Is Penn State Good?

Penn State's football season has consisted of two early season interesting games. The games opponents were as different as two opponents can be. In the first game they faced Youngstown State and was able to overwhelm them rather easily. Thier next opponent, Alabama University, is the number one ranked team in the country, and Penn State found itself on the side of being overwhelmed. At this point they found themselves with a record of one and one and not quite certain of how good of a team they are. They had two nonconference games left to figure it out before they begun Big Ten play.

Thier opening game was an easy victory. Within the FCS division Youngstown State is a good team, but they were no match. Penn State's true freshmen starting quarterback, Robert Bolden, played very well, but he was not heavily pressured and the coaches did not put in any difficult plays. Bolden was as comfortable in the pocket as a beloved patient in an assisted living Illinois home. Their running backs, led by the experience of Evan Royster, were able to average 4.6 yards a carry.

Last year, because of his age and the excitement, it appeared as if head coach Joe Paterno was going to be carried off the field into a cardiac rehab program. After the first game, Coach Paterno was comfortable and optimistic. Although he was nervous about starting a true freshmen at quarterback, Coach Paterno seemed satisfied with his decision. The Alabama game was a week away and Bolden would be starting.

The need for a cardiac rehabilitation program for fans may have increased as Bolden and the offense self destructed three times deep inside Alabama territory. With the defense unable to effectively stop Alabama's offense the team was depending on the offense to produce. Unfortunately, the Penn State's offense committed three turnovers at crucial moments of the game. Bolden was responsible for two of them as he threw two interceptions. Without these turnovers the game may have looked differently than the 24 to 3 final score.

Will Penn State's season go differently than last year? Or, will Bolden and Royster be able to lead the team to another successful season without putting Coach Paterno in acardiac rehab program? The people of Riverside Medical Center wish all the teams good luck this year. We hope that players play well and safe. We look forward to rooting for our favorite Big Ten teams and helping some of their fans with their cardiac rehabilitation program. And, we want to make sure those elderly fans who need some assistance can turn to us for their assisted living Illinois needs. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alice_Lane

Five Facts You May Not Know About Penn State Nittany Lions Football

The Penn State Nittany Lions are one of the most famous college football teams in the country.  Through the 2007 season they have won two national championships and have had numerous players drafted into the world of professional football.  The first thing many people think of when Penn State's football program first crosses their mind is the incredible longevity of their head coach Joe Paterno.  His first year coaching the team was in

1.  Penn State did go undefeated in the first year it competed intercollegiately in football.  The year was 1887 and there were only two games on the schedule.

2.  The Lambert Trophy is awarded every season to the best college football team located on the east coast.  It has been awarded every season since 1936.  Penn State has won the award 26 different times.

3.  The first African-American football player to be drafted and then play for an NFL team was Wally Triplett who was a star running back for the Penn State Nittany Lions.

4.  Matt Bahr, former kicker for the Penn State football team from 1976-78, went on to play in the National Football League for six different teams over fifteen seasons including the Pittsburgh Steelers (1979-80), San Francisco 49ers (1981), Cleveland Browns (1981-89), New York Giants (1990-92), Philadelphia Eagles (1993), and New England Patriots (1993-95).  No Penn State football player has gone on to play in more total professional football games than Matt Bahr who appeared in 235 contests.

5.  In 1987, 13 Penn State football players were selected in the NFL Draft.  This was the most Nittany Lions players ever selected in one year.

Penn State is easily one of the most famous schools in all of college football and longtime head coach Joe Paterno had a great deal to do with this.  Under his watch the team has had undefeated seasons, national championships, and after joining the Big Ten Conference in 1993, conference championships as well.  Penn State has built one of the more respectable football programs in the country and there is no reason to think that they will not continue to experience great success in the future.

Mark writes and maintains Big10.info, learn some great facts about Penn State football or other Big 10 Conference information at Big10.info! Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Peters

2010 College Football Predictions - Penn State

The Penn State Nittany Lions were not able to win back-to-back Big Ten titles. They finished just off the pace at 6-2 in conference play, but it was still a great season. Penn State ended its 2009 campaign at 11-2 after edging out LSU in the Capital One Bowl. Penn State's defense was the best in the Big Ten in terms of points allowed in 2009. The 2010 Nittany Lions will have to depend even more on the defensive side of the football following the loss of quarterback Daryll Clark. Clark's absence will make it tough for the Nittany Lions to win the Big Ten and to challenge for a national title, which is what head coach Joe Paterno strives for each year. The schedule makes these goals even more difficult. Penn State has to play Alabama, Iowa and Ohio State on the road.

