Yes, we're happy now

Joe Paterno got his 400th win in a thrilling come-from-behind 35-21 victory over Northwestern, and at the same time, Penn State won their sixth game of the year to become bowl eligible.  Both seemed only vaguely possible after getting killed by Illinois, but now as much as we could have hoped for has been accomplished by this young team, and the 3 games left are all gravy.

Without a doubt, Penn State has been on a steep improvement curve over the past 3 games.  Good enough to be Ohio State?  Could be a dream...but Penn State's got little to lose now.

The quarterback controversy is interesting, but I don't think there's any doubt (Joe may disagree) that Matt McGloin is the man.  Sure, Rob Bolden won the job fair and square earlier in the year, has the better arm, is probably the better athlete, and got unlucky to get hurt just before Penn State played a couple teams with shaky defenses.  They say he's poised and beyond his years for a freshman too, but I'll give you two words:  FRESHMAN MISTAKES.  Bolden throws a bullet, but how bad is Matt McGloin's arm when he's hitting everything... deep balls, screens, middle of the field.  The offense has been humming like it's a different team with McGloin playing.  It's a paradox... a conundrum... but I just don't see how you don't go with McGloin now.  Perhaps McGloin gets humbled at Ohio State (we hope not) but if so, Bolden would be a good change of pace if it's not going well.

One final Penn State observation.  This year's Big Ten schedule has turned out to be very favorable.  Other than allowing Penn State to play all 8 games at home, I don't know how it could have gone better (except maybe replacing Illinois with Purdue).  Count it up:

GOOD:  Iowa and Ohio State - likely losses on the road.  They were going to lose anyway, so fine - they get them at home next year.
GOOD:  Michigan and Northwestern at home.  Nailbiting wins... the crowd helped...these needed to be at home.
GOOD:  An "away" game at Indiana being played in Washington D. C. - guess who will have more fans there?
GOOD: Michigan State at home.  A couple weeks ago, this game looked scary.  Now, Penn State is on the upswing and MSU is on the downswing... Penn State has a chance.
GOOD:  Minnesota on the road... Penn State would have won at home or on the road, so they pick up a road win and get them at home next year - so we'll call this one GOOD.
NEUTRAL:  A home loss to Illinois.  Penn State would have lost at either place, but they have to face them on the road next year, so let's call this one neutral.

So, the location 7 of 8 Big Ten games was of benefit to Penn State, and none had a big downside.  Murphy doesn't always get the best of you.