Illinois 27 - Penn State 20 - Black Shoe Diaries

Illinois 27 - Penn State 20

by BSD on Sep 29, 2007 5:13 PM EDT in Football Comment 77 comments

So there it is. I said last year that Morelli was a loser. After the Outback Bowl I humbly said Mea Culpa. I defended his poor play against Notre Dame. I gave him the benefit of the doubt against Michigan saying Austin Scott, the offensive line, and the coaches were just as much to blame. Fool me once shame on you. Fool me twice shame on me. Fool me four or five times, well I'm definitely maybe not falling for that again. I'm tired of making excuses for Anthony Morelli.

With Penn State within one score of taking the lead or tying the game, the last four drives all entered Illinios territory. They ended interception, interception, fumble, and interception. All on the head of Anthony Morelli. Four times the Nittany Lions had a chance to take the lead or tie the game. Four times Anthony Morelli blew it.

Other than #14 I thought it was a great game by the rest of the team. Rodney Kinlaw fumbled, but that was more on the defender making a great play rather than him being careless. The coaches did a fantasic job opening up the offense. The defense was a little shaky in the first half but tightened up and only gave up six points in the second half. The game was there for the taking, and #14 blew it. I'm so disgusted I can't even type his name anymore. He's forever #14 to me now.

The season is in freefall now. Who knows where it stops. Four losses? Five losses? Do we make a bowl game? Hang on Alice. We'll find out soon enough how deep this rabbit hole goes.

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Common Morelli

we look like a pee wee football team with morelli at qb allthough he did thorow for 300 some yards so the nxt thing we need to do is get darrell clark in there so we can at least win 1 big ten game

by no1psufanfromwestva on Sep 29, 2007 5:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

#14

He tried so hard to be Superman and ended up looking as hopeless as Lois Lane. I think right now its time to get the young guys reps. Royster, Devlin, Bell should get at least 1/4 of the snaps, Wallace should get 98%, Bowman should get at least 2/3 in on D. Let them gain experience now so next year they don't come in cold. Plus, I think if you put those guys in, we don't lose anything, in fact, we're probably better

by WPIALkid22 on Sep 29, 2007 5:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

#14

He drowns in his dreams
An exquisite extreme I know
He's as dumb as he seems
And more heaven than a heart could hold
And if I try to save him
My whole world could cave in
It just ain't right
It just ain't right

Oh when I don't know
I don't know what he's after
But he's so beautiful
Such a beautiful disaster
And if I could hold on
Through the tears and the laughter
Would it be beautiful?
Or just a beautiful disaster

His magical myth
As strong as with I believe
A tragedy with
More damage than a soul should see
And do I try to change him
So hard not to blame him
Hold on tight
Hold on tight

Oh cuz I don't know
I don't know what he's after
But he's so beautiful
Such a beautiful disaster
And if I could hold on
Through the tears and the laughter
Would it be beautiful?
Or just a beautiful disaster

I'm longing for love and the logical
But he's only happy hysterical
I'm waiting for some kind of miracle
Waited so long
So long

He's soft to the touch
But afraid at the end he breaks
He's never enough
And still leaves more than I can take
Oh cuz I don't know
I don't know what he's after
But he's so beautiful
Such a beautiful disaster
And if I could hold on
Through the tears and the laughter
Would it be beautiful?
Or just a beautiful disaster

He's beautiful
Such a beautiful disaster

Thank you Kelly Clarkson

God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...Put 2 and 2 Together!!!

by fugimaster24 on Sep 29, 2007 5:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Let the Clark Era Begin

The setup couldn't have been better for Morelli to have a breakout game. The playbook was open. Jay Paterno discovered the middle of the field. The offensive line did a decent job. Both running backs averaged over four yards per carry. The defense gave him opportunities in Illinois territory.

Anthony Morelli single handedly blew it. Not that the game was entirely his fault, the defense and special teams should've played better, but Anthony blew his chance to deliver a giant STFU to his detractors, put up big numbers, and get a road win over a decent team.

