Random Posting for Penn State 12/3/16

Here are 9 Nittany Nuggets from tonight's game:

1.)  Consistency is key ... so if we wait until the second half of our games each week before we start really really playing, then we should do that even if it's the championship game.
2.)  In other words, our history with Wisconsin is NOW tied up at 9-9.
3.)  In other other words, we've now won 5 of the last 6 against them.
4.)  In other other other words, that's NINE IN A ROW!
5.)  In other other other other words, WE ARE ... BIG 10 champions!
6.)  And now that I know I'm the same age as Coach FRANKLIN at 44 years, *I* want get me a big 10 championship before my birthday next month.
7.)  Hey Indy!  Miss you bunches!  Xoxo ...
8.)  I'm not saying for sure that the announcerpeople were drinking during the game, but I do believe there toward the end, they proclaimed, "We've got some dudes!".  
9.)  I don't care what anyone else says.  *My* player of the week is going to have to be the "wizard of Camelot" (as per the announcerpeople -- despite me not quite understanding the reasoning behind that new nickname) -- aka the guy who needs his significant other (or his barber) to shave his neck (just sayin') -- aka the guy who just beat even more of McGLOIN's records -- aka the player whose non-throwing arm looked like it got stomped on during the first play -- aka the QB named after the guy who played John Boy Walton -- aka Richard Thomas "Trace" MCSORLEY (the third).

In closing, thanks to the bands for being all unified on the field to kick off the game (maybe America's gonna make it through this national nightmare after all) ... and dare I say it ... could it be TEN in a row at the bowl game? (Note:  in a relatively rare move, NOT on New Year's Day this year)

TRACE'S NEW RECORD:
https://www.landof10.com/penn-state/trace-mcsorley-breaks-penn-state-single-season-passing-record

NOTE A MONDAY 5pm GAME INSTEAD OF NEW YEAR'S DAY:
http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2016/12/4/12666570/penn-state-usc-rose-bowl-2016-teams-date-tv-schedule

EXPAND PLAYOFFS ... BUT AT THE COST OF THE CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS?:
http://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/why-playoff-expansion-could-put-conference-championship-games-at-serious-risk/

Random Posting for Penn State 11/26/16

Here are 9 Nittany Nuggets from tonight's game:

1.)  Well there you go.  Looks who gets a bowl game AND a bonus game next week.
2.)  So if we're "the Cinderella" story, does that make FRANKLIN our fairy godmother?
3.)  True to form, we are indeed a second half kind of team.
4.)  The most challenging part of the day was at the beginning when I had to figure out which game to watch -- the end of OState or the start of PState!?
5.)  That Mark Dantonio guy's a bit of a grumpy gus, no?
6.)  In his defense, it did seem a little cold there today (not that I remember what that feels like or anything living here in Florida).
7.)  Hey MState player TERRY -- to paraphrase Tom Hanks, "there is no crying in college football"!  (And sorry to hear about your concussion.)
8.)  Although I usually knock some of the creepy things the announcerpeople say, I've got to say that I agree with their declaration that SAQUON can "accelerate and elevate", just before he jumped over the line to score the TD, and just after which they cut away to the gloomy gus MState coach mouthing that it was "bullsh!t".  Now just tell me that ankle of his will heal in time.
9.)  I don't care what anyone else says.  *My* "player" of the week is going to have to be Coach FRANKLIN ... for his helming of a great season (that's not quite over yet)!

In closing, thanks to all the seniors for your service to the team ... and dare I say it ... could it be NINE in a row next week (and if it is, then what does that to the playoff selection committee conversations) ...

ACTUALLY, WE'VE BEEN CALLED A CINDERELLA BEFORE:
http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2014/08/penn_state_called_a_cinderella.html

OH NO ... HEAL QUICKLY YOUNG SAQUON:
http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2016/11/26/13754234/saquon-barkley-injury-penn-state-big-ten-championship-game

OH RIGHT ... THE SENIORS:
http://www.centredaily.com/sports/college/penn-state-university/psu-football/article117163668.html

Random Posting for Penn State 11/19/16

Here are 9 Nittany Nuggets from tonight's game:

1.)  I gotta say ... after hearing how many times Rutger's got shut out this season, I kind of wanted to let them score just a few points.
2.)  Sleet ball!  That's weather I vaguely remember from my past life in PA as opposed to my current life in Florida.
3.)  Does anyone have the stats on how often the other team wins the coin toss?  Is it just me or do we NEVER win?
4.)  After that "oopsie" start to the game, I'm kind of glad that wasn't a sign of things to come.
5.)   Marcus ALLEN ... we thank you for your touchdown ... we encourage you to keep it in perspective though and not celebrate in a way that makes you look like a douche nozzle.
6.)  For a brief moment I thought that Trace MCSORLEY had a John Waters' style mustache, and then I realized it was just a shadow from his helmet.
7.)  Maybe I'm old and out of the baby naming loop, but I would never have predicted that there would be a player named Saquon/Saquan on *both* teams (and a Goodwin and a Godwin)?
8.)  And the creepy announcerman comment of the week goes to the one who short-shamed our guy, who he said was "born lower than everyone else".
9.)  I don't care what anyone else says.  *My* player of the week is going to have to be Evan SCHWAN for that mouthguard of his!

