James_Taipei: Are we looking at another undefeated season for Penn State with no shot at the National Championship?

Ron Musselman: James, I think Penn State has a better decent chance to go undefeated after getting past Ohio State. Iowa could be a bit of a tough game on the road next week, but Indiana will be toast and I can't see Penn State losing to Michigan State at home with an undefeated season on the line in the finale. 12-0 is looking very realistic right now.

pasky: Ron, If Penn State played Texas in a national championship, who do you think would win?

Ron Musselman: Texas would be favored by about 10 points, you would have to figure. But when it's a one-shot deal, anything can happen. I wouldn't rule out the fact that the Lions could beat the Longhorns. Just look at last year's Super Bowl -- how many thought the Giants would beat the Patriots?

bern: Ron, why does it feel like PSU has to apologize for winning at OSU? Seems like the pundits want to lump OSU's lack of success in recent bowls with PSU's chances in possible BCS champ game. PSU recent bowl record seems to dispel this, but it is not being noted by the experts.

Ron Musselman: The Big Ten does get bashed a lot, mainly because of Ohio State's flops in the last two national championship games. If Penn State does get there this year, that would give the Big Ten three consecutive teams in the national championship game. I don't know any other power conference that wouldn't trade places with the Big Ten.

sharxman: It's obvious Joe wants to stay and coach. Is there any way this DOESN't happen?

Ron Musselman: The only way it doesn't happen is if his health fails him. I believe it would be hard to tell him to step aside now, with the way this season is going. Hopefully, Joe will come to his senses and a succession plan will be put in place at the end of the season.

obama_08: Why does Penn State play it sooooooooo close to the vest in game like the Ohio St. game? I think the low score was as much a result of Penn State being as conservative as possible as it was anything that the Buckeyes did on defense ...

Ron Musselman: I definitely agree that Penn State was conservative on offense. There's no other way to explain it. Ohio State pressured quarterback Daryll Clark the entire game and eventually knocked him out with a concussion. That being said, Penn State wasn't nearly as aggressive on offense as it had been all season. Maye it had a little to do with the fact that the Lions hadn't won in Columbus in 30 years.

WallyRichardson: How bad was Clark's head injury? Is he still feeling the effects?

Ron Musselman: Clark isn't doing much practicing this week. He wanted to go back into the game last week against Ohio State, but team doctors knew he was woozy and didn't allow him to. Pat Devlin came off the bench and did a nice job. He led the Lions to their final 10 points and scored the winning TD on a sneak.

WallyRichardson: Ron, what is the team doing during the off-week? Are they practicing, studies?

Ron Musselman: They are practicing through today, then taking the weekend off. They will be back at practice Monday, getting read for Iowa.

sharxman: do you see the Big 10 ever adding a 12th school so the conference can have a conference championship?

Ron Musselman: This has been talked about many times, but nothing has ever materialized. I do think the Big Ten needs a championship game -- it would help the teams in the conference in their pursuit of securing a spot in the national title game.

WallyRichardson: How good is Michigan State?

Ron Musselman: Michigan State is decent and ranked. This is a program on the rebound, but the Spartans have not yet won at Beaver Stadium since the Lions joined the Big Ten in 1993.

obama_08: Which Iowa team do you expect to show up, the one that lost to Pitt or the one that has looked formidable in some conference games this season?

Ron Musselman: Iowa has been playing much better lately and has given Penn State problems in the past. I would expect the Hawkeyes to put up a solid effort in Iowa City next weekend.

WallyRichardson: Ron, we see Joe behind a mic and in the press box, but how does he look in person?

Ron Musselman: He has been struggling to get around with his cane. He has been watching practice from a golf cart. It's been a painful season for him, for sure, except the product on the field has surely made him feel better.

bern: Is there any linebacker in the nation playing well as Bowman?

Ron Musselman: If there is, it would be hard to believe. Bowman has blossomed into a really good linebacker in a short time. he finally has put his off the field problems behind him and has become a monster on the field. He is having a really spectacular season, and is by far the best linebacker on the team.

WallyRichardson: How much of last week's conservatism was Joe being more involved last week?

Ron Musselman: I can't really answer that since he is up in the boot, but my guess is that he did play some part in it.

pasky: Other than sit back and watch what unfurls in front of them, is there anything else Penn State could do to make it to Miami?

Ron Musselman: Pasky, I would like nothing better than a trip to Miami, for a lot of reasons. For now, the Lions have to win their last three games and then probably play the waiting game, hoping all along that Texas or Alabama lose. You have to believe if one of those two teams lose and Penn State stays perfect, the Lions will be in Miami for the national championship game. Here's hoping that you get there to watch the game and I get a chance to cover it. I covered Penn State's 1987 national championship game victory over Miami in the desert.

pasky: If Penn State did not recover that late game fumble, do you think the outcome of that game would have been different?

Ron Musselman: I thought all all that Penn State was going to win, although some of my friends who were in the stands were worried. I just didn't feel like Ohio State had enough offense to win the game. Penn State wasn't greta on offense, but Pat Devlin seemed to provide a spark once he replaced Daryll Clark. What's amazing is how many players from both teams had a chance to recover that fumble and it ended up with Navorro Bowman. It just seems like fate is on Penn State's side this season.

WallyRichardson: What does a beat writer do during an off-week?

Ron Musselman: Well, I have been busy all week. I wrote a story for Wednesday on Paterno's news conference, I am writing for tomorrow, gathering interviews, doing this chat and writing for Sunday. It's been a full week, but it will be nice to take the weekend off. Haven't had one of those off since August.

WallyRichardson: Ron, any comparisons on the defensive side of the ball between the '87 team and todays team?

Ron Musselman: Not really. This team is much better and Daryll Clark is better than Wally Richardson. Not much else to say.

obama_08: Obviously, the program doesn't control this and never could've predicted it, but could this bye week have come at a better time? The boys can rest up and avoid the big let-down week on the road. Or is that kind of thing overblown?

Ron Musselman: No, I think the bye week comes at a perfect time for Penn State. Joe Paterno gets c chance to rest his injured sore and I'm not sure Daryll Clark would be able to play this Saturday if the Iowa game were then. A lot of the other guys get a chance to rest up, mens their bumps and bruises and the coaches get a chance to look at the last three games.

WallyRichardson: Are you surprised by the touch Clark has developed in his passes as the season has gone? I thought Devlin threw the better pass, but now Clark's passes look as good.

Ron Musselman: Absolutely. He has been better than anyone expected, including the coaches. One thing Devlin has proven to be is a team player. Not many backups could deliver in a big game like he did at a crucial time Saturday.

WallyRichardson: Does Maybin look like he could make it as a 3-4 pro linebacker if he continues to develop?

Ron Musselman: I could definitely see Maybin playing linebacker in the NFL if he continues to progress and struggles to put on weight. He is a super talent with great quickness, the main components NFL scouts seek.

obama_08: In an odd way, do you think the problems that some of the guys got into has in turn spurred them to be better citizens & football players? Scirotto & Bowman both were in the doghouse, but are team leaders.

Ron Musselman: I do. That is a odd way to put it. Scirrotto and Bowman are two of the better players on the defense and both have kept their noses clean for more than a year now. I think that's a good sign.