Ron Musselman: Hi there. It's a nice day in University Park for a change. No rain, just a nice and bright sunny sky and the temperature is near 60. Tickets for Saturday's game against Eastern Illinois are going for a little as $15. I just talked to someone who was selling -- or should I saw giving -- away two.

bubs: Bowman/Lee -- what's the latest?

Ron Musselman: The latest is Bowman is still working his way back into shape and he will be in the lineup again Saturday. lee is a much different story. He has been doing some light running but it's anyone's guess as to when he might return. His sprained left knee is more serious than originally thought and he may not be back for a few more weeks. He definitely won't play Saturday, marking the third consecutive game he has missed.

bubs: Has Penn State, like the Steelers, found its running game? And do you think they will use Saturday as another run-game tune-up like the Temple game was?

Ron Musselman: I don't think after one good game -- the Lions had a season-high 338 rushing yards and five TDs against a porous Illinois team last week -- can determine whether the running game is on track or not. This week's game won't be much of a test, either. And with the state of flux with the offensive line -- the right tackle spot is up for grabs again after Nerraw McCromach hurt his ankle in his first start last week -- doesn't help. Evan Rosyter and Stephfon Green both went over 100 yards last week and Daryll Clark added 83. I don't think you can count on that every week.

bubs: Give me some more information about this big LB recruit from Conn. Why is he such a stud? And is it true he picked Penn State over Georgia because he got ditched by players on his recruiting trip there?

Ron Musselman: Yeah, he is supposed to be some player, but then again, you hear that about every player that commits to a Division I-A program. Khairi Fortt is a U.S. Army All-American, so it would seem he has some pretty loft credentials. WE won't know for sure until about 2013 or '14.

yenko: How is the young receiving corps progressing?

Ron Musselman: I think Derek Moye and Chaz Powell are starting to play pretty well. Graham Zug is a possession receiver and Brett Brackett has disappeared from the offense altogether despite being the top returnee at the spot. I think some of the young kids -- Devon Smith (When he's healthy), Curtis Drake andd Justin Brown -- could eventually make an impact. But the Lions still need to recruit a game-breaking threat.

ImmaManIm40: Are there any ongoing efforts to restore the annual Pitt-PSU game while JoePa lives? Any progress? It's a shame this on-field rivalry died. Last I heard, any deal was contingent upon Pitt accepting a 2-for-1 deal (twice in Happy Valley for every game in Pittsburgh). Any truth to rumors I've heard from family members (PSU alums) still living in PA that the state legislature is trying to pressure both sides?

Ron Musselman: I have not heard anything whatsoever about Penn State playing Pitt in the future. I think this is a dead issue, quite frankly, until Joe Paterno is gone. I cant see the state legislature making the two teams play -- although I like the suggestion and think it's a good idea -- when they have done nothing since the last game in the series earlier this decade.

yenko: And how about the young offensive line?

Ron Musselman: The offensive line still is a working in progress. So far there have two two changes made in the lineup and there will be another one Saturday. Ako Poti and former starter DeOn'tae Pannell are battlign for the right to replace Nerraw McCormack, who is doubtful with an ankle injury. Right guard Lou Eliades made a greta block on Stephfon Green's 52-yard touchdown run at Illinois, but this unit still is inconsistent. I am still not sure it was wise moving Stefen Wisniewski from right guard to center.

psu-fan-in-cali: I don't have a sense of who this Penn State team is. Are they a good team that just had a few unfortunate mistakes against Iowa or are they a team that has been lucky to be playing inferior teams?

Ron Musselman: I don't think anyone knows how good Penn State is. They have been inconsistent on offense and their special teams are terrible. My guess is the Lions will lose another game or two in the regular season once they get past this creampuff part of the schedule. As for Iowa, coach Kirk Ferentz just has Joe Paterno's number. I don't think the Hawkeyes are a great team in a very average Big Ten Conference.

yenko: The bloated state legislature can't get a budget passed on time, I don't think they should weigh in on this. Pitt fans need to stop playing the part of the jilted ex-spouse and MOVE ON. There are no Penn State alums under the age of 35 that care at all about Pitt or playing them. And I think young Pitt fans are of a similar mind. Time marches on.

Ron Musselman: Yeah time does march on. And think about it, the legislature would actually have to do something to get this thing through. I can't see it happening.

Intrepid: Michigan will beat Penn State - you can take it to the bank.

Ron Musselman: If you are so sure, I want to know what bank you are using. I have seen too many football games or the years to predict anything. Michigan has been an albatross for Penn State over the years -- last year's win at Beaver Stadium excluded -- but I wouldn't say the Lions will lose that game for sure. Maybe you ought to get your bet down now.

Ron Musselman: Thanks for the questions. I am shocked, nothing about that Division I-AA power Eastern Illinois. See you back here next Thursday when the talk and questions can once again center around Big Ten play.

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