Is destiny rearing its head in Happy Valley this year, are the football gods smiling down on Joe Paterno this one final time, or is the Big Ten just not having an outstanding year.  Whatever reason you want to pick or come up with, a real surprise emerging this year out of the Big Ten is the current position of Penn State (8-1 overall and 5-0 in conference play) atop the Leaders division (other division within the conference is the Legends).

The Nittany Lions control their own destiny when it comes to reaching the Big Ten’s inaugural Championship Game by merely winning their remaining three games which are November 12 at home against Nebraska, November 19 at Ohio State and November 26 at Wisconsin. 

The chances of Penn State reaching the BCS Championships Game in New Orleans this year are slim based on all the teams that must not only lose one game but probably two based on their strength of schedules, but a trip to the Rose Bowl isn’t all that bad. 

The Nittany Lions record is actually remarkable based on the fact that they are still operating on a two man quarterback rotation that should be a one man rotation based on numbers and performance.  For the first part of the season Rob Bolden was starting but not earning that designation whereas Matt McGloin would come off the bench and provide the offense with much needed scores.  Finally two games ago, McGloin was installed as the starter (which he rightly deserved) but Paterno is still choosing to bring in Bolden for series during the game which breaks any possible momentum.  McGloin clearly should be the quarterback throughout the game, the only reason I see for Paterno’s decision making with Bolden is because he is gun shy with multiple quarterbacks choosing to transfer from Penn State recently.  Did Paterno make some sort of pact with Bolden so he would stay or what?

The defense has been consistent and the main reason for the unblemished record in conference play, this despite the fact that they lost their best player and leader Michael Mauti to a season ending knee injury.  That being said, the defense has stepped up and again without question is the reason Penn State is winning.

If you were Joe Paterno wouldn’t that be a great way to end your career, as the all time Division I wins leader in college football, a Rose Bowl berth or win and not having to be pushed out by an administration that adores and cherishes your larger than life presence within the Penn State community.