In closing, thanks to the Rutger's dick who threw that softball on the field for having such bad aim so that no one got hurt ...  and dare I say it ... could it be EIGHT in a row next week for the all important last game of the regular season?

WHILE RESEARCHING COIN TOSSES, I FOUND THIS:
http://www.oddsshark.com/super-bowl/props/coin-toss

THE OTHER SAQUON/SAQUAN:
http://www.scarletknights.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/saquan_hampton_925280.html

MY PLAYER OF THE WEEK (FOR HIS MOUTHGUARD):
http://www.gopsusports.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/evan_schwan_812679.html

Random Posting for Penn State 11/12/16

Here are 9 Nittany Nuggets from today's game:

1.)  Hoosier Daddy!  (We are!)  Sorry ... I couldn't help myself.
2.)  And who has now won SIX IN A ROW?  (We have! ... Which I know is not the chant.)
3.)  Sunny and 79 -- perfect fall ball weather (for those of us in Florida watching the game).
4.)  Although, let's admit, had they been able to take advantage of some of our mistakes, this might have been a completely different post with a completely different score.
5.)  While we're admitting things, I'll admit to being in a moment of panic when Saquon and Trace *both* were possibly injured at about the same time.
6.)  One last admission ... I still consistently watch the wrong player who I think has the ball but doesn't ... which is probably why I was never a football player.
7.)  I love me some Penn State, but I also love me some Batman ... so the commercial with the IN graduate who is now a producer on the movies did make me momentarily an IN fan.
8.)  And the creepy announcerman comment of the week goes to the one who said "that guy really fills out his shorts and uniform" as he was discussing how big the player was.
9.)  I don't care what anyone else says.  *My* player of the week is going to have to be PAIGE from IN for all the "help" he gave our team today.

In closing, thanks to the network coverage of the footballs-stuck-in-the-tree drama and especially for showing the resolution with those crazy kids ...  and dare I say it ... could it be SEVEN in a row next week at the night game with Rutgers?

SO MANY INJURIES:
http://www.mcall.com/sports/college/psu/mc-what-s-with-all-the-injuries-at-penn-state-20160928-story.html

THIS GUY PLAYED FOR OUR TEAM TODAY:
http://www.espn.com/college-football/player/_/id/535819/mitchell-paige

WILL WE GET A NEW YEAR'S BOWL GAME?:
http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2016/11/how_can_penn_state_make_a_new.html

Random Posting for Penn State 11/5/16

Here are 9 Nittany Nuggets from tonight's game:

1.)  And somehow it's already November ball!
2.)  And somehow it's now FIVE IN A ROW!
3.)  It *was* good to be 12.  Where will we be tomorrow?
4.)  So when IA's WADLEY "raised a finger to shush the crowd" and got a talking-to by one of the refs, were we supposed to read between the lines and assume that he used a certain finger?
5.)  So when IA's QB is on the screen, is that facial hair a mo-vember thing?  Or did he just come from a porn shoot set in the seventies? 
6.)  I was put off by one of the announcermen saying that a player was going to go "break some ankles" out there ... and then I googled it and found out that it's a common phrase and may not mean exactly what it says.
7.)  I thought I could escape politics during this game ... but with all the ads for both parties, I'm guessing the presumably PA predominant audience must be in a battleground state or something.
8.)  Saquon ... we love you.  But had you played at a different time with a different coach, you might have been benched for that high-stepping stuff.  Just sayin' ...
9.)  I don't care what anyone else says.  *My* player of the week is McBARKLEY ('cause I couldn't decide which one, so I just mashed them up together).

In closing, thanks to flag bearer Immanuel IYKE and to whomever made the decision to give away 10,000 tickets for tonight's game to military members...  and dare I say it ... could it be SIX in a row next week with Indiana?

SO ANKLE BREAKERS MAY NOT BE AS BAD AS I THOUGHT:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgnJJU9rvXk

IT'S MOVEMBER FOLKS:
https://us.movember.com/?gclid=CIaHiJiMk9ACFUJEhgodLAsHVg

THE IYKE STORY:
https://www.landof10.com/penn-state/penn-state-football-marine-beaver-stadium

Random Posting for Penn State 10/29/16

Here are 9 Nittany Nuggets from today's game:

