Grading the Penn State Offense Against Michigan
by BSD on Oct 26, 2009 10:17 AM EDT
in Game Reviews
142 comments
Before this game we heard a lot of things about the Penn State offense. They hadn't played anybody. The offensive line was teh suck. The wide receivers weren't as good as last year. Daryll Clark never shows up in a big game. I hope they put a lot of that talk to rest on Saturday. Let's grade out the offense.
Quarterbacks
Some people are saying this was Daryll Clark's most complete game as a starter. I'm not sure about that. He was pretty good against Michigan State last year. But he was damn good on Saturday against Michigan.
And there were no interceptions to go with those numbers. It was a performance worthy of Big Ten Player of the Weekhonors. He made good decisions and showed some tremendous touch on fade pass to Zug in the corner of the endzone and on the 60 yard touchdown to Quarless. He was in complete control of the game. Michigan had no answer for the screen passes to Moye. And when they tried to cheat the safeties up to stop the run, Clark made them pay like a good quarterback does with a perfectly thrown ball to Andrew Quarless on the 60 yard touchdown. But he was a bit erratic at times especially in the second half.
Clark now has 17 touchdown passes on the season which ranks him third nationally. He is five touchowns away from tying the single season school record of 22 set by Todd Blackledge in 1982. I know I took some flak for saying this just before the Iowa debacle, but is it time we start mentioning Clark in the Heisman chase again? Here are his season stats.
In a season lacking any clear Heisman front runners, I would put Clark's numbers up against anyone. I'm not saying he deserves the trophy at this point, because he's not the quarterback on a team ranked in the top five which is apparently etched as a requirement somewhere on the base of the trophy. But right now, barring another Iowa-type meltdown, I think he has earned a seat at the Downtown Athletic Club in December. And I sooooo want to pwn Eleven Warriors for a day.
Final Grade: B+
Running Backs
Another solid day for Evan Royster.
It didn't look he did much after that 40 yard gain on the opening drive, but he earned every yard he got. The offensive line didn't do him a ton of favors often getting beat at the point of attack, but Royster used his vision and cutback ability to turn no gains into four or five yard gains. But this is the third game in a row he hasn't found the endzone. He only has four touchdowns on the year with only one in Big Ten play. That's a bit disappointing.
Brandon Beachum got in the game and carried the ball seven times for 23 yards. He had some nice carries and gained 24 yards on Penn State's marathon 10 minute drive in the fourth quarter.
Final Grade: A
Receivers
I suspected Michigan might pay extra attention to Derek Moye after his performance against Minnesota, and that they did blanketing him with their best cover corner. Still, he managed to gain 53 yards on 6 catches. He could have had more if not for some slips and poorly thrown balls by Clark. He was pretty much open all day.
I figured the attention on Moye would open up opportunities for some other guys, and Zug and Quarless took advantage. The tiny white possession receiver torched the Michigan secondary for 5 catches, 59 yards, and 3 touchdowns.
And of course Andrew Quarless is making that late push to be a high NFL draft pick. Besides 60 yard touchdown, Quarless also had that 31 yard catch that set up the touchdown right after the half. He was a key factor in taking a 12-7 game and breaking it open into a 25-10 game.
Final Grade: B+
Offensive Line
Here's where things turn ugly in this review. I was not at all impressed with the offensive line. Ako Poti looked terrible at right tackle. Brandon Grahampretty much owned him whenever he lined up on that side. Actually, it didn't matter who lined up over there, Poti got abused. I hope McCormack can come back next week.
Johnnie Troutmandidn't impress me much either. He had a few nice blocks, but he had equally as many not-so-great one. He single handedly killed the drive right before the half with two offsides penalties and two missed blocks.
And can someone explain to me our ineptitude at running a screen pass? There were three white shirts out there against one Michigan linebacker, and they let the guy make the tackle. How does that happen? This isn't the first time either. It's been like this all season. Our down field blocking leaves much to be desired.
Final Grade: D
Offensive Coaching
I have a few bones to pick this week. What was up with punting the ball from the Michigan 33 yard line on fourth and three? Boone managed to pin them inside the ten, and Joe later looked like a genius when Michigan snapped the ball out the back of the endzone. But I think you have to go for it there. Your offense is having a lot of success in moving the ball there. The sooner you can break the game open and force Michigan's offense to abandon the running game the better off you will be. It was classic Joe pucking up on the road, and I didn't agree with the call.
My second beef came after Penn State scored the first touchdown after the half to take a 25-10 lead. I did not agree with going for two points there. I know they were thinking a 17 point lead meant Michigan needed two touchdowns and a field goal to tie, but the extra point forces them to score two touchdowns and two two-point conversions to tie. Put the onus on them to make the two point conversions. It was too early in the game to be playing that kind of numbers game. On the road, just take the extra point.
Finally, after the final touchdown I thought the offense went too conservative. You could just tell that Joe told them to run between the tackles and that's it. The first drive got stopped in three plays, and then Boone had the punt blocked. So do you think they would come out on the next drive and be a little more aggressive? Nope. In fact, let's just feature a bigger running back this time. Up the middle to Royster. Up the middle to Suhey for a two yard loss. Short pass to Suhey short of the sticks. Let's give them another shot to block a punt.
That blocked punt scared me to death. It was just the kind of play Michigan needed to get a spark. The next time we got the ball I would have done everything I could to gain some big chunks of yards. Especially with Michigan stacking the box looking for the run. But Penn State was undeterred and even came out on the next drive in conservative mode. They pounded away for 10 minutes to kill the clock, but needed a roughing the kicker penalty to keep the drive going. Thankfully Michigan got a little too aggressive in trying to block another one.
Final Grade: C
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Was the line really that bad?
I know they weren’t great, but the defensive line was pretty much Michigan’s only defensive strength and I expected Graham to MAKE PLAYS. I think they did a decent enough job.
