs some real competition.

What does Penn State mean to you? To me it has meant many different things over the years, and as I grew as a person, so too did my projections of what Penn State meant to me. Over time Penn State has meant dreams, purpose, and home.

I am what some around here have coined "Amish Buggy Alumni", I grew up less than 25 miles from Beaver Stadium. As a young boy some of my earliest memories are of trips to Beaver Stadium, and the celebrations that followed big Penn State wins during that time. Family gatherings were always accompanied by a keen discussion on the team and the previous game, or the coming season. My biggest dream was to one day play in Beaver Stadium so my family could watch me play. Penn State football at that time was my dream. However, I never attended Penn State, for several reasons I attended a different university. But the influence of Penn State never lost it's hold on my psyche. Nothing made this more apparent than when I realized that I wanted to become a school teacher and football coach instead of a lawyer, (how is that for following Joe's footsteps?)

One of my biggest influences when I made that decision was when I read "Paterno: By the Book". The part where his father tells him to "make a difference" became my purpose in life. When I was hired as a head coach this past spring, the first thing I put into my office was a signed painting of Joe. He was my reminder that I was there to "make a difference" in a real tangible way. Penn State football was my purpose.

When I moved away from Pennsylvania,Penn State came to mean something different to me. When I saw games on TV, or came home seeing the stadium meant home. Some of the worst days of homesickness would occur on Saturdays when I had to watch home on TV. I still feel that way today, although I am not sure how I will react to the next game. All of that has changed. Penn State meant my home.

I said all of that to say this, what disgust me the most about this weekend's bombshell is the realization that something that meant so much to me, that stirs such strong positive emotions with-in me represents something so terrible, and disturbing to the victims of Sandusky's alleged crimes. I have had trouble trying to understanding what they feel when they are surrounded by the signs of their abuser. The monstrous stadium on the hill, the memorabilia on sale at every gas station, the sports coverage in the media and on the web. What feelings does it stir in them?

I hate to do this fellas but I am in a bit of a bind. You can check me out over at another SB blog Blackshoediares.com I am an author there so I am not a scammer, or some fly by night person, I have an established cred here on the sbnation. I ordered a couple of reebok premier winter classic jerseys for christmas gifts. The company sent me the wrong sizes and now they won't return them since I took them "out of the packaging". I still have all of the tags on them, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with them. If you are in the greater Pittsburgh area and would like to discuss them let me know...I have a crosby size 52 and a fleury size 56. I can't fit into either of them or else I would say Merry Christmas to myself. Thanks... Frank, and Hooks if this is out of line just shut it down...I am in a bind and need to recoup some of my losses on these.

http://www.tigerdroppings.com/rant/messagetopic.asp?p=22778676 A coaching buddy of mine sent this to me yesterday. I cannot vouch for it's sources, nor can I say I believe what is written in the article. But if half of what is claimed in this "story" are true Auburn is looking at some serious sanctions if the FBI stuff is true. The Death Penalty has actually been mentioned. As a fan of college football and a former college player, and now high school coach I hope this stuff turns out to be false, but as they say where there is smoke there is fire. Enjoy the read on a boring Friday and keep this in the back of your mind as you watch my step-team the Carolina Gamecocks take on the Tigers of Auburn in the SEC championship game. Easy

I have been trying not to post as much this season. I am busy being an offensive coordinator with my high school team, and the weekly prep work is staggering. I also have a 2 year old son who is getting into football and he is the joy of my life, and when at home I try and make time for him first. But I still lurk here, I still read the posts and try and keep up on things up home. But following the Alabama game I have seen so much negativity about the Lions I felt I needed to post something about why I still love this team, even when we lose a game against a quality opponent. So here it is, why I still love the Lions and you should too.

• I love this team because of the workman's attitude, they wear the basic blues, black shoes and it is about the team not the individual. This is one place where the name on the front is still more important than the name on the back. 
• Because we have program to be proud about, we have always handled ourselves with class, even during the dark years. I hope our fan base can remember what those years where like because this is nothing like that time. 
• Because our coaching staff is loyal to the program. They have all been at PSU for years. Some longer than others, but the program means something to them. They aren't there because of the high pay, or the flashy ESPN glam. They are there because they have bought in to the program. They believe in what it means to be a Penn Stater. 
• Because we have a young offense with some exciting players. Bolden, Redd, Brown et all. The cupboard is not bare, the recruits are there and this team is growing as a football team. The coaching staff has been doing an excellent job recruiting. 
• Because we have a legend as a coach who has always cared more about the integrity of his team than the trophies in the front of his building. Because this man has been with PSU for over 60 years and has made a lasting impact on the University. Because for 60 years he has been a beacon in the world of college football, showing us how things can be handled in a high stress job with class and respect. 
• Because this might just be the last year for this coach, and I don't want to miss a thing. 

Don't forget why you love this team. Losses happen, it is a game, but don't lose who you are and what you care about over them. Stay positive and remember that these kids are trying their best to live up to the standards of PSU football. 

