1. Penn State finished off this season with 10 wins, but lost the only two games that were really in question. What will your lasting memory of the 2009 season be?
This program is finally back. Sure, we all said "We're Back!" in 2002, 2005 and 2008. But I thought for a while that 2009 would be the real measuring stick for the program's progress since the dark years. For Penn State to win 10 games, after losing entire units from a Rose Bowl squad, that is the sign of a powerhouse program. I don't care that Penn State lost to two teams that are going to BCS games. In case you didn't hear me, that was two teams that are going to BCS games.
2. Though they miss out on a BCS Bowl, the Nittany Lions will face off with a highly ranked SEC opponent in a New Year's Day bowl. What are your initial thoughts about the matchup with LSU in the Capital One Bowl?
I love it. With the prospect of facing Georgia Tech, Boise State or TCU in a bowl game, I was hoping for the Capital One bowl. LSU has won two national titles this decade (though, shaky ones), and hasn't lost a bowl game under Les Miles. You want to see the best non-BCS bowl game, watch this one.
3. When it's all said and done, where will Daryll Clark rank among Penn State QBs? What will you remember about Clark thinking back on the 2008 and 2009 seasons a few years from now?
He was a winner. I don't care about the "Big Game" dig on Clark. He won a shit load of games for Penn State, brought the team to a Rose Bowl and a Captial One Bowl. He's not going to be Wally Richardson 2. And if you can't see the differences between the two quarterbacks, then God help you.
4. Which seniors are you most sad to see go? If you could bring one of them back in 2010, who would it be?
I wish Sean Lee had one more shot. He was fantastic in all the games he played this season, and would have been a sure lock for 1st Team All-America had he not been injured. Lee's the kind of leader any great defense needs. He deserves more credit than he's being given right now, but the injuries have really hurt his draft stock. If he had one more season to play fully healthy, I think he would have gone down as the greatest linebacker ever to play at Penn State.
5. What are your feelings on the Fiesta Bowl matching up the two undefeated mid-majors, instead of setting up Iowa-Boise State and Georgia Tech-TCU matchups? Does it support a playoff argument?
I never got around this year to posting my playoff solution (like every other blog/writer), but I do like that the Fiesta Bowl is going to allow there to be fewer undefeated teams at the end of the season, no matter what. If TCU and Boise played GT and Iowa, the two Mid-Majors could win those matchups. Then, what if Cincy beat Florida? You'd have FOUR undefeated teams after the bowls. It's not nearly what I wish to see overall (have one more BCS standings come out right after the New Years bowls are played, then take the top two to the MNC), but three undefeated teams are better than four.
Lightning Round: 1. Do either Bowman or Royster (or both!) skip their senior seasons and enter the NFL Draft? Definitely Bowman, probably Royster. We haven't been so lucky lately in this area.
2. Who wins the MNC Game, Alabama or Texas? I'll hold out for Texas, for now.
3. Will you be heading down to Orlando to watch the Capital One Bowl live? Who wins? It's called a recession; and of course, Penn State wins.
4. Predict the draft stock of the following Nittany Lion seniors: a) [Bowman/Royster] - Bowman: late 1st / Royster (if he goes): late 3rd, early 4th b) Jared Odrick - 2nd c) Sean Lee - 2nd d) Andrew Quarless - 2nd, or early 3rd e) Dennis Landolt - 5th to 7th f) Daryll Clark - 4th to 6th g) Mickey Shuler - free agent h) A.J. Wallace - free agent
Blue White Roundtable - Week 8, Michigan Wolverines
The Penn State offensive line looked awful against a very good Iowa defense. They looked pretty good over the last three games, against the Big Ten's two worst defenses and a I-AA scrimmage. This week they face a decent, but not great, Michigan defense. Is the O-line up to the challenge and can they block Brandon Graham?
Brandon Graham can cause problems, but the rest of the Michigan defensive front hasn't exactly teed off on opposing quarterbacks. The Wolverines enter this game with 10 -- TEN -- total sacks for the season. Penn State has 21. If you need any more reason to feel better about the Michigan defense, it made Ricki Stanzi look like a Heisman candidate. They take chances no other sane defense would take with such talent-less defensive backs. Sure, Donovan Warren is excellent, but he's just one of four in the secondary. The safeties are terrible, and one of them is usually walked down into run defense. If Penn State can avoid the Michigan rush for more than 1.5 seconds, Clark will have a field day against single man coverage.
