Vindication.

While the rest of New York slept off its first hangover of the new decade, I was up and at 'em like Ralphie on Christmas morning. Pushing resolutions concerning curtailed alcoholic intake and proper language aside for a few more hours, I schlepped to the Upper East Side for Penn State's bowl game. LSU Tigers. Orlando. 1:00pm kickoff.

For those of you who follow me on Twitter, I threw out a pre-game apology regarding the tidal wave of PSU-related tweets that were going to ensue, and rightfully so. It could have been worse; you could have been with me where I set up camp in my friend's living room. Much, much to the chagrin of those present. After all, I am...intense. I yell. I text feverishly. I question, freak out, and occasionally fist pump.

Dear Old State pulled off a 19-17 win over the Tigers, capping a roller coaster season that could have ended as 13-0 or 8-5. 11-2? I'll take that.

There is plenty I could say about this game; this season; this team. Penn State entered the year in a perplexing situation. Quiet leadership anchored the linebacker and running back positions. An inexperienced offensive line, wide receiver corps, and secondary raised flags. A questionable schedule was due to a variety of vanilla cupcakes. A legendary coach remained without an exit strategy.

The senior quarterback yearned to cement his legacy.


Daryll Clark - job well done.

The online blogosphere penned this game as the defining moment in Clark's career. Beat a legitimate SEC power and you're in the Club of Greats; lose and find yourself in the company of Anthony Morelli. Clark never won "the big one" despite posting a stellar record over his two years at the helm. Two losses to Iowa, a drubbing by USC, and a blowout to Ohio State. He knew this too, and I'm sure it provided an extra bit of emotional fire.

Clark stood with his back to the game winning field goal and collapsed to the ground following the final ticks of the clock. The field was a physical danger to the players, making the iconic uniforms muddled and black. But today was not a day for excuses. Teary eyed I was as emotion overtook Clark and the rest of the team, captured fittingly in a photo of the team bouncing together at midfield. This is Penn State, after all - emotions are kept private. Show up, suit up, go to work, go home. But this team, much like its leader, were now vindicated.

Clark will forever be a favorite of mine, as he encapsulated the true essence of what Joe Paterno strove to do as a coach and mentor of young men. He struggled with high school grades but persevered to meet Coach's standards and now holds a degree from Penn State University; greater in value than any of the passing records he set or conference honors he's earned. Never have we seen a player with such gusto and passion for his team, playing for the greater good that engulfs the Penn State family. He will be missed; but more importantly he will be remembered.

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