It's time to look toward the future. It is now painfully obvious that results couldn't be worse and could possibly be better with a different QB in the game. Morelli won't win any games for PSU, but he's shown that he can lose them.

by ckmneon on Sep 29, 2007 5:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Devlin

If we're going to bench Morelli, I want to see Devlin, not Clark.

That said, Ill. is a good team in the Big 100 judging by what I saw. We should have had them beat, but that is an emerging program

God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...

by fugimaster24 on Sep 29, 2007 5:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

UM Player ineligible?

FoxSports Radio commented that the Big10 my force UM to forfeit the PSU game because they used an ineligible player.

Did anyone else see or hear this?

This would make the Ill loss much bigger if that is possible....

Jbolt2005

by jbolt2005 on Sep 29, 2007 6:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

have you

seen a news story about it. That's the first i've heard of this

JoePa is my hero.

by psuphiman80 on Sep 29, 2007 6:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bottom of this article talks about it:

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070929/UPDATE/709290407/1004

He was eligible in the NCAA, but not Big Ten? What kind of fuct up rules and why?

by WakeUp on Sep 29, 2007 6:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hey Lets Not Go Nuts

Even if they did forefit it, the coaches and media would still look at it as a loss for us. I dobut we'd stay in the top 25 this week even if it did happen.

That said...

Oklahoma lost. Texas is down big in the 4th. Had we remained undrfeated, we would have passed those two and WVU- #7. Two wins against OSU and Wisc. would have made us #5. USC or Cal must lose=#4. LSU or Florida must lis=#3. We'd have been one upset out of the title game.

uggh.

God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...

by fugimaster24 on Sep 29, 2007 6:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Don't worry

I just think it is an interesting story. It's a cheap way to win so I think it sucks.

JoePa is my hero.

by psuphiman80 on Sep 29, 2007 6:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Drinks???

Is there anyone that lives near Wilkes Barre that would like to go for a drink...or thirty?

by nittanyroar on Sep 29, 2007 6:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Spartans

I really hope they can pull this "upset" off. I can stomach Bielma. Never really had anything against Whisky, always liked Barry, but that S.O.B. I can't take.

by nittanyroar on Sep 29, 2007 6:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

hmm

http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?cid=720320

Doesnt really say anything new, but worth reading. Thae fact that forefeiting to Penn State is even entertained means they are concerned in my mind.

A win against Mich would me we'd control our own destiny with the exception of UM and Ill, two teams that are totally beatable. This would be huge for us in terms of the conf.

God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...

by fugimaster24 on Sep 29, 2007 6:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Rules

http://www.msu.edu/~msuncaa/NCAA%20Big%20Ten%20Eligibility%20Evaluation%20Chart.pdf

I don't see anything there that would rule him ineligible, but I'm going to keep digging.

God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...

by fugimaster24 on Sep 29, 2007 6:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

#14

The least clutch player I've ever seen. He's like A-Rod but way fucking worse.

There are still some big games left on the schedule. This season could still end up being at least.....decent. Make a change god fucking fasdfjasklgflask;jv;lasdjg;skljg;lsdgk;lsdg;lsd;lf damn it.

Get up State.

by speedomike02 on Sep 29, 2007 7:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Oh the Carnage

WVU, Texas, Okla, and Rutgers all lose. I have no idea what the college football landscape will look like tmorrow, but bear this in mind

our season rests in the hands of a rules comittee.

Great

God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...

by fugimaster24 on Sep 29, 2007 7:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I really

wouldn't get excited. It seems very improbable. Has a mid season forfeit ever happened?

JoePa is my hero.

by psuphiman80 on Sep 29, 2007 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not

The comment was meant to have a negative connotaion. Instead of getting it done on the field like seeminly everyone else, we're depending on a rules comittee.

God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...

by fugimaster24 on Sep 29, 2007 7:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Now I get it

JoePa is my hero.

by psuphiman80 on Sep 29, 2007 7:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

RE:

Just for the record....

