As a Phillies fan I naturally sat down on my couch to watch Cole Hamels take the mound yesterday for the defending World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies, in anticipation that the World Series MVP would pitch a stellar game. My expectation was that the Phillies would leave San Francisco with a series split and maintain a six game lead in the NL East over the pesky Florida Marlins.

Unfortunately this was not the case, as Hamels struggled into the sixth inning and let a 3-1 lead turn into a 7-3 deficit. Normally events like this would turn me somewhat sour, but not on this day.

As I contemplated just how many more times I was going to have to see my favorite baseball team’s home grown ace pitcher (even though we all know that Cliff Lee is now the true ace of the squad) I realized something.

Penn State football is just five weeks away.

That’s right! Just five weeks separates us from the start of Penn State football when the defending Big Ten champions kick off against Akron. Naturally Penn State has the bar set high, as do many media pundits, and it should be.

The Nittany Lions are returning with Daryll Clark at quarterback, Evan Royster at running back, and players like Navorro Bowman and Sean Lee will be sure to have an impact on the defense. There may be some areas of concern to iron out the wrinkles, like the wide receiver position and the secondary, but with trusty leadership both on and off the field, there is still reason for optimism.

One thing I am looking forward to is seeing Joe Paterno leading the team out of the tunnel and pacing the sidelines, and berating officials, once again.

Last fall was my favorite October of all time. My Phillies had made a magical run to a World Series championship and Penn State had proven themselves worthy of national title consideration (up until that ghastly loss in November). Cole Hamels was the best pitcher in the post season and guys like Deon Butler were being shown much deserved respect.

Yes, I fully expect my worlds to collide once again this October as Penn State gets into the thick of the Big Ten competition and the Phillies make a run to defend their world championship, much to the dismay of a certain NittanyWhiteOut member.

I am very much looking forward to September for college football to return and the baseball playoff races conclude. I am looking forward to the autumn weather on both the football gridiron and along the base paths in Citizens Bank Park.

So cheer up Cole Hamels. Penn state football will be here soon enough!

Releated Posts:

1. Duking it Out: The NWO NLCS Preview
2. Who are Penn State fans rooting for in the World Series?
3. Kevin may have a problem Saturday
4. Wait, this isn’t a bye week?

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