Another Wednesday, another Blue-White Roundtable. TNL contributor Nick has the questions this week. The rest of us are all squirrels trying to eat his nuts. Or something like that. Anyway, check out The Nittany Line, Run Up The Score, There Is No Name On My Jersey, and William Yurasko for their answers. Also joining the Blue-White Roundtable going forward will be Alex Grier from The Nittany Blog. I'm not sure if he got the questions in time this week, but make sure to add TNB to your daily reading anyway. Now on to the questions.
Which is worse: having your parachute fail to open while skydiving or
losing to Appalachian State?
Normally I would say it's just a game and a loss isn't worth jumping off the cliff. But when you're a top five team and everyone thinks you're going to win the Big Ten Championship or even the national championship and it's the first game of the year...well, I might just jump out of the plane without that parachute.
It's odd, but I feel bad for the Michigan players. Especially the seniors who could have gone pro and decided to come back to make a run. They gave up millions and busted their asses all through the offseason working toward that goal and now it's gone. The effect could be devastating going forward. How does Lloyd Carr motivate that team now? Does Lloyd Carr even still wear pants in Ann Arbor anymore? The repercussions from this loss could linger for a long time. Every recruit looking at Michigan has to take a step back now since it's very likely Carr's seat is getting very warm and he may not be around after this season.
Is it too early to worry about the running game?
Yes. Florida International came out determined to take away the running game and they did it. The good news is Morelli and the receivers were up to the task and made them pay through the air. If he keeps that up the running game will be just fine.
Is just a win enough to satisfy you this weekend against Notre Dame or
are there qualifiers on a victory to make it acceptable?
This early in the season I'll take a win any way I can get it. What's funny is win or lose the story will be all about Notre Dame. If we win big the media will critique Jimmy Clausen's first start. If we lose obviously the Irish will instantly become a top ten team. Really Penn State doesn't have much to gain in this game so I'm hoping we win big, but I'll be happy with any kind of win.
Lightning Round
Got a ticket, praying for a ticket, or watching the game somewhere
else this weekend?
Currently the plan is to watch the game at home with the shades pulled and the phone off the hook. Of course if that's the case you're all invited to enjoy the game with me on the open thread. (Shameless plug alert!)
What non-PSU game are you looking forward to this weekend?
Didn't we do this question last week? I'm just a huge college football fan so I'm looking forward to whatever is on the television. But a few games do stand out to me. #8 Virginia Tech at #2 LSU is the headliner. I'm also interested to see how Miami does at Oklahoma. Are the Hurricanes back? It will also be interesting to see how Michigan bounces back against Oregon.
That'll do it. The Big Ten Roundtable will be up shortly. In the meantime give me your take and then go read the other guys.
The Nittany Line
Run Up The Score
There Is No Name On My Jersey
William Yurasko
The Nittany Blog (maybe)