Love the site and the comments. I'm late to the party, but this is an everyday read for me.

Thanks!

Jbolt2005

by jbolt2005 on Sep 29, 2007 7:30 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

It could be worse...

...we could be down by 20 points in the first quarter like our neighbors to the West.

by Cpiritual27 on Sep 29, 2007 7:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Correction

27 points

JoePa is my hero.

by psuphiman80 on Sep 29, 2007 7:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

or in my case

9 miles to the north, but thats neither here nor there.

I can't wait for Wakeup to return.

God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...

by fugimaster24 on Sep 29, 2007 7:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't mind if he stays away

They could be down by 50, he'd still try to talk smack. It's almost as if Anthony Morelli's failures on the field somehow validate his life.

by Cpiritual27 on Sep 29, 2007 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fair Point

They'd be winning if only for Bill Stull.

God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...

by fugimaster24 on Sep 29, 2007 8:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wish I knew

which open thread WakeUp was in right now. I'd love to go give them shit.

Mike
Black Shoe Diaries

Hail to the Lion!

by BSD on Sep 29, 2007 8:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Funny

http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/09/28/beware-the-lawyers-of-penn-state/#comments

The guy gets his facts a little wrong, but the idea of taking an elementary school to the mat is at the least a chuckle on a sad PSU day

God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...

by fugimaster24 on Sep 29, 2007 8:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

30 points...

...but we scored now! so we're only down 23.

I'm not delusional, we're easily the worst team in the big east right now. Oh well.

Our team quit after we tanked, after the QB went down. It is what it is. We're terrible. But at least we didn't expect much this year.

Not like our neighbors to the east.

by WakeUp on Sep 29, 2007 8:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

We had reason to

And if we're awarded the Mich win, we can still do big things smartass.

God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...

by fugimaster24 on Sep 29, 2007 8:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Expectations

I would rather expect to win and be disappointed than expect to lose and suck. At least we have hope of going to a bowl game. Pitt...not so much.

Mike
Black Shoe Diaries

Hail to the Lion!

by BSD on Sep 29, 2007 8:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah...

...Temple did have high hopes.

by stonewall435 on Sep 30, 2007 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

We'd be 3-2 too...

...if we played your schedule. Don't get ahead of yourself yet.

by WakeUp on Sep 29, 2007 8:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

yeah

And we would be 5-0 with yours.

Mike
Black Shoe Diaries

Hail to the Lion!

by BSD on Sep 29, 2007 8:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

How bad you plan on beating MSU?

They played Wisconsin to within a missed FG...

You people need to put pressure on your administration so we could decide this on the field. Even if we got pounded this year, it'd be better than not playing the game. Maybe you'd shut us out instead of the other way around.

by WakeUp on Sep 29, 2007 8:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Our administration would sign a deal tomorrow

Take the 2 for 1.

Mike
Black Shoe Diaries

Hail to the Lion!

by BSD on Sep 29, 2007 8:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lost in all the Pitt/PSU bickering...

...is the fact that the preseason TOP 3 teams in the Big Least have all lost now...basically against the first teams with pulses that they played. Man, I kinda wish we were in the conference right now...

by Cpiritual27 on Sep 29, 2007 9:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Wake up, Wakeup

He isn't even worth addressing. He has become a cartoon character in my mind.

Anyway, I have an email into the guy that broke the Michigan story, so hopefully I'll have his take on things by tonight or tomorrow.

With all the losses by ranked teams today, getting that Michigan game back could be huge. I won't feel awesome about it if things do go our way, but I'd much rather be 4-1 than 3-2. Its not like there will be a debate though. Either they broke the rules or they didn't.

God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...

by fugimaster24 on Sep 29, 2007 9:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Great

I already felt sick enough from our game and seeing Minnys' uniforms. Now I see that if Auburn beats Florida there will be 2 undefeated teams from major conferences besides the Big Ten. Nice! Real stinking nice! Thanks for making my day even worse other teams! ARGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by MarkoMancuso on Sep 29, 2007 10:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

BENCH MORELLI NOW!!!

