To maintain tradition, let's take our annual look into the blue and white crystal ball and peek at what may be in store for Penn State in 2010.
Pardon the dust ...
n Joe Paterno meets Les Miles at midfield before the Capital One Bowl and mistakes him for Charlie McClendon.
n Reacting to the backlash over the cost of retaining prime seating at Beaver Stadium, Tim Curley announces NIT tickets for all rounds will now be included free with the football package.
n To help reduce the stress on Urban Meyer, Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley requests Penn State's permission for Meyer to consult with Russ Rose.
n An invitation for Rene Portland to appear at a banquet honoring Penn State's women's sports history comes back marked "return to sender."
n While Notre Dame continues to top the Big Ten expansion wish list, JoePa, to keep the schedule more manageable, suggests an Eastern travel partner comes from a pool of Slippery Rock, Lock Haven and Cal U.
n Curley announces fans who park in the cornfields around Beaver Stadium will now be offered shuttle service via haywagons.
n Cael Sanderson's first season results in a national championship.
n After JoePa shows up unannounced to a State College Spikes game, team officials Rick Janac and Jason Dambach are treated for whiplash.
n Though it's unusual since most staffs visit out-of-conference coaches to exchange ideas in the offseason, Jim Tressel agrees to Penn State's inquiry to discuss ways to make a rollout quarterback comfortable.
n The Raiders sign former Lion tailback Larry Johnson.
n Saying "I'm tired trying to outlast him," Graham Spanier retires.
n A normally feel-good summer stop of PSU coaches and athletic department officials turns contentious in York when Greg Myford is fielding questions about the new ticket plan.
n The Nittany Lion Hotline Show is now limiting participants to one call per month, which disappoints Jerry from Philadelphia, Judy from Muncy and Henry from Steelton.
n After a lackluster performance to open the season against Youngstown State, the Lions are beaten at Alabama, 29-6.
n During the Big Ten opener at Iowa, ABC cameras catch JoePa putting Mike McQueary in a headlock.
n With a chance for JoePa's 400th win against Indiana at FedEx Field, Penn State offers Indiana $2 million to play the game at Beaver Stadium. "Since you're already coming to D.C., we might as well just play here," Curley tells IU.
n Penn State fans, readers of the Mirror and JoePa himself are extended best wishes for a happy, healthy 2011.
Rudel can be reached at 946-7527 or udel@altoonamirror.com.