1.)  I have to remind myself every year ... it's PURdue, not PERdue.
2.)  So I do believe it's been seven years since we've scored over 50 points in a game.
3.)  Of course, I'm old enough to remember when we would never run up the score, but that was a different era, no?
4.)  Considering all the penalties we were collecting, I'm just glad that the win was the outcome.
5.)  Turnover much?
6.)  Far it be from a Penn State fan to comment negatively on noise from the fans, but what's with the jangling keys?
7.)  Hey coach ... nice touch letting our back up quarterback from Indy play a bit in his home state.
8.)  OK announcerpeople, how's about only saying "tree trunk legs" once a game, instead of once a quarter, eh?  You sound a little creepy.
9.)  I don't care what anyone else says.  *My* player of the week is the one with those legs ... and with the 200+ yard running game today -- the one and only Saquon BARKLEY,

In closing, thanks to the guys in the crowd who were dressed for Halloween as corn and as poop respectively ... I assume that you either found each other in the crowd or that you always intended to be together, and as a man of a certain age, I know all too well how corn and poop just go together ... and dare I say it ... could it be FIVE in a row next week at night hosting Iowa?

THE JINGLING KEYS MADE THE LIST!:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1292304-the-most-annoying-college-football-stadium-traditions

INTRODUCING TOMMY STEVENS:
http://247sports.com/player/tommy-stevens-35502

NOW IN THE RUNNING FOR PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2016/10/penn_states_saquon_barkley_now.html

Random Posting for Penn State 10/22/16

Here are 9 Nittany Nuggets from today's game:

1.)  White out baby ... white out!  (That's shirt color, not skin color ... just clarifying for today's sensitive world.)
2.)  So ... something different ... this game was viewed out and about at the local "Penn State bar" here in Ft. Lauderdale (the World Famous Parrot) -- and I have to say that it was another great (and different) experience coming on the heels of last week's radio only (for me) event.
3.)  Also special ... we were a community of strangers watching a game where we were the underdogs ...
4.)  AND WE WON!
5.)  Which probably upset the one guy in the red shirt brave enough to sit outside with us and watch the game (but not the whole game).
6.)  Note to the Parrot staff:  we'll be back for the night game on the 19th (but not the 5th, 'cause that's too close to the election).
7.)  Anyway ... just wondering ... is losing the shoe on the play the same as losing a helmet?  Do you have to sit the next play out as well?  
8.)  "MCSORLEY moxie".  That about sums it up, doesn't it!
9.)  I don't care what anyone else says.  *My* player of the week is Tyler DAVIS, because even though the run of successful kicks has ended, it was a very good run.

In closing, thanks to the alum organization who makes free jello shots and passes them out each time we scored a touchdown, and then comes around immediately afterward to accept donations for its fund raiser (because there is no such thing as a free jello shot) ... and here's to a possible FOUR in a row next week at Purdue!

*THE* PLACE TO WATCH THE GAME HERE IN THE FTL:
http://www.parrotlounge.com/

THE ANSWER TO MY LOST SHOE QUESTION:
http://www.sbnation.com/2015/9/10/9295675/a-field-guide-to-what-athletes-should-do-when-they-lose-a-shoe

WELL LOOK WHO'S RANKED AGAIN (NOT SINCE 2011):
http://www.si.com/college-football/2016/10/23/ap-top-25-poll-college-football-rankings-ohio-state-penn-state-alabama

Random Posting for Penn State 10/15/16

What with it being a bye week ... there aren't exactly 9 Nittany Nuggets from today's game as there wasn't a game today ...

So instead of my usual shtick, we'll give the post over to Joey Julius, who had this to say on the Facebook recently (provided in its entirety):

After a long consideration of not only myself, my family, and my team I have decided to go public about my absence from the team during spring ball of 2016 and thru out this summer. I was admitted into the McCallum place on may 9th for eating disorders. Due to my increase in not only weight but also depression and anxiety my team physicians started to notice not only a change in my overall happiness but also my performance as a normal human being. Throughout this whole process I learned a lot about myself. I learned that for the last 11 years of my life I have suffered through a disorder known as binge eating disorder. Although I showed signs of bilemia through stints of purging from extreme anxiety placed on myself I am certain that binge eating disorder is my true diagnosis thru extensive care this summer for about three months of treatment in St. LOUIS Missouri until July 26th. In order to come to this conclusion I have no one to thank except for Coach James Franklin and my training staff and doctors that stuck with me throughout this whole process. They all noticed that I was not myself and that I needed extensive care such as the program in St. Louis that I attended this summer. I love Penn State and everything about this program and school and continue to do what I can to bring not only respect but honor to the name that so many before me Sacrificed to create. WE ARE PENN STATE and forever will be PENN STATE! If anyone and I mean anyone guy or girl is struggling with the the same or anything similar please message me as I will be in immediate contact to help in any way i can to provide information or insight on my struggles and I would love to help. Praise be to God and thank him for my ability to be honest about this.

We are proud of you Joey ... of course for the work you do on the field each week ... but even moreso for the work you do on yourself, and for the courage you had to speak out in hopes that others will be helped.

Joey is ... Penn State!