It makes no sense whatsoever to keep him as the starter now. We're not rebuilding this year, we're supposed to be winning! So put in a guy who gives us the best chance to WIN. Please don't tell me that's Morelli. I won't accept it. Because that means the rest of our qb's suck worse than he does. We have good skill guys out there, we just need someone who can get them the ball! We need a spark. After the game Joe said he has to address the interception issue. So do it!

by adrock303 on Sep 30, 2007 12:02 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

OK coach

What is your solution?

If your so sure benching Morelli is it, who do you put in?

Devlin, who has never taken a meaningful snap in his life?

Clark, who has yet to prove himself as a passer in any way shape or form?

It sure is easy to say "BENCH THE STARTER OOOOOORAAAAA!!!" isn't it? but seeing as you havnt provided much of an alternative, I don't know how I can take that opinion seriously.

Could it possibly be that the WRS didn't get open? Williams rarely makes a catch without trying to avoid getting hit by diving or sliding. Many times that fear of getting hit results in a drop. Butler disappears for quarters at a time. Norwood is consistantly solid, but isnt a gamebreaking player.

Football is a team game. Teams with truly great skill players can compensate for a poor QB (see Arkansas 2006). Putting the loss entirely on Anthony Morelli's shoulders is unfair to him, as an impotent passing game isnt only the fault of the QB. If Quarless holds on to a beautifly thrown ball in the endzone, we arent having this discussion. Morelli was bad today, but the receivers didn't help him out much.

It is nearsighted fans like you that irritate me. You think the way to win is to bench Morelli, as if Kerry Collins is sitting on the bench. I'm in no way defending Morelli for his performance today, or last week, but again, a Sr. QB most familiar with the offense, receivers, and pressures of being the Penn St. quarterback GIVES US THE BEST CHANCE TO WIN.

Mark my words: Starting Clark and Devlin at any point this season represents JoePa waving the white flag. It would be conceding the season to bulid for next year. Thats a mistake with so much season left.

Morellis shown flashes of brilliance, and has lost only 1 home game in his career. Where are our big game the rest of the season? Beaver Stadium. I'm not saying I think Morelli is going to win the conf. for us, but I think he is the best chance to win.

His teammates, who do, infact exist, need to make plays the rest of the way too. It isnt all on him as your post suggests.

God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...

by fugimaster24 on Sep 30, 2007 1:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Fugi........

"Devlin, who has never taken a meaningful snap in his life?"

Let's just say Devlin was going to be be the 3rd stringer at Miami.......I'll take that over Morelli at this point. seriously. I didn't go to the spring game or anything like that so, I am no qualified to talk about Clarke or Devlin....but I am not sure why you are so convinced Morelli gives us the best chance to win. Maybe Morelli is just that bad.....he must be a great practice player.

Eric Watters Atlanta, Ga.

by ech2os on Sep 30, 2007 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Morelli apologist...

I'm not big on bashing a college athlete either, but it's becoming obvious that he's just not the guy for the job. I don't care that he's a senior and played a bunch of games in the friendly confines of Beaver Stadium. A football team has more than one QB. I don't think they should be there just in case the starter gets injured. Go to the pen if your team needs it. We recruited these guys for a reason. Football is the ultimate team sport, and the coaches have a responsibility to all those other players as well. We have the D and the weapons on O right now, and we have a small window left with these guys. Make a change, see if it provides a spark. If it does then we're even better off next year. Sorry fans like me irritate you. Fans like you, who are OK with mediocrity, irritate me.

by adrock303 on Sep 30, 2007 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If...

I was satisfied with mediocrity, I'd say "Sure put Devlin in, he can't be any worse" and endure his growing pains and rookie mistakes at a time that we should be fighting for the Big 10.

I agree that they should get snaps, maybe in every game, but making one of them the starter at this point is, as I said, waving the white flag.

