Special Seasons

I think today we shall talk about special seasons. A special season in college football is one that produces memories so pleasant and abundant that those recollections become almost tangible when you venture back to them in your mind.

A special season is exponentially more special when it is not expected or is led by an unexpected star. Here are some examples of recent special seasons for Penn State:
1994: The Lions, led by a bevy of All-Americans and Heisman Trophy finalists roll off the first 12-0 season in Big Ten history in just its second season in the conference. The Lions boasts one of the most volatile offenses in college football history and capture the school’s first Rose Bowl championship. Special.

2002: After just 10 total wins in two seasons and no bowl appearances in the 21st century, under-used running back Larry Johnson explodes onto the national scene shattering records on his way to a historic 2,000+ yard season and leading the Lions to nine wins and a Capital One Bowl berth (still the fewest attempts ever to reach 2,000 yards). Special.

2005: Four-year starter Zack Mills had just graduated and Penn State did not have one single player selected in the 2005 NFL Draft. These were the dark days. Enter Michael Robinson, a sometimes wide receiver/sometimes running back/sometimes quarterback/sometimes punt returner who’s extraordinary leadership earned him the captaincy on the 2005 team. The Lions would finish a few seconds away from a perfect season and M-Rob would earn Conference Offensive Player of the Year honors. Special.

Recalling a special season is much easier than predicting one, but it is not a totally inexact science. Certain factors appear in all special seasons and the proper auguring of these factors can reveal a special season.

Common Factors

1. A Good Start – Every special season starts with a bang. Whether it’s a big victory over a rival or a record-breaking thrashing of the local volunteer fire department, announcing your presence with authority is a must.

Example: 1994 – PSU scores 56 on the road against Minnesota in the season opener, just the second time it had scored more than 55 on the road since 1971. That rout begot another rout which begot another rout, and the Lions were off and running.

(Note – Sometimes the “bang” doesn’t happen in the first week. In 2002, the bang happened when Penn State beat Nebraska in Week 2 after barely escaping Central Florida 27-24 in Week 1. Also, the bang could be followed by a thud, see Northwestern 1995. After upsetting Notre Dame and Ron Powlus in Week 1, the Wildcats lost to Miami, and not the good one, the following Saturday. This was still a very special, Rose Bowl season for the 'Cats.)

2. Signature Game – Each special season is special upon its entire interval of games played, however, not all games are created equal – especially in a special season. Some victories mean more than others and face it, some games are just more exciting than others.

Example: 2005 – The Ohio State game. Penn State had already escaped on the road against Northwestern and flattened Minnesota the week before, but this was the game that our kids will hear about forever.

(Note – These signature games can be either closely contested or blowouts. In 1994, Penn State had a special game against Ohio State when, ranked #1, Penn State decimated the Buckeyes 63-14 at home. Perhaps even more special was its escape on the road against Illinois, 31-28. In 1995, Nebraska didn’t have a close game all year, yet it was a very special season for the Huskers.)

3. Individual Heroes – This category is a little tricky. Here, we are looking for more than just an All-American, more than just a great player. This player has to be somebody who really transcends the sport and takes on a mascot-type popularity. The person who’s name will forever be linked with this special season above anything else he does. Perhaps the best way I can explain it is to think back to 2005. When I say Scott Paxson, you think of an All Big-Ten defens ive tackle who recovered that Troy Smith fumble in the Ohio State game. When I say Paul Posluszny, your pants get a few inches shorter. See what I mean?

Example – 1994: Ki-Jana Carter, 2002: Larry Johnson, 1986: Shane Conlan, 2006 Boise State – Ian Johnson, 2000 Oklahoma – Josh Heupel.

4. Realization of Speciality- The most undefineable of all characteristics is this, the realization of speciality. This is that moment when you sit back after a game and say to yourself or loved ones, “Holy Shit, this is a fucking special team.” Many a fan has been teased by premature realizations. (See 1999 – Blocked FG against Pitt, Chafie Fields last minute touchdown in the Orange Bowl, Stoning Drew Brees and Purdue on the road in the last minute in the red zone. All these would seem to be indicators that you were going to have a special season, then Dan Nystrom kicked your balls in when he kicked that field goal.) This is a feeling that is unmistakable when you get it and usually follows the signature game. However, it is possible to get this realization and still not have the season be a special one. It is unique in that the season validates the feeling, and it is not until that moment that you can truly enjoy it.

Example – 2002: Larry Johnson breaks the 2,000 yard mark against Michigan State on the last game of the regular season. Some might think it was after the win against Nebraska and you wouldn’t be wrong, unless this were multiple choice and the 2,000 yard game was also listed as an answer. Then you’d be wrong. 2005: The win over Ohio State. If you said, “The win over Florida State in the Orange Bowl,” see above.

(Note – Different people experience this realization at different times. While most will be accepted as valid, it is good practice to try and decipher what the ultimate Realization of Speciality moment was.)

Why do I talk about this now? Well, this weekend has a chance to reveal some of these factors to us. Right now, Penn State has only three ranked teams on its schedule and only one of them is at home. That number may change, but there’s a good chance Illinois could be the best team that Penn State plays all year, and that is the perfect recipe for a Signature Game. Furthermore, who is the face of this team? Before the year, you would have said Sean Lee or Maurice Evans or maybe even Daryll Clark? I don’t know who it is yet, maybe a big game on primetime national TV will reveal it. Just keep all that in mind while you enjoy the game this weekend.