Crimson Tide stain Happy Valley "white-out"

Last season, in just his second start the collegiate level, Robert Bolden was overwhelmed by the defending national champion Alabama during Penn State's visit to Tuscaloosa.  It was just one of many early season showdown of football heavyweights across the nation.  Alabama won that contest by a score of 24-3, as they set on to try and defend their crown.


This time around was no different, as Alabama came away 27-10 winners in a rare visit into Big Ten country.  The Crimson Tide were returning a lot of starters on a defense that frustrated Penn State's offense for much of the afternoon; silencing a usually rabid Nittany Lion crowd.


Just like Penn State, Alabama have yet to "settle" their own quarterback situation.  AJ McCarron had to split time Phillip Sims in their opener against Kent State.  This time around, he played well enough and only left the game when the outcome was no longer in doubt.  


Alabama ran the ball well with Trent Richardson and Eddie Lacy, and McCarron made some good throws such as his lone touchdown pass to Tight End Michael Williams; a pass that was rifled through defensive traffic to open the scoring for 'Bama.  It's still early in the season, but I get the feeling that Alabama vs LSU might just be the game that decides how the West will be won; SEC West, that is.

Bolden found the going tough against 'Bama

The Nittany Lions seem to have their work cut out for them.  Over the last few seasons, they have enjoyed stability at the quarterback position.  From Zack Mills, Michael Robinson, Anthony Morelli and Daryll Clark.  With that stability came some success as the Lions were able to win some games and even successfully contend for conference titles.  


However, things seem a little different this time around.  Robert Bolden came onto campus as a highly regarded QB prospect, and beat out veterans Matt McGloin and Kevin Newsome for the starting job.  Bolden became just the first freshman QB to start a season opener under Joe Paterno; that's got to be a big deal.  Despite some good performances early in the season, Bolden struggled, and finished the season behind McGloin.  Bolden stayed with the program after plans of transferring out failed to materialize.


Against Alabama, he made some really good plays, but was found guilty of trying to go for the "big play" one time too many.  McGloin wasn't that much of an upgrade either, completing only 1 pass out of 10 attempts.  The Lions running game struggled against a stout 'Bama defense as well.


If Penn State are to really contend for the Big Ten title, they need to decide on who will be their signal caller, then settle on it.  Bolden is a scrambling QB with a strong arm, and if he is "the guy", the coaches should then call plays that are suited to his strengths.  McGloin can make plays with his feet as well, but lacks the "cannon" arm like that of his counterpart; still, he's capable of making things happen.  What we know is that a "QB by committee" isn't working for this team.  


Until they can get that fixed, Penn State may just get by beating the weaker teams, but will most likely struggle against the conference heavyweights.

Clay Matthews: The second coming of Ray Nitschke.

In just his second year, Clay Matthews has developed a reputation as one of the best linebackers in the NFL.  He's big, strong, fast and very athletic; simply put, the man is a BEAST!!  He is slowly but surely establishing himself as a Packer legend, following the footsteps of one the best players to ever wear the Green and Gold; Ray Nitschke.

I'm not a Green Bay Packer fan, cheesehead or whatever it is they call themselves.  I'm not steeped in the tradition, or even know much about the Lambeau mystic, the Frozen Tundra and all that stuff.  What I do know however is that Ray Nitschke is one of the best to have ever played the game.  If you're a Green Bay fan reading this, and there's something you think I ought to know, feel free to educate me.

The man could use a good dental plan.

The list of great linebackers goes deep.  You've got "Hollywood" Henderson, Mike Singletary, Lawrence Taylor.  Then it gets deeper with Chuck Bednarik, Dick Butkus, Jack Lambert and Ray Nitschke.  That's old school and it's as good it gets.

Drafted out of Illinois in 1957, Nitschke was a key player during the Packers dominance in the 1960's.  While he was known for his hard hits, he was a good all-around linebacker, intercepting 25 passes during his career.  Along with the NFL Championships, Super Bowls, All-Pro selections and Hall of Fame honors, Nitschke is one of only 5 players to have their numbers retired by Green Bay; not bad considering how many great players have come through.

Along with Penn State, USC takes a lot pride in the moniker "Linebacker U" due the number of great players at that position over the years.  Junior Seau, Willie McGinest, Chris Clairbone, Lofa Tatupu and Keith Rivers are just to name but a few.  It definitely wouldn't hurt to add Clay Matthews to that discussion.

The three amigos prior to the NFL draft.

Matthews teamed up with Rey Maualuga, Brian Cushing and Kaluka Maiava to form one of the best linebacking units in the country.  From 2006-2008, USC faced Michigan, Illinois (who should have never even been there in the first place) and Penn State in three straight Rose Bowls.  Not only did the Trojans win all three games decisively, but they were dominant in every sense of the word; thanks in part to the aforementioned gentlemen. 

In this era of parity, winning one championship is probably more than enough because it's not as easy for teams to dominate an entire decade like they used back then.  Should Green Bay win Super Bowl XLV, and Matthews goes on to a lengthy career, it wouldn't be a bad thing if he were to considered in the same breath as Nitschke.