And you are right, football is a team sport, meaning it wasn't only Morelli that has screwed up the last two games. I'm convinced the WRs are overrated at this point, and I think some of the blame needs to fall on them for a lot of dropped passes.

I'm not a Morelli apoligist. If I thought we had better options, I'd be all for them at this point, but from my perspective, Morelli is the best, most developed QB we have.

God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...

by fugimaster24 on Sep 30, 2007 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I Don't WANT the Michigan GAME!

The only thing that would be more painful to me than losing that game the way we did, would be if the Big 10 were to turn around and say we won it because of some Michigan rules violation. TURN THE KNIFE WHY DON'T YOU! We LOST that game. We lost that game in a HORRIBLE way, and Artis Chambers wasn't the reason. The only win I want against Michigan is one where it doesn't matter who the hell they put on the field because we played great football and WON the game on the FIELD! I love Penn State with all my heart, but we don't deserve that game and I don't care if this violation turns out to be true or not.

"A setback is only a setup for a comeback." -Drew Brees

by WeARE on Sep 30, 2007 12:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Amen

That will make the blather even thicker.

by nittanyroar on Sep 30, 2007 12:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I understand where you're coming from

But, if Michigan broke the rules, they broke the rules, and they should be punished according to precedent. If that means we won the game, because we followd the rules, so be it.

That said, if we're awarded the win, I'm not going to trumpet our successes. Michigan still owns us. The media wont look at us any differently, in fact, this will probably taint our season in their minds, but if Michigan was stupid enough to make a mistake like that, then they didn't deserve to win.

God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...

by fugimaster24 on Sep 30, 2007 1:16 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well said Fugi

by nittanyroar on Sep 30, 2007 1:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

I don't want to win a game that way.

Mike
Black Shoe Diaries

Hail to the Lion!

by BSD on Sep 30, 2007 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Still,

it would sit like some bad gas.

by nittanyroar on Sep 30, 2007 1:29 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Drunken Post...

...it;'s been awhile so illl pick up the bobbling baton. i just want you guys 2 knowthat i love you all. we all need to meet under a BSD flag oone of these days. againg love u all, but wake up,..your not my kind of guy

by nittanyroar on Sep 30, 2007 1:42 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Well played sir

If I weren't up until midnight changing dirty diapers these days, yesterday would have been a drunk post day.

Mike
Black Shoe Diaries

Hail to the Lion!

by BSD on Sep 30, 2007 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not sure...

...how I was able to type OK one minute and like crap 20 minutes later. I guess I reached my tipping point. No offense Wake Up ;)

by nittanyroar on Sep 30, 2007 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Morelli is not the leader we need.

Unfortunately, the loss can't be put solely on Morelli, however the lack of a win can be. With 4 minutes left in the 4th quarter we had the ball and couldn't get the points we needed. Instead we took another field goal. That has pretty much been the status quo for penn state in the red zone since last season.

Morelli doesn't look crisp or compentent. It is unfortunate, that when we have a 3rd and 13 that he checks off his receivers and throws the screen for 2 yards. That isn't going to cut it.

In addition, his passes have consistently been over thrown or thrown behind the intended receiver. His moments of brilliance are on the long bombs that our quick receivers can get out ahead of the DBs and make a catch. I wouldn't say that makes a good QB.

Benching him, would be okay in my book, but seeing that he is a team captain, I highly doubt that is going to happen. I would like to see Clark or Devlin start or at least see some playing time and it could change the tempo the game, and with the number of turnovers morelli is responsible for I don't think it can hurt that bad.

I think the reality is that with 5 turnovers, most teams are not going to win the game. It is frustrating that we can't protect the ball. It is just sloppy.

by bmg125 on Sep 30, 2007 8:25 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

5 TOs...

...and USF managed to win. ;-)

by stonewall435 on Sep 30, 2007 10:47 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

The truth about quarterbacks...

