The Silver Lining

What is there to say after the loss to Iowa for a second straight year? I, like every other Penn State fan, have been pondering this for the past two days and the only thing I can come up with is the proverb “every cloud has a silver lining”.

I’m a fan of such inspirational ideas. The ‘silver lining’ comes from the idea that thunderclouds that are very dark and threatening often have a silver gleam of sunlight along the edge.

A quick search of the idiom turns up several thoughts:
1. A negative situation that produces something that is very positive
2. A sign of hope in an unfortunate or gloomy situation
3. A bright prospect
4. Humanity’s ability to endure even the worst crisis, rebuild and start again

If there was any silver lining in this dismal loss to Iowa it was the first play of the game. It was not because we scored a touchdown on that play but because it demonstrated that ‘faith and common belief’ in something can bring about desired results.

The first play of the game went for 79 yards and a touchdown and it was a “team” effort. One that everyone believed in or it wouldn’t have happened. That first play was designed to be a winner. The team believed it. It happened. In the words of ‘the lion’ the team just needed to “finish what they started”.

The next series on offense went 68 yards on 10 plays that took 10 minutes off the clock but ended in a field goal rather than a touchdown. This wasn’t the turning point of the game but from this point on the leadership of the team shifted gears and decided to play “not to lose” instead of play “to win”. The confidence that the team had to score on the first play of the game was now nowhere to be found.

Where faith stood, believing in each other’s abilities, drive, determination and that the job could be accomplished, now loomed ‘fear’ that it couldn’t be done.

Fear is the absence of faith. Fear was on the face of the entire offense. Fear dictated the rest of the game. Why? Where was the faith that started the game?

Unless everyone on the team is the absolute greatest player ever, the attitude of ‘faith’ better be part of the game plan. For the Lions, the leadership lost faith in them and to take a quote from ‘Remember The Titans’ “attitude is a reflection of leadership”.

Yes, there are weaknesses on the team (check out all the other football blogs and newspapers to read about them) but the ‘faith factor’ can’t be underestimated. If this team believes it can win like that first play demonstrated, then it can. That’s the silver lining.


Go State Beat Illinois



Ruger is ready for his Gameday debut

Posing for pictures

Getting pictures taken with fans

Gameday stage

The crew starts to arrive for the tailgate prior to the rain

Custom made clear ponchos so we don't mess up the whiteout

Playing cards and staying dry before the game

Great lasagne, meatballs and sauage at the tailgate

All smiles before the game

Part of the ritual- waiting for the team bus

Slammin a shot

The 'fav' during pregame stretching

Great attendance for the whiteout in spite of the rain