BLUE ROYSTER CULT

Wish I could take credit for that, but it's a banner that hangs in front of the Penn State student section (in honor of Evan Royster, the Nittany Lion tailback).

Today's game pits the nation's two leaders in home attendance last season: Michigan averaged 110,264 last year while Penn State averaged 108,917. Winning helps, but the atmosphere here in Happy Valley is outstanding. Before the band takes the field, the P.A. system plays a great little rock and roll medley. It begins with Emerson, Lake &Palmer's "Karn Evil 9--First Impression Part 2", which you know better from the lyrics "Welcome back, my friends, to the show that never ends..."  (I so long for overly pretentious prog-rock albums and song titles). Then it segues into Journey's classic "Don't Stop Believin'" as the entirely white-clad student section waves pom-pons. Very, very cool.

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From the media guide....Which school has the most undefeated regular seasons since 1966, JoePa's first year as head coach? That's right, Penn State. The Nittany Lions have seven. Miami, Nebraska and Ohio State all have six. And of course the Nittany Lions have a shot at number eight this year.

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For at least another hour, Texas Tech has the nation's longest win streak, 9 games. Utah should join them soon. The Nittany Lions are seeking their 9th straight today.

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So I'm checking scores around the country--as are you--and USC's Mark Sanchez has already thrown five touchdown passes in the first half at Wazzu. The spread on this game was 42.5 points. USC leads 41-0 with four minutes until halftime. Just how awful are the Cougs?