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Shortly before kickoff at Ohio Stadium, several other reporters and I left our seats in the press box and took positions in the hallway outside the press elevator.

Two top 10 teams with storied histories would play that October night in 2008: No. 3 Penn State and No. 9 Ohio State. The game eventually would decide the Big Ten's BCS bowl tiebreaker and a trip to the Rose Bowl. Penn State came in undefeated and needing four more victories to likely secure a spot in the national title game. Ohio State had only one loss and eyed a third consecutive outright Big Ten championship. The game featured two consensus All-Americans, three national award winners and 12 players who would be selected in the NFL draft the following April.

But rather than watch pregame warm-ups, several national and local media members, along with an ABC cameraman, watched an 81-year-old man on crutches hobble off the elevator, down the hallway and into the visiting coaches' booth.

Joe Paterno seemed surprised to see us, saying, "Geez, what is this?" Assistant Ron Vanderlinden joked to the coach, "They're not waiting for us, right?"

Not you, Ron. Joe.

Paterno's game location (press box or field) became as big a story on fall Saturdays as Penn State's pass rush or quarterback play during the coach's last few seasons. As various ailments forced Paterno to the coaches' booth, the familiar questions surfaced about how much he really coached the team, whether he had any role with in-game planning and, the big one, whether all of this was a precursor to retirement.

Although Paterno's coaching future dominated the discourse around Penn State football, Paterno also made news in other ways. He called for the Big Ten to expand and add a championship game (which it did). He gave candid thoughts about major college football issues that resonated nationally. He made fun of Twitter and then started Skyping with recruits. His Tuesday press gatherings during the season were events, and he was the star.

Paterno might have been genuinely surprised to see us that night in Columbus, but he shouldn't have been. When it came to Penn State, he was the story, even if he didn't want to be.

The Joe Paterno narrative has been much bigger than the Penn State football narrative.

It might not have been that way at the start of Paterno's 46-year run as Lions coach, but it was for most of his tenure. It certainly has been the case since the Big Ten blog launched in 2008. While the blog technically covers 12 teams, it really has covered 11 teams and one coach.

Penn State has had great teams and great players that moved the needle nationally. But Paterno was the constant. He was the newsmaker.

The narrative will change at Penn State following Paterno's death Sunday at age 85. Make no mistake, Paterno's presence will remain with the team, the university and the fans. Penn State will pay tribute to Paterno in the coming days, during the coming season and in ways that will remain with the program forever. He built Penn State football, and his imprint will never be removed from the program.

But at some point, Penn State football will be the story and Joe Paterno will not. It's going to seem odd.

There likely won't be many columns about whether new Penn State coach Bill O'Brien, 42, will coach from the field or the press box. O'Brien's potential retirement won't be discussed nearly as much as whether he can be an effective head coach for a program dealing with a turbulent time. His ability to develop quarterbacks is sure to generate more copy than his thoughts on conference realignment or whether freshmen should be eligible.

The Penn State players themselves also will be bigger parts of the narrative. Paterno was known for being insular with the program and sheltering his players, restricting access to both media members and NFL scouts. While stars like former linebacker LaVar Arrington drew some national attention, Penn State seems to have far fewer players in the spotlight than most programs of its ilk. I've sometimes wondered whether the closed-door policy has hurt Penn State players when it comes to national awards -- the program has produced only one Heisman Trophy winner, John Cappelletti in 1973.

Will things change under O'Brien? Time will tell, but it would be surprising not to hear more and see more from Penn State's players in coming years.

As the tributes roll in, Paterno is the story at Penn State. He'll be mourned and remembered throughout the week. But at some point -- maybe the start of spring practice or the start of the 2013 season -- the narrative will shift.

There won't be an iconic figure on the sideline, at the podium or in the coaches' booth. There will be players and coaches, trying to uphold a legacy and forge their own.

It will become all about the team.

Paterno would like that.

New England assistant Bill O'Brien hasn't officially been hired yet by Penn State, but some former Nittany Lions players are already voicing their displeasure with the choice and the process that led to it.

Former Penn State linebacker Brandon Short told USA Today that he and two other prominent ex-players will meet with interim athletic director Dave Joyner today.

"There is a tangible standard at Penn State that this poor (O'Brien) guy knows nothing about,'' Short told the paper. "I feel badly for him (because) he is clueless and will not have the support of the majority of the Lettermen. This is a hornet's nest (for him).'

O'Brien, who was a longtime ACC assistant before joining the Patriots, has no ties to Penn State. Short also said Joyner's attitude during the search was a problem, describing him as "arrogant, nonchalant and egotistical attitude by anyone who approached him.''

"It shows he wasn't concerned about getting our point of view,'' Short said. "Dave Joyner is not qualified to be athletic director.''

Former star defensive player LaVar Arrington is also upset with the hire. Here's what he told Blue White Illustrated:

"I will put my Butkus (Award) in storage. I will put my Alamo Bowl MVP trophy in storage," Arrington said. "Jerseys, anything Penn State, in storage. Wherever Tom Bradley goes, that's the school I will start to put memorabilia up in my home. I'm done. I'm done with Penn State. If they're done with us, I'm done with them."

Arrington later tweeted: "Alums I will always love you and the Penn State I knew. But until there's a new board and new leadership they can have their corrupt/disgusting school that they've created."

Judging from the e-mails, comments and tweets I've seen, most Penn State fans are underwhelmed -- to say the least -- at the news of O'Brien's hire. That doesn't mean he won't turn out to be a great coach, but he and Penn State have some convincing to do.

His first challenge will be convincing recruits it's OK to come to State College. ESPN recruiting analyst Jared Shanker writes that O'Brien has a lot of work ahead of him. Several prospects have either decommitted or said they are keeping their options open, and others have ties to the former assistants.

Plus, with the Patriots poised for a long playoff run after clinching the top seed in the AFC and a first-round bye, O'Brien will have to juggle building a staff at Penn State, recruiting high school seniors and planning for whichever team the Patriots will face next weekend.

The best-case scenario for the Nittany Lions is O'Brien can turn his full attention to Penn State on Jan. 16, which gives him less than three full weeks before recruits can sign.

