Grading The Defense: Not So Fast, My Friend
by Run Up The Score on Sep 9, 2008 10:06 AM EDT
in Game Reviews
80 comments
After a quick review of Saturday's game:
Defensive Line: Let's call it a solid B. The rushing numbers looked great (2.9 ypc), but something was just off when watching the game a second time. Josh Gaines was obviously magnificent in every regard, and while Aaron Maybin continues to get into the opponent's backfield, he still struggles quite a bit against the run. The defensive tackles were surprisingly soft, no doubt due to the lack of depth at the position. Ollie Ogbu and Jared Odrick made some plays, but they were completely blown out of the play on multiple occasions. Freshman Jack Crawford is not only attempting to adjust to the college game, he's still trying to learn the game. He's seen action in both games this season, and hasn't performed particularly well. It's just a fact of being an undersized true freshman defensive tackle. Tom McEowen and Eric Latimore were okay in the second half, at best. It may not have been apparent on the scoreboard, but the defensive line desperately needs Maurice Evans and Abe Koroma back when Illinois comes to town.
Linebackers: B+. Navarro Bowman and Tyrell Sales racked up a ton of tackles. Josh Hull played better and made an easy interception, but Tom Bradley isn't helping his defense by sending Hull on blitzes. He's not a good enough athlete to disrupt the play in a blitzing role, not to mention how poorly disguised the blitzes are in the first place. Still, he was better this week than against Coastal Carolina. Bani Gbadyu allegedly played on Saturday. Nathan Stupar looked quite good in his limited action.
Secondary: B+. Mark Rubin, better. Not great, but better. He was caught up in traffic a few times on running plays, but otherwise did a fine job shedding some blocks and making the tackle. Nice interception, too. Tony Davis played very well. Outside of the clusterfrick that was Oregon State's first touchdown, Anthony Scirrotto had a nice game. Good to see Drew Astorino in the game early and breaking up a pass. I don't recall Lydell Sargeant doing anything great or awful.
I already know what many of you are thinking. We held them to 7 meaningful points, and even if you take away the sacks, Oregon State only had 116 yards rushing. I know. I know. But I saw what I saw: many defensive tackles being abused far too often, and average but effective play from the defense as a whole. They'll look great against Syracuse and Temple. After that, we'll probably have Evans and Koroma back in the rotation, which will certainly help against Illinois.
Too harsh? Just right? Your comments are always welcome.
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I think it's fair
That first Or St TD run was just awful.
Also, looks like Cheech and Chong Evans and Koroma are out another week. Oh, weed jokes….
Kevin @ Black Shoe Diaries
by Kevin HD on Sep 9, 2008 10:16 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
How long does it take......
to get the results of a drug test. Don’t they have an “Any Lab Test” in State College. It is really not important that any of the boneheads play this week BUT I just want status clarification. We could really use both Evans and Koroma for Illinois, but as long as we take care of the ball we will win without them.
I thought only safeties played 15 yards off the ball?
by pic15 on Sep 9, 2008 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We may never know the results
I don’t expect they will call the CDT once the results come in. Joe is going to try to keep this as in house as possible. Only he, the players, and the team doctors are going to know the results of that test. I think our best indication of the results will be how long Joe makes them sit.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Sep 9, 2008 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
even if they test positive
I don’t think it’s a streach to see them back for Zook. That’s three games. Manningham test positive at Michigan and got, if I remember correctly, one game from Carr. Of course no one knew about it until after the season.
Kevin @ Black Shoe Diaries
by Kevin HD on Sep 9, 2008 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Manningham for 1
Yes, he was dumped for one game. Also, I recall he was suspended because of multiple violations. Not for just the one instance.
