Blue White Game preview: Defensive Line

Penn State usually doesn't lose players early to the NFL Draft, which made it all the more shocking when All-Big Ten defensive ends Aaron Maybin and Maurice Evans decided to go pro following the Rose Bowl. The loss of those two players, particularly Maybin, a mere sophomore, sent chills up Penn State fans' spines. They were supposed to be in Blue and White for at least one more season, if not more for Maybin. And to add insult to injury, the always steady senior Josh Gaines graduated. Now, Penn State has been forced to scramble to build depth at the position.

On the inside, it's a completely different story. Penn State returns probably the best three defensive tackles in the Big Ten: Jared Odrick, Ollie Ogbu and Abe Koroma. They have all worked extremely well together and consistently played both run and pass. If defensive end is the dark spot, then tackle is definitely the bright spot for 2009.

ENDS

• No. 81, Jack Crawford. Sophomore. Starter.

What we already know: A product of England (yes, England) Crawford has gotten nothing but glowing reviews from the coaching staff the last two years. He has great size (6'5" 262) and is said to be very quick off the ball. Crawford appeared in all 13 games last season, logging four tackles and two pass breakups. His teammates have said he's actually just as fast as Maybin was, but with a little more height.

What to expect: It's always tough to root for one side of the Blue White Game. I want the offensive line to do well, but I might be happier if Crawford emerges with a dominating performance. The top aspect of his game I'll look for this weekend is his speed. If he is truly as fast as Maybin, I want to see it.

• No. 44, Kevion Latham. Redshirt Sophomore. Likely Starter.

What we already know: Latham played in eight games last year, finishing with three assisted tackles. He's in the same mold as Maurice Evans, at 6'2" about 250 lbs. Latham supposedly has great speed and agility, which allows him to slip by the offensive linemen. His three years in the program gives him much more experience than it seems.

What to expect: If Latham is in fact like Mo Evans, then I want to see it this weekend. Since he's competing against Eric Lattimore for the end spot opposite Crawford, Latham has to end this spring with a bang. This could be the most interesting race to watch this weekend, as Latham and Lattimore (more on him in a sec) have two very different styles and builds.

• No. 56, Eric Lattimore. Redshirt Sophomore. Possible Starter.

What we already know: Lattimore has fantastic size (6'6" 265) and good speed to go along with it. He recorded seven tackles, one TFL, one sack and a QB hurry in only nine games last year. While some defensive ends like to be smaller than the tackles they go against, Lattimore seems to revel in the fact that he's the same size.

What to expect: Lattimore is still trying to lock up the other defensive end spot, competing against Kevion Latham. While the Blue White Game is not a major factor in determining who gets to play in the fall, it is something the coaches look at. I want to see Lattimore play up to his size this Saturday.

• Others to note: No. 39, Tom Golarz, Senior; No. 51, Jonathan Stewart, Redshirt Sophomore; No. 59, Pete Massaro, Redshirt Freshman.

What we already know: Golarz and Stewart combined for three tackles last year; Golarz in nine games, Stewart in two. Massaro has been described as a solid player, who should push for more playing time this year.

What to expect: These are the guys who really need to play well on Saturday. While none of them have done anything remarkable so far in their careers, now is the time to step up. More likely than not, they will spend most of the game going against the first team offensive line. It should give everyone a pretty good idea as to how deep the defensive ends are.

TACKLES

• No. 91, Jared Odrick. Senior. Starter.

What we already know: Odrick emerged as one of the dominant tackles in college football last season. He started 11 of 13 games, and finished with 41 tackles, nine for loss, 4.5 sacks, three pass breakups, and a huge safety against Michigan. His size (6'5" 305) and ability explode off the ball gives Penn State a rock for the rest of the line to build around.

What to expect: Odrick is probably the least of anyone's worries going into the break. But if I were to look for something on Saturday, I'd say keep an eye on how well he does against Penn State's young offensive line. He's said that it's now more frustrating for him, because the line has gotten better. We'll see.

• No. 95, Abe Koroma. Redshirt Junior. Likely Starter.

