Things couldn't have started off more perfectly for Penn State alumnus Jason Ashworth during his debut on ESPN's Dream Job last night. But they could have ended more smoothly. Either way, Ashworth will be back next week.

Ashworth, a die-hard Philadelphia fan, made his first impression in the Fact or Fiction portion of the show. Ironically, the December 2003 graduate and telecommunications major, debated whether or not Donovan McNabb is the most valuable quarterback in the NFL.

Ashworth not only nailed the first question, but also dominated his opponent, Stephanie Rich, in the second round, while she stumbled through Fact or Fiction.

ESPN analyst and Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Steven A. Smith, a judge on the show, even complemented Ashworth on his assertiveness and ability to convince the audience. He nominated the "cocky Philly boy" for the best performance in the Fact or Fiction contest.

To open the show, contestant Jason Horowitz set the tone for the highlight reels, producing an almost flawless performance.

When Ashworth's turn came to deliver his Sports Center, a few judges said his "confidence and cockiness" may have thrown him off track. However, his attitude is what separates Ashworth from the other contestants.

"Style without substance doesn't mean a damn thing," Smith said during the show.

"But I like the arrogance. I can handle that."

The most obvious of Ashworth's slipups was confusing the numbers of the top-five plays. And according to judges Woody Paige and Kit Hoover, Ashworth also made too many factual mistakes. However, all four judges agreed that Ashworth's energy and enthusiasm overshadowed the flaws in his performance.

Of the six contestants, Ashworth appeared to be the most relaxed and the most comfortable, despite the fact that his dream was on the line.

"You think you're the man," Smith said. "You got the job done tonight."

But the criticism didn't seem to bother Ashworth. And he's not going to change a thing.