Yeah, so I'm a bit late getting the poll results from last week out. But it's not like there was anything shocking. Readers picked PSU to beat Coastal Carolina. Really? Wow. So, mainly for archiving purposes, here's the results from last week's poll. I just posted the new one, which I promise will be more interesting. 
Today I'll go over a few of the ups and downs from yesterday's win over Coastal Carolina. Granted (as everyone else has been saying) it's against Coastal Carolina, but I think Penn State established exactly what it wanted to do on offense, and somewhat on defense. The two-quarterback system did the job well, with both Clark, Devlin, and even Paul Cianciolo to some extent. But we'll get into all of this as I review how each unit performed Saturday, and what we could expect for next week against Oregon State.
OFFENSE :: A+
Line - No sacks. What more could one ask of what's becoming the best O-line in the conference. The running room wasn't quite as vast as it could have been, but I guess you can't part the Red Sea on every play.
Receivers - There were a few noticeable drops, but they only stuck out because the rest of the receivers did so well as a unit. The biggest drop was Mickey Shuler's potential TD catch. But that's just being picky. It was good to see so many players touch the ball.
Quarterbacks - Considering Penn State didn't even have to throw against CCU, the passers looked crisp and confident. The latter was the most important, though, as Daryll Clark and Pat Devlin took control of the offense on every play. I was more impressed with Devlin's touch, but Clark looks like the clear starter right now. However, we can't gauge too much form this game, as Clark didn't even have to run the ball. Wait until next week to figure out this position.
Rushers - The running backs stole the show. I haven't seen too many backs at PSU hit the holes so quickly. Evan Royster looked like the down-hill, Tony Hunt-esque force PSU needs in fourth quarters, yet he's slightly quicker than Hunt. Stephfon Green is just electric, and has superior top-end speed. This is a fantastic one-two punch for PSU this year.
DEFENSE :: B+
Line - After a while, I forgot Phil Taylor and Chris Baker were kicked off the team. Jared Odrick, Aaron Maybin and Jerome Hayes had the flashy plays, but the rest of the PSU D-line dominated CCU all day. The four sacks didn't tell the whole story, as there were three times as many pressures.
Linebackers - Not too much to go by here, since the CCU spread-style kept the LBs in coverage most of the game. Bani Gbadyu came up with the game's only interception, on what looked like the perfect tip drill. PSU tried to keep the defense vanilla this week, especially after getting burned up the middle on CCU's only TD.
Secondary - I would have liked to see more interceptions. Actually, ANY interceptions by this group. But again, it goes back to the plain-Jane defense Tom Bradley moved to after a while. Keeping CCU from the big play was more important than forcing those game-changers.
SPECIAL TEAMS :: A+
Kickers - Kevin Kelly looked great on kickoffs, while Jeremy Boone didn't get much work. Not much news here after week one.
Returners - Penn State needed a big play after CCU closed the score to 14-7, and got just that from Derrick Williams' 89-yard kickoff TD return. On AJ Wallace's only return, he brought it out past the 40-yard line. The blocking looked very good on both kickoffs and punt returns.
Coverage - I know, it was only Coastal Carolina, but kickoff coverage was a huge problem last year. It looked great against CCU. Hopefully this is a sign PSU has made the effort to sure up the kick coverages.
COACHES
Penn State's staff knew this was a win, but still kept the players interested from the first kickoff. I hate to admit it, but Jay Paterno and Galen Hall called a great game from the booth. The coaches really did a good job this week preparing Penn State, although that whole red zone problem poked its nasty head again when PSU couldn't score from inside the five. Overall, a great job this week by the coaching staff.
Not bad.
The Good: Rushing game. Anytime PSU runs for 300+ yards, it's a good day. Also, passing seemed to do what it had to, in order to keep the chains moving. It was nice to see so many players get time.
The Bad: Penalties. Too many. Seven, to be exact. PSU rarely commits more than a few, but it just seemed a bit sloppy today. Also, the pass defense was ok, but not great.
I'll have a full review of the game tomorrow. Since I couldn't see the game (thanks Comcast, I got the OSU/YSU laugher), I'll watch the replay on the BTN tomorrow at 11 a.m. So check back around 2 p.m. for the full run down.
Later today: I might be back to give thoughts on other games, like Mizzou/Illinois, MSU/Cal and Michigan/Utah.
Good win, Go State!
For a moment, I wasn't sure if I'd get the game. But God must like PSU fans.
First Play: FUMBLE ON KICKOFF! Dammit! Why didn't Navorro Bowman just fall on it?! Come on guys. Safety here we come.
Nice pass by CCU. It wasn't a lack of coverage by PSU. Just a nice throw. I don't see them running too well today, though.
OK, I'm going to watch the game now. I'm not big on the in-game typing. But check back at this post... I'll leave comments as the game goes on. Go State!
Before I start, you should know that I've tried harder this season to boil down my previews to real meat-and-potatoes football analysis. I felt last season's previews were too long-winded. This year, I'm going for bing-bang-boom insight, which I hope makes things more enjoyable for everyone. With that, I give you the first game preview of the 2008 Penn State football season... Let's Go, State!
Kickoff: Sat., Sept. 30. 12 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network
Weather Forecast: Chance of AM Rain; Warm.
