ALTOONA — There's been a lot of chatter in the past few weeks about a new playoff system in college football.
Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delany is notably in favor of a four-team playoff, and Bill O'Brien — the conference's newest coach —is also throwing his support behind that idea.
"It's definitely headed down the road towards a Final Four. I agree with Jim Delany and our coaches, I think all the coaches in the Big Ten want to keep it in the bowl structure, especially as it relates to the Rose Bowl," O'Brien said. "The Rose Bowl should be part of the Final Four, and my only deal on that is to make sure the Big Ten champion is represented in the Final Four."
O'Brien, who was joined by men's volleyball coach Mark Pavlik and hockey coach Guy Gadowsky, made an appearance in Altoona on Monday morning -- the 13th stop of the three-week journey that is the Penn State Coaches Caravan.
The caravan continues tonight with another in-state visit, as O'Brien, Pavlik and Gadowsky will appear in Pittsburgh.
Here are some more topics O'Brien addressed in a media session after he had breakfast and spoke with fans Monday morning on the Penn State Altoona campus:
On continuing the caravan in the future: "I have to coach a football team, so it's going to be really important for me to get out, no question about it, in the next however many years I'm here. One thing, is I don't think I can do 18 stops in 17 days, but the first year, no question about it, it's been fun, it's been really a great experience for me. But I think as we move forward, it will be not 18, but we'll do something every year, I'm sure about that."
On changing his presentation on the coaches caravan depending on where he is speaking: "I tweak it based on the different areas we go to, but basically it's the same. If I'm in New York City, it may be a little different than if I'm in Altoona. The same messages we get across, which is one athletic department, respect for the past. And everything I say I mean."
On next year's early-season schedule: "These are good teams, we have a long way to go. We have some really tough opponents early on, there's no question about it."
Altoona was the first stop of the caravan for both Pavlik and Gadowsky. And Pavlik, who has been the head coach of the men's volleyball team since 1995 and is a 1982 Penn State graduate, said he has been impressed with O'Brien so far.
"I can't think of a better person or caring mind moving forward, because everything has to go forward, it's not going to stop," Pavlik said. "And the worst thing you can do is sit down and worry about things. And I think Bill, from everything I've seen and the chances we've had to talk, the biggest compliment that I can give him is that he's handled it exactly as a Penn Stater should."
BETHELEM -- At the eighth stop on the Coaches Caravan in Bethelem on Tuesday, coach Bill O'Brien -- joined by women's basketball coach Coquese Washington -- offered updates on both his team and his standing within the Penn State community.
On the status of WR Devon Smith, who has been charged with marijuana possession: “Again, he was charged with a misdemeanor and he’s got a court date set. Like I’ve said all along, I believe in Devon. And he’s got his side of the story, and we’ll let the process play out. Anything I do with Devon Smith, punishment-wise, will be between Devon and I. He’s a good kid and he’s done everything I’ve asked him to do to this point, so we’ll let the process play out"
More: Devon Smith charged with possession of marijuana
On major updates since Blue-White weekend: “Nothing major, no. Those guys went from the Blue-White Game, just like students at Penn State, right to final exams. So they finished up final exams last week, and they’re just kind of waiting for their grade reports and things like that. Most of them will be back on May 14 to start their summer conditioning program.”
On the close-knit Penn State coaching community: “Obviously, to be here, in this athletic department, with coaches like Coquese and [golf coach Greg Nye, men’s basketball coach Pat Chambers, track and field coach Beth Alfred-Sullivan, field hockey coach Char Morett, women's volleyball coach Russ Rose and wrestling coach Cael Sanderson] and all of those people that have reached out to me, I just think it’s a great place and I definitely feel a part of it. And that’s what I am, a part of it. Coquese said it best. We’re just trying to be one team. When women’s basketball wins, we all win. When football wins, we all win. If we can just make sure that we’re not 31 different corporations and we’re just one team, I think at the end of the day that will prove to be a successful formula for Penn State.”
On settling into life in State College: “My family moved here a month ago, and I can’t say enough about the school and the people in my neighborhood, the people in the town that I live in and the people of State College who have been so welcoming. It's really pretty unique to be a part of it.”
On guard John Urschel, who will be the starting right guard after graduating with a 4.0 GPA: “One of the reasons you take a job like this are kids like him. He’s really near the top of the list as far as what he’s done as a student and what he’s done as a player, and I think his best years of playing football are ahead of him.”
On the things about Penn State that have impressed him so far: “Things aren’t surprising so much as they are impressive. There have been many things that have been impressive to me. The student body at Penn State? How many student bodies are there where you drive down the middle of the campus and almost every student is dressed head-to-toe in Penn State gear? They have such a pride in their school, and many of them have stopped by my office to see me and welcome me and that’s pretty neat. I’m really impressed with our players. I give a lot of credit to Coach Paterno and his staff for the guys they recruited. Really high-character guys on the majority of the roster who care about class and care about good football. That’s been impressive. The other coaches and the athletic department, that’s been impressive.”