Offense: It will be tough to replace Clark, who now holds Penn State records for career touchdown passes (43), career touchdowns (65), touchdown passes in a season (24), touchdowns in a season (31) and passing yards in a season (3,003). Kevin Newsome will likely be the guy that tries to fill Clark's big shoes. It's clear that Newsome is not the passer that Clark was, but he is a talented runner. Coach Paterno has proven to be good at adjusting his offenses to suit the players he has. With this in mind, I wouldn't be surprised to see Penn State revert back to a more run oriented scheme like they ran in 2005 when they won the league. The loss of Clark hurts, but at least running back Evan Royster is still around. Royster followed his strong 2008 campaign by rushing for 1,169 yards and six touchdowns in 2009. A more run-heavy offense could take away some of Penn State's big play ability. This means that wide receiver Derek Moye could see his numbers decline. Moye caught 48 passes for 785 yards and six scores last season. Paterno has also expressed concerns with the offensive line following the team's spring tune up.

Defense: The offense may take a step back, but a defense which led the Big Ten in points allowed and finished second in yards allowed will keep the Nittany Lions among the conference elite. Penn State allowed only 12.2 points per game and gave up only 274.5 yards per game last season. The defense was exceptional at stopping the run, only giving up 89.9 rushing yards per game last year. With big nose tackle Ollie Ogbu back, the Nittany Lions should continue to stuff the run in 2010. At defensive end, Penn State's top returning sack man, Jack Crawford, appears poised for a breakout season. He came up with 5.5 sacks last year. The secondary is solid with three of four starters back.

Prediction: 4th Big Ten - I don't think a Big Ten title is in the cards for Penn State this season. The defense will remain top notch, but the offense won't be nearly as explosive without Clark. Still, 2010 figures to be another year in which the Nittany Lions can challenge for double-digit wins. College football linesmakers have listed Penn State at +5000 to win the BCS title.

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Fathers and Sons at Penn State

The father son relationship is often a strong one. The son looks to the father as the prime example as how to live his life. The father is honored by the son's devotion and takes more pride in his son's accomplishments than his own. This story is lived every year throughout the United States, but in the world of college football no place sees the father son story more than Penn State. The family connection runs very deep at Penn State. A person looking at a current roster for the Nittany Lions will recognize some of the last names.

The two most prominent names are Suhey and Shuler. The Suhey family is well adored at Penn State. Current fullback Joe Suhey's father, Matt, played for the team in the late 1970s. Matt's brothers, Larry and Paul, also played for the Nittany Lions. Matt, Larry, and Paul's mother's maiden name was Ginger Higgins. Ginger Higgins married Steve Suhey who played for Penn State coach Bob Higgins. Bob Higgins was the head coach between 1930 and 1949. And added bit of fun to the Suhey family story is when Joe Paterno first came to Penn State as an assistant coach he rented a room from the Suhey family. Even though he lives in the greater Chicago area, do not expect to see Matt being wheeled away to a Chicagoland assisted living center any time soon. He is very happy pacing the Penn State sideline to see the Suhey legacy play on.

Another dad enjoying the Penn State sideline again is Mickey Shuler, Sr. Mickey, Jr. is the Nittany Lions' tight end. The Shuler story is a little similar to the Suhey story. Both sons are playing their dad's positions. Perhaps, Mickey, Jr. can follow dad's footsteps into the NFL. If he does, we hope, like his dad, he can avoid having to use Chicagoland healthcare when he plays against the Bears.

The one man who is not only a father in this Penn State story, but also a father figure, is Joe Paterno. Although Joe has been head coach for 44 years he will not be visiting a Chicagoland hospital soon. He is very content coaching. Expect to see him coaching more sons of former players in the future. We can understand the devotion his players have for him through an answer he gave after winning the national championship in 1986. Joe was asked if it was the best team he had ever coached. Joe responded by saying that the reporter should tell him where his players were in 25 years, then he would answer. Joe understands that college football is game, but the education that Penn State provides is a means to a good and productive life. This is why so many fathers entrust their sons to the Penn State football program.

