I never like a loss...let me get that point out in the open first...

This was not that bad of a game.  It was better than the Cotton Bowl against the Vols a few years back.  We were never competitive in that game.  We showed a little on offense, and a little less on defense.  With Morelli under center, Penn State was a balanced offense.  However, when Clark (#17) was under center, run, run, and more run.  Aside from our lack of speed and lack of skill tackling, we weren't that bad...(note the sarcasm).  Our defense needs improvement.  Darnell is a good guy, but not a great D-Coach.  I always use Rules of Thumb.  In baseball, the rule of 4.  Score 4 runs and you should win.  If not blame the pitching.  Score less than 4 runs, you should lose, and blame the hitting.  In football, I use the rule of 17, and we hit it on the number.  Score 17 and lose, blame the D.  Score less than 17, blame the O.  We could have had more, as a 4th down try in the 4th Quarter could have been a chip shot field goal, and we would have had 20.  But our D tried hard, just couldn't seal the deal.

To all of you Penn State fans...nice job.  You traveled well...and were pretty darn vocal.  By my estimate, we had you 2-1 on representation...Except for a couple of bandwagon types in front of me who probably couldn't find State College on a map with help, your fans knew what they were doing.  Even the minor discussion with the retired Penn "Stater" on the merits of the 15 yard flagrant fask mask nullifying one of our first downs (which was not flagrant, but still a penalty), it was good to discuss college football rationally with the enemy.

I guess it is time to scan the recruiting pages and see where we stack up come February...

wally