The Last Paterno Post of the Day

Once again, Happy Birthday Coach, Hope to see you on the sidelines for many more years to come.

(Cake photo credit: Jay Paterno's twitter @JayPaterno)

The Joe Pa Birthday Tribute continues...

Joe Pa twirls batons, sells donuts, and tells Presidents to "shove it"

COME TO PENN STATE!

The Injury and What's Older than Joe Paterno?

It's Joe Paterno Day on the Blog

In honor of Joe Pa's 83rd birthday today, it's going to be Joe Paterno day on the Football in the Heartland blog. I'm going to find the best Joe Paterno related quotes, tweets, video's, and photos.




We'll start with a couple tweets from his son and Penn State assistant Jay Paterno...


"Happy Birthday to Joe Paterno and here's to many more."


"Best birthday advice from Joe Paterno--If no one told you how old you were, How old would you be? "



So here's to you Joe Pa. You're the first person that I have devoted an entire day on the blog for.



(Photo Credits: color photo from nbcsports.msnbc.com, black and white photo from lesterlegends.com)

Capital One Bowl Preview

Penn State vs. LSU

When: Jan. 1 at 1 p.m. on ABC

Where: Orlando, Fla.

What to watch for: This one should be a really interesting match-up. The Tigers are one of the worst in the SEC in total offense and middle of the road in terms of total defense. On the other hand, the Nittany Lions rank second in the Big Ten in both total offense and defense. The key for this one will be if Penn State QB Daryll Clark is able to step up and win a big game - something he has been unable to do in the past.

Prediction: I like the Nittany Lions in this one. Joe Pa picks up his 24th b

owl win by beating the Mad Hatter Les Miles and his Tigers, 27-24.

VS.

(Photo Credits: bleacherreport.com)

The Latest Big Ten Tweets

Coaches should have more time to tweet now that their regular season's are over. Let's see who's tweeting around the Big Ten...

PSU Assistant Tom Bradley: "Nows its time to get on the road this afternoon and start recruiting"

"Wow that third quarter was awesome [Saturday]. It was a great way to end up and hopefully we can get a BCS bid"

PSU Assistant Jay Paterno: "Congrats to Penn State's 6 First Team All Big-Ten Selections. Daryll Clark becomes the First Two-Time 1st Team All Big 10 QB Since Drew Brees"

"On the road for a whirlwind day of recruiting"

BTOC: Week 5

1. Ohio State Buckeyes (4-1)

2. Iowa Hawkeyes (5-0)

3. Penn State Nittany Lions (4-1)

4. Wisconsin Badgers (5-0)

5. Michigan Wolverines (4-1)

6. Minnesota Golden Gophers (3-2)

7. Northwestern Wildcats (3-2)

8. Michigan State Spartans (2-3)

9. Indiana Hoosiers (3-2)

10. Illinois Illini (1-3)

11. Purdue Boilermakers (1-4)

Two more games to pick...Could Penn St slip up again?

Penn State vs. Illinois

Game Time: 2:30 p.m. on ABC

What to watch for: Penn State will look to rebound after losing at home last week to the Hawkeyes. Look to see if Juice Williams can do anything at all at QB. His play was absolutely abysmal last week.

Prediction: Doesn't matter whether its Juice or Eddie McGee, the Illini are done. Penn State gets back on track with a road win, 27-10

Ohio State vs. Indiana

Game Time: 7 p.m. on Big Ten Network

What to watch for: Indiana really impressed me last week, despite losing to the Wolverines in a close one. The Hoosiers will have another tough test trying to keep up with the Buckeyes

Prediction: Indiana will keep it close for a half. But the Buckeyes will pull away from this one after halftime. Ohio State wins it 30-14