MORE COVERAGE OF HIS STORY:
http://abcnews.go.com/Health/penn-state-kicker-joey-julius-opens-binge-eating/story?id=42800891

Random Posting for Penn State 10/8/16

Here are 9 Nittany Nuggets from today's game:

1.)  So I was on vacation ... and between hotels ... and I was afraid that I might not be able to see this game, and that turned out to be true.
2.)  EXCEPT ... I did find the game on the radio, and I got to LISTEN to it instead, all old-fashioned like.
3.)  After struggling through a few different stations that kept on fading in and out (an old-fashioned problem for sure), I settled on AM radio and WLBR 1270 (the station of my youth).
4.)  Plus ... it was homecoming on campus ... and I was coming home to my alma mater (LVC) for homecoming too.
5.)  I have to say, though, that I might want to listen to all the games moving forward, because they are much more exciting when you have to imagine them based on what the announcerpeople are saying.
6.)  It also meant that I got to listen to the kick off show and the preshow, what with being a captive audience, which is how I learned about Coach FRANKLIN's four core values:  positive attitude, work ethic, competition and sacrifice.
7.)  Speaking of old-fashioned things like listening to the game on the radio, I do wonder how we're going to continue when our Linebacker U is now as big as a one room school house due to injuries.
8.)  Ummm ... not to get too cocky, but could it be that we are now the spoilers for unbeaten teams who come visit us?
9.)  I don't care what anyone else says.  *My* player of the week is once again Trace MCSORLEY, because, as one of the announcerpeople said, he has the heart, the head, the arm and the feet -- a perfect QB combination!

In closing, thanks to Dietz and Watson for sponsoring the pre-show (now if you could just work on the texture of your off-brand lebanon bologna product) ... and here's to resting up (and maybe healing a bit) during next week's bye.

GOOD OLD WLBR:
http://www.wlbrradio.com/

THE CORE VALUES (APPLICABLE TO SOMETHING IN YOUR LIFE TOO MAYBE?):
http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/03/penn_state_coach_james_frankli_2.html

ALMOST GOT THE TASTE RIGHT ... BUT MISSING OUT ON THE CONSISTENCY:
http://dietzandwatson.com/products/lebanon-bologna-2/

Random Posting for Penn State 10/1/16

Here are 9 Nittany Nuggets from today's game:

1.)  It's been awhile since we've been in OT, right?
2.)  But that was the best kind of OT to be in, no?
3.)  Let's get something straight right up front.  The Nittany Lion is our mascot.  But, you know, so is Joey JULIUS (kind of).  So y'all best be nice to him -- especially you who are Jaylen WATERS, you hear?
4.)  And thanks Coach FRANKLIN for your immediate reaction of running on the field to get the players away from a confrontation after that hit ... I recall a coach from the old days who would have benched anyone who got out of control like that.
5.)  Way to go Tyler DAVIS -- that's how we like our kickers -- downright Fickenesque.
6.)  Can someone please tell me about those interpretative dancers on the sideline communicating calls via charades ... and are they second and third stringers?  Or are they from the theatre department (not that there's anything wrong with that)?
7.)  How great was it that they played Aretha FRANKLIN'S 'Think' as the refs were taking too long to review one of those plays!
8.)  Hey announcerpeople ... can I get Dick HONIG's job?  I think he speaks once per game of late ... which is a pretty good gig if you can get it.
9.)  I don't care what anyone else says.  *My* player of the week is indeed Trace MCSORLEY, who demonstrated the type of calmness under pressure that wins games that seem lost.

In closing, thanks to FICKEN for being so classy as to text DAVIS when he overtook his record today ... and here's to trying to string together two wins in a row (for the first time this season) next week with the Maryland game!

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT THE BELL (FROM THE MINNESOTA PERSPECTIVE):
http://www.gophersports.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/victory-bell.html

DON'T BE MEAN TO OUR MASCOT!:
http://www.si.com/college-football/2016/10/01/benches-clear-minnesota-cheap-shot-penn-state-kicker-joey-julius

CONGRATS DAVIS AND WAY TO STAY CLASSY FICKEN!:
http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2016/10/penn_state_game_balls_and_turn.html

Random Posting for Penn State 9/24/16

Here are 9 Nittany Nuggets from today's game:

1.)  Well *that* was a lot of touchdowns.  Shame they didn't belong to *our* team.
2.)  Although, they were ranked #4 ... so is it acceptable to say something like, "it was just an honor to play a ranked team"?
3.)  At some point, I would have been okay with them playing more highlights from that game in 1994 when we last beat a top 5 ranked team.
4.)  Because, let's face it, at some point the cheering also became more about "let's just get at least one touchdown" (which was thankfully modified from "let's just get on the board and not have a shutout").
5.)  Finally, at some point I also began to feel like everyone going for it on 4th down was kind of like we were being insulted (like ... "we got this ... don't worry about them ...").
6.)  I suspect that one's opinion on a controversial targeting call depends on whether the player getting ejected was on your team or the other one ... but I get it -- safety first.
7.)  Speaking of which, thoughts go out to all those who continue to deal with injuries.
8.)  There were storms in my 'hood today, so I couldn't hear everything the announcerpeople said to directly quote (and mock) them, but I do have to say, it's starting to dawn on me that they are kind of super creepy and very fixated on the size of these boys, spouting out stats and characterizing body types in every other sentence.  Their obsession is going to give these kids eating disorders!
9.)  I don't care what anyone else says.  *My* player of the week is from the other team, because you can't deny that "Mr. Everything" PEPPERS comes off as impressive what with playing so many positions in one game.