But Shanker writes that O'Brien's pedigree in the pros and relationship with Tom Brady could be attractive to recruits, whom he can sell on reaching their NFL potential. And at least Penn State finally has a permanent head coach, more than two months after Joe Paterno was fired.

Now all the school and new coach has to do is convince fans and former players that Bill O'Brien is the right guy.

Let's get to it. As always, send me your questions and comments here.

Tim from St. Petersburg, Fla., writes: Adam, disturbs me that you would write an article about recruiting less than 48 hours after the alleged cover up of sexual misconduct at PSU. The victims are who should truly be moarned not the chance that PSU football recruiting could be effected. Thats the problem in the first place is all anyone cared about was how it effects the University and it's football program. Joe Pa and the rest of these dirt bags should be fired and publicly reprimanded.

Adam Rittenberg: Tim, you're not the only one upset by the recruiting post. It might have been a bit too soon, but we're going to be covering all elements of this story on the blog. I also had posts on what the attorney general had to say as well as commentary from former Penn State star LaVar Arrington, NCAA president Mark Emmert and others. If the recruiting post bothers you, don't read it and check out the other coverage we have. There is and will be plenty. But there are those interested in the impact of this situation on Penn State's future.

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Ian from Hartford writes: Adam, This is a hard time to be a Penn State Fan and Alum. I have been listening to fans, especially OSU fans, commenting about PSU's situation and almost bragging that PSU is in trouble. I do not consider the two situations similar and I would never trade my time and experiences at Penn State no matter what. This is so much worse than an NCAA investigation or problems with players. This is a sin of omission from Paterno and worse from the administration. "IF" is a big word right now and there is a lot to be determined legally. In the court of public opinion Joe Pa is already being found guilty as with the rest of the administration. I will still root for my team, I will still go to the games and I will still sing the Alma Mater. Penn State means more than football, it is bigger than that. It is bigger than a football team, a coach or an administrator. Penn State, like any other school, is about the people who shared time at a special place. I will support this team, they had nothing to do with this situation. I still love my school but I deplore the actions of those involved. We expect more and deserve more. Most of all, those kids deserved more.

Adam Rittenberg: Ian, thanks for sharing your perspective. I know a lot of Penn State alumni feel the same way as you do. They remain proud of their alma mater, but their trust has been shaken to a certain extent by what is alleged to have happened. It's a very sad situation all around, and you're absolutely right about the kids deserving better.

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Matt from Omaha, Neb., writes: Great blog Adam! With the revelations of last weekend, who has a bigger "intangible" motivation going into this weekend's Nebraska @ Penn St. match-up? Is it the Huskers, with their annual mid-season implosion in Lincoln, or is it Penn St, with the ugly allegations regarding their former DC and current employees? Thanks, and looking forward to another crazy week in the Big 10!

Adam Rittenberg: Thanks, Matt. Good question. Penn State players will have to deal with this distraction all week, but the interesting thing is they don't have any direct connections to Jerry Sandusky or what allegedly happened at Penn State before they arrived on campus. They obviously know Joe Paterno, Mike McQueary and some of the other folks involved, but it's not as if they played for Sandusky. Penn State has used adversity as a rallying cry all season, and quarterback Matthew McGloin tweeted here and here that the team will do the same this week. Nebraska, meanwhile, heads to State College in must-win mode after a poor showing against Northwestern. I think both teams will have plenty of motivation Saturday.

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Eric from Iowa City, Iowa, writes: Adam my man, please enlighten me. How can Iowa (and to a lesser extent, MSU, Mich, Wisconsin) be such a different team on the road compared to the friendly confines of Kinnick? Is it partially to blame on youth? Do the younger guys, especially on defense, need the extra crowd boost to get them through times of adversity? Does some of the blame go on the coaches for not preparing their players for the tough road environments? Or is it really that all these teams are just so average that the biggest difference between them is who gets to play at home? And don't worry, your secret's safe with me and the Hawkeyes this week seeing as D'Antonio won't allow you to speak to his players.

Adam Rittenberg: Ha, sounds like a plan, Eric. You ask some really good questions here about teams' struggles on the road. This season, it has been especially tough to win Big Ten games away from home. But I definitely think maturity plays into it, especially with a team like Iowa that is fairly young on both sides of the ball. Players always will be more comfortable on their home field, and factors like sideline-to-field communication are better at home than on the road. But certain Big Ten teams seem totally different at home vs. on the road. I'd put Iowa, Wisconsin and Michigan State into that category this year. One team that seems to perform better on the road rather than home is Northwestern, as Pat Fitzgerald seems to get his guys geared up for tough environments (Wildcats are 14-8 on the road since 2008). I think one of the more underrated streaks in college football was Ohio State's run of 16 consecutive Big Ten road wins between 2005-09.

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Josh from Atlanta writes: Thanks for blogging and keeping me informed about the B1G even though I live in SEC country. My question is about the B1G title game. If the title game comes down to two teams whom already play for a trophy, is that trophy up for grabs during the title game? For example, if Iowa and Wisconsin play in the B1G title game, is it for the B1G Championship and the Heartland trophy? Same can be said for Penn State/MSU. If so, would this hold true for teams that play for a trophy in the annual crossover game, where the trophy could have already changed hands once during the season. Again, for example, if Minnesota and Wisconsin played in the title game, would it be for Paul Bunyon's axe again, even though they play for that trophy every year during the regular season. I'm interested in your take on this...

Adam Rittenberg: Josh, it's up to the schools whether they want to put their rivalry trophy at stake in the Big Ten title game. The Big Ten won't stand in the way, at least from what I've been told. So if Penn State and Michigan State want to play for that thing they play for in Indianapolis, they can go for it. Same goes for Wisconsin and Iowa. Wouldn't it be something if those longtime rivals, who don't meet during the regular season, both make it to Indy?

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Jake from Seattle writes: I'll preface this comment by acknowledging it is at considerable odds with conventional wisdom: I don't think Monty Ball dropping 20 lbs was good for Wisconsin. Monty is certainly faster, more explosive and having a freakishly good individual season. But I can't help but think Wisconsin could have benefitted more from a power running back, and more sustained drives, during the stretches in the OSU and MSU games when the offense and Russell Wilson weren't in sync. Again, no doubt an incredible individual season, but I think a bigger Monty, who could more reliably pick up short yards, would have given us fewer blowouts but more wins. Am I insane?