Riverside Medical Center beliefs that the father and sons playing and growing in the Chicago area are great people. Fathers who need to help their sons receive the best medical treatment should look at our Chicagoland healthcare, and we encourage sons who are looking for the proper care for their aging fathers to look to our Chicagoland assisted living facilities. Visit Riverside Medical Center today and check out our award-winningChicagoland hospital. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alice_Lane

You Would Be Surprised at the High Level of Coaching on American Football Teams in Europe

In John Rosenberg's 40 years as a football coach, he has succeeded at every level. He is a man of many talents and interests; John is also a writer, an inventor, a radio broadcaster, a traveler and much else besides. Nevertheless, football is his passion and he has become one of the finest American football coaches in Europe. In his 16 seasons of coaching in Europe he has compiled an 80% winning record both as a head coach and coordinator for clubs in Germany and Italy. He laid the foundation for this with an outstanding college coaching career.

Growing up in Boston John graduated from Harvard and then obtained his Masters degree in Education at Penn State, where he launched his coaching career spending 11 years under the tutelage of the legendary Penn State head coach, Joe Paterno.

Those seasons under one of the greatest college coaches of all time taught him a great deal with memories that will remain a lifetime. While at Penn State, he coached in 11 bowl games including two national championship games. In 1982, he helped Penn State win its first national championship defeating the University of Georgia (with Herschel Walker) in the Sugar Bowl. However, he admits that one of his most satisfying experiences was coaching against Dan Marino in Marino's final game at Pitt before heading to the Miami Dolphins.

"I was coaching the defensive secondary and we fell behind 14-0 in the first quarter under Marino's passing attack," said Rosenberg. "But Coach Paterno convinced us to remain patient and stick to our plan, and gradually we turned the game around, winning 48-14 while picking off five Marino passes."

Following Penn State, John took over as head coach at Brown University in 1984 and led them to three straight winning seasons including a 7-3 record in 1987. He left in 1990 to pursue other interests. In 1994 he was enticed to return to coaching full time, this time in Europe. At the urging of an old friend John accepted the job as head coach of the Munich Thunder in the newly-formed Football League of Europe. He guided the team to the championship final in that first season. A key factor was his ability to attract former Notre Dame star QB and Heisman trophy runner-up Tony Rice to the team.

Since then, he has returned to Europe to coach every season but three. He enjoys the lifestyle which allows him to spend five or six months at home, which means both Boston, and Los Angeles, and then six to seven months coaching in Europe. As head coach, or defensive coordinator of teams ranging from the Cologne Crocodiles to the Bergamo Lions, John has reached either the German or Italian finals almost every year but three.

One of his most memorable games was the 2002 German championship when, as coach for the Hamburg Blue Devils, he guided the team to a major upset over the perennial champions, the Braunschweig Lions who were undefeated until that game. He engineered an amazing turnaround when he assumed command of the Munich Cowboys in 2007, after the team had dropped to the very bottom of Division 2 in Germany. In one season he turned a 1-12 squad into a 14-0 undefeated team the next year advancing the team to the first division again.

This year John finds himself in Plattling, a small town in southeast Germany (Bavaria) with a population of about 20,000. The Plattling Blackhawks play in Germany's top division and John likes the attitude of the club and the fan support.

"The club president has developed good sponsors which has helped in recruiting," he says. "For a small town like this to be represented in one of the best football leagues in Europe is remarkable."

Rosenberg has no plans to retire. And why should he? He gets to coach football, enjoy Europe and still get back to enjoy football in North America and all his other interests as well.

My name is Roger Kelly and I have the largest website of its kind in the world to help American football players and coaches find football teams in Europe - http://www.europlayers.com - and we now have more than 15,000 registered members and 750 teams throughout Europe on the site. http://www.europlayers.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Roger_Kelly

Why Penn State Doesn't Deserve a Shot at the National Title

Penn State vs. Ohio State. This was horrible football. This was nothing more than a field goal kicking contest until late in the fourth quarter, when Penn States' back up quarterback finally made something happen. I can only hope that the all knowing BCS would keep an undefeated but MORE IMPORTANTLY UNDESERVING Penn State team out of the National Title hunt because we all know what Texas vs. Penn State would look like.

A massacre Texas would not only look superior offensively but there defense I think would also stand the test to a lack luster offense that failed to get anything going last night.

Somebody is going to need to help them if they play an SEC team, cuz there's gonna be injuries!

I have faith in the BCS, and it isn't like they haven't kept teams out before. I'm sure this year will be no different It would just be really nice to get an evenly matched opponent like Texas or USC. Nobody wants to see some team from the big 10 get hammered again,against stronger faster defenses.

I still think Penn state loses at the end of the season to Michigan State. So don't get worried just yet, the chances are very good to see a SEC - Big 12 match up this year in the National Title Game.

Next week will show us even more of who is to play for the crown. Florida will play Georgia in a do or die match up in the East.