Okay here is the premise. Last week I promised my freshman boys classes that every Friday we would watch a football montage/pump up video if they all brought their homework that day. As a tease we watched Kenny Chesney's Boys of Autumn video. Most of these kids are from low income families and do not have a lot of motivation so I created some. Believe it or not I have had 100% participation out of all the classes. So I need a video, any suggestions? I need something safe for school, not necessarily Penn State, maybe a good mix, but something cool. I figured I would save myself the research time and ask y'all for some help. Thanks in advance, Carolinaeasy

 

Basically it is a boring part of the off season. We all come here for entertainment, and really there is not much going on so we need to create something to talk about and the expansion issue has been beaten to death. So why not discuss books? What are your favorite books? I saw a post like this on BHTSC (an awesome Steelers SBnation site) and it lead to me picking up a couple of books I had not thought about reading before. This will be simple: Try and not be too pretentious and give us a list of the best books you have read. Easy enough right?

 

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I am working on a side project and have analyzed the Penn State defense. I need help locating rankings and stats on the defense in comparison to the rest of the big ten and the country over a ten year period. If you have knowledge of the whereabouts of said information please contact me by linking to this information below. Thanks for your help in advance.

 

via a323.yahoofs.com

 

So I found this story online todayabout how the 40 yard dash numbers you see flashed around for high school and college athletes are usually a crock of ramblers excrement (sorry rambler I am a comment whore, and I know this will illicit some type of discussion). Bottom line with this story: Florida has a board of 40 yard dash times. When looking at said board the times jump out at you.  When you look at their actual combine times you will see as much as a .20 difference in the 40. For you and I that might not seem like much, but consider how big a difference a 4.3 and a 4.5 are in terms of payout on the Al Davis scale. I thought this was an interesting read that supports the sentiments of many of us here on BSD, and it should also stand as a reminder to take those rivals, and scouts 40 times with a grain of salt.

I have a problem that I was hoping you guys could help me with. In my classroom at school I have a collection of posters on the back wall of local college football teams. My students keep giving me grief that Penn State isn't represented well (I only have the poster of Odrick from the Iowa game program). So what I am asking is this if you have any posters from this years team that you are not using, or are going to take down and wouldn't mind sending to me in the mail, leave a comment down below and we can work out the details. Thanks!

via img503.imageshack.us

via graphics.fansonly.com

[Formatted this a little for you. - RUTS]

I can't take it anymore.

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I know this one hurts. It should hurt, anytime an opponent walks into your house and gets an ugly win it should hurt. But the sky is not falling. The loss looks alot worse than what some out there may make it out to be.

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Welcome Back to another installment of the Still Life where we take strategy to new levels for the average BSD reader. This week we are going to examine the biggest blunder of Temple game, where defensively the Lions allowed a 36 yard completion just after the half.

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I know the show is usually Guido directed propaganda, that is basically a polish on a turd.

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After all this time the season is nearly upon us!

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What you guys do not like being refered to as Nascar country? I remember a few Caniacs jumping all over Pittsburgh fans for calling Canes fans "Nascar fans". But it now appears that the perception is not exclusive to Steel town devotees. 

"It was, you can hit, but you're not allowed to ... like we say in NASCAR country, there's no rubbing allowed," Maurice said.

The full article can be found here. 

Tough to shed a stigma when your own folks are presenting that image to the northern media. I guess you guys need to write a "This is how you get back at a Canadian" post. 

I am a Pens fan living in South Carolina (I am PA transplant) and I have never been to a game in Raliegh. Are there any tips you regulars could give me about my trip? 

I am looking to know several things. 

• How is traffic coming into the game? Is it easy access to the arena, or should I arrive four hours early? 
  
• Is the arena tailgate friendly, I am a Steelers and PSU fan so I have a pedigree to maintain. 
• If it is not a tailgate friendly zone, what resturants, pubs, or bars are located with in a block or so that are hockey friendly? 

Thank you for answering ahead of time, and I really anticipate a great series. 

I live in the deep south. This is a land of SEC football, and Baptist Churches. Throw in an occasional gator or snake, a few trips a week to the golf course (year round mind you) and you pretty much understand my life. I have lived here in the deep south for neary 4 years. When I moved here 4 years ago PSU football was a joke to these people. They would scoff and say about how slow the Big Ten is and chant something about southern speed, blah,  blah, blah. But thanks to a couple of good seasons on the gridiron, the success of the white out, and the Rose Bowl people know who PSU is again. That seems to be a big help because recently PSU has started actively recruiting my local area. Three athletes from two local schools have been recruited and offered by PSU.  CB Bashaud Breeland of Allendale-Fairfax, and a pair of lineman recruits out of Bamberg Erhardt high school, AJ Cann and  Justin Henderson. This is the same school that has produced Ricky Sapp and Daquan Bowers, both of whom have produced at the D1 level. Although Henderson is now a Kentucky commitment it is still exciting to see PSU recruit here. 