Adam Rittenberg: A little, Jake. I really don't know how you can connect Wisconsin's losses to Montee Ball at all. The guy has been absolutely fabulous. Let's look at those two losses. Wisconsin ran the ball very well against Michigan State with Ball in the game and looked like a different offense when he left for a few series after getting his bell rung. Ball had 115 rush yards and a touchdown on only 18 carries in East Lansing. I put the struggles against Ohio State more on the offensive line than the running backs, or the lack of a true "power" back, as you put it. Wisconsin's big hogs didn't come through in Columbus.

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Greg from Omaha writes: Hey Adam, With the recent losses by both Michigan and Nebraska, which team's quarterback gives them a better chance at making it to Indy (assuming Iowa and MSU faulter)?

Adam Rittenberg: Greg, I'd go with Nebraska's Taylor Martinez. He has been really good since the Wisconsin loss and seems to be throwing the ball with more control and confidence. Denard Robinson remains one of the more clutch players I've ever seen, as he always saves his best for the fourth quarter, but he seems to have regressed as a passer and makes far too many mistakes. I'd go with T-Magic right now.

LaVar Arrington was among the many star defenders who played for former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky.

A two-time All-American and the 1999 Bednarik Award winner, Arrington starred at Penn State during the end of Sandusky's 32-year run as a Lions assistant. Both men departed the program after the 1999 season.

Like many members of Penn State's football community, Arrington expressed shock at the sex abuse scandal surrounding Sandusky, who has been charged with 40 counts of sex crimes involving minors.

Arrington weighs in on the Sandusky situation in his latest blog post for Washington Post.

Some tidbits:

"My experiences with Coach Sandusky are memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I can honestly say that Coach Sandusky was always fun to be around and genuinely cared about us as people. He always made it a point to help guide us in the direction of being better. He was always very active in trying to help troubled youths and often asked me to take time out of my schedule to spend time with the kids that he would bring around the facility.

"I’m perplexed as to how someone who did so much good could end up being accused of something so bad. I have my own kids, and I know how strongly I feel about them and protecting them from hurt, harm and danger.

"I pray the kids involved in this case are okay. Again as a parent this has created such a dilemma for me. On one side I want Jerry to be innocent because he was a great man to me, but on the other side, as a responsible parent if he did molest or assault those children, then he needs to be responsible for his actions, as we all have to be.

"In the end, regardless of the outcome, it won’t change all of the great things I witnessed from him while I was in school. But the sad reality is, again regardless of the outcome, it has shattered the image of a man who meant so much to me."

Interesting thoughts from someone who knew Sandusky well.

If Eric Gordon played for any other team, he'd probably be a household name.

He'd likely have a few more awards listed below his mug shot in the media guide. Who knows, he might even have his own promotional Web site, like this one.

Gordon easily could be the Greg Jones of another team. But he's much happier being Jones' teammate at Michigan State, which is ranked No. 7 in the BCS standings and off to its first 7-0 start since 1966.

"Greg deserves everything he's gotten," Gordon said. "He's a great player and he makes awesome plays and flies around. I guess you could say I do wish I would be in his position, but I love the position I'm in. I’ve been doing the best I possibly can and he's doing the same. He just gets a few more tackles than me."

When told that Jones gets a few more tackles than just about everyone in college football, Gordon laughs and says, "Yeah, just a few more."

Gordon is the latest Big Ten linebacker to flourish a role previously occupied by players like Ohio State's Marcus Freeman and Penn State's Brandon Short. Both Freeman and Short were outstanding linebackers who played in the shadows of more decorated teammates: James Laurinaitis in Freeman's case, LaVar Arrington in Short's. Neither Freeman nor Short fully got the credit they deserved, but their accomplishments didn't go unnoticed.

The same holds true for Gordon, who has started 43 of his 45 career games for the Spartans, including each of the past 34 contests, a streak that ties him with Jones for the longest on the team. "Gordo," as he's known on the team, ranks 18th among active FBS players with 285 career tackles and has recorded 26 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks and 8 pass breakups.

"He’s been around a long time," Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio said of the 6-foot, 232-pound fifth-year senior. "He's been an extremely productive player for us. He has great speed and great power and great ball skills."

Gordon's career tackles total ranks second among active Big Ten players.

Take a wild guess at who ranks first.

No one has had a better view for Jones' evolution than Gordon, who has played next to No. 53 for three plus seasons. Gordon considers Jones one of his best friends, and they both know how far they've come from the 2007 season.

"We always laugh whenever we see film of us," Gordon said. "We weren’t the smartest guys on the field. We just kind of lined up. We watch it and we ask each other, ‘What the hell we were doing?’"

It's certainly not the case any more, as Jones and Gordon are two of the more assignment-sound linebackers in college football. Jones gets most of the accolades -- consensus All-America honors, 2009 Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the Year, 2009 and 2010 Big Ten preseason Defensive Player of the Year -- but Gordon is right by his side.

"He's so consistent, he's instinctual and physical, he can run sideline to sideline," Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald said. "He's been such a good player because of how consistent he's been."

Fitzgerald was the Greg Jones of Northwestern in the mid-1990s, although he'll never admit it. "Comparing my athleticism to Greg Jones is an insult to Greg," Fitzgerald said Monday. As a two-time National Defensive Player of the year, Fitzgerald garnered most of the attention, while Northwestern's other good linebackers like Danny Sutter -- "One heck of a player for us," Fitzgerald said -- were overlooked.

"[Jones] gets talked about a lot and he should because he’s a great player, but I enjoy watching Eric Gordon, too," Fitzgerald said. "He's one heck of a football player. Those two guys have been side by side now for a number of years, and they just do a tremendous job of playing the position."

Dantonio sees Gordon as the perfect complement to Jones, both as a blitzer and as another sure tackler in space.

"We've been together since Day 1 of actually playing," Gordon said. "He's always been next to me. Our communication is great. We understand each other and I just think we work together great. It's been an honor.