Eric Decker was (for the most part) not a factor in the minnesota game. Was this due to the weather, his being "over rated" or has PSU's secondary, primarily AJ Wallace, benefited from the extra practice and challenges from the coaches?
Eric Decker is NOT overrated. I will say that two of his drops were catchable balls, even if poorly thrown. However, this secondary has actually been challenged by Tom Bradley this season. Sure, late in games they're walked off the line and give up easy underneath passes in that terrible cover-3 prevent when Penn State is leading big. But I really like what the defensive backs are doing so far. I think they're more physical, and as was already alluded to, have been actually challenged with some man (gasp!) coverage assignments.
Tate Forcier captured the eyes of America with some phenomenal late play in some of Michigan's earlier games, with his last-second touchdown drive against Notre Dame drawing enormous praise to the true freshman. However, he found himself riding the bench in the fourth quarter last week against Iowa, and Penn State has been strong against the pass all year. How will the Penn State defense fair at containing Forcier, who is a true dual-threat quarterback?
Forcier won't be the problem for Penn State. I truly believe that will be Brandon Minor pounding away for five yards a carry. But to break down how Penn State will defend Forcier, it all comes down to the pass rush. Forcier made a few good plays against Iowa, but not nearly enough to win the game, or even stay in. Now, I heard he had a slight concussion, for what that's worth. But Penn State's pass rush is every bit as good as Iowa's. Penn State just has to get in a few good shots on Forcier, and he'll coil up enough to make some big mistakes.
Lightning Round
Penn State's streak of not allowing a first half TD comes to end this weekend, True or False?
False.
Who's a better performer in FatBoy Slim's Weapon of Choice video? Christopher Walken or Tate Forcier?
Walken.
Does Penn State win this Saturday in Ann Arbor for the first time since '96?
Penn State hosts Minnesota this weekend. It will be the Lions' first real test since Iowa, which turned out to be an epic fail. Which team shows up to play this homecoming Saturday? Anyway, roundtable time...
Blue White Roundtable - Week 7, Minnesota Golden Gophers
1. How does Penn State stop the Minnesota offense (a/k/a Eric Decker)?
Would you believe that I'm not terribly worried about Eric Decker? I think Minnesota has a better chance to beat the Nittany Lions defense by spreading the ball around to different players, and actually committing to the rushing game. Penn State typically does well when faced with defending a single star receiver. Of course, there are guys like Ted Ginn and Arrelious Benn, but they are/were multi-threats. I'm reminded of 2007 vs. Indiana. James Hardy ripped apart the Penn State defense, particularly the Lions' best corner, Justin King. But in the end, going to Hardy, and Hardy alone, wouldn't be enough. You have to attack this defense from every front, and not allow it to key in on one player.
Is Minnesota's defense as awful as their statistical rankings make it look?
Just part of it. Unfortunately for the Gophers, it's their run defense that's terrible. Looking at tape, Penn State coaches should be salivating at the thought of Evan Royster and Stephfon Green ripping off six to eight yards a clip this week. Then again, I've been terribly wrong about these kinds of things, too.
But Minnesota has gone up against two of the best running backs in college football this season, Jahvid Best and John Clay. Throw in Wisconsin's second and third stringers, which are better than most teams' first stringers, and you've got disaster in Gopher-land. Overall, Minnesota has a mediocre defense. It could have its moments (fumble return TD vs Wisky) against Penn State. However, I just don't see them hanging in long enough to allow the Gopher offense to pull this one out.
Mid-point of the season, which of the PSU freshmen do you project as future stars?
I haven't seen anyone hit like Gerald Hodges since probably Chris Harrell back during the lean years. Penn State loves them some hitters in the back seven, and Hodges has the goods. I'm a bit disappointed with his move to full-time linebacker this week, but he could end up moving back to safety. He's easily the most physically gifted safety Penn State's had in decades, and obviously has the maturity to play early. The coaches wouldn't have put him on the field if he wasn't ready.