Texas and a undefeated Texas Tech go head to head. Texas Tech looked more than impressive in a 63-21 trouncing of number 22 Kansas, so don't think Texas is off the hook yet.

And USC looked vulnerable again in a 17-10 win over conference opponent Arizona, so don't think they are gonna go away just yet either. The media is going to push this team down your throat like its eggs and bacon. But it aint, its crap. Its horse crap. The two toughest teams come from the two toughest divisions! Don't blame me because you didn't schedule any non conference opponents worth playing.

For better or worse I am no fair-weather fan, but I demand to see the best teams play, and if you are a true fan you will wanna see that too. Till next time its B-RAD from the Boot signing off.

Brad from the boot signing off. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brad_Rodriguez

Joe Paterno Biography

Joseph Vincent Paterno (born December 21, 1926 in Brooklyn, New York) is a coach of Pennsylvania State University's college football team. Paterno began life as the child of the Depression. He nearly had to leave high school because the tuition of $20 a month was such a burden for his family. In 1944, Paterno graduated from Brooklyn Prep and headed to Brown University to study and play football. At Brown, Paterno was a capable but unspectacular quarterback. He did hone his skills as a leader. After graduation in 1950, Paterno joined Hall of Famer Rip Engel at Penn State as an assistant coach. Upon Engel's retirement in 1965, Paterno was named coach of the Nittany Lions for the 1966 season. Paterno was just 5-5 for 1966. The following season he led the Lions to 8 wins and the Gator Bowl. Paterno had his first undefeated season in 1968. He followed it by going undefeated in 1969. From 1973 to 1983, Paterno's teams made a bowl game after every season. He also claimed his first national title in 1982. Many thought Paterno crowned his Hall of Fame resume by going 12-0 with a national championship in 1986, but Paterno was not finished. He continued to field a top team throughout the 1980s and into the 1990s. In 1994, led by quarterback Kerry Collins, Paterno's team went undefeated for a fifth time. They were denied the national title, however, finishing second to undefeated Nebraska. Still coaching at age 77, Paterno has since broken the record for most wins in NCAA Division I football. He currently stands second, behind Bobby Bowden of Florida State University, with 339 wins. With his program not as successful as in the past, Paterno has endured a controversial period with the media calling for his retirement. Paterno has rebuffed all calls for his retirement and has stated he will fulfill his contract which runs out in 2006. Paterno is an icon at Penn State. In 2000, Joe, and wife Sue, gave Penn State $2 million to expand the library which was named the Paterno Library in their honor. The 2004 season will be his 55th season at the University either as an assistant or head coach, a record for any football coach at any university.

Joe Paterno Resources

Penn State - Roar of a Lion

Penn State University: From a humble beginning as an agricultural college, to a world-class university. The University is located within the city of State College, in Centre County, Pennsylvania. Although a smaller city, approximately 38,720 borough population (2007 census), and roughly double that total live in the borough and surrounding areas, State College is a thriving community. The city was ranked as the second safest metropolitan area in the United States, by CQ Press (Congressional Quarterly).

On February 22, 1855, then Pennsylvania Governor James Pollock signed the charter that created what is today, The Pennsylvania State University. Initially a small college dedicated to the study of scientific agriculture, Penn State was designated the Commonwealth's sole land-grant institution in 1863, and has grown to become one of the world's most distinguished public universities.

Penn State ranks well among other colleges nationwide. According to a report by the U.S. News & World Report of America's Best Colleges for 2010 (Undergraduate Programs):

1.Best National Universities: Penn State ranks 47th.

2.Top 50 Public National Universities: Penn State ranks 15th.

3.Best Undergraduate Business Programs: Pen State ranks 21st.

4.Undergraduate Business Specialties, Supply Chain Management/Logistics: Penn State ranks 3rd.

5.Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs: Penn State tied for 17th nationally.

6.Undergraduate Engineering Specialties: Industrial/Manufacturing: Penn State ranks 4th.

But, this University is not just about cracking books and burning the midnight oil; Penn State is also about football. Each autumn, people living in "Happy Valley" say the roar of a mountain lion can be heard. Some people say the roar can be heard rumbling through the streets, over mountain passes, and throughout the rolling hills of the area. But, mountain lions are not uncommon in this area, and can be seen in the Nittany Mountains surrounding State College.

However, this particular lion is better known as "Joe Paterno." Joe Paterno is the Head Coach of the Penn State football team. Coach Paterno is not a new-comer to the university, Pennsylvania, or football.

Joe Paterno, was the Penn State assistant coach in 1960. He was enshrined into the National Football Foundation's College Hall of Fame on July 19, 2007.