BUT, that is very different from PSU’s case. Michigan had not had anywhere near the past year that Penn State has had with off the field issues. So, more than 1 game might be warranted to ensure that the rest of the team gets/stays in line.
by DrDetroit on Sep 9, 2008 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Even if they test negative, I’m not sure that absolves their guilt in Paterno’s mind. Basically, the stuff that was discovered was found in their rooms, at least according to the Collegian article. Playing newspaper journalist here, and jumping to tremendous inference, I would guess that when the police arrived to the apartment, those present got rid of everything they had and knew about prior to warrant execution. However, because Evans and Koroma were not present, they had illegal items left over from last summer, prior to the initiation of NCAA drug testing for the season (the court docs sound as if that found was just left-over junk). In other words, my bet would be that they will pass any drug test they are given (players are aware when they can and cannot engage in certain activities based on random testing), however, they are the ones that will be targeted by the police for possession.
by cpm126 on Sep 9, 2008 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Joe knows
by now which guys were puffing and which ones not. I suspect he knew by Friday and that’s why Quarless was back with the team. I also suspect he has told Evans and Koroma what they have to do to get back on the team. At this point it’s up to them.
by ageing lion on Sep 9, 2008 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought Quarless was gone for sure...
How many times does a kid have to get in trouble?
The rest of this is all academic. There were a bunch of kids in a room with an ounce of grass. They were smoking it.
So what if they weren’t? If your all in a bunch because smiking pot is illegal, than they should have called the cops and not allowed the weed in their dorm room, even if they weren’t smoking it. Of course I’d rather them smoking weed in a dorm room than out drunk in a bar getting in fights. Stoners cause less problems than drunks. That’s just science.
On the other hand, I’d like just one Penn State football player to have enough ingenuity to brake a law, any law, and figure out a way not to get caught.
Another question, at what point do you just say screw it and let them play until they kill somebody?
"I honestly think the "Spread HD" is going to work pretty well, and we’ll be just fine this year". - 8-27-2008
by jesse. on Sep 9, 2008 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Two separate incidents??
Do we know if this was one or two incidents? Evans and Koroma could have smoked a couple of joints and went out. Enter Quarless and Wallace and cranked up the tunes. Next the police showed up. I’m not sure it has been established that a party was going on but I’m sure the occupants knew there was marijuana in the apartment.
by ageing lion on Sep 9, 2008 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Jesse, give our guys some credit...
there’s still 2/3 of the team left who have not been caught. We could assume they are commiting all kinds of atrocities, and just keeping to the shadows like ninjas.
check out pinkertonpark.com you owe yerself a laugh.
by rahpsu92 on Sep 9, 2008 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You know what the irony is?
On the field they are disciplined as hell. Penn State is always one the least penalized teams in the conference. How many penalties did they get called for in the last two games?
"I honestly think the "Spread HD" is going to work pretty well, and we’ll be just fine this year". - 8-27-2008
by jesse. on Sep 9, 2008 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Looking at SI.com
They are right smack dab in the middle with 9 penalties.
by GreatScawt on Sep 9, 2008 1:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My mistake
They are 5th most penalized.
by GreatScawt on Sep 9, 2008 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In 2007
they were the least penalized team in the Big Ten
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/conferences/sortables?stat=teammisc&sort=penalties&year=2007&confId=5
In 2006
they were the second least penalized team in the league
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/conferences/sortables?year=2006&sort=penalties&stat=teammisc&confId=5
In 2005
they were the third least penalized team in the league
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/conferences/sortables?year=2006&sort=penalties&stat=teammisc&confId=5
They were also the best in 2003 and in the top three in 2004 and 2002.
"I honestly think the "Spread HD" is going to work pretty well, and we’ll be just fine this year". - 8-27-2008
by jesse. on Sep 9, 2008 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ironic?
I can’t take credit for this one, but did anyone at the game notice the Blue Band’s first song at halftime was made famous by the Doobie Brothers? (Takin’ It To The Streets, for those wondering)
by blt on Sep 9, 2008 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Was Three Little Birds too obvious?
Or was there just not enough time to learn it?
"I honestly think the "Spread HD" is going to work pretty well, and we’ll be just fine this year". - 8-27-2008
by jesse. on Sep 9, 2008 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I would have gone with any song by
Cypress Hill.
pinkertonpark.com - you owe yerself a laugh.
by rahpsu92 on Sep 10, 2008 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Completely fair
The defense didn’t impress me at all.
Will the real Derrick Williams please stand up?
by ReadingRambler on Sep 9, 2008 10:28 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
The secondary
I was pleasantly surprised by the secondary. After watching Stroughter and Morales pick apart the Stanford defense I was worried they were going to be tough to stop. But we held them to a combined 8 catches for 96 yards.
