Paper Lions

Well, when you're right, you're right. I saw the perfect storm of factors indicating a Michigan win and low-scoring contest Saturday. Wish I would have placed mucho dollars on the game. In hindsight, I am grateful I had a wedding to attend. Otherwise, I would have spent the late afternoon/early evening yelling at the tv over JoePa's impotent play calling, Fonza-Morelli's inept quarterbacking and Scott's molasses-like running. What a bust.

+ LNP's Mike Gross doesn't let Morelli off-the-hook, but he does throw in a "yeah, but" or two. Specifically, the excuse that Morelli doesn't have an offensive line or running game like Michigan, citing the Wolverine's outstanding tackle, Jake Long, and workhorse running back, Mike Hart. Fine, that may have some validity this year, but in 2006 Morelli was protected by a pretty solid offensive line, anchored by tackle Levi Brown (#5 pick in the 2007 NFL draft) and featured a prodigious running game highlighted by Tony Hunt (2007 3rd round draft pick). Point being, Morelli head the weapons last year, and was still unspectacular and quite sub par for much of the season. Hunt and the defense carried PSU, including its Outback Bowl victory over Tennessee. Said bowl game is sometimes referenced as Morelli's coming out party, but the fact is he was a pedestrian 14 of 25 for 197 yards and one touchdown. Thanks, but no thanks, Gross. Morelli stinks.

+ Patriot-News' Bob Flounders delivers a solid game recap, and adds a little salt in the wound by referencing PSU most-hated "turncoat" - Michigan quarterback, Chad Henne, in his close:

The Lions needed a miracle. Instead, they received a four-and-out from Morelli.

Shouldn't have been too surprising, though.

Because as anyone who has watched Penn State in recent years knows, the only late-game magician in this series is Henne.

Ooooh, you just got burned, PSU.

As an aside, I said I liked Detroit on Sunday...meaning I liked their style of play this year. ...Who would have thought I liked them to beat the Eagles? I mean, that's preposterous.