Not to harp on this too much, but let's go back to his apparent move to linebacker. I'm not sure this is exactly what the staff has done with him. It wouldn't surprise me at all to see Hodges play a safety/LB role, similar to the Hero position. Penn State still uses Joe Paterno's old 4-4 defense, where a safety rolls down into the box to play as a fourth linebacker. Either way, I love what this kid brings to the defense, and can't wait to see him in action more next season.
Lightening Round...
Where were you when Minnesota got lucky because Penn State did not put them away at Homecoming '99? Ok, it was 10 years ago... we can let this go now.
Will Minnesota open with an on-side kick? This is Tim Brewster, not Glen Mason.
What is your best homecoming memory (that you can say in this forum at least :p)? Of the four homecomings during my actual days as a student/in the band, only one, 2005 vs Purdue, was not a rain-soaked affair. So, I'll go with that one.
Blue White Roundtable - Week 5, Illinois Fighting Illini
1. Penn State played its most complete game of the season thus far against Illinois. What pleased you the most about the performance?
I couldn't put my finger on one unit or player. Although, the offensive line and defense were fantastic. But I really liked how Penn State grew stronger and more dominant as the game wore on. That's an attribute any championship team must have to reach its goals. This Illinois win reminded me a lot of the 2008 Michigan win, where Penn State wasn't doing so hot early on, but gradually wore down the Wolverines into a blowout.
2. Has your outlook on the season changed dramatically compared to this time last week? What about before the Iowa game?
I thought the Iowa loss had a bit of a fluky feel to it. Turnovers skew results more than any other statistic in football. Penn State was minus-three in turnovers against Iowa, but only lost by 11. The Iowa loss didn't change how I think this team will do this season. 10-2 was a realistic regular season prediction, and it still is, especially in this year's Big Ten.
That being said, I'm not jumping the gun after one really good-looking win at Illinois. Yes, this team did much better, on the road, after a tough loss. But a team like Penn State should do those things.
I guess I try to not overreact either way after a good win or a bad loss.
3. Eastern Illinois actually looks like a decent I-AA err FCS team, having been in that division's top 25 this season. How long can they stay in it with Penn State?
I'll give it until halftime. By "in it," I mean keep it to a two-score game. If Penn State goes into the half up by 14 or 16, then consider it a close game. EIU has a very good coach, so it's kind of an x-factor that can't be schemed for. You can't double-cover a coach. If this team had just really good players, but only a decent coach, then I'd call for a blowout early. But Spoo hasn't been a head coach this long for nothing.
Lightning round
Will the scoreboard be fixed by Saturday? Some panels blew off in the wind on Wednesday.
I get a hunch they'll get lazy and not rush this one.
Anybody having luck selling their Eastern Illinois tickets at face value?
Actually got face value for them.
What is your favorite college football blog that isn't about Penn State?
I like buffets. You get a little bit of everything. Can't say I have one favorite.
Penn State heads to Champaign this Saturday for a mid-afternoon clash with the not-so-Fighting Illini. But hey, not like any of us in Happy Valley should talk. On with the roundtable.
Blue White Roundtable - Week 5, Illinois Fighting Illini
1) The BCS Championship Game dream is dead, but Penn State can still go to the Rose Bowl (at least in theory). What's your best guess about our final record and bowl destination?
Psh! Dead? Just like Ohio State's was dead in 2007? Or LSU after they lost TWO games? There hasn't been an unbeaten national champ since 2005. I wouldn't rule out anything this early in the season. What if Iowa goes 10-2. That loss would look a lot better, no? But if I had to put a number on Penn State's win total this season, it would be anywhere from three to 12. I also imagine the Lions have a shot at some bowl after Christmas.
2) Illinois beat I-AA Illinois state, but sandwiched it with losses to Mizzou (37-9 in St. Louis) and at Ohio State (30-0). They have, by far, the worst pass offense in the Big Ten and their pass defense stinks as well. They put little pressure on the quarterback (1.3 sacks per game) and they do a lousy job in protecting the passer (3.33 sacks per game). In short, the Illini stink. Who rights the ship on Saturday, PSU or Illinois? Discuss.
Let's just say I'm going to pick on of those two teams. Illinois hasn't been the same on defense since Captain America J Leman graduated, and their only decent player on that side of the ball, Martez Wilson, went down before the season got going. Their defensive ends are, despite popular opinion, decent. However, I'm not terribly worried about this Illini unit against the Penn State offense, even with a terrible line. This one will be closer than anyone thinks, mainly because it's easier to pick a game when you say that.