Overall they are a pretty good offense and we handled them pretty well. I like your grades.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Sep 9, 2008 10:31 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
imo
your grades are too high – there is a lot of room for improvement – a lot.
I thought that the pass coverage was better than last week – but not good – and maybe not even average.
Nathan Stupar did put fear into the heart of the osu punter – but that was on special teams.
by PSUgirl on Sep 9, 2008 10:34 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I tried to split the difference...
…between the stats and what I saw on tape last night. There was nothing really spectacular — outside of Josh Gaines — about the defense, but at the end of the day Oregon State did next to nothing on offense. It’s not like they were running up and down the field and turning the ball over on the goal line, or had horrible luck in some form or another. They were effectively stymied all day, and I can’t quite figure out why because the defense didn’t look all that wonderful upon second viewing.
by Run Up The Score on Sep 9, 2008 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Linebacker U??
Is the coaching staff really telling us that we don’t have anyone better, more athletic with better instincts than walk-on Josh Hall to occupy the middle? I admire what this kid has done and work he had to put in as a walk-on but he is not a starting Inside Linebacker…
by WETSU on Sep 9, 2008 10:35 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
coaching staff = sean lee?
I don’t know why, but I really liked the shot of Lee yelling and pointing next to Bradley during the first half of the game…glad he is staying involved.
Kevin @ Black Shoe Diaries
by Kevin HD on Sep 9, 2008 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
me too
Watching Sean coach makes me extremely happy. Then when I heard he was in tears when Hayes tore his ACL, I just about came to tears. That kid’s a stud.
"Boy that student section now is up and really making a gigantic amount of noise. You see the sea of white, the white out. Well they are 2 minutes and 28 seconds away from the whiteout of the Buckeyes here tonight." - Ron Franklin
by rmcmillen50 on Sep 9, 2008 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
New coordinator for 2020?
I would not be at all surprised if Sean Lee takes it to the NFL for 10 years then retires and comes back to Happy Valley to coach. In fact, I would be surprised if he didn’t. He seems like he’s already caught the coaching bug before even finishing his stellar college career.
by millzners on Sep 9, 2008 12:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that's it!
Joe should wait for Lee to be ready to be head coach. perfect.
That kid personifies the spirit of college football – he’s a puz clone who is not only continuing the tradition but expanding it.
by PSUgirl on Sep 10, 2008 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not impressed
with Hull at all. While I was watching the DLine, my friend pointed out that Hull was either out of position or late on several of the plays. So I started watching him, and it was true; he couldn’t shed the blockers, was a step late, and that pick was just a terrible throw. Not to tear the kid apart, maybe I’m just used to seeing Poz, Conner and Lee, but I don’t think he had a great game. Also, last week I said Stupar was close to blocking a couple punts, and look what he does to OrSU
by WPIALkid22 on Sep 9, 2008 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's no Poz, Conner, or Lee but...
look we have been spoiled with great linebackers lately and rightly so, we are “Linebacker U”. But those kind of guys don’t come along very often (some schools are lucky to get one player like that EVER). So before we jump the gun on Hull let’s give him time to develop as a STARTER, remember this is only his second game, i have a real problem blasting KIDS after two starts.
We don’t need our linebackers to win games, they just can’t lose them for us by making the huge mistakes, and so far he hasn’t done that. Poz, Conner, and Lee are damn freaks we have only had at most five LB’s other than those two to even come close to that class of LB.
Also i know Josh personally, coached him in high school baseball, he’s a great kid and the hardest worker i’ve ever met in my life, so i might have a bit of a bias in this post. But for god’s sake give the kid a break and time to develop.