BTOC: Big Team on Campus

Last Week's Rankings in parentheses after the win-loss record

1. Ohio State Buckeyes (3-1) - (2)

2. Iowa Hawkeyes (4-0) - (3)

3. Penn State Nittany Lions (3-1) - (1)

4. Michigan Wolverines (4-0) - (4)

5. Wisconsin Badgers (4-0) - (5)

6. Minnesota Golden Gophers (3-1) - (7)

7. Indiana Hoosiers (3-1) - (10)

8. Northwestern Wildcats (2-2) - (8)

9. Illinois Illini (1-2) - (9)

10. Michigan State Spartans (1-3) - (6)

11. Purdue Boilermakers (1-3) - (11)

Sizing up the triad of afternoon action

Illinois (1-1) vs. Ohio State (2-1)
Game Time: 2:30 p.m. on ABC
What to watch for: Let's see how Illinois plays coming off of their bye week. Haven't heard much from Juice Williams and "Rejus" Benn yet have we?
Prediction: It's a big game for the Illini, a big game I don't think they are ready for. Buckeyes win it at home, 24-10


Notre Dame (2-1) vs. Purdue (1-2)
Game Time: 7 p.m. on ESPN
What to watch for: Still can't quite figure out Purdue. They play tough on the road against Oregon and then they lose to Northern Illinois? Joey Elliott and Ralph Bolden need to have a good game if the Boilers are going to stay in this one.
Prediction: I think Purdue will keep it close, but Notre Dame is simply the better team. Irish win it 30-20


Iowa (3-0) vs. Penn State (3-0)
Game Time: 7 p.m. on ABC
What to watch for: The Lions will be looking for revenge and will give Iowa a tough atmosphere at home (watch for the whiteout). The game will hinge on the Iowa defense and whether or not Hawkeye QB Ricky Stanzi is able to step up and play well.
Prediction: Call me biased but I really think the Hawkeyes are gonna win this one again. Penn State hasn't played anyone good thus far, and they haven't looked particularly good either. Sean Lee might miss this game which is a crucial blow for the Nittany Lions. I think the Hawkeye "D" plays extremely well and the offense does just enough to win this one. Hawkeyes win it, 20-17

BTOC: Big Team on Campus

We're heading for Week 4 of Big Ten play, and that means it time to toss around some rankings. Now I don't use any high tech mathematical formulas or computers to figure out the top teams in the Big Ten. Just my brain, and my mind...and I'm using my head too. So here we go, lets size up the Big Ten rankings thru three weeks of play. Who's the BIG TEAM ON CAMPUS?

1. Penn State Nittany Lions (3-0)

2. Ohio State Buckeyes (2-1)

3. Iowa Hawkeyes (3-0)

4. Michigan Wolverines (3-0)

5. Wisconsin Badgers (3-0)

6. Michigan State Spartans (1-2): I think they are much better team than how they've been playing

7. Minnesota Golden Gophers (2-1)

8. Northwestern Wildcats (2-1)

9. Illinois Illini (1-1)

10. Indiana Hoosiers (3-0): Lets see how they do in Big Ten play

11. Purdue Boilermakers (1-2)

Agree? Disagree? Discuss....

10 Big Things from Week 3

Another week, another 10 Big Things

10. Sean Lee injured: The Nittany Lions start linebacker sprained his knee in the first half of the game against Temple. He is curretly listed as "possible" on the depth chart for this weeks game against Iowa. If Lee is unable to play, it could be detrimental for the Lions (And great for my Hawkeyes!)

9. Big Ten loses to a MAC school for the second straight week: It was bad enough when Central Michigan defeated Sparty, now Northern Illinois dominated Purdue. Whats next?!

8. Tyler Sash (right): Making his second appearance on the 10 Big Things. Sash had another interception this past weekend, giving him four picks already this season.

(Photo Credit: Hawkeyesports.com)

7. Ralph Bolden: The sophomore runner caught four passes for 62 yards and ran for another 64 yards to continue his string of good play for the Boilers.

6. Wolverine center David Molk: The big fella suffered a broken bone in his foot on Saturday that will require surgery. The anchor of the Michigan line will be out for 4-6 weeks.

5. Greg Jones: The Sparty LB continues to show why he was named Big Ten preseason player of the year. Jones is 3rd in the NCAA in tackles with 38.

4. Hawkeyes continue streak of player of week winners: Iowa punter Ryan Donahue was named co-Big Ten special teams player of the week this week. Iowa has produced a player of the week in each of the first three weeks this season. Jeremiha Hunter was co-special teams player of the week in week 1 and Tyler Sash was co-defensive player of the week in week 2.