3) The Nittany Lions are 2-8 this decade in Big Ten openers and 3-6 in Big Ten road openers. (Obviously there's some overlap there.) The two wins in Big Ten openers were during the championship years of 2005 and 2008. What's the problem?
The problem has been that we're still including the 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2004 seasons in those statistics. Penn State has had some terrible teams this decade, particularly those latter two, so we can't ignore that. During the seasons that Penn State has gone to a bowl game, the Lions are 7-6 in Big Ten openers, since joining the conference. It should also be noted the kinds of teams Penn State has been up against. Iowa went 11-1 in 2002 (L); Ohio State went 12-1 in 2006 (L); Michigan went 9-4, beating Florida in 2007 (L).
So, let's not kid ourselves. There is more to Penn State's Big Ten openers record than just the won-loss record. If the Nittany Lions opened with Indiana every Big Ten season, Penn State would have a 17-0 record in Big Ten openers. So you can't avoid looking past the numbers, and see what the true root causes are of Penn State's mediocre record in Big Ten openers... those teams just happen to be better than Penn State in that year.
4) Last week's blocked punt for an Iowa touchdown was the turning point in the game. Twice this decade a kickoff return touchdown has been critical in an Illinois victory over Penn State and the way things are going it could happen again Saturday. What's the problem with Penn State's "special" teams? Poor coaching? Lack of a dedicated special teams coach? Not getting our best athletes on the field?
I'm going to sound like Joe Paterno's press secretary, but as was said after the game and all this week, the blocked punt was just because Nick Sukay missed his assignment. The only thing that's been a problem for Penn State is that there haven't been great returns in favor of the Lions. The kickoffs are fine; the punts are fantastic; the blocking could be better, but haven't hurt this team outside of that one play; and the return coverage has improved significantly since the early games. There are many more critical things Penn State has to worry about going into Champaign this week. The special teams are serviceable right now, which is more than I can say for a few other units.
Quick Hitters...
The line is Penn State -7. Cover or no? No. Are you going to the game? I'm poor. True or false: Chief Illiniwek was retired as the Illinois mascot after protests by members of the Illiniwek tribe Falso. Will Chicago be awarded the 2016 Olympics on Friday? Yes. (completely uneducated guess)
It's time for another Blue White Roundtable. Iowa comes to Happy Valley this Saturday night, in what has been billed as everything from "revenge" to "litmus test" to "who cares? It's the Big Ten." Let us begin.
1. As this week's matchup with Iowa represents not just Penn State's first conference game, but their first real test, take a look back at the 3-game preconference schedule. What was the one thing that stood out to you most, either as a success or a failure?
Penn State, for all the coaches and players denied, just plain didn't care. The Nittany Lions knew they were going to win the games with little real effort, and they were proven correct. The problem with three straight cupcakes -- although I believe all three teams were better than we thought/think -- is that there isn't a sense of urgency for four weeks.
Had Iowa come to town in week two, like Oregon State did a year ago, you can bet your ass that the Nittany Lions would've done everything in their power to play lights-out against Akron. Every second of that first game would've been used to work out the kinks and get absolutely ready for the real thing the following week. This is exactly why Penn State's schedule, while good for a young team, isn't doing as much justice as it could.
2. Iowa, on the other hand, has been tested twice already this season, both by D1-AA Northern Iowa and by Arizona, a solid Pac-10 team. How much of an advantage, if any, will the Hawkeyes have over Penn State as a result?
I hate to say that Iowa hasn't turned things around after that week one near-disaster. After watching them paste Iowa State in Ames, and really have total control over a very good Arizona team, it looks like Iowa is a complete team. Now, there are injuries the Hawkeyes have to deal with, but so does Penn State.
I wouldn't put all my stock into the Arizona win, however. It's not like Iowa came out and obliterated the Wildcats. The running game, while productive, is far less talent-filled than Penn State's. And you cannot tell me Ricki Stanzi is the better quarterback going into this game. Just because a team has been "tested" doesn't mean that team is now better for it.
