There is a disease common among fans of Penn State football. The symptoms of this are smashing one or more televisions, punching walls, telling your kids you don't love them, and crying where no one can see you. It's known as 48 hour depression. We experience this at least once a year and it usually hits the body after road games. This past game was no exception. All the members of the Nittany Nation moped around their houses, depressed and despondent, Saturday night, all of Sunday, and most of Monday when co-workers and classmates tried to console or berate you about the loss. But, its Wednesday, and we have to move on. There is another game coming up in the next few days and we have to be focused on that. Yes, Penn State lost and there is nothing we can do it about.

There is a very real possibility that this loss was a blessing in disguise. Lets look at two important games from the past week: Alabama avoided a big threat from LSU and Texas Tech handed it to Oklahoma State. Neither Bama, nor Tech lost and based on their performances, it doesn't look like they will lose. So, either way, if Penn State lost, (which they did), or Texas Tech and Alabama keep winning, Penn State wouldn't have a shot at the championship anyway.

However, say Texas Tech lost and Penn State won and jumped to number two. Do you feel comfortable about this group of Nittany Lions playing the Crimson Tide? I don't know if Penn State would pull off a victory. That's why I am happy about the prospect of the Rose Bowl. IF Penn State beats Michigan State, they will be rewarded with a trip to the Rose Bowl, or another at-large berth if they climb back into the top four. The Rose Bowl is a good game for them. I feel better about the prospect of victory with the Lions playing USC or possibly Oregon State (yeah, that team).

The bottom line is, Penn State is in must win mode for these next two games. Penn State can finish in the top three in the nation if they win big and with style against Indiana and just take it to Michigan State for the Land Grant trophy and the Big Ten Championship. Both these match ups are in Happy Valley, so what can go wrong (gulp)?