"I've learned so much from him. I hope he's learned a little from me."

The house of pain is in effect 'yall
I say the house of pain is in effect
You know the house of pain is in effect y'all
And anyone that steps up is gettin' wrecked

And, with those poetic lines from Everlast, we enter the Big Ten's House of Pain. All week at ESPN.com, we're exploring the most-painful losses in a team's history. What constitutes pain? First, the game has to be significant. A rough loss in a going-nowhere year doesn't sting as much as one that prevented a team from reaching its ultimate goals.

Painful losses often happen against rivals. Painful losses often have especially painful endings. Painful losses often take place at the worst possible times. Although blowout defeats certainly can qualify as painful, losses that culminate with crunch-time turnovers, field goal makes or misses or generally bizarre plays usually stick out more.

The most important criteria: painful losses linger for you, the fans.

Trust me, this wasn't easy, and I know many of you will disagree with the choices. But I only got to pick one game for each Big Ten team. A special thanks to the Big Ten sports information staffs for helping me with the project.

Here goes ...

ILLINOIS
Date: Nov. 3, 1990
Opponent: Iowa
Site: Memorial Stadium (Champaign, Ill.)
Final score: Iowa 54, Illinois 28

After winning a Citrus Bowl championship the previous January, Illinois entered the 1990 season with raised expectations. The Illini lost the opener but won their next six, rising to No. 5 in the national rankings. They had big dreams, but rival Iowa changed everything by crushing them in front of their own fans at Memorial Stadium. John Mackovic's team had no answer for Iowa's Nick Bell, who rushed for 168 yards. After allowing one touchdown in its opponents' previous 49 possessions, Illinois watched Iowa reach the end zone on its first five drives. Illinois' 2000 loss to Michigan deserves honorable mention.

INDIANA
Date: Nov. 7, 1988
Opponent: Illinois
Site: Memorial Stadium (Champaign, Ill.)
Final score: Illinois 21, Indiana 20

Indiana went to Champaign ranked No. 20 nationally and boasting a 4-1 mark in Big Ten play after a win against Iowa. The Hoosiers seemingly had the game in hand, up 20-9 with less than four minutes remaining. But Illinois quarterback Jeff George, an Indianapolis native who attended Indiana's archrival Purdue before transferring, led the comeback and fired a touchdown pass with 21 seconds left. Illinois' drive came after Indiana quarterback Dave Schnell fumbled on a bootleg. The loss took Indiana out of the race for the Big Ten championship. Indiana's most painful moment came against Anthony Carter and Michigan in 1979.

IOWA
Date: Jan. 1, 1986
Opponent: UCLA
Site: Rose Bowl (Pasadena, Calif.)
Final Score: UCLA 45, Iowa 28

Iowa felt the pain both for what happened during the game and what happened soon afterward. Maxwell Award winner Chuck Long led the fourth-ranked Hawkeyes into Pasadena, but he was sacked four times by the Bruins. Tailback Ronnie Harmon had a miserable day, fumbling four times after doing so just once all season and dropping a wide-open touchdown pass. Some believed Harmon threw the game. An Iowa win could have led to a national championship after No. 1 Penn State and No. 2 Miami both lost in their bowl games.

MICHIGAN
Date: Nov. 24, 1973
Opponent: Ohio State
Site: Michigan Stadium (Ann Arbor, Mich.)
Final score: Ohio State 10, Michigan 10

Michigan has had its share of painful losses -- Appalachian State, Ohio State in 2006, Colorado in 1994 -- but this tie with the hated Buckeyes really stung the Maize and Blue. The game featured its share of pain, as Michigan rallied from a 10-0 deficit to tie things up, but missed two field goals in the closing moments. The controversy really started afterward, as Big Ten athletic directors voted that Ohio State should play in the Rose Bowl ahead of Michigan. The Big Ten's no-repeat rule had been scrapped just two years earlier. Michigan coach Bo Schembechler called the decision "an embarrassment to the Big Ten Conference" and stewed about it until his death in 2006.

MICHIGAN STATE
Date: Jan. 1, 1966
Opponent: UCLA
Site: Rose Bowl (Pasadena, Calif.)
Final score: UCLA 14, Michigan State 12

The Spartans came to Pasadena undefeated and ranked No. 1 in the country. UCLA jumped ahead as the Spartans coughed up the ball four times in the first half. Still, Michigan State had a chance and outgained UCLA 314-212 in the game. The Spartans rallied and scored with less than a minute left, setting up a potential tying two-point conversion attempt. But fullback Bob Apisa was stopped short of the goal line by UCLA's Bob Stiles, who knocked himself out making the tackle. Alabama was awarded the AP national title. Michigan State's 2006 loss to Notre Dame and 1966 tie against the Irish deserve honorable mention.

MINNESOTA
Date: Oct. 10, 2003
Opponent: Michigan
Site: Metrodome (Minneapolis)
Final score: Michigan 38, Minnesota 35

Minnesota was 6-0 and entered the Little Brown Jug rivalry ranked No. 17 nationally. Led by tailbacks Marion Barber and Laurence Maroney, Minnesota led 28-7 after three quarters and 35-21 with 11:11 left. But Michigan couldn't be stopped in the fourth quarter and scored 31 points in the final 15 minutes, capped by Garrett Rivas' field goal with 47 seconds left. Minnesota rushed for 424 yards but still felt short. The Gophers arguably have never been the same. No Big Ten team has more painful losses than Minny.

NORTHWESTERN
Date: Nov. 11, 2000
Opponent: Iowa
Site: Kinnick Stadium
Final score: Iowa 27, Northwestern 17

Northwestern has seen huge leads evaporate (Michigan State in 2006), suffered shocking early losses (Miami University in 1995) and come very close to ending its bowl drought the past two seasons. But Rose Bowl opportunities don't come around too often for the Wildcats, and they squandered one by falling to Iowa. A week after an unforgettable win against Michigan and ranked No. 12 nationally, Northwestern was totally outplayed by a Hawkeyes team that went 3-9. On a day when Purdue opened a path to Pasadena with a loss to Michigan State, the Wildcats stumbled on the doorstep.