What we already know: Koroma played in 10 games last year, starting five. He totaled 26 tackles, two for loss, 1.5 sacks and a fumble recovery. Koroma was suspended for three games after being charged with marijuana possession, along with Mo Evans, prior to the Oregon State game. He worked his way back into the starting spot by season's end. He is a good weight (305) and height (6'3").

What to expect: Even though Koroma was in Joe Paterno's dog house most of the season, his abilities allowed him to work his way back. I want to see him look like an upperclassman leader on Saturday, and set the example for the young guys. The defensive tackles are some of the most experienced players on this team, and Koroma has to live up to that role.

• No. 85, Ollie Ogbu. Redshirt Junior. Possible Starter.

What we already know: Ogbu was played in the regular starting rotation of tackles last season and the year prior. He started nine games in 2008, and could be considered the third starting tackle. Ogbu is a bit smaller (6'1" 289) than most tackles, but he plays much bigger than his size. He registered 17 tackles, 2.5 for loss, two sacks and a QB hurry.

What to expect: Ogbu reminds me of Jay Alford, another Lion (now sporting a Super Bowl ring) who played larger than his size. That's why I'm expecting nothing less on Saturday. It could be a very tight race between Ogbu and Koroma for the most playing time, even though they will both rotate regularly. But someone's got to start, and with a good finish to this spring, Ogbu could earn that spot.

• No. 71, Devon Still. Redshirt Sophomore. Backup.

What we already know: Still has been hampered by injuries, causing him to miss all but three games last year. He did return for the final two, but hasn't yet logged a stat. Odrick himself has said Still can develop into a real force on the line, and has the natural gifts (6'5" 300) to get him there.

What to expect: Still looks to be ready to go, and ready to make up for lost time. I hope so, as I'm really excited to see him perform on the field. He should start for the second team, and going up against the first team offense, I want to see him give them some fits. It will be up to Still to lead the interior of the defense, particularly against the run, which could be significantly featured this year.

• No. 92, Chima Okoli. Redshirt Sophomore. Backup.

What we already know: Okoli played in seven games, notching just one tackle. But the coaches like what he's been doing in practice, and should push for some more playing time this year. He has great size (6'4" 300) for the position, giving him the tools to make a difference along the line.

What to expect: Okoli should contend for one of the top two reserve spots this fall, but he'll be one of the main guys this weekend for the second team.

• Others to note: No. 99, Brandon Ware, Redshirt Freshman; No. 55 Tom McEowen. Redshirt Junior.

What we already know: McEowen has been the victim of injuries and position shifts, but has always remained a team kind of guy about it. He played in seven games last year, logging five tackles. Ware is gigantic (6'3" 350), and Joe Paterno has been on his case to lose the weight, which he's doing. The staff likes his progress, and should see the field this fall.

What to expect: When the third and fourth string guys get onto the field during the Blue White Game, that's when the real action begins. We don't always get to see, or heard about how well these players are doing. This will be our change. Good teams have great depth, and McEowen and Ware are the depth.

• • •

*Note the schedule has changed!

Late tonight...
The Linebackers

Previously...
Monday: Quarterbacks and Running Backs
Tuesday: Receivers and Tight Ends
Wednesday: Offensive line

Next up...
Friday: Defensive Backs, Special Teams.
Saturday night: Report from the game, photos, etc.

*Have something to say about this post? Let your voice be heard, in the ZN Message Forum!

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Blue & White Roundtable :: Boiling up a win

Purdue hosts Penn State. I thought some questions were appropriate.

The usually unusual suspects:
There is No Name on My Jersey
Tangled Up in White and Blue
Y. F. Yurasko
Happy Hour Valley
Black Shoe Diaries
The Nittany Line
We Want the Lion
Zombie Nation
Nittany Whiteout

1. Name one unit-to-unit match up Penn State must win Saturday. How does PSU win that battle?

ZN: Penn State has to get pressure on Painter, by way of the defensive line penetrating (hold the jokes) the Purdue offensive line. So, yeah, that's the big match up this week. With guys like Mo Evans and Abe Koroma back in the lineup, things will smooth out in West Lafayette.

