Another season is upon us, friends, so welcome to year 6 of MMQ. Unfortunately, today's game is mostly an exhibition against the FCS (formerly Div. 1-AA) Penguins of Youngstown State.
The weather forecast is for the mid 60s and high winds. That can't be a surprise drop of about 25 degrees from Thursday afternoon in Happy Valley, especially considering that hell has frozen over ever since JoePa selected the youngest starting QB since before WWI (yes, the first war to end all wars). Robert Bolden, who arrived on campus this summer and was given virtually no shot at anything but redshirting this year, has apparently edged out Kevin Newsome, Matt McGloin and Paul Jones. This is a sign that A) Bolden is the real deal; B) coach Paterno is trying to light a fire under either Newsome or McGloin; or C) PSU is in a world of hurt and a true frosh is the best PSU has. MMQ is really, really hoping for A.
Otherwise, I guess we'll see what we learn this afternoon. What we do know will happen is: most of the student section will be late arriving, there will be plenty of talk about STEP, and that it'll be windy and a heckuva lot colder than it has been since April.
What we don't know: Will PSU announce attendance over 100,000 when it most clearly is not? Will PSU try to play a rotation of six LBs because of a ridiculous wealth of talent? Will Stefen Wisniewski try to play every single OL position or will he be cloned into doing so?
Here's what MMQ sees: A PSU team that is taking this game as a Blue-White do-over for the QB competition. I doubt PSU will have to try very hard to establish the run, and I can see plenty of passes being thrown by all three QBs in an effort to ID a leader and starter. If Bolden can play a mistake free game, it's probably his job to lose. If not, well, I could very well see a different starter in Tuscaloosa for the real season opener.
I'm mildly curious as to how the lines perform, although YSU is hardly the opponent to measure progress on. Let's hope the Lions stay healthy and a QB is established. Call it 41-3 Lions and pass the hot chocolate with the blue and white marshmallows.