OHIO STATE
Date: Nov. 22, 1969
Opponent: Michigan
Site: Michigan Stadium (Ann Arbor, Mich.)
Final score: Michigan 24, Ohio State 12

The Buckeyes brought one of their greatest teams ever to "that state up North" to face a Michigan team regaining respectability under first-year coach Bo Schembechler. Although Michigan played at home and carried a four-game win streak into The Game, Ohio State was a 17-point favorite. The Buckeyes scored a quick touchdown but never really recovered, as a Michigan team inspired by Schembechler and a 50-14 loss the year before shut down Rex Kern and Co. Ohio State committed seven turnovers and suffered one of the biggest upsets in college football history. It also spawned the Ten-Year War between Schembechler and Woody Hayes. Ohio State's 1998 loss to Michigan State merits honorable mention.

PENN STATE
Date: Nov. 6, 1999
Opponent: Minnesota
Site: Beaver Stadium (State College, Pa.)
Final score: Minnesota 24, Penn State 23

Undefeated Penn State looked every bit like a national championship team, rising to No. 2 in the polls behind freakish defenders like LaVar Arrington and Courtney Brown. The Nittany Lions held a two-point advantage when Joe Paterno decided to punt rather than attempt a long field goal try in the closing minutes, trusting his dominant defense. Minnesota began the game's decisive drive with a Hail Mary pass from Billy Cockerham to Ron Johnson. Moments later, the Gophers converted a fourth-and-16 to set up the game-winning field goal by freshman kicker Dan Nystrom. Penn State lost its final two regular-season games. The Lions' 1979 Sugar Bowl loss to Alabama and their 2005 loss to Michigan gain honorable mention.

PURDUE
Date: Oct. 16, 2004
Opponent: Wisconsin
Site: Ross-Ade Stadium (West Lafayette, Ind.)
Final score: Wisconsin 20, Purdue 17

Purdue's program hasn't been the same since The Fumble. The Boilers came in 5-0 and ranked fifth nationally, while quarterback Kyle Orton had established himself as the Heisman Trophy front-runner. Purdue led 17-7 with eight minutes left and had a three-point advantage and the ball with 2:49 remaining. On third-and-3, Orton scrambled and made a lunge for the first down, only to have the ball knocked loose. Wisconsin's Scott Starks scooped it up and raced 40 yards for the game-winning touchdown with 2:36 left. Purdue lost its next three games and backslid to the Sun Bowl, where it fell to Arizona State.

WISCONSIN
Date: Oct. 23, 1993
Opponent: Minnesota
Site: Metrodome (Minneapolis)
Final score: Minnesota 28, Wisconsin 21

Wisconsin might have celebrated a national championship had it found a way to beat the rival Golden Gophers. The Badgers were 6-0 heading to the Metrodome but fell behind 21-0 to a Minnesota team that went 4-7 that fall. Wisconsin closed to within 21-14 and reached the Minnesota 8-yard line before Brent Moss was stuffed on fourth-and-1. The Badgers went on to share a Big Ten championship and reach the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1963, but they were so close to winning it all. Honorable mentions include 1999 against Cincinnati, 1998 against Michigan and 2005 against Iowa in Barry Alvarez's final game.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

For the last 13 months, the Big Ten hasn't had a more dynamic linebacker than Penn State's Navorro Bowman. Since claiming a starting role in Week 4 last season, Bowman has basically set up camp in the opposing backfield. He led Penn State with 16.5 tackles for loss last year and already has eight this year, plus a 91-yard fumble return for a touchdown. Bowman has dealt with his share of adversity in his college career, and he hopes to make good on his second chance in Happy Valley. This week, the Lions junior leads the nation's No. 2 scoring defense into Michigan Stadium, where Penn State has dropped five consecutive games.

	Randy Litzinger/Icon SMI
	Now that Navorro Bowman is a veteran, the game is coming easier for him.

Here are some of Bowman's thoughts on the Michigan matchup and his own career path.

You guys have put up some very impressive numbers on defense so far this year. What's the mentality with that group going into every game?

Navorro Bowman: Really, it's just going out there to dominate. We've got to continue getting our offense on the field. We think it starts with us, so we take that kind of attitude every time we get on the field and so far, we've been doing a great job.

Where does that attitude start? Was it there last year?

Bowman: Yeah, it was there last year, too. We just continue to try to uphold the name as a solid defense and the type of defense that we play here. It's starting to get tough down the road and we've got to continue getting stronger.

It seems like you're getting stronger coming off of the [groin] injury. Was it a case of giving it enough time to heal?

Bowman: I treated the injury with a smart mindset in knowing when I could go. Now that I waited so long and gave it the rest that it needed, I'm back to 100 percent and it's really reflecting in my game and helping my team. I try to get better and better every year. Last year was a good year, but we still have a few games left where I can get better and do a lot of different things and make a lot of different plays. I'm going to focus on this year and hopefully, it can repeat itself from last year.

Is there an element of your game that feels different or better this year?

Bowman: I feel faster and I feel I'm a veteran now. I've been here for a few years, so things are a lot easier to read and understand. I can just react and not think about things and just make plays.

We talked in the spring about being able to wear LaVar Arrington's number (11). How has that been so far, and do you guys talk about how things are going?

Bowman: It's been a great experience and a great season so far, just having his number on and having the attention that comes with the number and everything. We talk and he's happy that I'm wearing the number also. We talk after every game and he likes it. So I'm glad to be wearing his number. He said I'm doing good, but we kind of have the same attitude when it comes to football. You've got to keep getting better and you never know where you'll finish at the end.

You've talked a lot about how you can't wait to play with Sean Lee. He was out there a bit last week. How exciting was that and how much do you look forward to him taking on a greater role?

Bowman: It was really exciting, having him back and giving people what they want to see. Since the season started, they wanted to see us on the field at the same time and he looked great for the time he was out there. I'm praying for him and hoping that he can continue to get better.

You mention giving the people what they want to see. I know you're focused on your assignments, but is it a bit about putting on a show?

