Based on the venom expressed by senior Penn State linebacker Michael Mauti during the Big Ten media day gathering in July in Chicago, Illinois' decision to come to State College to meet with potential transfers is considered an unforgivable breach of sportsmanship.

Illinois ended up accepting one transfer, offensive lineman Ryan Nowicki, a redshirt freshman who was born in Elgin, who knew Illini coaches and who contacted Illinois to let them know he wanted to leave Penn State.

Illinois was no doubt hoping to snag more than just Nowicki, which is why they arrived like storm troopers in their attempt, sending eight coaches toting Illini logo bags through the airport just as O'Brien was preparing to board his own flight.

Tupper