3. It seems like both Penn State and Iowa have been hit pretty hard by the injury bug early in the 2009 season, with Iowa losing the services of RB Jewel Hampton, LT Bryan Bulaga, TE Tony Moeaki and WR Darrell Johnson-Koulianos and Penn State potentially without both Sean Lee and Navorro Bowman, along with Graham Zug. How will both teams adjust to playing without some of their star players?
Well, it looks like Lee will be out this week, but Bowman and Zug should be able to get on the field. But these two teams are so different talent-wise, that I think this injury situation is much more disastrous for the Hawkeyes. Iowa has very good players, but not many great ones. Penn State has great players on its second team. It just comes down to which team has talent to burn; Penn State right now has enough to go all night long.
4. Last year, a loss to Iowa knocked Penn State out of the championship race. This year, they're in a similar place, as they largely control their own destiny. Do you see Penn State running the table in the Big Ten, and if not, where is the most likely slip-up?
Ah ha! You're not going to get me so easily. First off, I don't believe in the phrase "control your own destiny" in any form. If you believe in the destiny concept, that means your path is predetermined. So, you have no control over said destiny. Just thought I'd throw that out there.
Penn State could win the conference this season with a loss, or even two. The Big Ten has been a bit spoiled recently, with most of its conference champs going undefeated or sitting alone at the top by year's end. This season, with most of these teams looking better from top to bottom, it's not unlikely that every team will have at least one blemish on its resume. Penn State hasn't logged consecutive double-digit wins seasons since 1993 and 1994. It could happen this year.
5. This will be the fourth year that Beaver Stadium hosts a White Out, and it's universally regarded as one of the best traditions in the NCAA. What suggestions would you have to further improve gameday conditions at the Beav?
The whole thing needs to be scaled back a bit. The cliche says you can never have too much of a good thing. I bet to differ. One White Out game per season is the perfect number. You want to have that one really big game each year to tote out the big guns. But this leads me to wonder, what's going to happen with the Ohio State game? Will there be just a student White Out? You can't have two White House games in the same year.
But the whole thing about scaling it back... Look what happened to the piped in music. Back in 2006ish, Beaver Stadium really started to use canned pop tunes over the PA system. Everyone sang along, so the Penn State people figured it was popular enough to keep going. But what happened after three seasons of it? Everyone got sick of it, because there was nothing left to the imagination. Same goes for the PA system artificial sounds. What's with the thumping clip that plays on third downs now? Do Penn State fans not understand that we must cheer when the defense is on the field? I could go on all day with this, but I'll leave it here. The crowd should be always left wanting more. Penn State has failed to do so.
Lightning Round:
Who runs for more yards, Iowa or Penn State? Penn State.
Last year's Whiteout game drew 109,626 people to Beaver Stadium. How many come this year? Rain: less than that. Clear: more than that.
If you had to win just one of the two, would you rather Penn State beats Iowa or Ohio State? Iowa. I hate losing streaks.
Does Corso put on the Lion or Hawkeye head? Lion.
Does Penn State get revenge, or does Iowa make it 7 of 8 against the Lions? PSU wins.
It's week three, and Penn State rests uncomfortably in the top five. With the running game M.I.A., the offensive line still figuring out that they're supposed to be better, and out strongest non-conference opponent blowing its opener to Villanova (!), Happy Valley welcomes the Temple Owls this week.
1. Temple lost over half of their offensive line and their starting QB from a team that didn’t have much of an offense anyway (107th in total offense in the country) do they have a realistic shot at moving the ball against Penn State’s defense?
The only way Temple scores points is via turnovers this week. And I wouldn't put it past the Owls to do just that. Penn State hasn't held onto the ball very well this season; both touchdowns scored against the Lions have come following turnovers.
That being said, points aren't yardage. So, no, Temple has no chance to move the ball this week. Villanova doesn't exactly have NFL talent along its defensive line, or in the linebackers. Unless Temple quarterback Vaughn Charlton is night-and-day better this Saturday, don't expect the Owls to cross the goal line... again.
2. Homework time! You’ll have to dig deep and be creative for this one: name something about this Temple team that scares you (ok scare may be a bit much… how about gives you pause).
The defensive line. Don't laugh. Syracuse's front gave Penn State problems. Akron's did, too. So, with some decent athletes on Temple's line, what's to make me think anything but trouble for Penn State?