3. Indiana undefeated: I have to give Indiana a little bit of credit, they are a little bit better than I thought they would be. I figured they would slip up agaist at least one of these non-conference teams, so I give credit to Bill Lynch and the Hoosiers. However, this doesn't mean they will be sucessful in the Big Ten by any stretch of the imagination

2. Ohio State rights the ship: Great job by the Buckeyes to get back on track and easily defeat Toledo this past week. That's big for them going into the Big Ten schedule. Although Terelle Pryor did throw two picks, which is a bit disheartening.

1. ESPN College GameDay heading to Big Ten Country: College GameDay is going to Happy Valley this coming Saturday for the Iowa-Penn State game. Get fired up Big Ten Fans. I know I am. I'm hoping to see Corso throw on a Herky Hawkeye mask, but I won't count on it.

Sizing up the week 3 Big Ten schedule

Eastern Michigan (0-2) vs. Michigan (2-0)
Game Time: 11 a.m. on the Big Ten Network
What to watch for: Let's see if Rich Rod and the Wolverines can keep it going this week. Watch to see if Tate Forcier continues to play beyond his years or if a little bit of freshman stupidity comes into play.
Prediction: Michigan wins it big and Forcier has another great performance. Michigan wins this one 38-3.

#8 California (2-0) vs. Minnesota (2-0)
Game Time: 11 a.m. on ESPN
What to watch for: This is the most intriguing early game. The Golden Bears are the the 8th ranked team in the country according to the AP poll. Cal's offense has been incredible thus far, scoring more than 50 points in both of their first two games.
Prediction: Minnesota's luck is going to run out this week. Cal takes care of the Gophers, 35-10

Temple (0-1) vs. Penn State (2-0)
Game Time: 11 a.m. on the Big Ten Network
What to watch for: There isn't a whole lot to watch for except that Penn State should dominate in every facet of this game. Look for Daryll Clark to continue to play extremely well.
Prediction: Man the Nittany Lions schedule is a cupcake. Lions win HUGE, 58-3

Northern Illinois (1-1) vs. Purdue (1-1)
Game Time: 11 a.m. on the Big Ten Network
What to watch for: Boiler RB Ralph Bolden leads the NCAA in rushing, look for him to continue to run the ball well against the Huskies.
Prediction: The MAC has really been a thorn in the side of the Big Ten, but Purdue has impressed me. The Boilers will win this game 27-17.

Wofford (1-1) vs. Wisconsin (2-0)
Game Time: 11 a.m. on the Big Ten Network
What to watch for: Wisconsin QB Scott Tolzien has been somewhat under the radar this year. But the junior has looked pretty good, completing 66% of his passes for 482 yards and two touchdowns
Prediction: Wofford's nickname is the Terriers. If you lose to a team named the Terriers you should just quit football altogether. Wisconsin wins this one 38-6

Ohio State (1-1) vs. Toledo (1-1)
Game Time: 11 a.m. on ESPN Plus
What to watch for: This is an intriguing game as well. Toledo isn't just goin to roll over against a downtrodden Buckeye team. The Rockets defeated Colorado last week 54-38.
Prediction: Call me crazy, but I think this one might be close. It's going to be high scoring, but close. Buckeyes win it 40-33.

The Second Installment of Tweets around the Big Ten

It's time for the more SWEEEET TWEEEETS. Our second installment is the postgame tweets from a couple of coaches and players...enjoy

Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald (@coachfitz51): "CATS WIN! Glad to be 2-0!"

Penn State assistant coach Tom Bradley (@TomBradleyGOPSF): "Good win today.Sean Lee had another great game.Start on Temple tomorrow very early in am"

Indiana RB Bryan Payton (@bdpayton): "we earned an AWESOME WIN today! This win will make us even closer and pay off as the season goes on."