Bowman: I wouldn't say so. I just think people come to see us, so we've just got to shine and put on a show. If it's a show, we've got to make it a good show.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

In the last 22 months, Navorro Bowman has lost his father and his high school coach.

He has become a father, too, with a 3-month-old son. He has been involved in a campus fight that landed him on probation, and he nearly went to jail in April after admitting to violating that probation by smoking marijuana. He received an additional year of probation. 

Somwhere in between, he played 13 phenomenal football games for Penn State.

Bowman had a breakout season for the Nittany Lions last fall, recording 106 tackles, including 16.5 for loss and four sacks. He earned first-team All-Big Ten honors despite not starting the first three games. 

His football accomplishments have been eclipsed by off-field issues for much of the offseason, but Bowman is thrilled to be getting back to business between the lines. 

"I always miss it," Bowman told me last week. "I'm ready to get back out here and get some contact back in my life."

Bowman is looking forward after the tumultuous offseason, saying "it's called the past for a reason." His immediate goals are to graduate from Penn State, which fulfills a promise to his mother, and continue his production on the field.

But he also wants to repair his reputation.

"It's important for me to uphold my name and show the people who I really am and not what the negativity brings with my name," he said. "I'm just trying to erase all the negativity."

Bowman will wear the "double sticks." or No. 11, for Penn State this fall, the same jersey worn by former Lions star linebacker LaVar Arrington, a close friend of Bowman's. The junior can't wait to play alongside Sean Lee, who missed all of last season with a torn ACL. 

After the events of the last 22 months, Bowman appreciates the game a lot more. 

"I realize that it can be taken away and I don't want it to get taken away," Bowman said. "I'm glad God gave me another chance, and I'm happy to be back."

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Navorro Bowman took the express lane to stardom last season, rapidly producing a performance that stacked up with those of Penn State's other great linebackers, both past and present. 

Bowman recorded team highs in total tackles (106) and tackles for loss (16.5) last season. He added an interception, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and six pass deflections. He was a consensus pick for first-team All-Big Ten honors. And he did it all without starting in Penn State's first three games.

	Ned Dishman/Getty Images
	Navorro Bowman collected 106 tackles, an interception, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and six pass deflections in 2008.

Judging by the numbers alone, Bowman could be called an overnight success. But the label doesn't apply here. Bowman's career at Penn State has been a process, with seemingly every step challenged by a trap or an obstacle.

"I took my time to learn how to walk," Bowman said. "I crawled. Now I'm standing up and willing to help another teammate out. We all have got to wait our turn."

Bowman's turn seemingly has arrived at Penn State, as he helps lead the Nittany Lions in their quest for back-to-back Big Ten championships this season.

He'll form one of the nation's top linebacker tandems with Sean Lee, who returns to the field from a torn ACL. He'll don the same No. 11 jersey worn by close friend and former Penn State All-American linebacker LaVar Arrington, who asked Bowman to wear his number. Another All-Big Ten caliber season will put Bowman on the NFL radar, giving him a chance to fulfill a lifelong dream.

The future looks bright for Bowman, but the 6-foot-1, 230-pound junior has learned not to look too far in the distance. 

"The things that came into my life in the past year or two, who knew that they would?" he said. "I just thank God for keeping his hand on me and guiding me through this."

(Read full post)

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- It starts with the simplest of equations -- 1+1=2 -- but the signficance for Penn State linebacker Navorro Bowman can't be quantified.

	Randy Litzinger/Icon SMI
	Navorro Bowman will honor two influential figures in his life with a number change this season.

When Bowman takes the field this fall for Penn State, he'll don jersey No. 11, which serves as a tribute to two influential figures in his life.

The first should be obvious for Penn State fans.

LaVar Arrington crafted his Penn State legacy wearing No. 11, winning the Bednarik and Butkus awards and twice earning All-America honors in Happy Valley. The former Lions linebacker has mentored Bowman since Bowman's high school days, and called him last year with a special request. 

"We were already friends, and he called and asked me, 'What do you think about wearing 11?'" Bowman said. "I was like, 'I wouldn't mind it.'"

Arrington wanted Bowman to change numbers last year, but cornerback Tony Davis still had dibs on No. 11. Bowman wore No. 18 last season, and when Davis graduated, he made the switch. 

There's added pressure to wearing the same jersey and playing the same position as a Penn State linebacker great, but Bowman appears ready for it. He earned first-team All-Big Ten honors as a sophomore, leading the team in tackles (106) and tackles for loss (16.5) to go along with four sacks, two forced fumbles and five pass breakups. 

The comparisons between Bowman and Arrington have been made for some time. The number on Bowman's back this fall will only keep them coming. 

"Him being able to see his number on somebody else at this university is really what he wanted," Bowman said, "and I didn't have a problem doing it for him. LaVar's been a guy who's had the answers to my questions. I couldn't ask for a better friend.

	AP Photo/Tom Strickland
	LaVar Arrington won the Butkus, Bednarik and Lambert awards in 1999.

"Hopefully, after everything is done with, I'll be able to say thank you for him letting me wear his number. It's an honor to me, just as it's a happy moment for him."

The jersey number strikes another emotional chord for Bowman.

He wore No. 2 at Suitland High School in District Heights, Md., where he starred for head coach Nick Lynch. Penn State wideout Derrick Williams held the rights to No. 2 when Bowman arrived, so he switched to 18. 

Although No. 2 now belongs to wide receiver Chaz Powell, Bowman will still be able to honor his high school days and Lynch. The coach was killed in a car accident early on Dec. 31, the day before Bowman took the field in the Rose Bowl against USC.

He'll remember Lynch every time he looks at the two 1's on his jersey. 

"I wanted to make both ends happy," Bowman said. "One and one added up to two, so I said I'd wear No. 11 in honor of my coach and in honor of LaVar."

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Penn State fans can't wait to weigh in on this, so here's your chance.

Todd McShay, director of college football scouting for ESPN Scouts Inc., recently wrote that from an NFL perspective, USC has replaced Penn State as Linebacker U. McShay contends that in recent years, USC has become a better pipeline for pro linebackers than Penn State.

Though the Nittany Lions have a rich history at linebacker stretching back to Jack Ham and others, they haven't produced stars at the same rate as USC and Miami in recent years.