On the Big Ten Conference: “No question [it’s still one of the best conferences in the country]. I was on a conference call the other day and listening to some of the names of the coaches, and we have some of the best coaches in the country.”
Washington’s take on O’Brien’s time so far as coach: “I think it’s fantastic. It’s fantastic. Since his arrival, it seems that our athletic department has certainly become closer, definitely has become a very close-knit coaching fraternity, sorority community, and it’s been good for us as coaches. I think it’s been good for our campus and our community, and this caravan is just one more step in what we’re doing to move forward in the next era of Penn State athletics.”
Garrett Sickels had no problems with Penn State's hiring of Bill O'Brien, to say the least.
A member of Coach O’Brien’s 2013 recruiting class, the four-star rated defensive end said there is no extra motivation to beat Ohio State in the coming seasons because the school's head coach, Urban Meyer, chose Ohio State over Penn State -- but he's confident in O'Brien.
“We have O’Brien, and I would take O’Brien over Urban Meyer, and you can quote me on it,” Sickels said during a phone interview. “Urban Meyer is a great coach, but I just believe in Coach O’Brien. He’s gonna be my head coach, so I may be a little biased, but I strongly believe in Bill O’Brien. He’s gonna get the job done.”
That’s a vote of confidence that many Penn State fans were ready to give to Meyer in the early stages of Penn State’s 2011 season. Campus was alive with rumors that Meyer would be Joe Paterno’s successor as head coach, as he apparently had the endorsement of Paterno.
Of course, things would change in November, and O’Brien was chosen for that role after Meyer signed on with the Buckeyes on Nov. 28.
That didn’t sway Sickels. His mother, Donna, though not specifically speaking about the Ohio State rivalry, said he's always been one to root for the underdog.
One fellow recruit, Alex Anzalone, committed to Ohio State but has since decommitted from Meyer’s program. Sickels said he respected Anzalone’s decision and praised his athletic skills – but he said he thinks Anzalone could make an impact at Penn State to “build another great defense” and “really restore the roar.”
“I was like, ‘Dude, be my linebacker! Come on man, we can do great things at Penn State,’ ”Sickels said. “ …He was like, ‘I don’t know yet man, I’m just gonna wait.' ”
Sickels became the third commit to O’Brien on March 4. He defended Penn State when the scandal unfolded in November, even though Penn State wasn’t high on his list at the time.
“I mean, Anzalone, I respect him because in the recruiting process, everyone has their own opinion," Sickels said. "[...] It’s Ohio State, it’s a rivalry. Just being there for the time you’re at Penn State, you really realize that Urban Meyer is a great coach but also how much people don’t like him. I’m gonna go out every week and perform my best for Penn State.
“But Ohio State week is gonna be something else.”
Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated information about Sickels’ views on Ohio State. In an interview, Sickels conveyed respect for Ohio State, Urban Meyer and the school’s recruits. A previous version of this article was also unclear on the context of comments made by Sickels' mother. The Daily Collegian apologizes for these errors. The article above reflects the correct information.
After some confusion, former Penn State running back Stephfon Green has signed with the Detroit Lions, not the New York Jets. Meanwhile, former lineman DeOn’taePannell has accepted an offer to play in the New Orleans Saints’ minicamp, according to his agent.
Green a Lion
According to his own Twitter account, Green is now a member of a reigning NFC Wild Card winner. Earlier today, he tweeted an Instagram picture of the Lions’ logo with the message “I will be taking my talents to Detroit!”
However, after the draft ended on Saturday evening, Twitter was alive with speculation that Green was a Jet. That night, though, Green tweeted, “All of this jets talk needs to stop I didn't sign anything!” [sic]
At Penn State, Green had 1,360 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns in four seasons of play. He dealt with some undisclosed personal problems prior to the 2011 season, leading former head coach Joe Paterno to say, “I doubt if he’ll be back.” He did return, though, and had a productive season.
Green becomes the twelfth player from Penn State to officially enter the NFL this season, joining a list of four draftees and seven other undrafted free agents. See the above post for the list.
Pannell a Saint
Pannell’s agent, Storm Kirkschenbaum, confirmed that Pannell was not signed as an undrafted free agent, but rather has received an invitation to the Saints’ minicamp. He said the decision came down to Pannell and a player from Arizona State that he couldn’t remember, possibly offensive lineman Aderious Simmons.
“He’s got a pretty good shot of making the team, I think,” Kirkschenbaum said.
Four former Penn State football players were drafted over the weekend in the 2012 NFL Draft, and several more are being signed as undrafted free agents.
DL Devon Still (2nd round, 53rd overall, Bengals), OL Johnnie Troutman (5th round, 149th overall, Chargers), DL Jack Crawford (5th round, 158th overall, Raiders) and LB Nate Stupar (7th round, 23rd overall) are the four players that will be roaming NFL turfs next season.
