A few people have written in, asking if I’m actually happy about the prospect of Penn State players possibly facing legal charges, since the incident has taken up 80% of the recent posts on this site.
Far from it.
While I’m a huge fan of the Fulmer Cup, it doesn’t really give me much pride to possibly see Penn State on the leaderboard. Still, if it’s going to happen, we might as well have some fun with it. Also, since there is absolutely no official information coming from the PSU Athletic Department, the State College Police Department, the Centre County District Attorney’s Office, the Centre Daily Times, The Daily Collegian, or either of the major Scout/Rivals sites, it’s up to somebody to compile the ridiculous rumors and allegations that have been floating around the internet. I’d like to think that this site has helped fill the information void, if only to a small extent.
Depending on who you talk to, the situation is either a looming storm that will result in suspensions and a depleted defensive backfield, or it’s…well, next to nothing. Either the District Attorney is going to take its annual swipe at the football program, or the entire ordeal will be resolved with a combination of players being temporarily relegated to the third team and forced to run, run, run the stadium steps until Joe Paterno is satisfied. If you polled the people who have even a little knowledge about the incident and its possible outcomes, the camps seem to be evenly divided between, “holy crap, this is bad” and “much ado about nothing”. It’s really quite amazing that nobody can get a good read on the story.
The truth of the matter is, I think this year’s Nittany Lions are capable of insanely great things this season — if the situation doesn’t result in any serious legal, quasi-legal, or Paterno-imposed punishment. Here’s why:
The spring practice reports regarding Austin Scott have been beyond glowing. If I had a nickel for everytime I’ve read that he is finally running like his high school highlight reel, I would…well, I’d have a dollar. But that’s still pretty good. Also, Rodney Kinlaw has been a pleasant surprise and will be a more than capable backup to Scott.
The offensive line finally seems like it’s coming together. Of course, we heard that last spring as well, and the offensive line turned out to be a giant shitshow for the better part of twelve games until the Nittany Lions faced Tennessee in the Outback Bowl. So forgive me if I’m not fully ready to put my faith in the offensive line quite yet.
The biggest surprise seems to be — finally! — the emergence of Chris Bell at wide receiver. Cant wait to see him compliment the group of Derrick Williams, Jordan Norwood, and Deon Butler. Also, former QB recruit Brett Brackett is getting a ton of work at WR, which means a potential 6′6″ target for Anthony Morelli to work with.
Defensively, the Lions appear to have simply reloaded. Abe Koroma and Phillip Taylor seem to have the inside track on the starting defensive tackle spots, and are both getting rave reviews from practice observers. If Aaron Maybin and Maurice Evans can stay healthy and produce from the defensive end spots (along with veteran Josh Gaines), the defensive line as a whole should be able to cause enough havoc for the back seven to continue their dominant play from a year ago.
The kicking game, unfortunately, still appears to be a mess. Kevin Kelly hasn’t righted himself yet, and the departure of punter Jeremy Kapinos leaves a giant hole in the Penn State field position game. Let’s hope it doesn’t cost the team any games, because in all honesty, this is the type of team that should win ten games and could be a darkhorse contender for the national championship…if they can win at Michigan. But you know how that story goes:
Hope you’re all having a great weekend, even after watching that horror film above. Also, congratulations to Penn State’s first verbal commitment for the 2007-2008 recruiting season: Blue Mountain H.S. offensive tackle Matt Stankiewitch. Coal region offensive lineman? Just fine with me.