Temple's defense logged 11 TFL and five sacks last week. I know, Penn State isn't Villanova. But if the defensive front wall is the Owls' strength, you better believe they're going to try to exploit that.
3. Temple lost to Villanova in week one on the last play of the game. If you’ll remember that also happened to Temple twice last season: bad luck or bad coaching?
This last loss, as bad as it was, was due to four offensive turnovers by Temple. Villanova had a plus-three turnover margin against the Owls last week, including a game-changing interception that led to the winning field goal.
Al Golden is a good coach. He's made Temple competitive, something no one has been able to do in 40 years. But he hasn't yet been able to teach this program how to win. Sure, they can score more points than the other team, but when stuck in close games, the Owls still manage to fall short and choke under pressure. Temple lost three games last year on the final play of the game, and one this season. That's the sure sign of a team that's still learning how to win.
Quick Hits
1. True or False: Penn State holds Temple under 200 yards of total offense? True.
2. True or False: Temple goes bowling this season? True.
3. On a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being “totally sucked” and 10 being “awesomeness of epic levels” – how did the Michigan victory over Chuck Weis make you feel last week? Be honest!
I'll be shocked if no one else came up with this response...
Syracuse comes to town this weekend, but Penn State could face a tougher test than we thought. All that and more in this week's Blue White Roundtable. Also, we welcome two new participants this week: Nittany Lounge and Penn State Clips.
Blue White Roundtable - Week 2, Syracuse Orangemen
1. Coach Paterno says the biggest improvement in a team happens between week one and week two of the season. What area needs most improvement? What facet of play needs the least improvement?
Running game sucked last week. I know, I know. The passing game was lights out and Akron put all their defensive eggs into the rush defense basket. But still, Penn State shouldn't have had so much trouble with the Akron front seven.
The defensive front seven were great last week; better than I expected. It was a pleasant surprise that I don't think needs any improvement at all.
2. Syracuse is running what it calls the Stallion, a form of the Wildcat offense. It appeared to be effective against Minnesota. At one point during the Minnesota game, Syracuse had run the Stallion seven times, averaging over six yards per play. What does the PSU rush defense need to do break the Stallion?
The SINGLE WING works best against lesser opponents, or teams that aren't ready for it. Penn State has run the SINGLE WING in the past, and has had a week to study how Syracuse uses it. So, I'm not to worried about stopping it.
I don't want to get ahead of myself, just one game into this season. But, Penn State's defense looked so dominant up front, I'm not sure this won't be our best statistical rush defense in years.
Wildcat? Stallion? Single frickin' wing?
No thanks. I'll take Sean Lee and Jared Odrick.
3. Minnesota squeaked out a win against the Orange(men). What expectation does this create for Penn State when playing Syracuse? And perhaps more importantly since it is a conference game, Minnesota?
It was the first game of the year. Teams are sloppy. Syracuse was on the ropes early in that game, but then sputtered to a drip in the second half. Minnesota woke up after the break, but still wasn't all that impressive.
That being said. Penn State will look at Syracuse the same way they looked at Akron -- an opponent not to be taken lightly, no matter what the line is. As for Minnesota later this year, who knows? We're not even finished with September.
4. This week next year Penn State will be playing Alabama on the road. What do you think about State playing Bama instead of the Cuse? Would you rather be tailgating in Happy Valley and attending another FCS beat down? Or sitting at home watching the game on the big screen? Should the Big Ten play at least one OOC game per year with the SEC or Big 12?
Ok, I'll bite. Penn State needs to schedule an eastern rival every single season. I don't care how bad they are. If the other teams don't want long-term deals, fine. Set up four or five game series. Maryland, West Virginia, Syracuse, Boston College, Rutgers. Take your pick. Just get them on the schedule, NOW.
As for the rest of the OOC slate. I don't care if it's filled with MAC schools. But stop scheduling FCS opponents. If you want a crappy team to beat up on, there are plenty of fine FBS teams that are just as bad. I promise.
I'll still go to all the game I can, though.
Extra Points
1. The current line is -28. Cover or Not? No cover this week. PSU didn't even cover last week.
2. Does Penn State show up for the second half? Sure do.
3. True/False: Syracuse is a better opponent than Akron. True.
4. Fact or Fiction: Sue Paterno once painted the Nittany Lion statue orange. Fact.
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.
"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.
"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!
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.
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
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