"While several players have followed in Ham's footsteps at Penn State, none has made the same kind of mark in the NFL. So the title 'Linebacker U' doesn't carry a whole lot of weight in NFL scouting circles."

Before you launch a full-fledged keyboard attack, consider that McShay isn't arguing that Penn State hasn't produced elite college linebackers in recent years. It's hard to knock what guys like Paul Posluszny, Dan Connor and even LaVar Arrington did at the college level.

But right now, the NFL features more star 'backers from USC (Keith Rivers, Lofa Tatupu) and Miami (Ray Lewis, Jonathan Vilma) than Penn State.

Ohio State fans probably won't be pleased, either. McShay writes that pro scouts are becoming more cautious about drafting Buckeyes linebackers after high draft picks like Craig Powell and Andy Katzenmoyer never materialized and Bobby Carpenter underperformed.

For what it's worth, Penn State should boast the Big Ten's top linebacking corps this season with Navorro Bowman and Sean Lee, both of whom should project well at the next level.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Excellent response so far on the Big Ten Rushmores. It's a fun project, and one that really reveals the figures who mean most to fans. Keep 'em coming.

I haven't been ripped for an entire list yet, but as expected, you guys have taken issue with a few of my picks. The biggest miss appears to be linebacker LaVar Arrington for Penn State, with linebacker Chris Spielman of Ohio State a close second.

Keep in mind that Rushmore includes only four faces, so if a guard or a kicker is to be included, they better be pretty freaking good.

Though some of the suggestions for Arrington's replacement are laughable, several users bring up good points. Despite his insane talent and highlight-reel plays, Arrington doesn't appear to be beloved by Penn State fans, in part because of the way the 1999 team struggled down the stretch.

I still think Arrington's sheer talent makes him a good candidate, but I probably should have gone with a guy like Shane Conlan. It would mean that Penn State's Rushmore wouldn't feature any players from the last two decades, illustrating how the program has fallen off its perch from the early and mid 1980s.

Here's a sampling of e-mails I've received on Penn State's Rushmore.

Neel from Hoboken, N.J., writes: Adam, Totally agree with you regarding your first three choices for Penn State's Mt. Rushmore. But I'm having trouble with Arrignton being on there. Don't get me wrong, he was an absolute beast. I'd go with Pete Giftopoulos instead though. He had arguably the most memorable moment in PSU football history with that Vinny Testerverde interception that sealed a Fiesta Bowl victory and a Penn State national championship.

Adam Rittenberg: That was a great play, Neel, but Giftopoulos is a few slots down from being considered for Rushmore. He doesn't even have his own Wikipedia entry!

---

Paul from Johnstown, Pa., writes: I understand the tough choices for PSU's Mt. Rushmore, but for you to say that you didn't even have Shane Conlan on your short-list is hard to forgive. We are talking about a guy that made the BIGGEST plays on the BIGGEST stages. The nastiest of the nasty LB's ever at LBU. Not only that, how cool would that mountain side look with a guy missing a front tooth? Also, how can you not have Franco (I don't even need to put a last name there) on the short list?? And Mike Munchak and/or Steve Wisniewski are just as deserving as Lavar/Cappy/Ham. I love Lavar...he was truly special, but sorry, there are about 8 or 10 others that are more worthy. Guys that helped to build the PSU lore, not just their own highlight reel.

Adam Rittenberg: I'll give you Conlan for sure, but Franco Harris made his legacy in the NFL, not Penn State. He's got no business being on Penn State's Rushmore.

---

Alan from Parts Unknown writes: Adam, Not an angry email. Just don't understand how Lavar could be on the Mt Rushmore at PSU. Puz stood for so much more than Lavar. Remember, Lavar's team (99) quit. It didn't come back till Puz brought it back along with MRob. I still wouldn't vote for Puz. Wally Triplett is the reason for "We Are Penn State. http://www.gopsf.com/video/watch/118/Wally%20Triplett. The first African American to play in the Cotton Bowl. The first African American to be drafted and play in the NFL and the first NFL player to be drafted to serve in the Korean War. If you are creating a Mt. Rushmore for Penn State, you need to understand, for us, it's more than football.

Adam Rittenberg: Good call on Triplett. Paul Posluszny won a ton of awards, but much like Ohio State's James Laurinaitis, I wouldn't call him one of the top two or three defensive players in team history. There are other guys more deserving.

Onto Ohio State's Rushmore and Spielman:

There were few complaints about my other three choices -- Woody Hayes, Archie Griffin and Chic Harley -- but the general sentiment seemed to be that current head coach Jim Tressel deserved the fourth spot. I can certainly see the argument there. Tressel has flat out dominated the Big Ten and archrival Michigan. He has won a national title and led teams to two more championship games.

It still doesn't seem right not to have a home-grown defensive player on Ohio State's Rushmore. Maybe I should have combined them all into a dude named Katzenhawk Spielmanaitis. Actually, that sounds more like a disease.

Other Buckeyes fans have pointed out that more Heisman winners -- Eddie George, Howard Cassady, Vic Janowicz -- should be on the school's Rushmore.

---

Bax from Atlanta writes: Adam, While Chris Spielman is universally beloved among Buckeye fans, the Rushmore is very clear for 99% of the fans: Woody, Archie, Chic, and Tressel. This has been discussed before on various OSU sites and those four are always the choices.

Adam Rittenberg: And here I thought the Rushmore idea was an ESPN original. Perhaps I should have swapped Spielman for Tressel. Can a sweater vest be carved into a mountain?

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

The rankings continue today with another of the Big Ten's strongest positions -- linebacker. Ohio State's James Laurinaitis won Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors, but he didn't top this list, a testament to the league's depth at linebacker. 

Here's your top 10. 

1. Navorro Bowman, Penn State -- Bowman began the season as a reserve, but was easily the league's most noticeable linebacker by the end. He racked up 31 more tackles than any other Penn State player and finished with four sacks, two forced fumbles and 16.5 tackles for loss, tops among Big Ten backers. One of few bright spots in the Rose Bowl, Bowman racked up five stops for loss. The LaVar Arrington comparisons look legit.

