Saturday, August 30, 2008

Penn State dominates Coastal Carolina, Mark May whines

Well Penn State's season started even better than many expected, with a 66-10 victory over the FCS Chanticleers (read roosters). Daryll Clark started, as expected, and played the first few drives before giving way to Pat Devlin. Clark also played a series or two to start the second half. He was very effective and looked string and poised in the pocket, completing 11 of 14 passes for 146 yards and 1 TD. Devlin proved the competition had been close all spring and summer. He went 5 of 8 for 83 yards and made some beautiful throws. The highlight, however, had to be the effectiveness of the ground game. Evan Royster, Stephfon Green, Brent Carter, and true freshman Brandon Beachum all saw time, with Royster getting the start. Royster only got 8 touches for 64 yards but scored 3 TDs. Green added 10 carries for 89 yards and 2 TDs while Carter was handed the rock 9 times for 67 yards. Beachum came in late in mop up duty and had 8 carries for 43 yards plus a TD. Derrick Williams had only 2 catches but contributed his first ever kickoff return for a TD after Coastal Carolina cut the Penn State lead to 14-7. Unfortunately the defense looked mediocre. The secondary seemed slow to react and the linebackers missed some assignments and botched a few play calls. The defensive line did look strong, however. Some work must be done in anticipation for Oregon State next week.

Overall it was a strong performance, probably better than some expected. The biggest plus was no turnovers. However the win must be kept in perspective. It was lowly Coastal Carolina, after all. Something Pitt Alum and ESPN analyst wa smore than pleased to point out.

During highlights shown in between games at the ESPN studios, Mark May tried to make as many jabs as he could against the Nittany Lions. While the Penn State/Coastal Carolina score was shown following the game highlights, Mark May stated "It's Coastal Carolina. What, wasn't [insert crappy school here] available?". I missed what school he said. If anyone know, let me know. Then, after Chris Fowler read the score, May said "Yeah BUT IT'S COASTAL CAROLINA!!!". May's partner Lou Holtz then added this gem: "Yeah and I'm Lou Holtz and you're Mark May.". Haha. However, May wasn't done. He then psoed a question to Fowler and Holtz. May, visibly upset and enraged, said "Did Coastal Carolina have a football team 8 years ago?". A rhetorical question, because Holtz and Fowler know they didn't, as does May. Following the Penn State highlights, the ESPN crew went to the Pitt/Bowling Green game. Pitt lost and May preceded to lambast them, as he should. But what really irks me is his complete contempt for Penn State. As if Pitt hasn't played any cupcakes. Is Bowling Green really that much more prestigious than Coastal Caroline? Hell no! Bowling Green has been around for 89 years. They have a total of 19 All Americans and 8 bowl appearances, going 4-4. Wow, Mark, wow. They are a MAC team. Sure they're better than Coastal Carolina. But how is playing Bowling Green any better than Coastal Carolina? He would have said the same thing about Penn State if they were playing Bowling Green. Mark May is a hypocritical, completely biased, ass that has it out for Penn State (just like Colin Cowherd).

Anyway, revel in the blowout win for the rest of the night Penn State fans. There are more important games to come, starting next week vs Oregon State. Good start. Keep it going.

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