Wisconsin head coach Bret Bielema (@BretBielema): "Was a great enviroment in the Camp today. Was very proud of the way our guys battled through a tough week... Like the attitude of this team"

Penn State assistant Jay Paterno (@JayPaterno): "Happy to be 2-0...but not satisfied. Still some things to tighten up before next week"

Big Weekend for Big Ten: My Week 2 Picks for the 11 a.m. games

It's time for another week of picks. Last week the Big Ten went 10-1 and I went 11-0 with my picks. I plan to stay undefeated this week with my picks, but if I do, then the Big Ten certainly will not have a 10-1 record this week. Lets take a look at the games...

Western Michigan (0-1) vs. Indiana (1-0)
Game Time: 11 a.m. on the Big Ten Network
Who to watch For: Western Michigan QB Tim Hiller completed 22 passes for 259 yards against Michigan last week, throwing one touchdown and two interceptions. Hiller ranks 13th all time in MAC history in career passing yards and 6th in career passing touchdowns.
Prediction: Indiana will pick up win number two, which is good because wins are going to be hard to come by for the Hoosiers as the season progresses. Indiana 17, Western Michigan 10

Central Michigan (0-1) vs. Michigan St. (1-0)
Game Time: 11 a.m. on ESPN2
Who to watch for: CMU QB Dan LeFevour has passed for 9,575 yards, thrown 74 touchdowns, and rushed for 2,253 in his career as a Chippewa.
Prediction: Michigan St. will continue to use both Kirk Cousins and Keith Nichol at QB, and the MSU defense will be too much for the Chippewas. Michigan State 30, Central Michigan 14

Eastern Michigan (0-1) vs. Northwestern (1-0)
Game Time: 11 a.m. on the Big Ten Network
Who to watch for: Northwestern's Corey Wootton is on the watch list for several defensive awards this season. The defensive end only played a quarter in week 1 vs. Towson after sitting out much of spring practice nursing the Torn ACL he suffered in the Alamo Bowl last season. Look to see if he gets more time this weekend.
Prediction: Wildcats QB Mike Kafka has a big day and Northwestern trounces EMU, 40-10.

Syracuse (0-1) vs. Penn St (1-0)
Game Time: 11 a.m. on the Big Ten Network
Who to watch for: Daryll Clark and Greg Paulus. Look for Clark to have another big day at QB for the Lions, but I expect Paulus to have a pretty good game in his second career start with the Orange.
Prediction: This will be a close game for one or two quarters, but the Lions pull away in the second half. Penn State 37, Syracuse 17.

Iowa (1-0) vs. Iowa State (1-0)
Game Time: 11 a.m. on FSN (Mediacom in Iowa)
Who to watch for: Derrell Johnson-Koulianos was almost non-existent in Iowa's near stumble against FCS foe Northern Iowa. Last year, "DJK" was one of Ricky Stanzi's go-to receivers, having 44 catches for 639 yards. But last week, he made only one catch for 22 yards and only saw the field for a couple of plays.
Prediction: First Rivalry game of the season, the Battle for the Cy-Hawk Trophy. Although the Hawkeyes never seem to play well at Iowa State, I see Iowa winning a close one to get them to 2-0. Hawkeyes win this one 24-17.

Fresno State (1-0) vs. Wisconsin (1-0)
Game Time: 11 a.m. on ESPN
Who to watch for: Fresno State running back Ryan Matthews ran for 106 yards last week against UC-Davis. The junior has run for over 1,500 yards in his career.
Prediction: *UPSET ALERT* Wisconsin almost blew it last week at home against Northern Illinois, look for Fresno State to pull off the upset at Camp Randall this week. Fresno State wins it on the road, 36-27

Big Ten News and Notes: Top 25, QB's in Michigan, Flu Bug at Wisconsin, and another Blue Devil Baller at Quarterback?

-The week 1 polls are out, and only two Big Ten squads are in the USA Today Top 25. Penn State jumped up three spots to #5, and Ohio State dropped one spot down to #7. Iowa, who was previously ranked #21, fell out of the top 25 after nearly losing to FCS opponent Northern Iowa. Other Big Ten teams receiving votes included Michigan State (133 votes), Iowa (70), Northwestern (4), Michigan (4), and Minnesota (1)

-Rich Rod named freshman Tate Forcier his starting QB for Saturday's contest against the Fighting Irish. Forcier threw three touchdowns before halftime on Saturday.