In closing, thanks to Joey JULIUS for continuing to prove that the game highlights can come from all different kinds of plays ... and here's to competing for the Governor's Victory Bell next week in another late afternoon game!

THE TARGETING CALL TODAY:
http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2016/09/former_nfl_vp_of_officiating_f.html

SPEAKING OF FOOTBALL COMMENTARY:
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2010/09/18/nfl-the-5-stupidest-things-football-commentators-say.html

*MY* PLAYER OF THE WEEK IS FROM THE OTHER TEAM:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgFjVt-i-9c

Random Posting for Penn State 9/17/16

Here are 9 Nittany Nuggets from today's game:

1.)  Revenge ... is a dish best served a year later ... in a sackless game.
2.)  Although we do still have some challenges ... may I recommend a few more snap practices (assuming that's a thing)?
3.)  So as I saw the marketing slogan of "unrivaled" plastered all over the stadium, it did make me wonder why everyone is trying to so hard to turn Rutgers ... and then Pitt ... into "rivals".  If we fully believe in our slogan, then rivalries don't matter.  Or maybe I'm overthinking it.
4.)  Woo-hoo!  Stripe out!  (Maybe this only makes sense to those of a certain age, but for some reason, I want to play the wipe out song on my nose, and then holler "stripe out".)
5.)  Okay boys ... above all else, let's keep these injuries to a minimum.
6.)  And that goes DOUBLE for you Saquon BARKLEY -- even if the announcerpeople said that you were from Allentown, where people are "tougher than a five dollar steak".
7.)  Speaking of those announcerpeople, I sure hope that Rick PIZZO has a side gig imitating Bush (43).  Or maybe it was just the lighting from his sideline report today?
8.)  And one last thing about those announcerpeople ... I know I often mock some of the things that they say (like how I groaned today out loud when they said the Owls were *wise* to it when discussing the play [get it?  get it?  wise owls?]), but I am actually fond of the saying you offered today of something to the effect of "you never want to pay twice for real estate".
9.)  I don't care what anyone else says.  *My* player of the week is GOTWIN ... or, more precisely, the McSORLEY/GOTWIN connection ... which was strong today.

In closing, thanks to all those who rallied around the memory of JoePa during the celebration of the 1966 team from his first win of his first season (remember you can still honor his legacy and also hate sex offenders) ... and here's to the beginning of conference play next week (at a time *still* tba?) against those nasty Wolverines.

HOW TO BUILD A STRIPE OUT:
http://next.bncollege.com/penn-state-stripe-out-game/

THE WALKING WOUNDED REPORT:
http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2016/09/the_walking_wounded_tallying_p.html

ON TODAY'S JOE PA "CONTROVERSY":
http://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/penn-state-honors-joe-paterno-as-fans-from-both-teams-protest/

Random Posting for Penn State 9/10/16

Here are 9 Nittany Nuggets from today's game:

1.)  I liked the 4th quarter better than the 3rd, which I liked better than the 2nd, which I liked better than the 1st.  Although I could have done with a different surprise ending.  Just sayin'.
2.)  I'm also just sayin' that, despite said ending, I don't think it should be lost how well McSORLEY did at not getting rattled for most of the game, all things considered.
3.)  And the OSCAR goes to Pitt Panther's #69:  Adam BISNOWATY, proving that the "sport" of "flopping" isn't just for bball players any more.  May you be mocked mercilessly for that performance of yours.
4.)  Can we settle on one rivalry please.  I get that we've played Pitt more than any other team ... but we haven't played them since 2000 -- and we're only contracted to play them for a total of four years currently.  And I was just finally convinced that Rutger's was supposed to be our rivalry match.  I'm so confused.
5.)  Please please please don't let this be the year of the fumbles the way last year was the year of the sacks.
6.)  After last week's (failed) random 2 point conversion attempt so early in the game that had me on edge, let me just say that *that's* the way you do one of those.
7.)  Hey announcerpeople ... thanks for giving all those Troy updates throughout the game ... but I knew how I was doing the whole time.  (Get it ... 'cause my name's Troy ... never mind.)
8.)  Hey announcerpeople (part two) ... I know I often mock some of the things you say (like how EVERY play becomes THE pivotal play of the game), but I am actually fond of the saying you offered today of something to the effect of "get enough crumbs and soon you have a whole cookie".
9.)  I don't care what anyone else says.  *My* player of the week isn't even on our team ... but you have to keep perspective and get excited about Pitt's James CONNER's recovery from his cancer scare, and for having the right attitude that if it were not for last year's injury, the CONNER family may never have known about the lymphoma to be treated in the first place.