Twitter: @scrappled
"When it’s third-and-10, you can take the milk drinkers and I’ll take the whiskey drinkers every time" - Max McGee
by Run Up The Score on Oct 26, 2009 10:34 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
eh
Maybe I’m too rough on them. I thought they made a lot of mistakes, and Royster gained a lot of his yards on his own going away from where the play was designed.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Oct 26, 2009 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I thought the line was mediocre at best.
Too many running plays blown up at the point of attack leading to second and longs and third and longs.
Never mistake effort for achievement.
by Esteban d' Amur on Oct 26, 2009 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
They looked awful in the second half
but part of that was setting them up to fail with our predictability. Sitting on the ball might have been the right move, but it wasn’t going to help the oline look better.
And Graham was absolutely killing is on Saturday, although it was our weakest link against their strongest…I guess that’s going to happen.
BSD
by Kevin HD on Oct 26, 2009 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yes but this time we actually did something....
Unlike the Iowa game. That is what confuses me. If our Oline was to blame for the Iowa lose. Then what happened on Saturday. Why did our Offense look so good?
by jetskijoe on Oct 26, 2009 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Michigan's D isn't as good
For one, Iowa can cover better. And their front got much more pressure.
And, um, the line has obviously improved. They did well most of the game, IMO. Royster never would have a 40-yarder against Iowa early in the season.
DO YOU HAVE PRIDE, DANNY?
by ReadingRambler on Oct 26, 2009 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, Iowa was coming from every direction and collapsing the pocket.
Twitter: @scrappled
"When it’s third-and-10, you can take the milk drinkers and I’ll take the whiskey drinkers every time" - Max McGee
by Run Up The Score on Oct 26, 2009 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Closer look at the stats
Two sacks, and 7 TFL. Not a great day.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Oct 26, 2009 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
screen pass
Did you see sweet lou on that play. He had his man lined up, and dove across the front of his body. This forced the defender to put a sophisticated moved on old lou. He stepped over him. Then he made the tackle. Nice.
by PSUinBOSSton on Oct 26, 2009 11:07 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Moye shares some of the blame
He was the first guy to take a crack at the LB and whiff. The other three guys were standing around to see if he could do it.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Oct 26, 2009 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I remember this play...
…and was thinking after it was over, that each of our guys was “thinking” that “the other guy” would block the lone scUM, and was looking ahead to block down field…
" When you cross that Blue Line, you are mine...Across the Blue Line, it's all football. " " And what you need to do in your life is paint Blue Lines everywhere. " - Joe Paterno 2009
by BlueWhiteLife on Oct 26, 2009 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
This
He kinda stood around and then half-heartedly tried to block Van Bergen.
DO YOU HAVE PRIDE, DANNY?
by ReadingRambler on Oct 26, 2009 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Screen passes to RB's
I thought the O Linemen had good position and it appeared that the back was going for at least 20 yards if not more with that wall in front of him but a UM defender sliced through that wall like we do Pitt’s recruiting wall each year and the potential big gains were mediocre. Honestly, that was my only execution issue of big import, minus the punt block, as we did pretty well against a major foe.
Was VERY relieved and pleased to see our offense not playing with one hand tied behind their backs e.g. 2007. That offensive explosion after going down by seven on the opening UM drive was surprising to me after watching the "conservative, i.e. afraid, offensive game plan so often employed in similar circumstances. Recognizing UM’s defense is lacking it may be less of a surprise but still a pleasant one at that!
by FG Dreadnought on Oct 26, 2009 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
not only that but they were perfect play calls...
A couple times we ran screens as they blitzed past us. It would appear to have gone for a big gain
I know a lot more than they know. I'm going to do what I believe is in the kid's best interest. That's what this whole thing is about.-Joe Paterno
by JoePaPa on Oct 26, 2009 3:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Scary thing is that Matt Millen talked up the line
Even going as far as saying that, with Ako Poti, they’ve finally settled the RT position. I couldn’t believe what I heard.
by Spats on Oct 26, 2009 2:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I heard that remark, also.
No wonder the Lions (Detroit variety) couldn’t win with that bozo as President. How in the heck did he land on his feet to get an analyst job? He is terrible…give me Musberger and Herbie.
Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection we can catch excellence.
Vince Lombardi
by PaJoe on Oct 26, 2009 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, I hear he was a decent NFL analyst for awhile before he became a GM
Black Shoes. Basic Blues. No Name. All Game.
"Everyone has a plan, until they get punched in the mouth."
by Roland86 on Oct 26, 2009 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
I don’t know which game he was watching. Poti was terrible.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Oct 26, 2009 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
he also said...
That Tate Forcier has the most moxy of any big ten quarterback
I know a lot more than they know. I'm going to do what I believe is in the kid's best interest. That's what this whole thing is about.-Joe Paterno
by JoePaPa on Oct 26, 2009 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I love the term "moxie"
I’ve never heard it used anywhere outside of describing a quarterback. I have no idea what it is. I just know it when I see it. Darryl’s got moxie.
by jimbo2psu on Oct 26, 2009 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Game thoughts....
I think the “D” grade for the OL is a bit harsh. They weren’t dominant, but Clark wasn’t on his back all day either like he was against Iowa. All in all I think the OL desereved a solid “C”. I also think that the offensive coaching grade of a “C” is way to harsh. PSU had not won at the Big House in forever and the coaches actually opened it up more than I expected. Remember this is JoePA, who until recently was all for the 3 yards and a cloud of dust mentality. As a fan I wanted PSU to go for it on the Michigan 33 but I completely understood why the coaching staff punted the ball. Our kicker sucks (please give Fera a shot), we had the lead and the strength of any PSU team is its D. So put the game in the hands of your strength. As for the two point conversion attempt….the coaches have a sheet that breaks down scores as to when 2 pt. attempts are applicable. This was one of those situations and it cost the Lions nothing to go for 2. My gripe in this game was not getting Mr. Newsome some decent mop up time. He is our number 2 QB and it seems like there was the opportunity to get him some decent reps in the 4th quarter…..even if you just put him in for a play or two to run the wildcat. All in all though a solid day for PSU and the offensive staff. I would have graded them out at a B. Good win and can’t wait to see us play OSU in two weeks!
