Our Record: 11-2

Losses: at Michigan, vs. USC (Rose Bowl)

 Offensive Player to Watch:  I was going to say Andrew Quarless but since he’s in the doghouse for the first few games I’m going with Ausin Scott.  I know this is a safe pick but I really think he’ll come into his final year trying to prove he’s not a bust and playing for his NFL future.

 Defensive Player to Watch:  I love the way that Sean Lee came on towards the end of last year.  He has all the instincts of Poz with maybe a bit more speed. 

Game of the Year:  I think we’re going to beat Wisconsin at home in OT.  My call to win it is a Morelli to Norwood TD pass followed by a Connor-Lee-Scirotto goal line stuff of P.J. Hill on fourth and goal.

 Best Moment: A.J. Wallace takes back the opening kickoff for a TD against Notre Dame sending the crowd into a frenzy and Charlie Weis to the Sheetz concession stand on the mezzanine level for an MTO.

 Worst Moment: Chad Henne runs for a 13 yard TD with seconds left to beat PSU for the ninth straight time on 9/22 in the Big House.  After the game, Beano attempts to do a header off the last row of Michigan Stadium only to land on the idiot Michigan guy that dresses up like a super hero for every game.  Win some, lose some - oh well.

 I hope everyone enjoyed my best Jonny Carson Carnac attempt.  I really do believe that this could be a special season IF a lot of things fall into place.  We need some bounces and breaks and some more aggressive game-planning for starters.  We also need some of the guys in key positions (Morelli, Scott, Connor) to step up and lead. 

We’re down to 1 more day until we meet on Services Road, so get the ice in the cooler and paint the washers Rich because Beano and I got winners!  And by the way, my pick for Saturday is the good guys 44, FIU 7.

First off, let’s take a look at the forecast.  Accu-Weather.com is predicting heavy rain tonight into the day tomorrow.  Their best guess is that the State College area will end up with around 4.5 inches of precipitation before Ernesto exits the area.  Penn State has already taken a few precautions, cancelling Friday night’s Football Eve celebration and issuing a parking advisory for fans attending Saturday’s season opener.  As for what we can expect come game time, Accu-Weather has told the Centre Daily Times that the heavy stuff should be gone by kickoff.  Let’s hope so!

So how will the wet track change the outcome on Saturday?  For starters, it’s going to make establishing a potent ground attack imperative.  This favors the Nittany Lions.  Even though he will be running behind an inexperienced line and will be without lead blocker BranDon Snow, Tony Hunt should be able to find some space in the 3-3-5 alignment that Akron uses.  Another positive I see for the Lions is the effect that the weather may have on the passing game.  While both quarterbacks need to throw the same wet ball and both receivers need to catch that same ball, I believe that Akron will need to rely on the pass much more than Penn State will.  In addition, let’s not forget what we saw from Anthony Morelli when he was throwing 30 yard darts in the dismal conditions that presented themselves during the Blue/White game in April.

What I don’t like about this forecast is the potential it has to be an equalizer for the underdog.  The wet track will most definitely negate some of the advantage that the Nittany Lions had with regards to athleticism and team speed on the outside.  These conditions typically lead to an attack that is designed to go between the tackles, which I still feel that Penn State can take advantage of.  I also know that with a wet ball comes the increased likelihood of turnovers.  The one way that I see the Zips staying in this thing late is if Penn State allows them to by coughing it up.  Look for the coaches to work with their ballhandlers on protecting a wet ball.

With all that being said, I really think the Lions win this one due to their depth during the second half.  I look for the bigger and stronger Lion fronts to wear down the Zips on both sides of the ball.  I also don’t expect to see much creativity from Penn State’s offensive game plan due to the weather conditions and the Fighting Irish looming a week from Saturday.

My Prediction:  Penn State 31, Akron 13

Joe Paterno’s Press Conference Transcript

Akron coach J.D. Brookhart’s Press Conference Transcript

Centre Daily Times article

Harrisburg Patriot News article

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article

While the Zips went just 7-6 a year ago, they managed to win 4 of their last 6, including the MAC Championship game against Northern Illinois.  A big part of their success revolved around the play of quarterback Luke Getsy.  During the 2005 season, Getsy threw for 3,455 yards and a school record 23 touchdowns.  He comes into this season ranked 5^th among returning quarterbacks in yards passing and 6^th in completions and touchdown passes.  He also holds 22 records at Akron after just 1 season as a starter. 

On the other side of the ball, the Zips return 9 of their top 11 tacklers from 2005.  One Zip defender getting pre-season attention is defensive lineman Kiki Gonzalez.  Earning second team all-MAC honors last season, Gonzalez has already been named to the 2006 pre-season all-MAC team and is one of 101 candidates to take home the Lombardi Award, which is given annually to the nation’s top lineman.

Akron by the numbers…

• Has lost 11 of its last 12 season openers
• Is 1-14 all time against the Big Ten
• Ranked 90^th nationally in turnover margin but 32^nd in total defense last season
• Ranked 103^rd in rushing offense and 21^st in passing offense during the 2005 season
• QB Luke Getsy has thrown just 1 interception in his last 149 attempts

Sunday/Monday: Statistics 100 - It’s a 3-credit course where we’ll look at the previous week’s outcome by crunching numbers

Tuesday: Behind Enemy Lines - A preview of this week’s opponent

Wednesday: The Media Blitz - Comments from Coach Paterno and the Nittany Lions once they have met with the media.  I’ll also see if I can dig up comments from the opposition as well.

Thursday: Saturday’s Script - A look at the key matchups that may impact the outcome on Saturday.

Friday: Metzger the Greek - a.k.a, prediction time.  I’ll do my best to tell you what I think will happen in our game as well as some other marquee matchups around the nation.

Stay tuned…