Host: No. 22 Penn State Nittany Lions
Record: (2007) 9-4 (4-4, Big Ten)
Last Game: Won Alamo Bowl 24-17 vs. Texas A&M
Injuries: LB Sean Lee (ACL - out season), DE Devon Still (ankle - out season), S Nick Sukay (foot - out season)
Key Players: (offense) RB Evan Royster, QBs Daryll Clark/Pat Devlin; (defense) S Anthony Scirrotto, DE Maurice Evans
Head Coach: Joe Paterno, 43rd season, 372-125-3
Season Statistics: (2007)
Offense - 193.8 rush/206.3 pass/30.3 points per game
Defense - 93.8 rush/214.5 pass/17.5 points per game
TO Margin - +0.15
Why PSU will win -- The rushing game: Penn State is in better shape here than most think. And the funny thing is, it's not even because the backs are fantastic. The Penn State offensive line will completely dominate the Coastal Carolina defensive front, opening big holes the whole game. On top of that, PSU's conversion back to the 2005 spread-style offense should make up for any cohesion the offense may need to build during the first few games. PSU has few faults on offense, but those few will be covered up nicely by the spread attack. Passing efficiency: The PSU quarterbacks won't light up the board, and none of us expect them to. What the PSU coaches, fans and media expect to see are signal callers managing the game, reducing turnovers, and occasionally launching a long bomb, but only when it's sure to work. Watch for a lot of catch-and-run against CCU. This PSU offense will control the ball, keeping it away from CCU, making the defense look really good.
Visitor: Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (I-AA/FCS)
Record: (2007) 5-6 (3-1, Big South)
Last Game: Won @ Charleston Southern, 41-2
Injuries: Tyler Campbell (ankle - questionable), Jamie Childers (illness - doubtful), Leon Goodwin (shoulder - doubtful) and D.J. McNeill (ankle - doubtful), Marlon Campbell (knee - out), Andre Ford (knee - out) Tommy Fraser (hamstring - out), Myron Rogers (knee - out, Dominique Whiteside (foot - out)
Key Players: (offense) QBs Willy Richardson/Zach MacDowall, K Justin Durham; (defense) DE Phillip Oboh, S Dominique Davenport
Head Coach: David Bennett, 6th season @ CCU, 39-17 (13th season coaching, 102-34 overall)
Season Statistics: (2007)
Offense - 207.0 rush/156.3 pass/28.7 points per game
Defense - 218.9 rush/141.4 pass/26.1 points per game
TO Margin - +1.36
Why CCU will win -- Turnovers: Penn State won't lose this game, but CCU could keep it scary for at least a half. Forcing either of the PSU quarterbacks to throw a pick or two could thrust a wrench into the game plan in a hurry. Penn State wants to sub-out its starters by halftime, and if CCU can keep things in doubt as the teams are heading into the locker rooms, it should be considered an accomplishment. Converting 3rd downs: Coastal Carolina has to keep the clock moving, and PSU's offense off the field. CCU won't be able to hang with PSU in a shootout, but the longer CCU has the ball, the better. And if CCU can move the ball, it will take out an already apathetic PSU crowd.
What will happen: Coastal Carolina isn't Appalachian State, and Penn State isn't an overrated Michigan team. PSU will roll early, and the stadium will empty by mid-third quarter. The rain will dampen any festive mood in the crowd, but the Lion faithful will leave happy.
Prediction: No. 22 Penn State, 45 - Coastal Carolina, 3
After going 10-1, 9-2 and 9-3 from 2004 to 2006, CCU took a major step back in 2007. The Chanticleers' lackluster 5-6 record brought to the forefront the team's youth and inexperience. And although CCU won't likely compete for a playoff berth in 2008, and won't beat Penn State in the season opener, this team's 2007 growing pains could translate well into success for the future.
Three things you should know about Coastal Carolina:
1. Redshirt Junior Quarterback William Richardson - This guy is big. Standing 6'5" and tipping the scale at 230 lbs, he should have no trouble seeing the field over his linemen. Richardson is an efficient passer, considering he's only had a year under his belt, completing 57 percent of his passes for 1596 yards and 13 touchdowns to only 7 interceptions. He also hasn't seen a lot of time on the turf. The offensive line did a fine job protecting Richardson in 2007, surrendering a mere 18 sacks. And even better for CCU, all five starters return on the front line.
2. Co-Offensive Coordinator Gary Smallen - Since Smallen arrived on campus, CCU has broken 11 Big South offensive records, including total offense, offensive touchdowns, passing yards and passing yards per completion. Smallen and CCU run the (dum dadum dum) spread offense, and have seen obvious success with it. As long as Smallen has his hands on the offense, CCU can put up points.
3. This program is really, really young, and really, really good - Look at this similarly to the way you view South Florida. I'm not going to say CCU is as good as USF, nor will I say that head coach David Bennett is Jim Leavitt. But what he's done--post a 39-17 overall record during the program's first five years in existence, and Big South titles three straight seasons (2004-2006)--is nothing to take lightly. CCU has some quality recruits coming in, and if Bennett stays in Conway, the Chanticleers could make some even bigger noise real soon.
So, I know it wasn't this amazing 800-word breakdown of CCU, but it's something to get the blood going. Plus, it's not as easy to get info on DI-AA schools. We bloggers (and real sports writers, but they'll never admit it publicly) thank God for the internet every day. Next Week's First Look: Oregon State Beavers.
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