I thought only safeties played 15 yards off the ball?
by pic15 on Oct 26, 2009 10:40 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
In four years
we’ll be very glad that Fera was redshirted this season, when he’s breaking Kelly’s seemingly untouchable records in his fourth season as the starter. [/hypothetical-dream-scenario]
Wagner has his limitations. We know what they are and we adjust accordingly.
by jtw126 on Oct 26, 2009 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't have a problem with the punt.
If Boone was a crappy punter, prone to putting short punts into the end zone for touchbacks I would’ve been upset. But I think it was the right move since he’s proven capable of placing the ball inside the 10 with regularity and given the fact that our D is legit and they have two freshmen QBs, a replacement center and their backs up against their own goalposts.
Michigan’s front seven did show an ability to penetrate into our backfield and as you mentioned, the OL wasn’t having a banner day, so it certainly wasn’t a given that we’d make the 3 yards.
Hindsight is 20/20, but I wasn’t yelling at the TV like most of my friends…
by jtw126 on Oct 26, 2009 10:46 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Punting on 4th and 3
I know, hindsight’s 20/20 and all, but during the game when Millen’s partner in crime was heard to proclaim ‘I don’t understand this call at all’, all I could think was ‘well maybe that’s why you’re a D-team play by play man on cable and Joe Paterno is in the College Football Hall of Fame’.
…and I agree with pic15 that we should have had Newsome in there for the better part of the fourth quarter.
"I thought the kid we were using had the potential to be a good quarterback, and I blew that one." - Joseph V. Paterno
by leeharvey418 on Oct 26, 2009 10:49 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Coaching
- The punt from the 33 yard line – I could go either way on this one. On one hand going for it makes sense. Our offense should be able to pick up 3 yards against Michigan’s defense. On the other hand it was still only a 10-7 game and scUM came into the game with a pretty prolific offense. If you go for it and don’t get it, you give Michigan the ball near midfield with a huge momentum swing in their favor. On the other hand if your punter does a decent job you can pin them inside the 10 and either force a 3 and out and get the ball back at the same spot you punted from or force the other team to do something stupid, which is what happened. Point is I can see both sides to this argument so I can’t blame Joe for sending the punt unit out there.
Two point conversion – Horrible, horrible decision. I understand they were trying to go up 3 scores. But it was WAY too early in the game to be doing that. It very well could have cost Penn State the game had scUM rallied to tie the game. Plus it just doesn’t make sense. We’re going to be all conservative sending the punt team out on 4th and 3 from the 33 yard line, but we’re going to be ultra agressive going for 2 points early in the 3rd quarter? I don’t get it. Would love to hear Joe’s explanation at the presser.
- 4th Q playcalling – Meh. People like to complain about this kind of crap all the time. We were up 4 scores on the road playing in horrible weather conditions. Our running back has a 5 yard per carry average. You bet your sweet butt they are going to take the air out of the ball and run it every play. I agree with the playcalling. Take as much time off the clock as humanly possible. The only way Michigan can get back in the game is by possessing the ball 4 times in the 4th Q. The only way that can happen is if we give them enough time on the clock. If it takes scUM 3 minutes to score a TD on all their drives then we need to eat up at least 3-4 minutes of clock on our combined drives. Throwing the ball is the only way we prevent ourselves from doing that. It might not pad Clark’s stats or make our team stats look pretty. But the 7 in the ‘W’ column is all that matters.
by catesinator on Oct 26, 2009 10:51 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Agree with all of that, really.
I was mad at the punt. I still think it’s a bad decision, but I get it. The defense had stabilized at that point and we were going into the wind. A field goal isn’t an option there even with Fera. But it’s the 33 yard line. Have some balls.
The two-point conversion just blew my mind. Didn’t understand that at all. Still don’t.
Twitter: @scrappled
"When it’s third-and-10, you can take the milk drinkers and I’ll take the whiskey drinkers every time" - Max McGee
by Run Up The Score on Oct 26, 2009 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Two-points
Here’s the chart. It says we needed a 46% chance of making it. CFB averages are right around that rate, maybe higher, and you could argue Penn State was moving the ball better than average at that point in the game.
I’m not saying it was a no-brainer, but it wasn’t boneheaded either. Very little to lose based on the numbers.
BSD
by Kevin HD on Oct 26, 2009 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I agreed with the call.
As much as people like to harp on Joe’s conservative play-calling, they were trying to put the dagger in Michigan there. Also, the risk was minimized because of the 15 point lead.
May no act of ours bring shame.
by mushdamma on Oct 26, 2009 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not saying it was a no-brainer, but it wasn’t boneheaded either. Very little to lose based on the numbers.
Agreed. I probably wouldn’t have gone for 2, but it’s a debateable decision and certainly defendable. If anything, I felt it was cool to see Paterno and company be aggressive and risky rather than take the sure point — especially on the road.
I really don’t get people lambasting PSU for going 2 as though it was an obvious bad call. Especially given how well we were moving the ball at the time (and how well Michigan wasn’t doing that).
by Laaaaazzz on Oct 26, 2009 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
More on Coaching
I basically agree with Catesinator’s take above, but I’d add this:
Super bonus points for the play call after the safety. If you don’t like the conservative punt call, then you have to at least acknowledge the aggressiveness on the call to Quarless. The tight end matchup was one that got a lot of attention going into the game, and they hadn’t looked his way all day, and then — zip — 60 yards.
We tested them deep a few times, and this is the only one that clicked, but that’s a good ratio since there were no picks. But it’s also the timing. Up 12-7, some coaches (one of whom is head coach) might opt to try to grind out a few first downs, try to work the clock and get a score just before half. Instead, they went for the kill.
Also — not super bonus points, but some mini bonus points for the timing of the next Quarless call, right out of the locker room.