In 1968, he was a member of the Penn State coaching staff. Additionally, he received the Gold Medal, the National Football Foundation's highest honor, along with Florida State's Bobby Bowden, in a video presentation at the 2006 Hall of Fame Awards Dinner.

Coach Paterno is a five-time National Coach of the Year honoree, and has 372 career victories, ranking second to Florida State's Bobby Bowden (373).

In 1969, Coach Paterno was in his 43rd season as head coach of the Nittany Lions. Paterno was was injured in a sideline collision during a November 2006 game at Wisconsin, and his induction into the Hall of Fame had to be delayed until 2007.

In 1972, Coach Paterno received the Cotton Bowl trophy, as the Nittany Lions defeated the University of Texas by a score of 30-6. He is the all-time leader among coaches in bowl appearances and victories (23-10-1). His 69.1 winning percentage is second-best all-time among coaches with at least 12 bowl appearances.

On January 1, 1983, the Penn State Nittany Lions defeated Georgia (27-23) to earn their first National Championship, under Coach Paterno's leadership. And, Paterno's teams have recorded five undefeated seasons, 21 finishes in the AP Top 10, 33 Top 25 finishes, and two National Championships.

Paterno has coached 74 All-Americans, 15 NFF National Scholar-Athletes, more than 300 future NFL players, and seven members of the College Football Hall of Fame.

Head Coach Paterno was the 21st member of the Penn State Football family to be enshrined into the Hall of Fame. He joined four former coaches and 16 players, seven of whom he coached - John Cappalletti, Keith Dorney, Jack Ham, Ted Kwalick, Lydell Mitchell, Dennis Onkotz, and Mike Reid. Former Nittany Lion coaches Dick Harlow (1915-1917), Hugo Bezdek (1918-1929), Bob Higgins (1930-1948), and Rip Engle (1950-1965) are also members of the Hall of Fame.

But, this lion is more than just a coach, he also gives back. In 1998, Joe and Sue Paterno gave a $3.5 million gift to Penn State. In total, the Paternos have given more than $4 million to the University to help causes, such as the library, scholarships, and the spiritual center.

Prior to the beginning of a game, Coach Paterno told his team to "Cheer, don't boo. Have fun and behave."

Head Coach Joe Paterno's Record:

Overall: Won 372, Lost 125, Tied 3 (Winning percentage 74.7)

Regular Season Record: Won 349, Lost 115, Tied 2 (75.1%)

Bowl Record: Won 23, Lost 10, Tied 1 (69.1%)

New Year's Bowl Record: Won 15, Lost 6 (72.7%)

Keep roaring, Joe!

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first major college coach with 400 victories

You're Never Too Old: Ask "Joe Pa"

I recently had the privilege of watching Joe Paterno, head coach of The Pennsylvania State Nittany Lions football team, coach his way to an exciting, (triple overtime!) Orange Bowl win.

'Joe Pa,' as he is affectionately known by both critics and admirers, turned 79 in December. He is the oldest active coach of a major football team, finished this season with 10 wins and only 1 loss, and was rewarded with a New Year's day trip to a major bowl game. He also won this year's Associated Press "Coach of the Year" honors.

What's interesting about his achievement is that it comes on the heels of some very tough seasons. Championship games were certainly not predicted. In fact, he had been dubbed "too old" and "past his prime" by the press and others at the university campus.

Also of note? His team beat the only other team led by a coach with more career wins than Paterno - Florida State University's Bobby Bowden. Coach Bowden is a mere 76 years old.

So why does our culture continue to look at the 40's and 50's as our 'prime' years? What about people like Paterno and Bowden? They have good company: Picasso, Grandma Moses, Paul McCartney, Fran Goodwin and Lucille Chamberlain... This is a short list of people, past and present, world famous and local, who just seem to produce 'more and better' and become more vibrant and productive with every passing year.

Our culture is quick to use age as an excuse for failing performance. Maybe 'seniority' just gives us the patience to avoid excuse-making, the confidence to be fully ourselves and the wisdom to know that most things happen in cycles.... and that if we just keep doing what we know how to do, to the best of our ability, we'll get to play in another championship game - no matter what our talent. Good coaches are never too old to win.

Lawrence Bienemann is a co-founder of The Sheng Group, a management consulting company. He is an RSVP volunteer in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. In addition, he writes and speaks on issues related to 'outrageous aging.' You can reach him by e-mail at lawrenceb@wildblue.net or at 603-838-6577 Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lawrence_Bienemann