2. This trip to Purdue is setting up to be a classic trap game. Do you agree? Why or why not?

ZN: No. Not this season. I think Penn State is on a mission, and knows it can win much more than a bowl game. But the best reason why PSU won't fall this week: They listen to Joe Paterno. He still knows how to win a championship, and this team knows that.

3. Purdue will be doing a "Black Out" this week. Putting aside that it's going to raise money for charity (each shirt sold sends money to United Way), what are your feelings on other schools organizing "[insert color here] Outs?"

ZN: No Comment.

Lightening Round.

-Royster over 100 yards?

Yes.

-Curtis Painter throws first TD ever vs. PSU?

Yes.

-Pat Devlin gets meaningful playing time?

No.

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Blue & White Roundtable :: Big Ten opener

This week's BWRT is brought to you by the fine folks at TNL.

The usually unusual suspects:
There is No Name on My Jersey
Tangled Up in White and Blue
Y. F. Yurasko
Happy Hour Valley
Black Shoe Diaries
The Nittany Line
We Want the Lion
Zombie Nation
Nittany Whiteout

*warning - painfully obvious question alert* Penn State gets its first ‘real’ test this weekend facing a ranked opponent when the Fighting [None-Offensive-Mascot]s come to town. Gaze into your crystal ball and give us a short description on how Saturday night’s events will unfold. Or if you’re lazy just fire up NCAA 2009 and tell us what the Xbox thinks.

ZN: I'm not going into specifics, as that's why we all do our previews. What I will say is that Penn State will be fired up in front of a sell-out, drunken crowd. The offense will roll, but the defense might give up a few too many first downs. No one will care in the end though, as Penn State's signature 'bend, but don't break' style will hold true.

Saturday’s game is on the big stage at 8:00 with most of the football world watching. It’s a white out and Penn State is favored by two scores (as of Monday). Is this a lose-lose situation (the only way they could look good is by winning big) for Penn State or golden opportunity to show the world what the Spread HD is all about?

ZN: It's only a lose-lose if Penn State plays like crap. If Penn State plays a clean, strong game against a good team, it will look like a good win regardless of the score. It's all up to the defense to hold down the Illini. That's what people will look at most in the box score: How many did PSU's defense give up?

Now that all the fluff questions are out of the way do Maurice Evans and Abe Koroma get significant playing time?

ZN: Not significant, if at all. Penn State's defensive line has been playing lights-out, making us all forget that we're missing four of the best players on that front. Mo and Abe will dress, but probably not play.

Lightening Round

Back in 2007, Illinois Basketball fans made my skull crack open in rage slightly angered me when they befouled the statue of Joe Paterno. Do you hate the Illini like me or not so much?

ZN: Not so much. They only beat PSU for the third time ever last season. While I don't think they'll be as bad as they were in the last few seasons of Ron Turner's tenure, or the first two Ron Zook seasons, they're not on the level of Ohio State or Wisconsin. Next year, however, will be a different story.

It’s a night game please quantify the amount of alcohol you will consume before gametime (if you don’t drink please quantify the amount of fatty foods you will eat).

ZN: I like a plethora of everything, so, yeah...

Put it on the line – final score:

ZN: 187-5. Penn State stops Illinois on the one-yard line with two seconds left in the game. Rather than punt, Jeremy Boone runs around in the end zone before taking the safety. Time expires. For a real score prediction, check out my full game preview later today.

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Run down of JoePa's presser

Yeah, most of you already read something about this at another PSU blog. So, I'll spare you from a re-run. Joe Paterno sounded upbeat for the most part. He didn't want to talk about Maurice Evans or Abe Koroma, and fine, who cares? If we see them play, we see them play. I'm sure they'll dress, and the student section will call for them a few times. But doesn't anyone realize that Penn State has been tearing up opposing lines to the tune of 14 sacks, six of which came from Aaron Maybin alone? Oh yeah, and that little thing about Navorro Bowman being named Big Ten Co-Defensive POW? Joe just happens to approve in his somehow disapproving tone.

"But I thought both of them played well Saturday."

Yeah, well. The rest of the press conference covered the usual: What's it like on an 8 p.m. kickoff gameday? What do you remember about this really old game that has no impact on this week's game? Blah, blah. (Can you tell I don't really care about this post?) But what was really funny to me was Joe's answer to a really dumb question:

Q. What's been the key to the offensive success converting third downs?

Paterno: Well, I think people, obviously. I think the quarterbacks have done a good job. I think the play calling has been good. And we've got some people who can make some big plays.

Holy crap! I never would have thought that those factors all helped a football team convert third downs! I bet that quote's going in the lead of his story. I guess asking ridiculously obvious questions is my ticket to becoming a Penn State football beat writer.

I'm going to sleep. Check back tomorrow for my Penn State vs. Illinois game preview.

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Evans and Koroma return

Both Rivals.com and Scout.com are reporting today that Penn State's All-American Defensive End Maurice Evans, and one-time starter at defensive tackle Abe Koroma returned to practice Monday. This is fantastic news for Penn State's beleaguered defensive line. From Scout.com:

"Yeah, both Mo and Abe were back today," one observer said. "Who knows how much action they'll see this week [against Illinois]? Depends on the shape they are in and how the coaches — or at least one coach — feels about it."

From Rivals.com:

"Two separate sources confirmed with Blue White Illustrated on Monday evening that both Evans and Koroma returned to practice on Monday, and were running with the second team."

Second team, huh? Looks like these guys aren't so far into Joe Paterno's dog house as we thought. Usually, suspended players get thrown to the foreign team, and forced to work their way back. I'm guessing this is due to the fact that this was Evans' and Koroma's first offense for anything. Now the trick is for EVERYONE to stay out of trouble. Illinois is in for a world of hurt now.

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Blue & White Roundtable :: Livin' on a Prayer

The questions this week were brought to you by... me. I sent them to all the Penn State bloggers listed below, but not all of them may have gotten around to answering yet. I know TNL and TINNOMJ have, so be sure to check those sites. But I recommend visiting all the blogs for only the best PSU football coverage!

There is No Name on My Jersey
Tangled Up in White and Blue
YF Yurasko
Happy Hour Valley
Black Shoe Diaries
The Nittany Line
We Want the Lion
Zombie Nation
Nittany Whiteout [Welcome back!]

1. Penn State has the best scoring offense (55.3 ppg) in the Big Ten, and top-five nationally. Of course, this has been against two bad teams and a mediocre Oregon State squad. This week's Temple game should be another 40-plus game for the PSU offense. That being said, do you think this has been a fluke so far? Or is the Spread HD for real?

ZN: I really think it's for real. Jay Paterno just works better when he has a quarterback who can run. Anthony Morelli was a good QB, but not the right one for Galen Hall and Jay Paterno. And don't hink for a minute that Jay's the sole creator of the "Spread HD." Galen has been running spread-like offenses since the 1960s. Temple will be a great chance to get more of the younger guys experience in this system, before the dog fight with Illinois next week.

2. If Maurice Evans and Abe Koroma are convicted, what are the chances Joe Paterno will play either by the Illinois game? What message does it send to the team, and the nation, if both players are given light punishments? Conversely, what if the punishments are seemingly too severe, like dismissal?

ZN: I think Evans and Koroma will get similar punishment to what Andrew Quarless received. They will not play this week, but will dress next week vs. Illinois. Evans and Koroma won't get into the game much, but will be on the sidelines in pads. I think Joe has to do what's best for the team, and not what's best for headlines. He's not stupid and not senile, and since it's both players' first run-in with the law, he'll give them appropriate time to think about what they've done.

3. Leadership has been a huge part of this year's team's ability to move past distractions. Who has to really step up this week and keep this team focused? How does the coaching staff figure into this, or should they just let the players handle it by themselves?