Those two plays were killers. Lots of credit to Clark and Quarless, but the calls were excellent, too.
by tuscaloosalion on Oct 26, 2009 11:22 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You have to believe we were sitting on that Quarless play.
And it was used at the perfect time.
Twitter: @scrappled
"When it’s third-and-10, you can take the milk drinkers and I’ll take the whiskey drinkers every time" - Max McGee
by Run Up The Score on Oct 26, 2009 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Royster stats...
I know this isn’t the “scripted”/anticipated year (thus far) we were thinking he’d have thru 8 games; but I am really feeling PSU will have a ‘pretty’ solid backfield next year – thinking he will be sticking around.
…and hoping LaVarro will…
" When you cross that Blue Line, you are mine...Across the Blue Line, it's all football. " " And what you need to do in your life is paint Blue Lines everywhere. " - Joe Paterno 2009
by BlueWhiteLife on Oct 26, 2009 11:24 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
With him sitting out the first few games
I would really hope Navarro sticks around. He could be the leader we need if we take a step back next season, and could really anchor the defense.
by dawsonPSU10 on Oct 26, 2009 11:28 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's gone.
He’d be dumb to stay, IMO. As the season goes on, his hype continues to grow. All he has to do is take a look at #45’s career to realize that he’s one misplaced step away from forfeiting millions in bonus money.
by jtw126 on Oct 26, 2009 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
I don’t think he will be staying. Some of the plays he makes, he looks like he’s on another level. Like his sack on Forcier when he was spying him, it was like watching a wolf corner a sheep or something.
by jigalion on Oct 26, 2009 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
is this in reference to the one they replayed
where looking from behind lavarro, you could see him anticipate everything forcier did?
We decide when you hear the snap count...
by thedrizzle on Oct 26, 2009 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That play was sick
He was essentially stalking Forcier like a Lion (no pun inteded) before he attacked, and actually looked like he was going deliberately very slow, and then like also lion-like he attacked and pounced on the his prey, the young gazelle and obliterated it.
by dawsonPSU10 on Oct 26, 2009 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not a wolf, but a lion:
"The sea was angry that day, my friends." G. Costanza
by NJ lion on Oct 26, 2009 1:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
WE NEED ONE OF THESE ON CAMPUS!!!!
lol
The closest mountain lion I know of around here is the one they have at Penn’s Cave, but with our animal science program and department, I see no reason why we couldn’t build an enclosure for a real Nittany Lion on campus. Plus the thing would live like a God here. The new arboretum would be an awesome spot for an enclosure.
by dawsonPSU10 on Oct 26, 2009 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Even UNA has one....
That’s North Alabama a DII school in Florence, AL. I think BYU has one too. Embarassing that PSU does not have a live mascot on campus IMO.
I thought only safeties played 15 yards off the ball?
by pic15 on Oct 26, 2009 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Two
I’m pretty sure UNA has two lions.
by The Mess on Oct 26, 2009 3:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
"Alright guys,
I’m not gonna lie to you. This is gonna get kinda weird… Two dragons."
Big Earl.
One man doing the work of 100's for the good of 1000's
by rahpsu92 on Oct 26, 2009 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thing is
Unfortunately we can’t have a real nittany lion because, as you may well know, they were hunted to extinction in the mid-late 1800s.
Let's Go State!
by Gopher Broke on Oct 26, 2009 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There's got to be a
piece of amber around petrifying a mosquito holding a drop of nittany lion blood that can be cloned.
One man doing the work of 100's for the good of 1000's
by rahpsu92 on Oct 26, 2009 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Depends on who you ask
A good many PA park rangers in the northern tier of the state will swear that they have found feline tracks much too big to be a bobcat. Even if there are no mtn lions in PA…..the eastern mountain lion which inhabited the area is not extinct.
I thought only safeties played 15 yards off the ball?
by pic15 on Oct 26, 2009 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I have to picture
you typing that while holding a flashlight from under your face in the dark. It’s the only way.
by jimbo2psu on Oct 26, 2009 4:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll tell you what
There are Mt. Lions in PA again. There was one spotted around my parents’ house in Williamsport by their neighbor. He told the game commission and they called him a liar. So he went home and the next time he saw it he got it on tape. He took the tape to the game commission and they told him he could have filmed that anywhere. But then they said, “Can we have the tape?” He said HELL NO.
And about three years ago I was driving through northern PA on my way to Albany NY. It was after dark and I was driving down the highway. Up ahead just in the reach of my headlights I swore I saw the tail end of some kind of HUGE cat jumping off the shoulder and into the woods. If it wasn’t a mountain lion, I don’t know what it was.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Oct 26, 2009 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
I’ve known numerous people who have seen them and gotten video and photographs of them. They’ve even found roadkill ones. Its fascinating that the game commission wants us to believe they don’t exist. I don’t understand it.
Deus nobiscum, quis contra?
by chocochuck02 on Oct 26, 2009 7:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Maybe it's better they're thought to be extinct
so that they don’t end up becoming “game” and trophys again for hunters.
by dawsonPSU10 on Oct 26, 2009 8:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I too saw one in Perry County
Near the ’rents home. Frightening looking beasts
Black Shoes. Basic Blues. No Name. All Game.
"Everyone has a plan, until they get punched in the mouth."
by Roland86 on Oct 26, 2009 8:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You might think I'm crazy
but I’m actually really happy to hear they may be making a return to PA. Obviously I don’t want any people getting hurt by one, but since we humans have killed off every other predator big enough to control the deer population in this state, I think it’s a good thing the deer have something to keep them in check. It would definitely help minimize the accidents those damn deer cause on the turnpike. I should know, I was in one of them, and the bastard got away scott free.
by dawsonPSU10 on Oct 26, 2009 8:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The thing is...
I’d be surprised if they go any farther east than the summit of the Alleghenys or however you spell that. So the deer population wouldn’t change that much in most of the state. Just my uneducated opinion.
