Saturday, September 1, 2012

New enthusiasm for Penn State

Watching the beginning of the Penn State vs Ohio University college football game I have mixed feelings. I have been a Penn State fan for most of my younger years. I went to some games, watched many on TV and heard most games on the radio as well as listened to the Thursday night Coach’s Show.

But during the years the more I watched and listened to former PSU Football Coach Joe Paterno the less I liked Penn State football. I sensed some arrogance from Paterno and that he was not really the man he portrayed himself to be. And I didn’t like his reluctance to change or his condescending attitude.

I find myself rooting for PSU today because they appear to be underdogs and I’m an underdog kind a guy. PSU has for years been a major power in college football but that all changed as a result of the Sandusky Penn State scandal.

As a result of that scandal I believe that Penn State has been cleansed. Those involved in committing the crimes and those involved in covering them up have been removed from the program as well as those things that were reminders of those indiscretions are mostly gone.

I like new coach Bill O’Brien’s handling of the team and the difficult situation he inherited. I think he has been able to inspire the team and encourage the fans and the entire Penn State Community. I also like that he was willing to take a risk and go for a first down on fourth and 1 at the OU 49. The play was successful in getting the first down.

Let’s hope that Penn State has learned important lessons from this episode that will last a long time and prevent future discretions. Right now character is at the forefront of Penn State decision making and actions where it always needs to be. Hopefully other college programs are also learning from this.

I am actually feeling jazzed today about the game just like I used to years ago. I’ll even listen to it while I am cutting the grass today.

Now if only PSU can get rid of Steve Jones the announcer on the Penn State network or get him to tone it down I’ll be really happy.

 

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