Page 6 The Coac State Number One? Never Deserved It Before Penn They Have you ever noticed how Penn State football fans and University of Alabama football fans sound extremely similar when they discuss each other's lack of a creditable schedule? Whether you like to admit it or not, both Alabama and PSU have played only mediocre regular season schedules over the past ten years. However, how can people ridicule Alabama's schedule, when they are locked into conference play? Alabama does not have much of a say in the scheduling of its .‘ games.On the other hand, PSU is an independent. They have had the opportunity to pick and choose their opponents in seasons gone by. Think about it: PSU has chosen to play the likes of Temple, Colgate, Kentucky, and ACC powerhouses like NC State and Maryland. Why have they settled on playing these Mickey Mouse Eastern football teams? Now don't give me that list of teams that PSU has played in the bowl games. I don't want to hear it! While other bowl-bound schools were playing competitive schedules during the regular season, PSU has had the proverbial cakewalk year in and year out. PSU was primed for these bowl games. They had no injuries from the regular season. Hell, you don't get injured playing the likes of Colgate, Temple, and Maryland. Why isn't PSU playing Texas A&M, SMU, or Missouri? We were told that those teams decided to withdraw from their contracts. I wonder? Maybe it was that PSU propaganda? Maybe PSU would rather play thi potent offenses of teams like Colgate, Cincinnati, and Brown University? I mean, really, Brown University? PSU will only need their JV team to beat Brown. Oh, but you know what J.P. will say before the game: Q: Joe, how's the squad look for this week's contest with Brown University? J.P.: Well, I don't know Q. We didn't have a good week of practice. You know, Brown plays a darn difficult schedule. They've played Yale, Dartmouth, Vasser this year. Those kids will be up for us. Q: But J.P., seriously, aren't you afraid that your pro-size linemen and backs will permanently injure the Brown kids? J.P.: Brown is a darn tough football team. They'll give us a good game. For once, just once, I'd like J.P. to say: "Well, it's like this Q. Our offensive line averages 260 pounds a man, our backs are great, and our defense is as good as any in college ball. Yes, I think we will kick ass this Saturday." But hey, don't get me wrong. I won a ten spot when I took PSU over the Huskers. PSU has a great shot at being number one this year. The reason is that they are playing some top teams. It's about time. 1. Texas--More difficult conference play. 2. PSU--Have played only one tough team-three patsies. 3. USC--Arizona was lucky. 4. Michigan-Wisconsin lucked out; Bo's Boys are real good. 5. Florida State--Because they're good. THE COACH'S POST-SEASON PREDICTIONS Major League Baseball Trades Phillies--Maddox, Boone, and Bowa will go in exchange for much-needed pitching. Yankees--Cerone, Murcer, and Revering are likely to be shipped out of the Big Apple. Pirates--Parker or Madlock will go to the Braves. Braves--Horner or Murphy are likely to be dealt to the Buccos in exchange for Madlock or Parker. Before I close my first article, I'd like to say that what happened to Steelton Highspire's football coach Bruce Evens was a disgrace. No other sports reporter in the area has had the guts to say what needs to be said concerning Coach Evans' departure. If you're not familiar with the situation, I'll fill you in. Evans, first year coach at SH, was asked to resign or be fired because of his losing record. His record was 1-2. They just hired the guy! They asked him to resign because he lost two games! Two high school games! Two amateur, athletic contest-type games! You know the type where winning isn't everything. People talk about George Steinbrenner. I'm sorry for Ex-Coach Evans. I'm sorry for the boys on his team, because they would have benefitted from his teaching. Most of all, rm sorry for the "Winning is the only thing" type people who support the Rollers. I'm sorry for the fans who can't accept more than one defeat during a high school football season. Good luck, Bruce Evans. You're a class guy. Well, sports fans, that's it for this week. Until next time, remember this: If you play a sport, go ahead! P.S.--If you have any interesting comments you'd like made public or sports questions you'd like answered, just drop The Coach a line at the C.C. Reader office. I hope to hear from you! Sports Scoop COLLEGE FOOTBALL'S BEST Led by Mike Meade (above) and Curt Warner (below), the Lions piled up the rushing yardage against Temple. Sat., Oct 17:PSU vs. Syracuse at the Carrierdome. Mon., Oct. 19:Men's varsity basketball practice at 3:30 in the gym. Tues., Oct 20:Cross Country meeting at 7:00 in the gym.--Women's volleyball practice at 6:00 in the gym. Wed., Oct 21—Those interested in start ing a women's basketball team at Capitol are invited to a meeting in the gym at 2:30.--Anyone interested in having a table tennis tournament attend a meet ing at 2:00 in the gym. Sat., Oct. 24:West Virginia vs. PSU at Beaver Stadium at 1:30. Widow Isms 94f9991 W EDNESDAY- Campus League Nite Ball drilling services, Bags, Shoes and Accessories Love, COACH SPORTS CALENDAR Capitolizing READER Photos by Darrell Heider Thursday, October 15,
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