Now, Penn State has had 30 players drafted since 2006. Overall, 329 Penn State players have been drafted.
Currently, undrafted free agents from Penn State are being signed by teams as well. The tentative list, according to nepatriotsdraft.com, is:
We are in Radio City Music Hall for the first round of tonight’s NFL Draft. Penn State standout Devon Still is hoping to hear his named called in the next few hours, and he is one of 26 players who was invited to the Big Apple to attend the first round. A defensive tackle, Still was the 2011 Big Ten Defensive player of the year and was also a first-team All-American in his senior season. Some analysts have Still as a first-round pick, some do not. Anyway, here are some of our predictions on what we think will go down tonight in New York.
Dan Norton
Will Still get picked tonight?: Yes
Where?: 25th to Denver.
Why?: Still has a lot of upside that complements his well-developed ability to stop the run. NFL teams would probably like to see him get a little faster, but it’s no reason to not take the All-American in the first round.
Tim Gilbert
Will Still get picked tonight?: Yes.
Where?: 25th to Denver.
Why?: Even though Still had a few subpar performances at the end of the season, he is still a first rounder in my opinion and I think he fits Denver’s needs on its defensive line.
Stephen Pianovich
Will Still get picked tonight?: Yes.
Where?: 21st to Cincinnati.
Why?: Still has all the credentials (Big Ten defensive player of the year, All-American, 17 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks last season) and if the draft was a few months ago, there was little question Still was going in the first round. Still did not have a great combine, but he has the versatility and talent that should attract a team to take him in the first 32 picks.
We were going to predict the top five picks of the draft, but we all had the same top five. The following is our consensus top five.
The late Joe Paterno is the recipient of the 2012 Dick Enberg Award presented by the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA), Penn State athletics announced today.
Paterno's son Jay will accept the award for the former head coach on June 25th, at CoSIDA's annual convention, in St. Louis, Mo.
The award, named after sports broadcaster Dick Enberg, recognizes those "whose actions and commitments have furthered the meaning of the Academic All-America Teams Program and/or the student-athlete while promoting the values of education and academics," the CoSIDA's website reads.
Paterno is now the fourth major college coach to win the award, joining former Tennessee women’s basketball coach Pat Summit and others, including as President Gerald Ford.
Paterno, who died of lung cancer on Jan. 22, is the winningest coach in the history of Divison I football, as he led the Nittany Lions to 409 wins from 1966-2011 before getting fired on Nov. 9 in the wake of a child sex abuse scandal. After the firing, his name was removed from the Big Ten Championship trophy.
"On behalf of everyone in the Paterno and Penn State family we are honored by Joe Paterno's selection as the 2012 Dick Enberg Award recipient," Jay Paterno said. “…It is an honor for my father to be associated with a great professional in Dick Enberg as well as the distinguished previous winners.”
After a 2011 season which featured no home games at night, the Nittany Lions will turn on the Beaver Stadium lights in 2012.
Penn State will host Ohio State for a 6 p.m. showdown on Oct. 27, and the game will be broadcast on either ESPN on ESPN2.
The Ohio State contest will be one of two prime time games the Lions are set to appear in for the upcoming season, the other being an Oct. 20 game at Iowa. The kickoff is set for 8 p.m. when Penn State travels to Iowa City and the game will air on the Big Ten Network.
The Lions downed both the Buckeyes and Hawkeyes last season, and both games were decided by less than 10 points.
Penn State only played in one night game last season — a 34-24 win on Oct. 22 over Northwestern in Evanston, Ill.
The last time the Lions hosted a night game was in the 2010 season when Penn State won a 41-31 shootout over Michigan on Oct. 30.
The two night games are the only games that have a kickoff time set so far for Penn State’s 2012 season. The other 10 regular season games for the Lions have still yet to be determined.
Penn State will be welcoming a brand new opponent to Beaver Stadium in 2014.
University of Massachusetts Athletic Director John McCutcheon announced that his Minutemen will visit the Nittany Lions on September 20, 2014, filling out Penn State’s non-conference schedule for that season. The two schools have never played before.
UMass, located in coach Bill O’Brien’s home state, is moving from the Football Championship Subdivison to the Football Bowl Subdivison for the 2012 season, joining the Mid-American Conference.
Penn State’s 2014 schedule will start with Temple on Aug. 30 and Akron on Sept. 6. Then, the Lions will play at Rutgers on Sept. 13 and return home to play UMass on Sept. 20 before Big Ten play begins.
This is the first opponent added to a future schedule of Penn State since O’Brien took the reins of the program on Jan. 7.
The addition of UMass means Penn State will open the next three seasons with four non-conference games. In 2012, they will begin with Ohio at home, Virginia on the road, and Navy and Temple at home. For 2013, Penn State will play Syracuse at New Meadowlands Stadium, then Eastern Michigan, Virginia and Kent State at home.
