This is in response to Jeff Hufnagle's letter ("PSU should consider joining new conference," Nov. 4) alleging that there is some sort of conspiracy theory among Big Ten officials against Penn State. I will admit that there have been bad calls at crucial moments in games that have hurt Penn State. But to blame a 2-7 season on officiating is misguided and represents the kind of thinking that prevents Penn State from improving as a program.

As fans, if we grow accustomed to blaming the officials, then we fail to recognize the severe problems that
currently plague our football team.

Did referees average 1.2 yards per carry against Ohio State and 1.4 yards per carry against Iowa? Did an official throw an interception to Boston College's nose tackle in the second game of the season? After Matt Kranchick was incorrectly ruled to have been tackled in bounds late in the fourth quarter on Saturday, did the referees run the exact same play, only to be stopped short of the first down and waste about 20 seconds in the process?

Penn State's problem isn't the officials. It is mediocre players and recruiting, horrendous play calling and game management, and perhaps worst of all, a failure by fans and people within the program to even acknowledge these issues. I'm sure that none of Paterno's 338 wins were achieved as a result of a bad call going against the opponent. Hufnagle ends is letter stating that the Big East needs a powerhouse and, therefore, would welcome Penn State. If the Big East wanted a powerhouse, why would they want Penn State?