GOOD LUCK #43
by PSUfanSTUCKinSECland on Sep 9, 2008 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hull
Trust me, I want to see this kid succeed as much as anyone. Wasn’t he a walk-on? I already have mad respect for him because he went from walk-on to starting at LB at LinebackerU. All I’m saying, is if you watched him, you’d see those things that I said. Maybe he’s still inexperienced,(Lee was even a little inexperienced when he came in for Poz against FSU) or didn’t get support, or whatever, but I don’t feel like he played a great game
by WPIALkid22 on Sep 9, 2008 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
JH
Looks like a solid player and I am not sure the backup option is that much better. If the back up (can’t spell the name) is that much better I am sure he will see more playing time moving forward.
by SweepTheLeg on Sep 9, 2008 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i understand that...
but i think you’re comparing a “great” game to a “great” game from the likes Poz, Conner, and Lee (8-16 tackles, 2 tfl, and a sack or two), which is unfair because he’s not at their level (yet, if ever). And yes he was a walk-on. All i’m saying is this, this kid will not settle for mediocrity i can promise you that, he will get better every week. And what better teach can a kid have than Sean Lee. Don’t throw him under the bus after two weeks, he’ll be fine.
by PSUfanSTUCKinSECland on Sep 9, 2008 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Rushing Defense
I did not see the game, but can someone discuss OSU’s first scoring drive?
They had 55 yards rushing on that drive.
Was the defense tired? Going through the motions since they were up by 28?
by DrDetroit on Sep 9, 2008 11:15 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Off the subject..
but does anyone have an ABC coverage map for this weekends game?
by PSUfanSTUCKinSECland on Sep 9, 2008 11:29 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Not Posted Yet
Usually not decided on until Wednesday at the earliest. Considering the ABC 3:30 slate for Saturday, the PSU-SU footprint will likely be limited to the Northeast.
by Kunk on Sep 9, 2008 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
And chances are for those of us outside that
tiny footprint we will catch the game on the deuce – probably in standard definitiion again.
pinkertonpark.com - you owe yerself a laugh.
by rahpsu92 on Sep 9, 2008 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
thanks...
i’m hoping for espn 2 coverage that isn’t blacked out this weekend….Dish network and direct tv blacked out the OSU game, in tennessee anyway, i’m assuming because of the Ole Miss-Wake Game.
by PSUfanSTUCKinSECland on Sep 9, 2008 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No Simulcast this Week
Georgia Tech-Virginia Tech and Oregon-Purdue get the alternate channel treatment. Penn State will be on ESPN360 or you can purchase the PPV.
I posted this site last week, illustrating where each game is shown. They’ll link to coverage maps once they are finalized.
by Kunk on Sep 9, 2008 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The PSU game will be on in all areas of the country
In 2007, BTN negotiated for all Big Ten games airing at noon or 3:30 pm EST on ABC to be shown on either ESPN or ESPN2 in all markets where the game is not on ABC. It will be on 1 of those 3 networks. It may not be in HD. The game is not part of ESPN gameplan.
Satellite providers do not have the ability to air different games on the same ESPN channel in different areas of the country. They air one game on ABC, block the ESPN national feed, and air the other games on ESPN alernate channels (In TN DirecTV had the PSU-Oregon State game on ESPNa, rather than ESPN2 this past weekend)
by pjk on Sep 9, 2008 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Damn...
that sucks…thanks for the info though….looks like i’ll be bellied up the bar for this game
by PSUfanSTUCKinSECland on Sep 9, 2008 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No you don't need to go to a bar if you have cable or satellite
If you are in TN, and have Comcast, Dish, or DirecTV at home, you will get the game. ESPNa is a channel that satellite providers use to get around the limitation of not being able to regionalize a channel. It will be on a nearby channel (like 210 or 211 on DirecTV) which shows nothing except the game while it’s on.
Here’s a link to an explanantion, which goes into more detail:
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?t=105788
by pjk on Sep 9, 2008 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
ESPNa is Possible
But as of right now Oregon/Purdue and VaTech/GaTech are listed as ESPN simulcast games with ABC.
Do you have a link to the information you cite about BTN and their agreement with ABC/ESPN? I don’t remember that deal.
by Kunk on Sep 9, 2008 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wish BC hadn't joined the ACC
Kunk said: “Considering the ABC 3:30 slate for Saturday, the PSU-SU footprint will likely be limited to the Northeast.” My guess is that here in Massachusetts, we’ll get stuck the Georgia Tech-Virginia Tech game since they are both in the same conference as BC.
by Elihu on Sep 9, 2008 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Based on pjk's comments and the link provided....
PSU/SU will be seen nationally, just a matter of what channel it will be seen on.