For our offense, seems like it would be better to have a potential 3rd-stringer at Miami under center than a cast-off from Pitt.

by adrock303 on Sep 30, 2007 11:45 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree..

We really need to get the new guys in the game. We've let #14 start what, 16 games now and we've been disappointed in every MAJOR game. We've seen unnecessary fumbles, picks and throws that are more than questionable. Right now, you have to take an honest look at the future and the past. Why wasn't Morelli ready? He didn't take any good snaps until his redshirt Sr. year! Why should we be holding Clark and Devlin back until then? Why not start Devlin working with these guys... they're gonna be around here next year! Why aren't we seeing Royster in the game without being put in when someone fumbles and the other needs a break. And even then he's only been in for passing plays. Honestly, if we want to go somewhere we need a playmaking quarterback and Morelli is NOT this. Let the young guns take some shots. We'll have all the WR's back, and we'll have a Connor-less D.

by bdizz on Sep 30, 2007 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh yea...

Zook realized that it was time to pull Juice after he tossed a few away. Why didn't our coaching staff do the same?

by bdizz on Sep 30, 2007 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Would You Throw A Rookie In

Down 7 on the road?

I wouldn't

God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...

by fugimaster24 on Sep 30, 2007 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

This isn't the NFL...

That rookie scenario probably wouldn't work in the pros, but a big-time recruit coming off the bench at Illinois? They better be able to play at that level with the talent we have. Sometimes you just need a spark. Can't see how it could hurt.

by adrock303 on Sep 30, 2007 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

so wave the white flag, already

Mr Fuji, I know you certainly mean well, but I find your comments above laughable. Anthony may be a fine young man, maybe even son-in-law material for your baby girl, but he is not starting QB material at the 1-A level. If he was a sophmore, ok, but he is not. He is no better than he was last year, and that wasn't good enough to win big games, just good enough to completely crush your heart. It's simply time to turn the page. Time for a new tailback, too. Unlike the past two seasons, there is no Robinson or Hunt to rescue Joe from himself this year. What's wrong with going 5 and 6? You can't have forgotten already, have you?

by dr kill on Sep 30, 2007 12:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

last series

Is there any reasonable explanation for Royster seeing the field on the last series of the last two games when it was desperation pass time? Can he possibly be a better blocker than either senior? He whiffed on one against Mich.

by MarkC80 on Sep 30, 2007 12:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Oh Look..........

Might Penn State is behind the following teams in the polls.........powerhouses like:

Rutgers
Cincinnati
Hawaii
Kentucky (You know......the BB school)
South Florida
Arizona State

I hope something will change, but I am starting to think Robinson saved us from ourselves in 2005 with his legs and our D and Tony Hunt saved us from ourselves last year.

Eric Watters Atlanta, Ga.

by ech2os on Sep 30, 2007 2:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

No doubt...

That's exactly what it is. M-Rob could put the team on his shoulders, Morelli is not a play-maker. Tony Hunt was a horse, Scott can't hold on to the ball. Get new players in there and try to turn it around. Go Browns!!! Dominating Baltimore today. That's 2 division wins!

by adrock303 on Sep 30, 2007 3:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Silver lining...

At least we still get to play 2 top-5 teams at home. Win those and our bowl situation improves dramatically.

by adrock303 on Sep 30, 2007 3:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

You people are overreacting...

Yes your QB is terrible, but if you think for second that you can throw one of those other guys in there and they aren't going to suck it up - you're out of your mind. Especially a first or second year player. They have no chance.

If i were your coaches, I'd let Morelli play between the 20's, but in the redzone, run and screens. Plan on scoring in the multiples of 3. You don't have much chance in a shootout, unless he makes some plays from the 50, etc. But if you think for a second a first year QB is going to help, well, you haven't seen pain yet.

by WakeUp on Sep 30, 2007 6:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Well Put

But if you're attempting to compare Clark and Devlin to Greene and Bostick you're out of youre mind. We can win a few games with those two, unlike Pitt, but we aren't going to upset OSU or Wisc. without Morelli.

