Despite their porous defense and their freshman quarterback sidelined with a concussion, the Nits eked out a much-needed win over lowly Minnesota last Saturday. The hero for the day was Matt McGloin, the Rudy-esque former walk-on who entered the game and threw two touchdown passes to Derek Moye. Nittany Lion faithful had to feel good for McGloin; his heroics may have even reminded some of Zach Mills' efforts in helping another weak Nittany Lion club beat favored Ohio State back in 2001. McGloin brings that same kind of energy and determination, even if he lacks the physical gifts many of his peers possess. Such a trait is an intangible that some of McGloin's teammates are lacking. Some people call it swagger; some call it guts; Paterno himself has a name for it: "Moxie."
Nittany Lions fans could feel good for at least a day as their team won a game it was supposed to win--finally. So now the team--and all of us who follow it--are left to look ahead. With Michigan and their dangerous dual-threat quarterback Denard Robinson on the horizon, we are left to wonder how this win will affect the Nittany Lions, who now post a 4-3 record. Will they use this win as a springboard for the latter half of the season, or will it just be a game they won? Those of us who follow the Nits and love them sorely hope that the win provided some badly needed confidence and fire for a tough stretch run. The schedule doesn't get any easier after Michigan, either. There are no gimmes ahead, and for this team to be competitive it must improve upon what has always been its calling card: defense. If there isn't improvement defensively, then we fans can expect a campaign that is likely below .500 and without a bowl. It may be the price we have to pay, though, for a better future. With all the young players getting quality PT, there has to be a silver lining. All we need to do is be patient...which is always easier said than done.
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