-Also in the state of Michigan, Sparty head man Mark Dantonio has yet to decide whether Kirk Cousins or Keith Nichol will start against Central Michigan. Both looked really good against Montana State

-The Wisconsin Badger football team has been hit with the flu-bug. According to numerous sources, including ESPN Big Ten Blogger Adam Rittenberg and the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, at least 10 members of the football team have come down with flu like symptoms. However, there is speculation that the number is much higher. There is no knowledge as to whether the players are suffering from the H1N1 virus (or swine flu). "We had a challenging tuesday with the flu bug hitting our team the last few days but they responded well," coach Brett Bielama said on his twitter page. "We are on road to recovery."

-ESPN.com's Pat Forde wrote an funny piece today about the "Thank You Notes" that Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany should send out this week.

-Lastly, I leave you with a tweet from the Big Ten Network's Mike Hall (@BTNMikeHall): "Actually just got breaking news, turns out Air Force is debating starting either Wojo or Chris Duhon at QB against The Gophers this week"

Personally, I'd like to see J.J. Redick get the nod at QB over Wojo or Duhon

Week 1 Picks - Part Deux

Ok, here's the second exciting installment of my week one picks. All game times are in central time.

Minnesota vs. Syracuse
Game Time: 11 a.m. on ESPN2
What to watch for: Definitely Orange quarterback Greg Paulus (right). The Duke point guard turned QB is definitely going to be interesting to watch this season. The good news is I don't think he can make Syracuse much worse...

Prediction: Golden Gophers win it 30-10

(Photo credit: http://espn.go.com/blog/bigeast)

Northern Iowa vs. Iowa
Game Time: 11 a.m.
What to watch for: The Iowa running backs. With Shonn Greene in the NFL and Jewel Hampton done for the season with a knee injury, Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes will more than likely be looking to use a running back by committee. The only experienced back is Paki O'Meara, who has 62 rushing yards in his career.

Prediciton: Hawkeyes pummel Panthers, 31-9, and I will sing "In Heaven there is No Beer" with the other 70,000 screaming Hawk fans.

Akron vs. Penn State
Game Time: 11 a.m. on the Big Ten Network
What to watch for: Joe Paterno, he will be back on the sidelines for the Nittany Lions for the first time in quite a while.

Prediction: Penn State might have the biggest cupcake non-conference schedule ever. Penn State wins REALLY REALLY BIG, 55-7

Toledo vs. Purdue
Game Time: 11 a.m.
What to watch for: Joey Elliot takes over at quarterback after Curtis Painter set almost every Big Ten passing record possible. That being said, its going to be a rough first season for new head coach Danny Hope.

Prediction: Joe Tiller is glad he is fishing back in Wyoming, because it's going to be a long year. Purdue will win this one though, 21-10

Western Michigan vs. Michigan
Game Time: 2:30 p.m. on ABC
What to watch for: The Michigan quarterbacks. True freshman Tate Forcier will start the game but Nick Sheridan and Denard Robinson will also see action.

Prediction: Team Rich Rod wins this one 28-10

Missouri vs. Illinois
Game Time: 2:40 on ESPN
What to watch for: Illinois has a tough game right from the start. Let's see if Juice Williams can live up to being the preseason 1st team All-Big Ten Quarterback. I frankly don't see think he will.

Prediction: This game will be a back and forth shootout. Last team with the ball will probably win this one. Mizzou takes down the Fighting Zooks, 38-31

Northern Illinois vs. Wisconsin
Game Time: 6 p.m. on the Big Ten Network
What to watch for: Once again, the quarterbacks. Scott Tolzien will get the start for the Badgers, a 4th year junior who hasn't seen much action, completing only five passes in his college career.

Prediction: Camp Randall crowd will be too much for the Huskies. Badgers win this one 27-9

Well that wraps up my week 1 picks. I'm done with class for the week and I'm ready to get up bright and early and head over to beautiful and historic Kinnick Stadium to kickoff the collge football season right. After that you can find me glued to my TV, watching as much college football as humanly possible. Stay tuned though, because although I probably won't do any homework until Monday night. I will be blogging a couple times during the weekend.