DO YOU HAVE PRIDE, DANNY?
by ReadingRambler on Oct 26, 2009 10:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I didn't mean the deer pop. was suddenly going to plummet
now that there’s a few mountain lions roaming the mountains of PA. I wouldn’t be surprised if they do stick to the mountains, and I hope they do. That will keep them away from the population so they can thrive without interference. My point was, it helps that there’s another predator in the food chain of PA wildlife.
But like all predators, they’ll follow the food. If the population of cougars increases, as I hope it does (and with the metric assload of deer we have in the state, they could kill fifty a day and not make a dent), then their territory will continue to spread out farther until they reach some sort of equilibrium between the deer population, and cougar population. Assuming they stay isolated and away from people, it could take decades for that to happen, so I didn’t mean that they’re suddenly going to take out half the deer in the state when they’re comfortable in low numbers in the mountains.
/end wildlife rant
by dawsonPSU10 on Oct 26, 2009 10:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
one randinto my car (side-swiped me) when I was coming to a stop in my development last week. It just kept running. There are tons of them here and it is not unusual for me to see 10 at a time in my yard
Lucky gun, fake fifth, 8XY bitch
Daryll Clark, The Penn State Football Story Is...
by letsgopsu on Oct 27, 2009 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
There's no such thing as a "Nittany Lion"
A cougar that lives in Colorado would essentially be no different than a cougar that lives in PA.
DO YOU HAVE PRIDE, DANNY?
by ReadingRambler on Oct 26, 2009 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, they're all North American cougars.
Even the Florida panther is still classified as a North American cougar. The ones in South American are a different story.
Deus nobiscum, quis contra?
by chocochuck02 on Oct 26, 2009 7:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are correct, sir
but it does not change the fact that having a living “lion” on campus would be bad ass.
by dawsonPSU10 on Oct 26, 2009 9:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ok, well yes, so technically it woudn't be a "real" Nittany lion
given as the last one is now stuffed and on display in Pattee Library. However, a mountain lion it would be, and given as how it would reside in the Nittany Valley, I don’t see why it couldn’t be deemed a “Nittany” lion. I don’t see why those idiots that hunted them to extinction 150 years ago should deny us the fun of having one of our own.
Anyway, I don’t mean taking one out of the wild, that would be cruel, I meant maybe adopting one from a rehabilitation center or wildlife sanctuary.
by dawsonPSU10 on Oct 26, 2009 8:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Isn't there a mountain lion at the zoo at Penn's Cave?
Maybe a student group could go “borrow” that one. Put it in the deer pens for a delicious central PA venison smorgasbord.
"The sea was angry that day, my friends." G. Costanza
by NJ lion on Oct 27, 2009 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah there is
I mentioned that above right under the picture of the mountain lion
by dawsonPSU10 on Oct 27, 2009 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Missed your comment
Now go get the lion!
"The sea was angry that day, my friends." G. Costanza
by NJ lion on Oct 27, 2009 9:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
That was a great play....
He had overrun Forcier on an earlier play and he looked to be going 80% to prevent a cutback. He funneled him to the sideline and closed for the sack. Just a great play.
Never mistake effort for achievement.
by Esteban d' Amur on Oct 26, 2009 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Punt was frustrating
But it worked. It wasn’t dumb luck, pin them deep, make them play out of their own endzone, hope for a mistake or a three and out.
It was vintage Paterno.
Beat Northwestern.
by jesse. on Oct 26, 2009 11:24 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
^ this
…and our “D” always seems to instantly and unanimously take liqid steriods when they have any opposing offense inside the 5…
" When you cross that Blue Line, you are mine...Across the Blue Line, it's all football. " " And what you need to do in your life is paint Blue Lines everywhere. " - Joe Paterno 2009
by BlueWhiteLife on Oct 26, 2009 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yea, I understand
play to your strength at that point in the game. There’s 5:15 left until the half, pin them deep and put the pressure on little boy blue in their endzone against our D. Odds are something bad would happen in that situation. I’m sure the D would of been fine if the O did go for it and didn’t get it on that 4th & 3 but michigan would of been pretty fired up and we wouldn’t want them gaining any momentum with the score 10-7. Even though I was screaming for them to go for it and get more pts on the board before the half.
by penntatefan on Oct 26, 2009 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, I hear you...
But the punt, and resulting safety really swung the momentum. We wanted to take control of the game, and that is exactly what we did.
I guess my point is that there different kinds of “balls”. Some that go for it on Fourth and Three, and others that punt. Paterno is the latter, remember the same thing worked against Florida State in Orange Bowl.
Beat Northwestern.
by jesse. on Oct 26, 2009 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
How did it work against OSU in 2007?
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Oct 26, 2009 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It didn't
But don’t you have to evaluate the decision the same way you would have had he gone for it?
It’s a risk either way, my main point is that it wasn’t a stupid call that got bailed out. It was a legitimate tactical decision that worked.
Beat Northwestern.
by jesse. on Oct 26, 2009 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
It’s a risk either way, my main point is that it wasn’t a stupid call that got bailed out. It was a legitimate tactical decision that worked.
Exactly. I don’t generally like the “punt when in opponents territory when it’s 4th and short” that we always do (or do the fake FG-punt), but it’s a move designed to have a specific effect and when it works, it has a lot of value. Problem is that often we do thatr and the ball goes in the endzone and they get a touchback (such that punting isn’t really worth it).
Also, it’s worth noting that a run oriented spread like what UM is doing is a good offense to try to pin deep. Givent hat they get first downs in smaller chunks, they are more likely to have a 3 and out somewhere along the course of trying to drive 90+ yards than 60+ yards. I think that, combined with the way our defense was playing in general at that point, makes this move more defnsible than it is in a generic game.
by Laaaaazzz on Oct 26, 2009 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
agreed
that punt call is always frustrating, but thankfully, Joe Paterno—not Charlie Weis—is our coach and he’s always going to punt in that situation—on the road with a three point lead in the second quarter.