I didn’t know about the new contract, but I did experience the joy of seeing every PSU televised game last year without having to pony up for ESPNGameplan. Since I live in ACC country I caught most games on tWWL2 with the dazzling duo of Pam Ward and ??, but most importantly I saw the games in the comfort of my man cave.
pinkertonpark.com - you owe yerself a laugh.
by rahpsu92 on Sep 10, 2008 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I will get the PSU-SU game on ABC.
I don’t know if this is a policy change, BC having a down year, this particular game or what, but previously, when they’ve had the chance to show PSU they have instead opted for ACC game on numerous occasions.
by Elihu on Sep 11, 2008 9:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry i was stuimbling around outside at kickoff
but is Bowman starting yet? i dont think you can keep him off the field just by playing the potential card. also is anyone going to show the ability or just potential to grab the middle linebacker spot over hull
by PSUgavemeAnAlcoholproblem on Sep 9, 2008 11:31 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Bowman...
is definitely our best linebacker. He should play every down, if possible. Bani doesn’t do much, really. He’s our smallest linebacker (I think) and, from what I’ve heard, the fastest. Can’t help but wonder whether he should be moved to strong safety.
What really made me angry this past game was Bradley’s reluctance to give backup linebackers and defensive backs meaningful playing time. No one but Bowman (and possibly Astorino as the nickel) saw ANY playing time until after our last score. WHAT THE HELL??? Where were Stupar, Colasanti, and Wallace? Those guys, particularly the first two, could REALLY have benefitted from the experience of playing at least a little bit in the first half. I mean, does Bradley think Hull’s really that good or that Colasanti’s that bad???
I’d add that I think we gave up the second touchdown because our starters were getting tired… if I’m not mistaken, many of them were replaced on the very next series (though I could be mistaken).
by BSM PSU 93 on Sep 9, 2008 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed
Definately saying the same think about them not getting playing time. I think Colasanti got roughed up on a punt or something earlier in the game, so maybe that’s why he didn’t get in
by WPIALkid22 on Sep 9, 2008 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Colasanti
almost had his head taken right off on a special teams play. It was actually near the end of that game, he was trying to get the angle on the return man and didn’t have his head on a swivel as they say.. Next thing I saw/heard was Chris getting laid out and a crack unlike any I have ever heard. I was only three rows from the field right near where it happened and I think it’s burned into my memory. I wouldn’t be surprised one bit if he was concussed, but he seems tough as hell, he got right back up, he was wobbly as shit but he got right back up.
by nittanyroar on Sep 9, 2008 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yep...
I was at the game as well, but not nearly as close to the field as you were. Anyway, I definitely recall the play… it was about half way through the fourth quarter. He REALLY got railed. Then he propped himself up on one knee for a moment to catch his breath before standing up and walking off. I remember thinking that there probably aren’t many guys who could have taken a hit like that and responded the way he did. The guy looks like a tank… could probably play DE on a lot of teams. I really have high hopes for him… wish I knew why the defensive coaches don’t seem to have any confidence in him yet. Is he coming along slower than pretty much everyone had expected?
by BSM PSU 93 on Sep 9, 2008 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd love
to know the answer to your last question. If he’s as good as we hear he should be starting by the end of the season.
by nittanyroar on Sep 9, 2008 7:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
RE: Maybin
He seems like a one trick pony at the moment. He’s a terror in the pass rush and once he develops some run stop technique I think he will truly be a force to be reckoned with.
by nittanyroar on Sep 9, 2008 11:37 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Maybin
Is too skinny.
Not an everydown player….will get killed in Big Ten play.
by SweepTheLeg on Sep 9, 2008 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He is a bit thin
Hopefully he spends some quality time at the training table.
I don’t know if I’d say he’d get killed in B10 play, I can’t imagine him being totally worthless once the meat of the schedule starts, can’t wait to find out though.
by nittanyroar on Sep 9, 2008 7:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
All
of the DE that were great at PSU, Brown/Hayes/etc were much bigger and physicaql players. Maybi is 240ish, CB was close to 280…and the best of the bunch.
by SweepTheLeg on Sep 10, 2008 8:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Defensive Depth
One of those long time lurker, first time posters.
