9:16 p.m.: Penn State leads 14-10 after a tremendously well played first half. Game is playing almost exactly into PSU's hands. The Nittany Lions need to avoid the turnovers, keep running the ball, keep finding opportune times to pass and turn it up a notch on defense in the second half. This game is Penn State's to lose, as long as the Lions don't hurt their own cause.
Tonight's attendance, by the way, is 109,839 -- the second-largest crowd in Beaver Stadium history (behind the 2002 Nebraska game).
Some notes from staff writer Frank Bodani:
PREP TEAMMATES MEET: Three pairs of former high school teammates were on opposite sidelines on Saturday night.Cornerback Tony Davis (PSU) and guard Doug Datish (OSU) attended Howland High in Warren, Ohio. Safety Chris Harrell (PSU) and tight end Brandon Smith (OSU) attended Euclid High in Ohio. Guard Robert Price (PSU) and Caesar Bui (OSU) attended Shaker Heights High in Ohio.
HONORING A LEGEND: Former PSU tailback Lydell Mitchell was honored at halftime for his induction into the Cotton Bowl Hall of Fame earlier this year. He rushed for 146 yards on 27 carries to lead the Lions to a 30-6 victory over Southwest Conference champ Texas in the Cotton Bowl on Jan. 1, 1972.
Mitchell was an All-American in 1971, leading the nation in touchdowns (29) and points scored (174). He finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy balloting.
He also became the 19th Penn Stater inducted into the National Football Foundation’s College Hall of Fame last year.
Too bad I missed the in-game blogging. I took a vacation, visiting the college from which I graduated. I would have loved to "blog some smack" with PSU fans, but the game on October 8th had a sad finish. I am a lonely OSU fan blogging from York, PA. We (OSU) are no longer in contention for the national championship...maybe not even for the second or third best bowl game. But watch it happen next year! :)