Aug. 2, 2007
Head coach Joe Paterno and a trio of seniors spent the last two days in Chicago as Penn State Football's representatives at the 36th Annual Big Ten Kickoff.
Paterno and seniors Dan Connor (Wallingford), Terrell Golden (Norfolk, Va.) and Anthony Morelli (Pittsburgh) met with the media and attended the sold out Kickoff Luncheon, attended by 1,700 Big Ten football fans. More than 300 media were in attendance, with Paterno and the players doing interviews with print and electronic media, including the Big Ten Network, ESPN College Gameday and Fox.
The Nittany Lions begin practice next week in preparation for the Sept. 1 season opener with Florida International in Beaver Stadium. The contest begins at 12:00 p.m. and will be featured on the opening weekend of football telecasts on the Big Ten Network, which launches on August 30.
"This has been the most competitive summer and off-season since I've been at Penn State," said Connor, a 2006 first team All-America linebacker. "The guys are taking a lot of pride in working out together and getting ready for the season."
"The off-season is going extremely well," stated quarterback Anthony Morelli, who broke school season records for pass completions and attempts last year. "This (Big Ten Kickoff) has been a great experience. We've gotten to meet some of the other players and it's a great way to kick off the season."
"This summer has been very competitive, more than in previous years," commented Golden. "The guys are really focused. We've had great workouts and are ready to go for the season. The timing among Anthony and the wideouts has improved since the Outback Bowl, the O-Line is coming together and the running game looks good."
Paterno's 42nd Nittany Lion team returns 15 starters and 32 letterwinners for the 2007 season, which launches with "Penn State Football Eve presented by Sheetz" on Friday, August 31 in Beaver Stadium.
A limited number of tickets are available for the Florida International game at http://www.gopsusports.com. There is a limit of four tickets per person. The six remaining home games for this season are sold out.
Phone orders, counter and group sales for the Florida International game will take place only if tickets remain as of August 5. Phone and counter sales will begin Monday, August 6 at 10:00 a.m. if tickets remain. The numbers to call are: 814-865-5555 or 800-863-3336 weekdays from 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.