In closing, thanks to whomever came over and put a towel over De'Andre THOMPKINS head so that the national television audience wouldn't see him cry at how the game ended ... and here's to learning everything that needs to be learned from today before next week's noon game versus Temple.

SPEAKING OF CRUMBS ...:
http://tiphero.com/5-awesome-ways-to-use-your-crumbs/

*MY* PLAYER OF THE WEEK ... 'CAUSE PERSPECTIVE:
http://www.pennlive.com/sports/index.ssf/2016/08/pitt_rb_james_conner_to_play_i.html

TO BE CLEAR, DE'ANDRE ALSO DID THINGS OTHER THAN CRY:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2662847-penn-states-deandre-thompkins-snags-1-handed-grab-against-pittsburgh

Random Posting for Penn State 9/3/16

Here are 9 Nittany Nuggets from today's game:

1.)  And so begins another season ... both on the field and on the blog/FB on Saturdays until Thanksgiving (plus a bowl game --- let's not forget the bowl game).
2.)  I blame HACKENBERG (now with the Jets), but MCSORLEY just looked so tiny.  I get that he's 6'1" and 201 lbs (officially), but I just got used to seeing such a big guy in that spot these last few years ...
3.)  Speaking of big guys ... here's hoping 6'6" Evan SCHWANN's injury heals easily.
4.)  Hey coach ... a point-after in the hand is worth a failed two-point conversion in the bush so early in the game.  I spent the rest of the time watching the score afraid that would come back to bite us in the end.
5.)  I'm all for the no-names-on-the-jersey rule revival, but I will admit it took me a bit too long to figure out if Workman was working with White, or White with Workman until they finally flashed Nyeem WARTMAN-WHITE's name on the screen.
6.)  And hey announcerpeople ... how's about a little more enunciating.  Kent State and Penn State should have sounded like two different teams, and most of the time it didn't.
7.)  In honor of those announcerpeople, here's this week's edition of "football announcer or gay porn", as in from which one was this quote heard:  "he was very excited about how open his tight end was".  Hint:  the answer is always going to be football announcer, despite what you might think otherwise.
8.)  I'm just going to come out and say it.  I bet when BARKELEY gets wasted at a party, he's a really good dancer -- based solely on his gameplay footwork.
9.)  I don't care what anyone else says.  *My* player of the week was big ole Joey JULIUS, and that hit he put on that poor Kent State player when he knocked him into last week (which, ironically, would have been the pre-season).

In closing, thanks to Penn Stater Neha GUPTA, featured in a commercial on the Big 10 network for her winning the International Children's Peace Prize for her charity work with Empower Orphans (see link below/to follow) ... and here's to doing next week to the Panthers what we did this week to the Golden Flashes!

BRING ON THE NEW SEASON:
http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2016/01/penn_state_2016_predictions_ca.html#0

*MY* PLAYER OF THE WEEK:
http://victorybellrings.com/2016/07/15/penn-state-football-2016-preview-kicker-joey-julius/

THANKS TO NEHA FOR HER WORK:
http://www.collegian.psu.edu/news/campus/article_71040580-7a81-11e4-b6e3-c3874d60741e.html

Random Posting for Penn State 6/4/16

Here are 9 Nittany Nuggets from this year's Blue and White game:

1.)  So, to clarify, as seen in the accompanying image, the game was April 16th ... but it was on my DVR until I finally watched it over Memorial Day weekend ... and now I'm getting around to posting about it today.  Which is a Saturday, so there's that.  And we're even closer to the start of the season now ... so does that make up for the lack of timeliness?
2.)  Luckily, I got to see the whole show ... which the network fit in to the two hour slot despite there being a live lacrosse overrun (also for Penn State ... but a game we didn't win).
3.)  Happily, this year's game had a "normal" scoring structure.  The last one I watched (which was two years ago -- I missed last year's spring game) had me scratching my head and googling the rules.
4.)  Stupidly, I still got confused, because it took me a bit too long to realize the blue qb was with the white team and the white qb was with the blue team.
5.)  I do think the announcer guy was working a little too hard to make it look like he was just one of the guys, what with calling them SA-SA and HACK, as if they were his fraternity brothers.
6.)  But I will give him credit for announcing that the 5'6" ALLEN was "quicker than a hiccup" ... which I have to admit is pretty damn quick.
7.)  That is one sure way to guarantee that there are no sacks (to make us remember the troubles from last year) ... have a spring game rule that the qb is "off-limits".
8.)  Speaking of qbs -- will MCSORLEY follow in the footsteps of that other MCqb from just a few years back (and it was good to get an update on MCGLOIN during the broadcast)?
9.)  Congratulations!  We won!!  In a blowout!!!  (No hurt feelings STEVENS -- since, after all, you're one of us!)