2. Brit Miller, Illinois -- The Illini didn't have the season they wanted, but Miller did his part and then some as J Leman's replacement in the middle. Miller led the Big Ten in tackles (132) and ranked eighth in both sacks (6) and tackles for loss (15.5). He forced three fumbles, returning one for a touchdown, and was by far Illinois' most consistent defensive player. 

3. James Laurinaitis, Ohio State -- Laurinaitis turned in a very solid senior season, piling up 130 tackles and four sacks. He didn't always make the spectacular play, but consistently carried out his assignments and seemed to get stronger as the season progressed. Laurinaitis leaves Ohio State as one of the most decorated players in team history, and he certainly made a mark on the Big Ten. 

4. Greg Jones, Michigan State -- He flies under the radar a bit at Michigan State, but Jones will undoubtedly be a household name in 2009. The Spartans sophomore finished third in the league in tackles (127), bringing his two-year total to 205. Jones is only a junior, but along with Bowman he will enter next season as a candidate for All-Big Ten and All-America honors. 

5. Pat Angerer, Iowa -- In addition to having a great name for a linebacker, Angerer showed this fall that he can cause a lot of problems for opposing offenses. He rallied from a very frustrating 2007 season to finish second in the league in interceptions (5) and sixth in tackles (107). With Laurinaitis graduating, Angerer might be the league's best linebacker against the pass, tallying eight deflections to go along with his five-pack of picks. 

6. Marcus Freeman, Ohio State -- He played second fiddle to Laurinaitis throughout his career, but would have been the No. 1 linebacker on almost any other team. Freeman was solid this fall, leading Ohio State in tackles for loss (9.5) and ranking second in total tackles (84). A second-team All-Big Ten selection in each of the last two seasons, Freeman will be missed next fall. 

7. Anthony Heygood, Purdue -- Purdue's defense was better than the numbers showed this fall, and Heygood led the way with 114 tackles. Though his tackles for loss total dropped from 2007, he had six or more stops in nine games and racked up 11 solo tackles against Ohio State. 

8. Obi Ezeh, Michigan -- It was a tough year for Michigan's defense, which got next to no help from the offense and endured its own problems. But Ezeh blossomed as a bright spot in the middle, leading the team with 98 tackles to go along with an interception and a fumble recovery. He won Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week after the season opener and contributed seven tackles for loss and a sack. 

9. Matt Mayberry, Indiana -- Many readers would rank Mayberry much higher, but I need to see more from the Hoosiers' talented middle linebacker. He clearly has tremendous physical gifts and racked up five sacks and 8.5 tackles for loss this fall. If he continues to make strides and elevates a historically bad defense, Mayberry will find himself in the top five next season.

10. DeAndre Levy, Wisconsin -- Levy was one of few consistent performers on a Badgers defense that looked great at times and awful at other times. He won National Defensive Player of the Week honors after the Fresno State win, in which he registered four tackles for loss, including a critical sack, as well as an interception and a pass breakup. Levy led Wisconsin with 9.5 tackles for loss and ranked second in sacks (5). 

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

When they returned to practice this week, Penn State players still broke the huddle to the cry of "National Champions," even though their chances of winning a title are slim at best.

After last Saturday's loss to Iowa, the Nittany Lions' biggest concern isn't figuring out the ifs and maybes of what it would take for them to vault up the BCS standings, but rather ensuring that things don't go the other way. Fortunately or unfortunately, they have proof of what happens when a season turns sour.

Coaches and players brought up the 1999 season almost immediately after the Iowa game. That year, Penn State started 9-0 before losing to an unranked team (Minnesota) 24-23 on a last-second field goal. Sound familiar?

A Nittany Lions team that had the top two picks in the 2000 NFL draft (defensive end Courtney Brown and linebacker LaVar Arrington) went on to lose its final two games and fall out of the BCS mix. Penn State endured losing seasons in four of the next five years.

"The 1999 team, once they suffered that loss, the guys became individuals instead of a team," Penn State junior quarterback Daryll Clark said. "We're using that to make sure we don't do that. There's a lot out there for us. We're going to stay together. We have too much leadership. We're going to keep fighting."

Head coach Joe Paterno provided a similar assessment when asked what went wrong in 1999.

"That was a different kind of cast of characters," said Paterno, who talked about the 1999 season with the team after the Iowa loss. "We had more superstars. ... Part of it is personality; the people that played were used to doing a lot of big-time things and big-time players, and I'm not so sure what happened, whether they got distracted by agents calling and all those kinds of things and all that happened.

"I do know we obviously took a real flop, and we're going to try to prevent that obviously again."

The current Lions team features several future NFL players, but no sure-fire first-rounders. The leadership provided by five senior captains and players like Clark was instrumental to the 9-0 start and the ability to stem the tide of off-field problems.

Though the players are well-aware of 1999, they're determined not to repeat it, beginning Saturday against Indiana.

"The biggest thing now is to show our senior leadership and rebound," wide receiver Deon Butler said, "and know that there's two games left."

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Links taste especially good on Monday. 

• Justin Siller looked impressive in his first career start at quarterback, but the sophomore might not get another chance for Purdue this week against Michigan State, Tom Kubat writes in The Journal and Courier.
  
• The Detroit Free Press' Shannon Shelton breaks down Michigan State's Rose Bowl chances. 
• Starting with head coach Bret Bielema, Wisconsin crumbled under adversity yet again, Jim Polzin writes in The Capital Times.
  
• Bowl eligibility is out of the question, but there actually are a few reasons to pay attention to Michigan football down the stretch, Mark Snyder writes in the Detroit Free Press.  
• The campaign for Tom Bradley to become Penn State's next head coach is gaining momentum, Ron Musselman writes in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. 

"Tom has been showing the world what he brings to the table," former Nittany Lions linebacker LaVar Arrington said. "He's maintained the continuity of the whole team while Joe has had to stay up in the coaches' booth because of his leg. It only makes sense that Tom be the one who takes over for him."

• Juice Williams has blossomed as Illinois' quarterback, so talented backup Eddie McGee will get a shot at wide receiver, Terry Bannon writes in the Chicago Tribune.