God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...

by fugimaster24 on Sep 30, 2007 6:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Well...

I guess you are calling Smith "Greene"....but you have no idea how good either is in comparison to Pitt's QBs. Maybe better, maybe worse. Obviously you have more around them, so they should fair better. I don't think you're upsetting OSU with or without Morelli. WI isn't very good, you could upset them with a donkey, some duct tape, and a tube sock. That game is a toss up.

by WakeUp on Sep 30, 2007 6:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

IF that was the case...

...then UW wouldn't be 5-0. One way or another, they've gotten it done.

by Cpiritual27 on Sep 30, 2007 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

well then....

Purdue, Kansas, and UConn are all undefeated. Are you saying they should be top 5 teams also? They all found ways to "get it done" against mediocre/poor competition too.

Just because a team has an undefeated record against 5 unranked teams, scraping out wins in 3 of them by 3, 4, and 7 points, have given up 31 points to a DIAA team, and only beat a team by 3 at home based on a missed FG, doesn't mean they are amazing. Hardly so. So either we look at how they perform, or put UConn in the top 10. Be consistent now...

BTW, MSU put up 17 at home against a lowly Pitt team, and beat them by 4. They play AT wisconsin and put up 34. WI is clearly overrated based on predictions from the beginning of the year, and is only maintaining their ranking based on a soft schedule that perpetuates the problem. I wouldn't bet against a loss next weekend at Ill. And then another to you guys.

by WakeUp on Sep 30, 2007 9:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

We have a chance

against OSU in Happy Valley. We've beaten them in years past with lesser teams. We even beat them in 2001 during the 5-6 year. We always seem to play them well at home. But it's certainly no gimme.

Mike
Black Shoe Diaries

Hail to the Lion!

by BSD on Sep 30, 2007 7:06 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Every team has a chance in every game...

...but with the way they're playing, and the insistence on your QB giving away games of any importance, do you like your chances? I guess we'll know more about OSU after this weekend...

by WakeUp on Sep 30, 2007 9:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

For me...

it's not such much that I think putting in Devlin or Clark will instantly make us a better team, but I'd like to see Pat get some real game time. With him being a RS FR he should know our offense well enough(how hard can it be anyway?).
Also didn't we win that OSU game with a still wet behind the ears Mills?

by nittanyroar on Sep 30, 2007 7:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Morelli

If Scott was pulled after two fumbles why wasn't Morelli pulled after 3 interceptions and a fumble, maybe sitting would make him think that he has to play better to keep playing

by jmcginley on Sep 30, 2007 7:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Morelli

I think Morelli's situation is complex because the team named him a captain. If they bench him the coaches are basically saying they have no faith in him. At that point who does the offense turn to for leadership? But the fact is they aren't getting any leadership from him now as it is so what's the difference? For this reason I think you will at least see Morelli starting, but sharing a lot of playing time with either Clark or Devlin.

I wasn't thrilled with it when they named Morelli a captain. I thought it was a move to give him more confidence. I would have preferred they give it to Williams or Butler or Shipley even though they are juniors.

Mike
Black Shoe Diaries

Hail to the Lion!

by BSD on Sep 30, 2007 7:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Start Morelli

I'm not opposed to giving Devlin or Clark snaps, just starting them.

God Created the World Out Of Nothing, Paterno Built A National Superpower On Cow Fields...

by fugimaster24 on Sep 30, 2007 9:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'll say it again...

Our problems run deeper than just Morelli. Why has our program been mediocre since 2000? JAY PATERNO, and Galen Hall for that matter. Our offenses have looked AWFUL for most of this decade. Except for two running backs and a very talented QB, we haven't had ANYONE come in at those very important positions and excel.

Why is that? We cannot develop at those positions any more. We do recruit talent, but that talent is almost always wasted.

Pretty soon we won't even be able to get by on our talented recruits...

Fran Ganter where are you now??

by WarStreets on Oct 1, 2007 10:43 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs