Review: No. 8 Penn State 31, Akron 7

Some Big Ten teams struggled on opening day while other cruised. Luckily for Penn State fans, the Nittany Lions put together an impressive first half to crush the visiting Akron Zips, 31-7 Saturday afternoon.

In today's game review, we'll break down Penn State's unit by unit performance.

Offense

• Offensive Line: The pass protection was superb; really, beyond what I expected going into this game. QB Daryll Clark had plenty of time to sit back in the pocket, even when Akron brought in its blitz packages.

However, it was obvious that the Zips sold out the entire game to stop the run. So, take Penn State's pass attack with a grain of salt. Even Joe Paterno said after the game that with Akron designing its defense this week to stop the run, the holes weren't quite there up front.

Stats: 4.5 yards per rush; Sack (-5) allowed

• Receivers: It's tough to gauge how good this unit will be down the road, but it's a safe bet that the receivers will go from a liability during the preseason to a strength by mid-year. As Akron focused on the run, Penn State's receivers were able to get open against a soft secondary and man coverages.

There were a few drops, but even the most experienced receivers will miss a few here and there. Derek Moye (6/138, TD) led the group in yards, while Chaz Powell (7/65, TD) led in receptions. All three statistical leaders caught touchdown passes, with Graham Zug's (5/62, TD) catch in traffic in the end zone was impressive.

I would have liked to see more passes to the tight ends, since both Mikey Shuler (1/8) and Andrew Quarless (1/12) are dangerous weapons.

Stats: 24 receptions, 300 yards, 3 touchdowns

• Running Backs: Akron picked its poison Saturday, putting everything into stopping the run. It worked to some extent. Evan Royster (14/61, TD) had little running room all day, but didn't lose yardage on any attempt. While Royster's performance wasn't dominating, he did his job.

What was more disconcerting was the performance by everyone else. The longest run of the day was a 37-yard jaunt by safety Andrew Dailey on a fake punt to the up back. Stephfon Green (7/17) couldn't get anything going beyond an early nine-yard run; the longest run beyond the fake punt was a scramble by backup QB Kevin Newsome (2/14) in the waning moments of the game.

This unit should be fine, despite the mediocre numbers in the opener.

Stats: (RB/QB only) 28 attempts, 92 yards, Touchdown

• Quarterbacks: Clark's (29-40/353, 3/1) interception came on a juggled reception by Powell. However, even with career-highs on the stat sheet, Clark had some problems making accurate reads. He threw into double and triple coverage more than a few times. But that's just being picky.

True frosh Kevin Newsome wasn't given nearly as much playing time as I thought. He was inserted into the game late in the fourth quarter, completing three of four for 26 yards. One pass to true frosh Curtis Drake was dropped; so, Newsome could've been perfect.

Stats: 32-44, 379 yards, 3 touchdowns, Sack

Defense

• Defensive Line: Dominant. Period. Against an Akron offensive line that returned 4/5 starters from last season, Penn State's defensive front wall camped out in the Zips' backfield all game long. DT Jared Odrick nearly intercepted a hand off in the first half, and was key in three of the line's four sacks. Ollie Ogbu (6 tkl, 2.5 TFL) led all defenders in tackles for loss.

The new defensive ends -- Jack Crawford (2 TFL, Sack), Jerome Hayes (1.5 TFL), Kevion Latham (0.5 TFL, 0.5 Sack), Eric Latimore (TFL, Sack) -- put together an impressive performance, eerily resembling one of last year's all-America ends.

Stats: 0.9 yards per rush allowed; 20 tackles, 9.5 TFL (-35), 3 sacks (-14)

• Linebackers: Navorro Bowman (0 stats) left the game when he re-aggravated a groin injury. He could be kept out of action, since he essentially won't be necessary until the Iowa game. Sophomore Nate Stupar (12 tkl, TFL, Sack) stepped in for Bowman, and ended the day as Penn State's leading tackler.

It was good to see All-American Sean Lee (7 tkl, 2 TFL) return to the field. He was all over the field, and was a force early on. Josh Hull (4 tkl, 0.5 TFL, PBU), much maligned by fans, played a solid game in the middle.

I would have liked to see more of the backups get meaningful playing time. It is tough to evaluate the younger guys when they're only in for five plays.

Stats: 23 tackles, 3.5 TFL (-6), Sack (-1)

• Defensive Backfield: National perception this offseason pegged Penn State's defensive secondary as the weakest link for 2009. Against an experienced offensive line, experienced receivers, and a very good quarterback, this unit performed relatively better than any other for the Nittany Lions. Akron QB Chris Jacquemain completed just over 50 percent of his passes for less than 200 yards and an interception.

The great Penn State pass rush was integral in the secondary's performance, but it was only part of the story. Senior AJ Wallace (tkl, 2 PBU), who was suspended from starting until further notice for academic issues earlier this summer, nearly picked off a pass, part of a good day overall for the unit. Sophomore D'Anton Lynn (PBU), starting in Wallace's place, didn't log any tackles, but did play very well in his first career start. Knowledge Timmons (3 tkl) led the secondary in stops.

(Something of note: Starting safety Nick Sukay has apparently changed his number to #9. He was listed on the most current roster and game notes as #10.)

Stats: 9 tackles, 3 PBU, Interception

Special Teams

• Kicking/Punting: Colin Wagner (1-3, long 29) didn't start off the way many fans had hoped, missing a 28-yarder in his first attempt. But Wagner did well enough, launching deep kickoffs all day. His other miss was from 49 yards out. Chalk up the first miss to nerves.

Jeremy Boone (43.0 ypp) only punted twice, but kept Akron pinned deep on both boots.

Andrew Dailey and the punt unit perfectly executed a fake punt, when Dailey gained 37 yards on the run.

• Returns/Coverage: I know I wasn't the only one surprised by true frosh Devon Smith back returning kickoffs. Linebackers coach Ron Vanderlinden is in charge of the return units, and pressed Joe Paterno for Smith to get back on returns. He's apparently working on getting Smith in for Royster on punt returns.

There wasn't a lot to be impressed by from this unit. Smith returned both kickoffs, but nothing long.

• Overall: Penn State beat Akron impressively enough. The second half was slow going for the offense (zero points), but even Joe Paterno said that's what you get with inexperienced players who think the game is over.

I was surprised when Paterno said post-game that he wanted to throw the ball even more than Penn State did (44 att), but was overruled by the offensive staff who wanted to run more. Go figure, Joe wanted to pass more.

A lot of questions were answered in this game, as the units perceived as the weakest going in, performed above all expectations. Syracuse gave Minnesota a tough game this weekend (23-20 overtime UM win), which means it might not be the cakewalk Penn State expects. But this team showed a great deal of ability to adjust to its opponent. I anticipate this team improving each week and taking full advantage of the lower-level competition the next few weeks.

• Official Stats, via GoPSUSports.com:

Full Box Score

Post Game Quotes

Post Game Notes

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Penn State Gameday: Akron

Your Penn State football gameday headquarters.


Pregame

• Preview: Akron at No. 8 Penn State
• Penn State depth chart (as of 9/4)
• Blue White Roundtable :: Akron Zips
• Official Game Notes
• Penn State Roster
• Joe Paterno's Press Conference
• NCAA 10 Simulation: Akron at PSU
• Big Ten Pick'em: Week 1 2009
• ZN's CFB Top 25 :: Week 1 2009

Postgame
• Review: Penn State 31, Akron 7
• Clark named Big Ten offensive POW

More below the fold...

Poll Results: Akron at Penn State

As you probably expected, fans pegged Penn State to win its season opener against Akron. A full 96 percent called for a victory.

Full results below the fold.

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Preview: Akron at No. 8 Penn State

Kickoff/TV: Sat., Sept. 5, 12 p.m. ET/Big Ten Network
Weather Forecast: Warm, Sunny.

Host: Penn State Nittany Lions
Record: 0-0 (0-0 Big Ten)
Last Game: Lost 2009 Rose Bowl vs. USC, 38-24
Injuries: LB Mike Mauti (ACL - Out Ssn), CB AJ Wallace (Susp - Probable), DT Brandon Ware (Ankle - Out), DB Jacob Fagnano (Ankle - Out), DE Pete Massaro (ACL - Out Ssn)
Key Players: (offense) QB Daryll Clark, RB Evan Royster; (defense) DL Jared Odrick, LB Sean Lee, LB Navorro Bowman
Head Coach: Joe Paterno, 44th season at Penn State, 383-127-3; 23-11 bowl record
Season Statistics: (2008)
Offense - 205.8 rush/243.1 pass/38.9 points per game
Defense - 93.2 rush/186.8 pass/14.4 points per game
TO Margin - (+7)

Penn State, on paper -- No team in the Big Ten has more star power returning, or more star power gone from 2008 than Penn State. The core of the offense will be the backfield, with Daryll Clark and Evan Royster one of the best sets of skill players in the nation. On defense, Linebacker U will live up to its reputation once again, with All-America candidates Sean Lee and Navorro Bowman leading the defense. Up front, Penn State also boasts the best defensive tackle duos in the conference, while Jared Odrick might be a first-round NFL pick next year.

But with all the stars returning, plenty were lost. All three four-year starting wide receivers are gone, along with three All-Big Ten offensive linemen. On the positive side, two of the best hogs do return, in center Stefen Wisniewski and left tackle Dennis Landolt. Like the receiving corps, all of last year's starters in the secondary have moved on, and only AJ Wallace has considerable starting experience. The Penn State pass defense could also suffer without star defensive ends Aaron Maybin, Maurice Evans (both left early for the NFL) and starter/team captain Josh Gaines. Success in 2008 will depend largely on how well the veterans can lead, and how quickly the younger players step into their new roles.

Visitor: Akron Zips
Record: 0-0 (0-0, MAC)
Last Game: Lost 2008 Finale (no bowl) vs. Temple, 6-27
Injuries: DT Ryan Bain (Back - Questionable), RB Dale Martin (Achilles - Questionable), RB Alex Allen ('08 Hip - Probable)
Key Players: (offense) QB Chris Jacquemain, RB Alex Allen; (defense) DL Almondo Sewell, LB Mike Thomas
Head Coach: JD Brookhart, 6th season at Akron, 27-33; 0-1 bowl record
Season Statistics:
Offense - 165.2 rush/231.4 pass/30 points per game
Defense - 187.2 rush/210.5 pass/31.2 points per game
TO Margin - (+6)

Akron, on paper -- Akron, like most other MAC schools, is one of those programs that doesn't shy away from tough competition. The last few seasons, the Zips have faced Penn State, North Carolina State, Cincinnati, Ohio State, Indiana, UConn, Wisconsin and Syracuse, all on the road. Akron won the MAC title in 2005, and has produced its fair share of NFL talent. But the schedule eases up a bit this season, and enough talent returns on both sides of the ball to build expectations for this team. Anything less than a bowl bid could be a big disappointment.

Senior quarterback Chris Jacquemain is the unquestioned leader of the Zips offense. After throwing for 2,748 yards in 2008, he is primed for bigger things this season. The running back situation might be up in the air, but there is no doubt in terms of talent. Returning all three starting receivers, four of five linemen, and the kicker, this offense could really pop. However, on defense things aren't looking as sharp. Although the Zips return six starters on that side of the ball, some shakeups in the depth chart could take time to work out. If the back eight can come together, and a star or two are born, the defense should be good enough to let the offense win games.

On the field -- Penn State and Akron have met three times. The Lions have outscored the Zips 152-50, outgaining Akron by 250+ yards twice. However, none of those Penn State teams were nearly as talented as this year's squad. And although Akron has playmakers of its own, this game won't offer many surprises. Even with a retooled offensive line and all new receivers, Daryll Clark and Evan Royster should have no problem chewing up yardage and clock. I wouldn't be shocked to see the Nittany Lions come out slow, as they usually do with an early-season kickoff at noon. But this game should not be in doubt for long, if at all. Akron's Chris Jacquemain should give the Lions' defense a run for their money, but it just won't be enough in the end. Penn State might give up some decent yardage, but it won't be reflected in points scored.

Extra points -- Daryll Clark with throw one TD, and run for another... Kevin Newsome will complete his first career pass attempt... Evan Royster and Stephfon Green will combine for 200 rush yards... Sean Lee or Navorro Bowman will intercept a pass... the student section won't fill out by the second quarter... Chris Jacquemain will pass for two touchdowns, but throw two INTs... the Akron offense will gain more than 350 yards... the Akron defense will have its moments, but not enough... attendance: 107,180.

Prediction: No. 8 Penn State, 42 - Akron, 17

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Blue White Roundtable Wrap: Akron

It was a great turnout for the kickoff edition Blue White Rountable. Although, once Nittany Whitout says they're in, it's always a big turnout. So, rather than bore you with my pathetic attempts at humor, let's dive right in, with this week's "best of" from each of the participants.

W. F. Yurasko on the schedule:

"Akron appears to be an ideal first game...that will give the secondary an early test that they need. Temple should hang in there more this year and actually cross the goal line. I have pretty low expectations for Syracuse visit and the Eastern Illinois game is just inexcusable scheduling. They might as well have brought in an good Ivy League team." (ZN: emphasis mine)

Let me interject for a sec. I fully endorse that option, if it becomes absolutely impossible to avoid scheduling FCS opponents. If Penn State must play lesser talent, at least make it smarter talent. Continuing...

WFY on Joe Paterno being back on the sidelines this year:

"I think the players will realize they had it pretty easy last year, but more than anything, I think the officials will realize they had it really easy last year."

WFY's Quick Hits: PSU over 500 yards... Akron under 350... the student section will fill up... and he and the family (awww) are going to the game.

I didn't incorporate my own entry into this week's wrap up, since I'm the one wrapping. But, you can go see what I had to say here.

Happy Hour Valley on what could get under his skin on Saturday (props for a very current-eventsy answer, too):

"[I]f I see our offense stalling because our O-line is getting mangled, I’m going to blow my top like a town hall spectator."

On which second stringers he wants to see play, besides Kevin Newsome:

"I’ll go with true freshman Devon Smith. At 5’7” 150 lbs, the kid is practically a replica of myself..except Black and with sprinter’s speed. Nowhere do I see his name though on the kick/punt returner depth chart and that’s a damn shame."

HHV even backs it up with this insane video of Smith returning two CONSECUTIVE kickoffs for touchdowns (shame on me for not seeing this earlier):



HHV's Quick Hits: PSU offense under 500 yards... Akron over 350 yards... students won't show up... and he's going to the game.

The Nittany Line on what could make him throw the tortilla chips this Saturday:

"[K]nowing the odds at hand and knowing that Akron has a tissue paper defense, our defense will probably go into the famous "bend and then break our hearts" formation that we've all come to love. The defensive gurus running the show will have our inexperienced secondary lining up somewhere in the numbered reserved parking lots at the snap of the ball. (ZN: emph mine) I won't throw the tortilla chips I'll throw the tortilla chips up if that happens."

TNL also wants to see Devon Smith, and thinks the refs will have it rougher with Joe back than the players.

TNL's Quick Hits: PSU offense over 500 yards... Akron under 350... lazy ass students... not wasting money on a crappy game.

We Want the Lion on the creampuffiness abound on this year's schedule:

"Beating up on low-tier programs might give the team time to mesh, but it doesn't really offer much in the way of overcoming adversity... [it's] almost impossible for a team to reach the national title game without going undefeated, at least in the Big Ten. If you have a ranked opponent early on your non-conference schedule, it can be a big boost. If you win, it will definitely help you in the polls. If you lose, a lot of voters will downplay an early season loss if it was against a good opponent. With a weak non-con schedule, it's win them all or else."

WWTL also likes Joe's presense on the field once again, mainly to keep on top of the younger guys.

WWTL's Quick Hits: PSU offense under 500 yards... Akron under 350... more lazy ass students... and he's one of them.

Nittany Lounge on getting pissed off at something this Saturday:

"If I see the corners lined up eight yards off scrimmage on a third-and-four, then I’ll be ready to throw something."

I see a trend developing.

NL on which young guys need to step up and show something this week: "[Bani] Gbadyu needs to put pressure on Hull to excel. What absolutely has to happen by the end of the season is Gbadyu emerging as a de facto starter on next year’s squad. [and...] I am most interested in seeing Brandon Beachum. I think Stephfon Green is situational back and not able to carry a full load for an entire game. I’d like to feel secure in next year’s primary back if Evan Royster goes to the NFL." NL's Quick Hits: PSU offense over 500 yards (he says 400+ rushing)... Akron offense under 350... the students get even lazier by the paragraph... he's going to the game with his daughter. Penn Staters, always the family men.

Finally, I figured I'd leave them till last, because there's just so gawsh darn many of them... Nittany Whiteout.

Kevin on what concerns (or doesn't so much) him about this team:

"I think the success of this year’s team rests more on the wide receivers than it does the secondary. Evan Royster will only be able to do so much and without a steady crop of receivers Daryll Clark’s abilities will be limited. I do not think the wide receivers are as poor as the pre-season previews and experts seem to indicate. The worst thing going for them before week one is the fact tha they are not Derrick Williams, Deon Butler or Jordan Norwood. Those three guys cemented themselves as the backbone of the offense over the last few years, and rightly so. But that does not mean that Penn State is trotting out a bunch of stiffs." (ZN: here here!)

He also wants to see AJ Price and Gerald Hodges this week in action.

Kevin's Quick Hits: PSU offense under 500... Akron offense under 350... maybe the students aren't so lazy after all... isn't going to the game, but he'll be live blogging for your viewing pleasure.

Charlie on a second stringer this week:

"I’m really looking forward to watching Stephfon Green take more snaps with the first team offense. I know we’ve seen Stephfon Green on the field before, but with the loss of our fab four wideouts, we will be relying more on the running game and it will be interesting to see the lighting/thunder combo of Royster and Green."

On the schedule, and how it could affect a BCS Championship run:

"...the chance to award Joe Paterno one last national championship before he is carried off into the sunset is just too good to pass up. But honestly, lets cross that bridge when we beat Michigan State and actually find ourselves undefeated."

Charlie's Quick Hits: PSU offense under 500... Akron under 350... the student section comes to life... will be watching from the next best place, Hooters in San Diego.

Devon on what could get us worked up into a tussle, and invoking a little Pittsburgh Panthers action:

"Akron has Walt Harris as the QB coach, and though we can poke fun at “Wlat,” it was a good hire by the team. They’ve got a decent QB, too, in Chris Jacquemain, and as Penn State works to get their legs underneath them, we good see some big chunks picked up in the air by Akron’s passing game."

Devon was one of a few guys to mention Brandon Ware as a guy who they want to see in action. But with the news that he's injured for a month, we'll have to wait.

But Devon isn't so sure Joe Paterno will need to get into any facemasks this year:

"Daryll Clark, Sean Lee, Jared Odrick, those are the guys taking the younger players under their wings and showing them the ropes. This isn’t a team that will need to be fired up. They won’t lose their concentration. I see Joe Paterno playing more of the “Papa Joe” role with this team, explaining and teaching rather than yelling and screaming."

Devon's Quick Hits: PSU offense over 500 yards... Akron under 350 yards... ohhh, so close, but those damn college kids only think about two things... what are they? Well, you'll only know if you see it for yourself, like Devon will this Saturday when he goes to the game.

That's it for me, folks. It was a great Blue White Roundtable! We will try our hardest to get one out each week.

Later today...

Stay tuned for my full Penn State vs. Akron game preview, with everything you'll need for this weekend's action. Right here, at Zombie Nation!

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NCAA 10 simulation: Akron at Penn State

I decided to have some fun and simulate this week's game on NCAA 10. The results were varied, but Penn State never lost. The game was simulated (CPU vs. CPU - I had no involvement) ten times, in cool, cloudy weather. The widest margin was 55-10; the closest was 30-15.

Full results below the fold.

44-17 PSU
41-0 PSU
34-7 PSU
34-10 PSU
33-7 PSU
30-15 PSU
42-10 PSU
55-10 PSU
41-3 PSU
34-17 PSU

I realize that this isn't exactly science. It's not a very good gauge on how the game will go. But again, it's fun. I'm sure it will be even more interesting when I simulate later games this season, when the teams are more evenly matched.

In other action...

Check out the interview I gave with Mike Rasor, Ohio.com Akron Zips blogger. Mike Hubbell of BSD also took part.

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Paterno presser quick hits

Joe Paterno was surprisingly jovial at his first weekly press conference of the season. While he gave the typical "we have a long way to go" angle to most questions, Paterno was uncharacteristically direct in most of his answers, including giving the media what they wanted to hear. Let's go over some of the more interesting points from today.

• Jerome Hayes is just fine. He's been kept out of the lengthy stuff, to avoid becoming too tired. He's playing in a stand-up defensive end role.

• AJ Wallace is hanging around the dog house door, and could come out soon. He might play Saturday, but definitely won't start. Joe explained why:

"I'm not sure what we're going to do with A.J. I had put some rules down that he had to get certain grades, which he got in the summertime. I had to put some other rules down. He's abided by them. He may end up playing some on Saturday. "

• In Joe's first opportunity to talk about the secondary, he didn't say they were lousy.

"
I think the other corners will work out to be good. None of them have had a lot of experience in ballgames except for Wallace, but they're healthy and they've been getting better all the time. So I think they'll be okay... But it will be a challenge for the secondary."

That's about as much praise as you'll hear from Joe during the preseason, especially about a unit that has been universally seen as a liability.

• Akron quarterback Chris Jacquemain is very good. Joe knows this. So should everyone else who watch the game Saturday. Not only does he return his receivers, but nearly the whole offensive line.

• Joe's been rooting for Andrew Quarless to live up to his potential. Now, he might actually do it.

"Andrew Quarless, hopefully he's grown up. He did a lot of silly things when he first came into the program. But, so far so good."

• Like he did with the secondary, Joe actually had positive things to say about the development of the offensive line.

"I think the offensive line's made great strides. But, until they get in the football game, until they have to make some adjustments...The tough thing about an opening game is you're not quite sure what you're going to see."

He said that at this point, things are looking much better, but not perfect.

• Joe is still worried about the backup quarterbacks.

"One of the problems we have in an opening game is we're not quite sure what they're going to get defensively. So you have to throw a lot of stuff at them (the QBs). "If they do this, we do this. If they do that, we do this." That kind of stuff."

He had "I hope we don't have to play them for real" in his voice.

• Gotta love how he described how he feels about this year's receivers, who have a big job to do.

"[Y]ou can carry on intelligent conversation with them and make the right kind of adjustments."

Basically, they're young, but have the talent and minds.

• Joe didn't want to commit to anything, but we'll probably see Green and Royster in the same backfield.

• Chaz Powell and Stephfon Green will return kickoffs, and Evan Royster (yes, Royster!) will return punts, along with Drew Astorino. My money's on Astorino to handle most of the duties.

• He's still not sure if Chris Colasanti (or anyone) will redshirt this year. Right now, though, he's listed as the second-team linebacker behind Navorro Bowman.

• Brandon Ware (DT) broke his foot, and will be out a while, but maybe not the whole season.

More below the fold...

Blue White Roundtable :: Akron

Let's kick off this season right, with the Blue White Roundtable season opener. Questions this week were from yours truly. Usually, the questioner (me this week), doesn't actually participate in the answering, but I'm just too excited this week! I will still do the wrap-up post, where all participants' best answers are compiled, and post it on Thursday morning.

This week's usually unusual suspects:
W. F. Yurasko
Happy Hour Valley
The Nittany Line
We Want the Lion
Zombie Nation
Nittany Whiteout

Blue White Roundtable - Week 1, Akron Zips

1. We all know Penn State is going to beat Akron. But what is it about this year's Penn State team that really scares the crap outta you? Basically, explain what will cause you to throw the tortilla chips across the room more than once this Saturday?

Pass defense. No, not just the secondary, but the entire defense when defending against an opponent's pass attack. I'll admit, I'm ok with the "bend but don't break" scheme Penn State has run forever. But it's a system that has to rely more on the "don't break" part than the "bend" part to succeed.

Saturday against Akron will be a great gauge of how well this defense has come along this summer. If Penn State can hold the Zips under 250 pass yards, consider it a good day.

2. Hopefully, the backups will see plenty of playing time this weekend. Which second-stringer(s) are you most interested in seeing take the field against a living, breathing opponent? What kind of role do you want to see them play this year? (Note: if you say Kevin Newsome, you have to talk about at least one other player, too)

Kevin Newsome. I do not like the two-quarterback systems, ever. There is no need for it, especially when you have a proven comodity like Daryll Clark. However, against the first three opponents, I want to see the coaching staff get Newsome in for some early drives, for about six or seven passes in before halftime

Gerald Hodges. We heard so much about this kid coming out of high school. And a few of his hits in the Blue White Game were a thing of beauty. Hodges is built to play safety, but I want to see him actually do it.

3. So Penn State's non-conference schedule sucks in terms of straight up opponent quality. That aside, tell us why or why not this opening slate will help or hurt this team later in the season.

It can only help the team on the field. Off the field, yes, it could hurt Penn State in terms of rankings and whatnot. But when you have a very young team, easing its way into the tough competition is key to success later.

Look at the offensive line as the best example. What's the one thing you need more than anything up front? Cohesion. You could have five former high school all-Americans up there, but if they don't play well as a group, your team is screwed. That's what the first few games will do for this Penn State team.

4. What will it mean for this team to have Joe Paterno back on the sidelines again, right up in their facemasks, for ALL the games?

This will be huge. We saw why on January 1. Paterno even said later that he would have liked to have been down on the field to get in players' faces more. Even later in the season, at Iowa, Paterno admitted that being up in the press box didn't make him a better coach. Plus, I guarantee that if he were freezing his ass off on the sidelines, he would have gotten his boys some heaters.

Quick Hits

1. Over/Under: Penn State's offense gains 500 total yards. Under

1a. Over/Under: Penn State's defense gives 350 total yards. Over

2. True/False: The student section will NOT fill out, even by the end of the game. True, but it depends on weather

3. Are you going to the game? YES!!!

More below the fold...

Tuesday Linkage is not freaking out about Mauti

Every Penn State fan cringed when news broke of Mike Mauti's ACL tear. But would I call it a "severe" hit to Penn State's linebacker situation just 19 days from the opener? Not at all.

The Nittany Lions have two legitimate first team All-America candidates returning. Most of the second string guys would start for 90 percent of all other FBS teams. One of the backups started all 13 games in 2008, and another has starting experience.

Bob Flounders headlined his article on Mauti as "Mike Mauti's knee injury severe hit to Penn State's linebacker depth." But is it really?

This puts Penn State in a frustrating situation, having to find another starter three weeks from the season. But this problem doesn't even compare to Sean Lee's ACL tear last summer.

Mauti has a redshirt year to use. The backups are better than most teams' starters. And Lee and Navorro Bowman are the other two starters. So, it's time to just chill out.

• David Jones is worried about "lookout blocks" this season. I hate to admit that I'm fearing the same. Walt Moody, too.

• Vinny Pezzimenti reminds us (not that we needed it) that Evan Royster is good. So are the linebackers.

• More on ESPN's top villains list.

• Syracuse QB Greg Paulus was named starter for 2009. While it won't make a bit of difference whether or not Penn State wins, it could make things more interesting.

• Syracuse announced it will play Notre Dame and USC at the new Meadowlands stadium.

• Akron held their first scrimmage last weekend.

• Dave Curtis still doesn't know what he's talking about.

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Poll Results: First Look '09 Akron

It's been a while since we've had regular weekly polls here, but despair no more! Here is the first weekly poll results from our First Look '09 series. This week: Akron's win total. I don't know if it was just shots in the dark (probably was) by readers, but it seems that many think Akron should do alright this year, possibly making a bowl trip. I hope so. Penn State needs all the bowl-bound opponents it can get right now.

Results below the fold.



I'll have First Look '09 Syracuse up soon!

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First Look '09: Akron Zips

Penn State kicks off 2009 with a familiar opening day foe, the Akron Zips. The Lions have hosted the Zips three times since 1999, winning by an average score of 51-17. But what do we know about the 2009 Akron Zips? Let's find out, in today's First Look.

Akron @ PSU 2004:
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"Hart" of the Zips – A 27-33 record as head coach doesn't usually earn you an "underrated" title in college football. But I beg to differ with Zips head man J.D. Brookhart. Akron has only posted two winning seasons under his guidance, but he's been able to recruit enough of his own players that things are coming around. This could be his best season. Much of his offense returns, and if the defense can make up for a bad secondary, things will really pop in 2009. The defense under Brookhart has always been an issue, but last year's offensive point total of 360 was 57 points more than any previous season in his system.

Throwing with Zip – Ok, so the "zip" puns are already getting old. But they're just too easy. Too the point of the pun, Akron returns a third-year starting quarterback in Chris Jacquemain, which is always a winner factor in the MAC. Seniors Deryn Bowser (785 yds '08) and Andre Jones (678 yds '08) return, supported by senior Jeremy Bruce (345 yds '08). While it's no USC pitch-and-catch combo, Penn State will be very inexperienced at defensive back, especially early in the season. I'm just sayin'.

Mighty MAC – Looking at Akron's schedule, there is no reason to expect fewer than six wins. Games @Penn State, @Central Michigan, and Ohio for homecoming in the first five games are the only games I wouldn't give Akron a good chance to win. The other nine are very winnable games. If the Zips develop and learn from the early losses, they could finish up the year on a seven game win streak, with @Buffalo, @Syracuse, @Northern Illinois, Kent State, Temple, @Bowling Green and finishing up with Eastern Michigan. Even with a loss or two in there, that would still be seven or eight wins. Overly optimistic? Maybe. Totally possible? Absolutely.

From enemy territory:

I asked Mike Rasor, Rasor on the Zips blogger, about the 2009 team. The tone was cautiously optimistic. Rasor pointed to the offense as the Zips' strongest suit this year.

"An experienced passing attack should keep Akron in most games. Chris Jacquemain is playing his third year as starting quarterback," Rasor told me, adding, "The Zips have loads of talent at receiver, [and] the veteran offensive line has been very dependable."

But Rasor isn't sold on the defense, as one would expect in the MAC. He said the defense could be this team's Achilles heel.

"In the MAC, every defensive coordinator dreams of having an experienced secondary," Rasor said. "Akron is thin. It will struggle on third down."

The biggest story by far this year will be InfoCision Stadium, which will replace the old Rubber Bowl, Akron's home since 1940.

"Akron will open InfoCision Stadium vs. Morgan State, the week after the Penn State game. Indiana comes to town the week after. This stadium was much needed. Its predecessor, the Rubber Bowl, was 15 minutes from campus and was literally crumbling," Rasor said, adding that 2009 should be "the most highly anticipated season in the program's history. If the Zips can put a scare in Penn State, it will only heighten the hype."

For more on the Akron Zips:

2009 Akron schedule

Spring Game Review

New stadium construction, Webcams

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First Look '09 poll: Akron

In preparation for the First Look on Akron, I just posted a poll (over there →) asking what you, the readers think Akron's record will be this year. Well, not really the record, but how many wins they could get. Be sure to cast your votes, and read my weekly First Look, posted promptly at 7 a.m. every Thursday.

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