I wouldn't trust old rooster me neither.
by spakajewia on Oct 26, 2009 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just to add another quick positive for Clark
I don’t know if you caught it or not, but they announced during the game, that he now has the school record for career TDs, formerly held by Mills. I didn’t realize he was only five TDs off for the single season TD record as well.
It’s pretty incredible when you think about it. I know Mills played during the dark years, but he was pretty much a starter for four years, shoulders or not, and Clark broke his record in 1.5 years. Anyway, just thought I’d add that as an additional accolade for Clark from this weekend on top of a solid performance, and BTPOTW.
And I totally agree he should be in the Heisman discussion. Tebow hasn’t played that well at all, and Florida has almost lost twice in the past two weeks to mediocre teams (thanks in part to the SEC refs). If Emu wins it, I will flat out jump in front of a CATA bus. Clark is still a longshot, and I’d never think he’d win it over who has already been hyped to the front of the race, but I still think he should at least be in the top five, and I’d hope he’d make the trip to New York, even if he’s not going to win it, I think he deserves it.
by dawsonPSU10 on Oct 26, 2009 11:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
I have not followed it AT ALL
I’m assuming McCoy’s the frontrunner.(?) And Tebow and Florida in general aren’t looking as good as last year. Thankfully, the SEC is so awesome they’ll go undefeated before the championship game…
DO YOU HAVE PRIDE, DANNY?
by ReadingRambler on Oct 26, 2009 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
From what I've read...
It seems like McCoy is falling out of the top-tier (DC’s numbers are just as good, if not better) and Ingram from Oklahoma is climbing quickly. Clausen is definitely up there, numbers-wise, and of course Timmy’s modest stats are amplified by the immeasurable quantity of HEART and WILL and LEADERSHIP.
by jtw126 on Oct 26, 2009 11:41 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Quick change for you
Ingram from Oklahoma Alabama
"In the beginning the Universe was created.
This has made a lot of people very angry and been widely regarded as a bad move."
by IcersGuy on Oct 26, 2009 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i heard announcers during the USC game this week
legitimately try and make a case for Barkley. needless to say, i turned off the tv and went to bed to prevent my head a’splode.
We decide when you hear the snap count...
by thedrizzle on Oct 26, 2009 12:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Point of clarification
He has the school career record for “touchdowns responsible for” which is kind of a recently hyped hybrid statistic that combines TD passes and TD rushes.
He should end up getting the single-season TD passes record, but there’s no way he’ll catch Mills for the career TD passes mark…
by jtw126 on Oct 26, 2009 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I stand corrected
Just looked at the records and Darryl is only 5 TD passes away from tying Mills’ career mark. If he does that, he’ll also have tied Blackledge’s season TD pass mark with 22.
It’s Mills’ career passing yardage and all-purpose yardage that is unreachable.
Apologies.
by jtw126 on Oct 27, 2009 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No worries
I swear I had heard the announcers say he had some sort of school record broken during the scUM game. But you were probably half right then, since the record they announced was probably for TDs responsible for if he’s still behind MIlls in TD pass career record. But I’ll say it again: it’s an absolutely incredible feat to accomplish in two years (and for the season if he breaks Blackledge’s record). Of course part of that credit goes to the fantastic receivers from the past few years.
And you’re right, no one will most likely ever be able to break Mills’ career and all-purpose yardage records.
by dawsonPSU10 on Oct 27, 2009 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In all seriousness
Who is the frontrunner for Offensive Player of the year in the Big Ten right now?
Beat Northwestern.
by jesse. on Oct 26, 2009 11:56 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Tate Forcier
If you listen to Matt Millen
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Oct 26, 2009 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
that was ridiculous
the fact that they opened the game talking about how Tate Forcier was the best qb in the big ten, and then never brought up DC in that conversation during the course of the afternoon in which he just fundamentally domintated Tate Forcier was so frustrating.
I was listening to Millen, and hoping he was just trying to come out and not look like a PSU homer, but I ended up just turning the volume off for a good 5-10 minutes in the first quarter.
I wouldn't trust old rooster me neither.
by spakajewia on Oct 26, 2009 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hate Matt Millen
He is the worst PSU alumni ever. You always see guys like Blackledge, and Poz, and MRob, and Hali coming back to visit the team and be around campus. But I don’t think Matt Millen has stepped foot on campus since the day he graduated unless it was for an announcing job. All we ever hear about his PSU days is how much he hated Paterno and openly disrespected him. I bet he doesn’t even donate to the Alumni Association. And then at the end of the game yesterday he admitted he was surprised and thought Michigan was going to win the game. Desmond Howard is out there as a huge homer for Michigan, but Millen has no faith in his alma mater. He should be stripped of his alumni status.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Oct 26, 2009 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Dam right!
Strip that son-of-a-bitch of alumni status. He was just jockin’ them. What’s up with that millen?
by penntatefan on Oct 26, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
To be fair, I think Millen has stepped foot on campus in the recnt past.
I believe they mentioned in a broadcast a few weeks ago that his daughter(s) go to State right now.
May no act of ours bring shame.
by mushdamma on Oct 26, 2009 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Perhaps, but...
his colleague during that broadcast also pointed out that Millen hadn’t set foot on campus for 33 years… sounds like he graduated and put Penn State completely behind him, pretty much forgetting everything his alma mater did for him.
by BSM PSU 93 on Oct 26, 2009 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
does that explain why/how he ran the other lions into the ground?
lion karma?
We decide when you hear the snap count...
by thedrizzle on Oct 26, 2009 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Matt Millen hates Joe Paterno?
I knew that something must be up because, as a PSU grad, he really goes out of his way to badmouth Penn State and Paterno. What are the details with his PSU days? Not enough playing time? Sitting in the doghouse?
"The sea was angry that day, my friends." G. Costanza
by NJ lion on Oct 26, 2009 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
As the story goes
Millen hated to practice. He has said he used to start fights on purpose so Joe would kick him out.