Anyway, I’d say the defense played decently (I don’t know if I’d grade them as high as B, B+, B+. I’d probably go C+/B/B-
The defensive line, as everyone is aware, is getting depleted, and the coaches definitely should have given some of the younger guys a bit more game experience, for two reasons. First off we need to make sure we have our backups prepared in case we suffer any more injuries, but more importantly in my opinion is that as the season wears on the starters are going to start suffering from exhaustion, and the backups need to be able to fill in better. Come October 25th after they’ve played a good chunk of the games and are facing off against Ohio State (and other teams that are good at keeping their offense on the field), I expect to see a lot more rotations defensively, and I’d like to feel confident about the guys coming in off the bench. I guess point 2-B is that the longer we keep our starters in during the junk time, the more chance we have of getting injuries (Jerome Hayes, anyone?).
That aside, I do think the defense overall played well, but Oregon State was hardly a juggernaut themselves, and we have much room for improvement. I only hope that after the non-conference schedule ends and Penn State statistically looks like (one of) the best defenses in the country, that the players don’t think that they’re amazing and forget that it came against a very creampuff schedule.
by The JuggerNitt on Sep 9, 2008 12:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
McEowen
is terrible. I stood there on Saturday and watched him either get pushed back or end up no the ground. Everytime he was in the game they ran past him for 9 yards. The guy is a complete softy.
I have a feeling that if Evans is out for an extended period of time, Crawford will get moved back to his natural DE position and Brandon Ware, all 367lbs, will take his spot in the DT rotation. Obviously until Ware loses about 20lbs it will be tough for him to play more then one play in a row, but for that one play he will be dominate.
PSU Softball
by QBsneak12 on Sep 9, 2008 12:34 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I can't wait
For Ware to come in on a 3rd and 1 situation and crash thru the line like a bowling ball.
by millzners on Sep 9, 2008 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Lets just put a jersey on the nittany lion statue
and have a couple of freshman push it out to the nose tackle position on running downs. (I know we don’t normally have a nose tackle, but its a pretty big statue).
I don't know, Mello Yello is pretty awful. What's the worst that could happen?
by psu on Sep 9, 2008 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll take it
If the defense consistently grades out at the B/B+ level and the offense at the A/A- level then this can be a special year.
by speedomike on Sep 9, 2008 3:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
B/B+
vs. Coastal Carolina and Oregon State will/could translate into C/C- and in some cases D in BigTen play and that won’t be special…
by WETSU on Sep 9, 2008 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Depends on the team.
The power running teams are going to give us real trouble, they will be able to beat us down because of the lack of depth. The spread teams we’ll match up well against becasue the defense is still fast and still tackles well.
"I honestly think the "Spread HD" is going to work pretty well, and we’ll be just fine this year". - 8-27-2008
by jesse. on Sep 9, 2008 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
My thoughts
By the time B10 play opens are D obviously needs to improve, not just on the over the middle screens and “masking blitzes” better; but as you’ve noted, I foresee the same soft-spots that need attention to stop the run against > Juice @ Ill; Ringer @ Sparty; Ron Dane Hill @ Wisky; OSU’s boyz (if healthy)…
Hopefully Mo & Abe are “clean” and are back in the roatation by B10 play. Hopefully over the coarse of the next 2 weeks some of these underclassmen who have been taking the field get their feet firmly on the ground for “college” football and the coaches help them make the adjustments they need to build their confidence…the butterflies should be out of them by the start of the 5th game (B10 schedule).
Our real starters @ linebacker and in the 2ndary should have proven themselves by then too…with eagar back-ups still itchin to proove themselves.
We still have a roster full…but the injury bug needs to jump-in with the geese and fly south for the winter…
" We need MORE cowbell !"
by BlueWhiteLife on Sep 10, 2008 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Depends on how you look at it I guess
I took a B performance as being a B performance, regardless of the competition.
by speedomike on Sep 9, 2008 6:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Am I the only one
who thinks the defense looked good on Saturday? They weren’t dominating, but Oregon State is a good offensive team. Their first two drives were three and outs. Their next two drives only got one first down each. They were 5 of 16 on third down conversions. One of four on fourth down conversions. They went three and out four times in all. They only had one meaningful touchdown. They had two sacks and two interceptions.
