In retrospect, perhaps it was inevitable: the season-opening road trip, the convincing win over a team and fanbase that talked a big game and couldn't back it up, the sleepy noon kickoff time, the unintimidating competition. Each of these factors combined to render all of Penn State, from the players and coaches on the field to their loyal supporters in the stands, completely unprepared for the concussive opening salvos fired by the fearless Falcons of Bowling Green. Fans expecting to see the third team by the third quarter were instead "treated" to an unwanted afternoon of suspense, as a MAC opponent of modest accomplishment took the nation's number eight team to the brink. So how do we feel? Are we wringing our hands over the outrage that was Penn State's first-half defensive performance, a visible-from-outer-space dumpster fire for the ages? Or do we take a cue from Coach Franklin and stress gratitude for the chance to learn and improve while escaping with a win?

Let's get into it. Grab your pencil and your paper, it's the Obligatory PSU Podcast.

HOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Mike "The Mailman" Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris Buchignani