In closing, thanks to past player ROBINSON for saying in his interview what I've been saying during the whole drama these last few years -- that the names need to stay OFF the jerseys ... and here's to a Labor Day weekend game at Kent State!

GET READY FOR MCSORLEY:
http://victorybellrings.com/2016/06/01/penn-state-football-trace-mcsorley-set-to-lead-nittany-lions-on-offense/

GET READY FOR STEVENS:
http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2016/3/24/11295764/counterpoint-tommy-stevens-penn-state-nittany-lions-starting-quarterback-2016-james-franklin

GET READY FOR THE 2016 SEASON:
http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2016/04/will_penn_state_reach_the_seve.html

Random Posting for Penn State 1/2/16

Here are 9 Nittany Nuggets from today's game:

1.)  Hey -- remember our bowl game from last year and our comeback?  This was *almost* like that.
2.)  To be clear, lest you think the above nugget is snark, I sincerely appreciate the rally and the need to watch every last second of this game.
3.)  So HACKENBERG ... is *this* how it ends?  Hope your shoulder heals well ... and good luck in the draft.
4.)  Hey Jacksonville ... although it might have been the HD viewing ... you could have "nicened" up the field a bit before today's game ("nicened" is a PA Dutch word).
5.)  Hey sidelines lady announcer ... it's SAquon ... not SHAquon.  SMH.
6.)  Hey Austin JOHNSON ... cool it on the celebratory shenanigans.  After one "unsportsmanlike conduct" penalty, I wished we would have been back in the JoePa era, where we would have watched you get benched for being a too-big-for-his-britches-douche.
7.)  Here's the last one of this season ... and the first one for 2016 ... of what will hopefully be many many more ... but attaboy BARKLEY!
8.)  Do Georgia fans have a thing for "booing"?  Or was I mishearing?  Or was this like at a Pearl Jam concert when everyone yells Boo ... because there's a guy named Boo?
9.)  I do like me some Penn State, but when I found out Georgia's kicker was a local boy from Ft. Lauderdale, I felt like maybe I should cheer for him whenever he was in play.  However, that dissonance was resolved ... because kicker boy from the FTL left the game with a hurt ankle, removing my allegiance quandary.

In closing, thanks to Trace MCSORELY, who I'm sure came to Jacksonville for the Florida sunshine and ended up having to do a whole lot more ... and here's to the Blue&White game on April 16th ... followed by the home game against Kent State on Labor Day weekend!

Rest up you players!  Recruit up you leadership!

OUR NEXT SLATE OF GAMES:
http://www.fbschedules.com/ncaa-16/2016-penn-state-nittany-lions-football-schedule.php

IT'S OFFICIAL!:
http://www.ydr.com/story/sports/college/penn-state/football/2016/01/02/psus-hackenberg-wont-return-taxslayer-bowl/78205008/

WHAT I FOUND WHEN I WENT LOOKING FOR BOOING BULLDOG FANS:
http://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/sec-football/auburn-fan-writes-open-letter-mistreatment-athens/

Random Posting for Penn State 11/28/15

Here are 9 Nittany Nuggets from today's game:

1.)  Um ... ugh.
2.)  Um ... sorry Columbus.  Believe me, we're upset that we couldn't "upset".
3.)  This isn't sour grapes, but the *only* time that opposing coach cracked a smile is when he let that fat kid senior run in that touchdown.
4.)  This *also* isn't sour grapes, and I don't think I've ever been to East Lansing, but that Spartan statue better put on some weight if it's going to survive the winter.
5.)  I do not like the "scoop and score".  Just sayin'.
6.)  Despite today's outcome, congrats HACKENBERG on securing that last record (most TD passes) from MCGLOIN in today's game.
7.)  And if my hashmarks are correct, I do believe you kept the sacks *under* last year's total (just by a few).
8.)  Atta boy BARKLEY!  Can't wait until next year!
9.)  Hey announcerman Brock ... that Hasselback guy is married, so you can stop crushing on him so creepily.

In closing, thanks to everyone who supported the team this year ... and here's to our bowl game, whether in Nashville or California (or elsewhere)!