I understand they didn’t get a lot of style points. Outside of Josh Gaines in a series or two nobody looked like they were dominating their position. But it’s hard to argue with the overall results against a very good offense.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Sep 9, 2008 5:09 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
How good is OrSU's O-line?
I recall they lost basically their front-7 on defense, but what did they lose from their offense last year? I know they have some playmakers in their RBs and WRs, but I don’t know if OrSU would really rate as a “very good offense”.
Josh Gaines did look like a beast this weekend, though. He seemed to be constantly in the backfield breaking up plays, tackling for losses, and pressuring/sacking the QB.
by The JuggerNitt on Sep 9, 2008 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think they looked good too...
But they looked weak at the end of the first half; I think it is a depth issue. There is a standard baseline competence for a Penn State defense that we have come to expect over the past thirty years. These guys meet the minimum standard, but what we lack is the stud linebacker and the super deep defensive line that we are used to having. Were down to our traditional strengths, well coached kids that tackle well; that’s all you need seven or eight games a year, but for perfect season, you have to have depth and talent. Were a little light on that this year.
What really scares me is that if you look at the Michigan State game from last season, that was a loss (in my opinion) almost totally attributed to depth on Defense. My game plan against Penn State right now is control the ball, keep our offense off the field, and beat us in the fourth quarter. Oregon State does not have the personal to do that, neither do teams like Indiana, Purdue, possibly even Illinois (I’ll be betting the over in that one). Michigan State and Wisconsin absolutely do however, and I hate those match ups.
If Lloyd Carr was still Michigan’s coach they would beat us this year too, for the same reason that Wisconsin and MSU are going to give us trouble. But since Rich Rodriguez is going to try and have a lightly regarded freshman make him look smart, they are in trouble. Keep in mind, that Michigan did beat Florida last season, Clark is not Tim Tebow. If somebody wants to argue that Penn State has more offensive weapons than Florida (and I think you might be able to) I’ll let them have at it.
That leaves Ohio State. No Beanie Wells? We might have a chance. With Beanie at 100%, in Columbus, I don’t think we are going to bring enough to the table either offensively or defensively to get it done.
"I honestly think the "Spread HD" is going to work pretty well, and we’ll be just fine this year". - 8-27-2008
by jesse. on Sep 9, 2008 5:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agree in general
The depth is concern (thanks a lot Baker and Taylor). But Evans and Koroma will be back. As far as the LBs…I know people are worried about Hull, but I really think he’s being reward for his hard work right now and when we get into the conference scheduel we could see guys like Colasanti and Mauti. I think the same with Rubin. Not to mention Bowman playing more. The thing about this game is most people were worried about our secondary and Oregon State’s speedy receivers. They did a nice job. And without Wallace playing much. The defense isn’t going to be as strong as the past few years, but I think will be pretty good. We’ll see. If we hadn’t lost so many guys to injury and general jackassery I’d be feeling much better.
by speedomike on Sep 9, 2008 6:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sorry but your wrong..
what sense does it make to start somebody for four games and then play somebody else once conference play begins? When has this ever happened in the paterno years? So your telling me that they are starting Hull because of his hard work, then they are going to bring in an even more inexperienced linebacker in Colasanti when conference play begins? They are starting the guys that they think they need to win…period. When is sports have you seen somebody start the beginning of the season, only to be removed simply because they were rewarded for hard work? The starters need time to grow and develop as a unit, you don’t have a sympothy starter playing middle linebacker making reads and calling the defense!!!
this is rediculous
by PSUfanSTUCKinSECland on Sep 9, 2008 9:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Poz and Connor both did it
So did Lavar
by speedomike on Sep 9, 2008 9:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wrong again...