In the four years I have been here I have seen or heard little about PSU recruiting in this area. All of a sudden the local media is making a big deal about PSU recruiting here and people are asking me all sorts of questions. Breeland's team will play the team I coach for in the second game of the season, I hope to speak to him there and maybe run into him at a few summer passing league deals. But the Lions are definetly interested in the deep south again, and not just the cities either. 

I just saw this in today's copy of The State newspaper from Columbia, SC. . You can find the information towards the bottom of the page, but in summary it says Darrel Givens will skip his scheduled trip to the University of South Carolina, because he is staying with his commitment to Penn State. I know that there has been alot  of concern over this in the past few weeks, so this article should come as a relief to many. I was never really concerned with him leaving, but then again Spurrier is a slickster so who knows what could have happened if he had actually went on that trip.

I am coming home for the holidays and since I cannot go to Cali for the Rose Bowl (thanks honey!), I am going to try and go to the Steelers game on the 28th against the Browns. If anyone has tickets they would like to sell please contact me through here and we can work something out, I really don't want to turn to Stubhub if I can avoid it. Thanks in advanced....

 

Yours in Zug,

Carolinaeasy.

Lifelong Steelers fan here who grew up in central Pennsylvania. I recently moved south to the Carolinas and miss my Steelers. I am a regular over at blackshoediaries , but I have been lurking here for awhile, but finnally decieded to join up. I have a question for everyone, I am coming to PA for the holidays and thought about going to the Browns game on the 28th. I do not have tickets at this moment and really do not want to buy from stubhub. As folks who presumably go to the games regularly I was hoping you folks could inform me of the avaliability of tickets (from scalpers) and what a typical game like this will cost for nosebleeds. Basically as cheap of seats as I can get to get into the stadium so I can budget the cost into my checkbook for the holidays.

 

Thanks for all of your help in advance.

For about three weeks now I have been telling everyone who would listen one simple thing: the Big 12 is overrated. I usually get the same response from just about everyone, including Big Ten fans, that I am nuts. But the past few days I have been really thinking it through. The obvious reason I feel the conference is not any good is the lack of defense in the conference. We are, as Mike so aptly put it, arbitrarily attaching value to teams based upon that team(s) body of work in conference this year. Somewhere, somebody got the idea that the Big 12 was “the” conference this year. They were supported by the gaudy offensive numbers, the star studded names, and personalities that litter the conference. But where has the defense been all season? How can you say the number 1 team in the country is the same team that gives up 24.5 points per game? Just because they beat Texas Tech, 26.25 points per game? Just because they beat Missouri? Please 27.5 points per game! The only "good" defense they faced was Texas who gives up 18.5 points per game. Guess what that result was! Someone needs to dig up a Greek philosopher so we can get someone to use reason here.

 

Well based on the above someone will jump in here and say you’re a Big Ten fan your conference sucks. The reason we suck? The most common answer is the Ohio State flops of the past two years. Is that the reason? Really? We penalize a whole conference because of two seasons worth of flops? Someone must have forgot about this, and this, and this, and this.  Let us see; since 2005 the number one team in the nation is 0-4 in the BCS including two back to back BCS championship flops, a loss to Boise State, and to West Virginia. In those 2 BCS championship games they were out scored by 43 combined points. Ohio State in the past two years lost by 41 combined points. Not much of a case there OU fans. Don’t bring up that National championship in 2000 either, Ohio State got one in 2002. Also how do you explain the 2007 Fiesta Bowl? Or the 2008 Fiesta Bowl when they lost 48-28 to WVU? I am not sure you can. But that won’t stop the pundits from proclaiming the Big 12’s dominance and the “weakness” of the Big Ten.

 

I just wish that people would be fair in their assessments of teams. Too often people take the trendy, style point rich teams and inflate their value. The reasoning that puts the one loss Big 12 teams ahead of any one loss Big Ten team is off base and lacks supporting evidence. Too bad most of the world has forgotten articles like these.

Those of you may remember my outrage a few months back over this crap. Well our favorite South Carolinian Columnist is back and has a rather interesting article and arguement in today's edition of The State newspaper.  To basically sum up the better parts of it: Top to bottom the ACC is better than the SEC this year. Yes read that again a writer in an SEC town says that the ACC is better than the SEC this year. Mr. Morris actually did a little research to help his claim as well. It is hard to believe that someone in the media would actually put forth a legitimate arguement against the SEC, let alone someone from Columbia, SC home to the Gamecocks. The truth is the truth, but I doubt we will ever hear an "expert" on tWWL mention this, what with this being a reality for the next 15 years. I thought some of you would like to see this article.

For all of you out there who do not live north of the Mason Dixon line here is this weeks coverage map. Looks like we will all be happy Nittany Lion fans because ESPN is going to cover the game anywhere it is not on ABC. Now they just need to win!

For a full look at this and all of the coverage maps for Saturday go to http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?page=coveragemaps2008