Saturday's 66-10 win over Coastal Carolina was, obviously, a yawner. With all do respect to the Chanticleers, Penn State would've probably gotten more out of an intersquad scrimmage than that game.
But before it gets tossed aside and totally forgotten, just remember, there was a time not too long ago that Penn State fans begged for a win -- any win.
It was only eight years ago that Toledo, yes that team from the Mid-American Conference, came into Beaver Stadium and pretty much slapped the Nittany Lions around for a 24-6 win.
And recall 2004 when some of Penn State's scores sounded more like baseball finals. That was when Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz intentionally took a safety late in the fourth quarter to set up the Hawkeyes' 6-4 win over the Lions.
It's years like those that should make fans appreciate the teams Penn State has had the past few seasons.
In all do respect to the seniors, they've been spoiled.
The class of 2009 could not have come to State College at a better time. The seniors were there to witness Michael Robinson and Co.'s magical run to the Orange Bowl and No. 3 final ranking. And believe it or not, the seniors here are the only students able to say they were there for that epic night against Ohio State.
Then there were the back-to-back nine win seasons. And while those two years didn't exactly feel quite as fantastical as 2005, there are a lot of teams in the country that would love to say they won nine games and were ranked in the top 25.
This year, there are Big Ten title, and even some national championship expectations, which is the way Penn State football should be. The program has always considered itself one of the elite programs in the country, but a couple of down years had the college football world scoffing at the Lions.
But they're back. Sure, it was only a win over lowly Coastal Carolina, but it was a win. One that was pretty much never in doubt. Yes, the Chanticleers did make it a one score game late in the first quarter, but Derrick Williams' kick return squashed any hope of a close contest.
That's how most Saturdays in Happy Valley should be. They should be tailgate parties sandwiched around a game that is never in question. Penn State is far more talented than most of the teams on its schedule this season, so expect a lot of blowouts.
Sure, Joe Paterno will say, "Coastal Carolina is a talented football team." But all 110,000 fans know the truth. The Lions should coast to at least nine or 10 wins this season, if not more. And most games should be over by halftime.
But when the Lion is doing 50 or 60 pushups, remember back to those years not too long ago when pretty much every game was a challenge and wins were never guaranteed.
Think about how lucky all the students and fans are and don't take the Coastal Carolina win for granted. Who knows what could happen as the Lions could be back struggling just to win a game, let alone blow an opponent out.
It's a luxury that should not be taken lightly. Ask Pittsburgh or Michigan fans how much they would've loved to have won their opening games 66-10. Enjoy it while it's here and don't take the win lightly. Who knows what could be around the corner?
