It was a chilly Big Ten noon game in the middle of the season, which is about as inauspicious as a gameday experience can be. Nonetheless, save for one half of miserable football, it was actually...fun. Watching Penn State play (more specifically, its offense) was fun for the first time in awhile, with postseason play and state pride on the line.
Former Penn State lacrosse player Chris Hogan caught his first NFL touchdown this past Saturday. The fourth year wide receiver made it into the league as an undrafted free agent from Monmouth University, where he spent his final season of collegiate eligibility playing football. His journey to the NFL was not easy, but ever since being promoted to the Bills' 53-man roster, he hasn't looked back.
Redshirt sophomore running back Akeel Lynch has been waiting for his chance in the spotlight. It hasn't always been easy, but with two seniors ahead of him, he was firmly entrenched as Penn State's third option at running back on the depth chart. However, that all changed in an instant. Zach Zwinak's season was over, and Lynch's number was called. The young ballcarrier accepted this challenge, and hasn't once looked back.
Penn State's string of noon games will finally end in time for Senior Day -- the Nittany Lions' final regular season kick of the year will come at 3:30 p.m. against Michigan State in Beaver Stadium.
A trio of freshmen defensive backs add depth to one of the nation's best defenses, signaling a bright future.
About a month ago, we compiled a list of bowl games Penn State could play in, and discussed the likelihood that the team would actually receive an invitation. Well, the Nittany Lions have hit magical number six, and officially became bowl eligible after defeating Temple this past Saturday. Using the list of potential bowl destinations provided by Penn State, let's weigh the pros and cons of each game that Penn State could play in.