One day Millen refused to do some 300 yard sprints. Joe starts yelling at him so Millen yells back. Joe tells him to get off the field and hit the showers. Millen looks him in the eye and says, “No.”
Joe says, “What do you mean ‘No’?”
Millen says, “I’m not leaving.” Joe just stands there dumbfounded not knowing what to do. So he ignores him and goes back to running practice.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Oct 26, 2009 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
i think i've heard that story before
but i’d never heard a name associated with it.
We decide when you hear the snap count...
by thedrizzle on Oct 26, 2009 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Millen
To be fair has actually made quite a few remarks about the stuff that went down with him in school at PSU. From the remarks I think its fair to say that he doesn’t hate Paterno. JoePa has had runins with quite a few players and has patched things up with them following their departure from PSU. Millen is a season ticketholder btw.
I thought only safeties played 15 yards off the ball?
by pic15 on Oct 26, 2009 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Really?
Does he go to the games? Or just sell them on Ebay for a quick profit?
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Oct 26, 2009 4:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I actually enjoy his analysis...
but you can tell he didn’t get along with Paterno.
Never mistake effort for achievement.
by Esteban d' Amur on Oct 26, 2009 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
0-16 at Detroit
Michigan can keep him.
by Mr. Rosewater on Oct 26, 2009 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He was clearly inept as a GM...
doesn’t mean he’s not better than most color guys out there. That’s just my opinion.
Never mistake effort for achievement.
by Esteban d' Amur on Oct 26, 2009 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kinda makes it hard to take him seriously when he, for example, starts talking about someone’s “pro potential”. How can someone who clearly didn’t know “pro potential” be giving accurate analysis on that?
"Is that right?" Joe answered. "That’s not a problem. But you’ve got a problem. You don’t relate to me. And that’s a big problem."
by dmoney350z on Oct 26, 2009 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fair point...
but what GM wouldn’t have taken Charles Rodgers with the 2nd pick?
Never mistake effort for achievement.
by Esteban d' Amur on Oct 26, 2009 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd rather take
Diet Pepsi machine.
by jimbo2psu on Oct 26, 2009 4:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He was part of a panel discussion
hosted by the College of Comm that I attended a few years back in one of the conference rooms in the BJC. He talked glowingly about PSU and how much he respected Joe. Sometime around 2004 or 2005…
by jtw126 on Oct 26, 2009 2:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
In all seriousness
It wouldn’t surprise me if they give it to Stanzy based just on winning record.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Oct 26, 2009 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
maybe they only give half to stanzi
the man is only capable of playing the 2nd half anyways.
We decide when you hear the snap count...
by thedrizzle on Oct 26, 2009 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
YOUR HATE FUELS ME
DO YOU HAVE PRIDE, DANNY?
by ReadingRambler on Oct 26, 2009 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
so your russian nuclear reactor runs on hate?
is that like…more efficient than fission/fusion?
We decide when you hear the snap count...
by thedrizzle on Oct 26, 2009 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not sure
Probably. I mainly use it as supplementary power.
DO YOU HAVE PRIDE, DANNY?
by ReadingRambler on Oct 26, 2009 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
the first thing that came to my head after i read this
was in The Office, when Dwight draws a robot with a 6’ extension cord, so he can’t escape and kill everyone.
We decide when you hear the snap count...
by thedrizzle on Oct 26, 2009 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Honestly, and it's not just homerism
I have to give it to Clark. He’s put up great numbers, struggled in one game, and is a good leader.
There will be an argument for Iowa, but their offense is clearly the weakest part of their team, especially with the RB injuries, etc. Don’t get me wrong, they have excellent athletes, and Koulianos is probably 1st team Big Ten WR, but in terms of offensive production, I think Clark wins that matchup. At the very least, he’s the best QB in the Big Ten (again) this year and will be the first team All-BT.
by dawsonPSU10 on Oct 26, 2009 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hated punt from 33. We have seen it many times before from Joe. You can argue the pro/cons but what bothered me the most is it regressed back to the ultra -conservative game plan that has prevented us from winning WAY TOO games in the past. It didn’t matter in this game but guarantee it will in the future. I’d love to see us let it all hang out instead of trying to keep from losing.
by jabama on Oct 26, 2009 12:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
You know what it is?
It’s the act of a man who is secure in his job. Joe Paterno from the 60’s and 70’s would not have punted that ball.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Oct 26, 2009 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Joe's conservative playcalling...
..is a product of the “feel” of the game at any point in time.
If your defense is playing well and you only lead by a field goal, he’ll punt, force them to play out of their own endzone, and hope for a turnover or field position advantage. If the other guy starts to look woozy and gives up an easy safety, he’ll go for the jugular and air it out. I think it’s his situational aggressiveness that has won him 390 games.
May no act of ours bring shame.
by mushdamma on Oct 26, 2009 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Announcers
Got to love when the main annoucer questions why they punted instead of kicking a field goal. Two plays later its a safety. Got to love Millen for calling him out.
by cjj127 on Oct 26, 2009 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder
what Maize-n-Brew thinks of DC17 now. In the interview last week he said he wasn’t impressed with Clark. And he definitely deserves at least a trip to New York. He put those passes where only Zug could catch them, pure works of art.
How can you armchair QB’s even begin to question the punt? It led to a safety. Sometimes the conservative play is the smart play. If you’re going to hammer JoePa and the staff for games like Michigan in 2007 then you have to give them nothing but credit for this past Saturday.
by Joe 96alum on Oct 26, 2009 12:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
He's still not impressed
Read his review and he basically bashes Clark for locking on his receivers.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Oct 26, 2009 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
If he was so locked on to his WRs, why didn't Michigan intercept more/defend better?
Are they really that bad?
"The sea was angry that day, my friends." G. Costanza
by NJ lion on Oct 26, 2009 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Clark played well...but he
does lock onto his receivers, but when your first option is always open, why go through progressions?