Poz’s first start was in 04 and he was the starter from game one, zero starts in in 03….Connor started three games in 04 and didnt even play the first couple games of 05 because of injury (i think, or prank calls one of the two) had that not been the case i’m sure he would have started from day one instead of sales. There is no chance that Hull gets all the first team reps in preseason and the first four games only to be replaced by someone that is less proven. He’s the man in the middle….the quicker we “accept” that, the more support he will gain, he’s starting for a reason at “Linebacker U”!!!
by PSUfanSTUCKinSECland on Sep 9, 2008 10:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't say he would be replaced as a starter
I just said I think we’ll see more of guys like Mauti and Colasanti as the year goes. Poz may not have started in 03, but he saw more playing time as the year went on. Starting only means being in on the first play. You don’t have the be the starter to see significant reps. Maybe I’m wrong. And I’m basing it on nothing more than gut feeling. Maybe Hull will show more improvement. If so, great for him and great for Penn State.
by speedomike on Sep 10, 2008 8:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
of course
the majority of Posluszny’s starts were not at middle linebacker – (and I think that his first start was msu ’03).
I too think that Mauti has a great future ahead of him – he seems to have the “fire in his belly.” as far as linebackers go, I’m also looking forward to seeing Zordich and Yancich on the field, both top 5 in their (respective) position (coming out of hs).
by PSUgirl on Sep 10, 2008 9:30 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
True
And MLB is certainly a different beast.
But, my original point (which apparantly i’m WRONG!!!! about) is that I think there’s a good chance that guys like Hull and Rubin could see less playing time as the year goes along. And that there is precedence for that, specifically at the LB position.
by speedomike on Sep 10, 2008 12:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
General jackassery
If our offense continues to be amazing, but we wind up losing games because of a depleted defense due to the “general jackassery”, and that causes us to miss out on a national/conference championship, I imagine that certain (ex)players will not be looked upon too fondly by Penn State fans for the rest of their lives, and I’m sure a bunch of people will lay the blame on JoePa for “losing control of the program” (which I don’t believe he has, I’m in the camp that feels we have an overzealous prosecutor from Bob Jones University trying to make a name for himself, along with increased scrutiny from the national spotlight revealing all the flaws that exist at programs like this. This is of course in no way to excuse the actions of any of the players, but I did use to be proud of our “clean” image, even if it wasn’t completely accurate, it was at least true relative to most schools out there)
by The JuggerNitt on Sep 10, 2008 8:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Against Syracuse...
every available defensive lineman and linebacker needs to see meaningful playing time. This includes Latimore, Crawford (preferably at DE), McKeown, Okoli, Latham, Stupar, Colasanti, and Mauti. Bowman already gets starter’s minutes.
I’m completely amazed at how little Okoli, Stupar, and Colasanti have played so far. It makes no sense to me whatsoever. We need to BUILD depth on this team and we know that… so why are these guys sitting on the bench ‘til the fourth quarter? Well, OK… some of them are playing special teams, but that’s not enough.
by BSM PSU 93 on Sep 10, 2008 8:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agree
this is needed for both Syracuse & Temple.
Offensively, I’d also like to see the ball get spread-around like the Coastal game.
I know I am not the only PSU fan with this sentiment, but nothing drives me MORE CRAZY than a pass-play made on us and our coverage does not get to the receiver for about 2 – 3 seconds!…playing WAY to FAR OFF…I NEVER get used to that!
" We need MORE cowbell !"
by BlueWhiteLife on Sep 10, 2008 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That is one of the differences
between PSU and some of the perrenial national title contenders. Rebuilding vs. Reloading. Joe has often stated that he shoots for a title run every 4 years. That is because PSU doesn’t build depth through playing the depth chart enough when possible leaving the cupboard – not bare, but barely prepared.
Maybe 1994 changed Joe’s philosophy on getting depth into games because so many garbage points were scored on 2/3rd team defense causing us to get jumped in the polls.
pinkertonpark.com - you owe yerself a laugh.
by rahpsu92 on Sep 10, 2008 2:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Damn...
that stinkin’ Indiana game.
by BSM PSU 93 on Sep 10, 2008 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
We could have been burned all game
But we played them very well. We had decent pressure and good play by the secondary. The experience of these first four games is going to make us very prepared (and hopefully rested) going into our big game stretch. It is very easy to let a fly sweep go for big yards but we were tackling great and everyone was coming off blocks nicely. So I was happy with the play.
I don't know, Mello Yello is pretty awful. What's the worst that could happen?
by psu on Sep 9, 2008 8:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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