ZN: I was really happy Anthony Scirrotto ripped into the team last week. This week I'd expect all the captains to get up and get vocal with the team. Even though teams would normally take Temple lighter than Illinois--trap game, anyone?--Penn State won't. This team has been amped up for every game so far, and this week shouldn't be different. The coaches don't need to do anything. Captains are there for a reason, and if the coaches feel there's a problem, they should have the captains address the issue. It's very different when getting yelled at by your peer leaders, as opposed to some old dude giving a lecture.

Lightening Round

Penn State throws its first interception this week? NO.

Evan Royster's YPC vs. Temple? 9.5 ypc.

Coke or Pepsi? Coke. Then Pepsi for a while (during PSU games, of course). But now Coke Zero has really brought me home.

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Evans and Koroma: Early Reactions

Well, the message boards are exploding since Maurice Evans and Abe Koroma were charged with misdemeanor pot possession today, and the bloggers are slowly--myself included--getting their posts out. Mike over at Black Shoe Diaries, and Adam Rittenberg at ESPN have some of their initial thoughts up, but like the rest of us, are reserving judgment until the real decision gets made--Joe Paterno's punishments. This has the potential to fizzle by the Illinois game, or explode like an atom bomb. Penn State's defensive line has been skating on thin ice, and now with the injuries mounting, the attrition is reaching critical mass. I happen to agree with what others are leaning to, that Paterno won't go so hard on Maurice Evans and Abe Koroma. But right now, it's a wait-and-see game.

Mike at BSD voices basically what every PSU fans is asking themselves right now.

"The big question now is, what will be the fallout? It's just a misdemeanor, so the legal fallout should be a few hundred dollars in fines and community service. Judicial affairs may step in, but for something this minor for first time offenders I would think a slap on the wrist is in order. Maybe attend a class on substance abuse and put them on probation for a year. But what we really care about is how Joe Paterno will react. Will he sit them a few more weeks or the rest of the semester to show he means business in the face of the ESPN headlines sure to be scrolling across the ticker in time for Sportscenter tonight? Or will he sit them this week and bring them back in time for Illinois and consider it time served?"

I would be very surprised if this is dealt with in the same manner as Phil Taylor and Chris Baker. Those guys got into a lot more trouble over the last 18 months. Oh yeah, and they hurt people! Let's hope Joe Paterno takes his time with this one, and makes a fair, prudent decision.

Adam Rittenberg is more credible than half the ESPN editorial staff combined, and gives a pretty straight forward assessment of the situation.

"After all the off-field problems at Penn State, this was an unbelievably dumb thing to do by both Evans and Koroma. They should remain suspended for a while longer. Dismissing them from the team seemingly goes too far, especially when similar transgressions merit one- or two-game suspensions at other schools.

But it's up to Paterno, who has taken his share of heat for the rash of disciplinary problems. He might want to come down hard, as he did with Baker and Taylor. My prediction: They'll be back on the field when Penn State visits Wisconsin on Oct. 11."

Earlier today, Rittenberg gave a somewhat scary--for PSU fans--rundown of the defensive line problems as a whole.

This is some scary stuff right now.

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Evans and Koroma charged

The Collegian reported today that Maurice Evans and Abe Koroma will be charged with possession of marijuana.

"Koroma and Evans have been charged with possession of a small amount of marijuana, an ungraded misdemeanor, according to the criminal complaint.

Penn State spokeswoman Lisa Powers confirmed Judge Carmine Prestia signed the charges at about 2 p.m. today.

"The charges filed against these two individuals are based on evidence that was collected and information that was obtained through interviews with anyone who would have been in the apartment or anyone connected in any way to the incident," Powers said. "Police did a very thorough investigation, and that's what they based their charges on."

Can't wait to see what ESPN has to say about this.

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Evans, Koroma and Quarless out this week

Yes, Joe's suspended Maurice Evans, Abe Koroma and Andrew Quarless this week. Lord only knows how much of this will effect the team the rest of the season. Of course, I heard about it on ESPN, so I'm sure Brad Nessler & Co. will talk more about this than the actual game. I'm sure Quarless will be gone for good after this one...

I still don't think Joe's lost the team. I just think these players are half-retarted.

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