- The Penn State offense under Matt McGloin proved its progress tonight. While good performances against Minnesota and Michigan's poor defenses were hard to get too excited about, 35 points against Northwestern is something resembling normalcy for Penn State on that side of the ball.
- Given Matt McGloin's four-touchdown performance, you have to figure he has the inside track for the starting job next week at Ohio State. The leash could be just as short as Bolden's was today, however. Paterno has said he wants to see both of them, and while McGloin has made quite a case for himself, a few turnovers on the road next week could change that quickly.
- Silas Redd possesses unteachable talent at running back. All day, Penn State fans were treated to moves and moxy unseen in these parts for some time. Evan Royster will be missed on a sentimental level next season, but the running back stable will get along just fine without him moving forward.
- Think replay is a good idea? Today's first half might have made you think otherwise.
- A 21-0 first-half deficit positively will not do in any game the rest of the season. The Lions have had trouble getting out of the gates all year, but today's start was the worst yet. The defense was bad. The offense was bad. If Penn State wants to make a run at a share of the conference title, that can't happen.
- Michael Mauti is looking like Penn State's next great linebacker. He was all over the field today for the Lions, including in the backfield for a big sack of Northwestern's Dan Persa. Overall, the sophomore has 10 tackles, three for loss. Just a huge game and a big key to Penn State's defensive turnaround in the second half.
- How about that touchdown catch by Nate Cadogan? Tight end has been a week link for the offense all season and Nate isn't really more than a blocking option at the position, but man, that was a heck of a grab, and one Penn State needed big time.
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Anthony Fera had two more touchbacks on kickoffs for Penn State today, and kicked one just deep enough to cause the returner to hesitate long enough for the gunners to nail him inside the Northwestern 20. He's been kicking them deep all season, something that shouldn't be overlooked.
- The Lions' 21-point comeback was their biggest at home ... ever.
- Joe Paterno set the tone for the week before his 400 win celebration was even ended: "Now that the celebration's over, let's go beat Ohio State."
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