Never mistake effort for achievement.
by Esteban d' Amur on Oct 26, 2009 1:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Really
When UM is playing the cornerback 15 yards off the line, does Daryll really need to look him off?
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Oct 26, 2009 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Quarless
You forgot to mention some of the key blocks Quarless had throughout the game. This guy is becoming a great player. He needs to be thrown to at least 5 times a game and that will only help open everything up.
by cjj127 on Oct 26, 2009 12:46 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
he was active on almost every play down field
he single-handedly got royster AT LEAST 10 more yds on his 41 yd run.
We decide when you hear the snap count...
by thedrizzle on Oct 26, 2009 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
First team all-Big Ten
DO YOU HAVE PRIDE, DANNY?
by ReadingRambler on Oct 26, 2009 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Moye/Beachum
Really hope Moye’s production keeps up as teams start to key on him. I’m trying not to overreact with him, but he looks ridiculously good. He can run the deep route/curl/screen/fade. He runs well in space and seems like he has great control of his body for someone that size.
Anyone else think Beachum started to look better as the game went on? On his carries in the first half he looked indecisive and slow. 3rd/4th quarter he started making 1 cut then trucking anyone who got in the way. Would be great to get him some more time so maybe he can come in late and close games out against worn down defenses.
by jigalion on Oct 26, 2009 1:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Moye should definitely be all-big ten this year
Not bad for a nobody helping to replace 3 legends that everyone used to think were nobodys.
Black Shoes. Basic Blues. No Name. All Game.
"Everyone has a plan, until they get punched in the mouth."
by Roland86 on Oct 26, 2009 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oline Grade
Definitely better than a D. Those dudes are getting better and better each week, Troutman included. There’s just no way a Dgrade-earning offensive line has created the all-day pockets for DC to stand back there and, quite casually and relaxedly, toss four touchdown passes. Brandon Graham makes plays, he’s gonna get his. He’s a top ten NFL draft pick, even at his size.
Here’s another way to look at their play: we had 69 offensive plays (in 15 possessions) (statistical citation linky), 40 of them were rushes. So, 29 times DC17 dropped back to pass. Of those 29 plays, 16 resulted in completions. 8 of those completions resulted in first downs, and 4 resulted in touchdowns. And only 2 sacks vs. Brandon Graham. I’m trying to think of what extreme ratio there I would be able to stomach, but it’s way higher than that. I think that’s indicative of a very nice and comfortable pocket for DC, a QB who has a demonstrated and documented weakness of being flustered under pressure.
All the textual notes you mentioned were pretty spot-on, except the equality of Troutman’s negative plays to his positive ones. My Boy Lou this year has taught me the limits of his athleticism, and they are limited. He continues to struggle with consistency on pull-out blocking, and too-frequently ends up with big whiffs. Poti is who we thought he is: a juco transfer who is a serviceable plugin during need. On the one Graham sack they showed in slo-mo, I actually thought Poti’s technique was fine. Graham’s was superior and would have resulted similarly against any but maybe 5 right tackles in the country.
We’ve got one more week to continue to improve there, before facing another Iowa-caliber Dline (with probably even a bit more depth). But these guys are getting good. In football the ends, more often than not, justify the means. And 35 points and a Composed Darryl Clark says they earned a very serviceable B minus.
"For me the game wasn’t grounded in reality. It was about the uniform you put on that turned you into a warrior. It was about the mythology of the battle, the victory, the defeat, the struggle." - Mike Reid, PSU '69
by jtothep on Oct 26, 2009 1:56 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Agreed,
The line should grade out better than a D. At least a C.
Remember, Poti is our third-best option at RT, going up against arguably Michigan’s best player, Graham. Graham will be making a very nice salary in the NFL next year. To only give up two sacks to him? I’m okay with that.
"Is that right?" Joe answered. "That’s not a problem. But you’ve got a problem. You don’t relate to me. And that’s a big problem."
by dmoney350z on Oct 26, 2009 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Grading out...
I thought the grades are pretty much right on except the O-line and the coaching. I give the coaching a B to a B+. Punting from the 33 is pretty questionable in most situations. But when you are punting to a team that is being owned by your defense since the first set of scripted plays and you have an effective punter. All that said, I would have gone for it. That is why I am not the coaching. A missed 4th down conversion there and we swing momentum and crowd to UM. I would have gone for it but I think Joe made the right call.
The O line was on and off again. I would have given them a C. Not a D. That said, it is a C against a weak, with the excepting of Graham he is a stud, D-line. The 10 minute drive was unreal…
Oh, and to Maize-n-Brew…Fear DC: 16/27 230 yds, 4 TDs! ;-)
Peter
by psuboy on Oct 26, 2009 3:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Coaching, I'd probably bump up to a B
just based on the fact that they didn’t go into classic Paterno away game turtle mode. He unleashed the full power of the offense. While he did let up at the end, it was miles away from what we were used to from a few years ago. IMO, shows a lot of progression on Joe’s part.
by dawsonPSU10 on Oct 26, 2009 9:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Forget the popularity contest known as the Heisman award.
How do you think Clark will do in the Maxwell race?
Deus nobiscum, quis contra?
by chocochuck02 on Oct 26, 2009 9:22 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs
Factoid that may interest only me:
Not only has Alabama never won a Heisman, they’ve never won a Maxwell either. Whereas we’ve won 7.
Deus nobiscum, quis contra?
by chocochuck02 on Oct 26, 2009 10:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
No Heisman in Alabama?
Really? That’s unbelievable.
Mike
Black Shoe Diaries
by BSD on Oct 27, 2009 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Via JayTweet:
@BFeldmanESPN I can say he delivered a win at Michigan which is more than another Heisman Candidate can say
Daryll for Heisman!
"Is that right?" Joe answered. "That’s not a problem. But you’ve got a problem. You don’t relate to me. And that’s a big problem."
by dmoney350z on Oct 28, 2009 11:32 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs
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