THE BOWL SCHEDULE:
http://www.fbschedules.com/ncaa/college-football-bowl-schedule.php

THE LATEST PREDICTIONS:
http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2015/11/could_penn_state_get_more_2017.html

HAPPY THANKSGIVING WEEKEND!:
http://www.pennlive.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/11/watch_the_ultimate_penn_state.html

Random Posting for Penn State 11/21/15

Here are 9 Nittany Nuggets from today's game:

1.)  This isn't sour grapes ... but the first thing I thought of when they showed the few yellow jerseys in today's white out was ... DON'T EAT THE YELLOW SNOW!
2.)  Oh HACKENBERG, they did kind of throw you around a bit today, didn't they?
3.)  But, as a consolation, congrats on tying McGloin on TD passes (after already taking most of the other firsts from him earlier this season).
4.)  We've come so far from the days when a penalty for "illegal touching" would have caused a snicker or two from the crowd.
5.)  Speaking of the past, that was a great ZETTEL story at the top of the broadcast regarding how he turned around from his road trip headed to a new school after that scandal broke to come back to Penn State.
6.)  Speaking of ZETTEL, thanks refs for keeping him in the game on senior day after reversing that incorrect penalty for targeting.
7.)  Speaking of the refs, SNODGRASS sounds like someone from the Harry Potter series.
8.)  Hey announcermen ... feel free to retire the phrases "recovered the muff" and "gang tackled" from your quiver of quotes.
9.) I can't post and not say ... atta boy BARKLEY!

In closing, thanks to Fruit of the Loom for your "stay-tucked" commercial that made me smile when the game started to make sad ... and here's to the late afternoon final game of this season next Saturday over the holiday weekend!

A COMPARISON FROM 2013:
http://www.ispot.tv/ad/7QNa/fruit-of-the-loom-stay-tucked-crew-test

A NOTE ON THE LEGACY AS OF 2015:
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/psu/2015/11/20/Christian-Hackenberg-s-legacy-unlike-any-other-at-Penn-State/stories/201511200165

TEE HEE .. MADE ME SMILE TODAY:
http://www.ispot.tv/ad/7QNa/fruit-of-the-loom-stay-tucked-crew-test

Random Posting for Penn State 11/14/15

Here are NO Nittany Nuggets from today's game:

Because, FINALLY, we've a bye week!

So I will use it to make an announcement.  All season, I've been waiting to determine who's going to inherit my most deserving commentary now that FICKEN has graduated.  As much as I thought it *might* have been JO-EY ... it looks like I can't deny the facts any longer.

Moving forward, as appropriate (with the understanding that it's almost *always* going to be appropriate), my ATTA BOYs are going to highlight the amazing talent of SAQUON BARKLEY.  (Even though one of his secrets [the use of a trampoline to help him with his awesome hurdling] was recently disclosed, as this image from the shut-out against Illinois.)

Here's to our (rested) return next week (at a time still be to be determined ...)

JO-EY CAN STILL COME BACK:
http://cumberlink.com/sports/penn-state-fb/college-football-julius-s-errors-could-cost-him-starting-job/article_afc0a320-eae8-5763-ad18-b554ba2cf1a3.html

ATTA BOY BARKLEY:
http://saturdaytradition.com/penn-state-football/barkley-pff-frosh/

THE BOYS ARE STILL BUSY DURING THE BYE WEEK:
http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2015/11/penn_state_wally_triplett_james_franklin.html

Random Posting for Penn State 11/7/15

Here are 9 Nittany Nuggets from today's game:

1.)  Well *that* was a fourth quarter from which you couldn't look away.
2.)  In a match up of "well-rested" versus "*still* hasn't had a bye week", it looks like "well-rested" wins out.
3.)  On the bright side, that's another first quarter in the record books where we didn't let the opponent score.
4.)  On the not so bright side, sorry for that interception, HACKENBERG ... that was a really good run though.
5.)  I saw the temp was 50 degrees and windy ... which made me homesick for Chitown a bit, seeing as how 50 degrees was the trigger point as to whether the windows were opened or not.
6.)  Speaking of which ... if nothing else, the game provided a lot of photos of places I've been (hey ... I know that lighthouse!  and that giant lake!) ...
7.)  Dear announcermen, you said "thread the needle" so much today that I almost thought I was watching Project Runway.
8.)  Call me old-fashioned, but I think there should be a rule that if your hair is so long that it covers the name on your jersey (for those teams that print names on jerseys, that is), then you should be disqualified from the football.
9.)  Although, I can't lie, Northwestern's VITALE could probably get a hair shampoo/conditioner commercial if he wanted to.

And in closing, thanks to Coplay PA for giving us SAQUON (admittedly, I grew up in central PA and had to go google it to find out where it was) ... and here's to a week off to recover and recuperate and recharge so that we can be well-rested before the last two back to back Michigan games of the season.

THAT STRETCH WITHOUT AN INTERCEPTION *WAS* A GREAT RUN:
http://www.mcall.com/sports/college/psu/mc-penn-state-football-northwestern-preview-2-20151105-story.html

CALL ME OLD FASHIONED, BUT THESE BOYS SHOULD GET THEIR HAIR DONE:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dc-sports-bog/wp/2015/10/08/redskins-matt-jones-explains-what-it-feels-like-to-be-tackled-by-your-hair/

THE TOWN THAT GAVE US SAQUON (I HAD TO GOOGLE WHERE IT WAS IN PA):
http://www.coplayborough.org/