Review, Game 12: Penn St 49, Michigan St 18

I’ll go through each unit and the coaching, sizing up how each one performed against Michigan State.

OFFENSE :: A+

Line – You can't argue, or really complain about anything this offense did against Michigan State. And it all started up front with the offensive line. Penn State made an effort from the beginning to throw the ball (419 pass yds), so the front line came through with some of the best pass protection we've seen all season long, especially against a really good team like Michigan State (9-3). I really liked what Dick Anderson did with the interior line, which led the way for Daryll Clark and Pat Devlin to bomb away. It was a great performance by a great line, one that could have swayed some scouts' minds going into the bowl season. If Penn State's line plays well in the bowl game, you could see three offensive linemen drafted this April.

Receivers – It was an appropriate exit for the best set of wide receivers in college football. College football won't see another four-year run (6366 total rec yds) by a group of players like this for a long time, never mind the off-field value of Derrick Williams, Deon Butler and Jordan Norwood. Against the Spartans, Penn State wanted to attack the middle of the defense, and did so successfully early on when Norwood (5/127) caught a perfectly thrown seam route to the ten-yard line. But that was only the beginning, as Butler (3/133/3 TDs) was a one-man wrecking crew against the Spartans' secondary. But one of the most impressive catches all day was Williams' (4/51/1 TD) 32-yard scoring grab, when he went over one defender, while boxing out the other to fall into the end zone. One of the most under-appreciated parts of Penn State's passing last week, was the extremely effective use of screen passes on third-and-long situations. Evan Royster caught one for 19 yards, and Stephfon Green made a huge conversion on a 37-yard dump over the middle.

Quarterbacks - Penn State completed 19 of 31 passes for a 13.5 average per attempt, and 22.1 yards per completion. That's really incredible for a program that doesn't usually bomb away. Clark looked confident, calm and, most importantly, like he gained back the swagger he exuded earlier this season. You have to admit, Jay Paterno's done a decent job this year, and deserves some kudos. The best part of what Penn State was able to do last week, was still rush (35) more times than pass (31). Although MSU coach Mark D'Antonio didn't seem to happy that Penn State kept passing in the second half, I think it was a move to get Pat Devlin some meaningful playing time. Penn State was looking out for its own interests against Michigan State, something the Nittany Lions aren't exactly known for.

Rushers – Penn State didn't need to run the ball, but did it just well enough to keep Michigan State honest. On the other side, the Spartans committed themselves early on to stopping Penn State's run game, which turned out to haunt Michigan State the rest of the night. Penn State was trying to draw MSU into the box, but MSU beat them to it. Penn State still ran the ball for 138 yards (3.9 ypc), which was effective enough to prevent MSU from adjusting to the PSU pass game. Evan Royster stayed on par for his fantastic season, rushing for 79 yards with a 6.6 ypc. If PSU uses him so sparingly the rest of his time in Happy Valley, every NFL team will want his practically unused treads. I can't go without mentioning Dan Lawlor's gutsy touchdown plunge. He really deserved it, and showed why a bruising, power fullback is still an asset to any team.

DEFENSE :: A+

Line – MSU's Javon Ringer was all the rage in the Big Ten rushing ranks. Even after MSU lost to Ohio State, he was still considered an outside shot to get the invite to New York City. Well, that dream is over, thanks to Penn State's defensive front. MSU came in rushing for almost 150 yards per game, yet left Beaver Stadium with a mere 35 yards on the ground. The funny thing about just how dominant the PSU defensive line played last week, was that most of the biggest plays were made by the "backups." Maurice Evans (sack) and Abe Koroma (sack) both got to Brian Hoyer, while Ollie Ogbu (sack) also took a piece. Soon-to-be All-American Aaron Maybin was a terror in the backfield (1.5 TFL, PBU), as was Jared Odrick (5 tkl, TFL). But possibly the biggest play early on didn't come from the defensive line...

Linebackers – It came from unsung senior linebacker Tyrell Sales. When he shot through the line to tackle Ringer for a four-yard loss, it really set the tone for the PSU defense the rest of the game. PSU knew they could stop Ringer, and that's all the motivation they needed. Navorro Bowman didn't have a fantastic game, as he was only fifth on the team in tackles. But all four were solo tackles. Back to Sales for a minute. It was totally fitting that on a day when the senior class really stepped up, every single one of them made big plays. Sales (6 tot tkl) was part of the PSU defense that really got past those first-level blocks, and he finished the day with 1.5 TFL, a good outing for any player. Josh Hull also came through with a PBU, although quiet on the stat board. One more thing to touch on was Mike Mauti's first big stats game, as he logged two solo tackles (3 tot tkl).

Secondary – On the last MSU drive of the first half, this defensive backfield was night-and-day softer. That allowed the only meaningful score by the Spartans. But before that, and after the starters left, this was the definition of a "shut-down" secondary. Yet two more seniors had great last shows in Beaver Stadium. Anthony Scirrotto and Lydell Sargeant both grabbed interceptions, both at key points in the game. You could even say Sargeant has exploded since the 2007 Ohio State debacle, a game in which he was benched. He has been, by far, the best PSU defensive back, this most recent pick coming on the goal line with the MSU offense driving.

SPECIAL TEAMS :: A+

Kickers – Kevin Kelly didn't have to kick a field goal, which was totally fine by me. He was great on kickoffs, and nailed all of his PATs. Jeremy Boone really showed off his leg, with three boots for 140 yards (46.7 ypp), and a long of 50. Two of his punts were downed inside the 20. When there's little to talk about in the kicking game, usually it was a good night, and it was.

Returners – PSU returned five total kicks, none of which were spectacular. But like the kicking game, it wasn't necessary to have a good day in this aspect of the game. We all know PSU has a great return game. It just wasn't taken out of the closet for this one.

Coverage – MSU returned one punt for a one-yard loss, and eight kickoffs for 173 yards (21 ypr) with a long of 35. PSU continued to shutdown this part of opponents' play, and could be an absolute necessity should PSU face USC in the Rose Bowl.

COACHES :: A+
The best stat of this game was Penn State going 13-for-17 on third down conversions. PSU scored touchdowns on four of six first-half possessions, and three of five second-half drives. Galen Hall and Jay Paterno really opened up the offense, gaining an astounding 8.4 yards PER PLAY! Penn State had five scoring drives of seven plays or less, including a one-play touchdown drive (Williams' 32-yard TD catch) and a 5-play, 96-yard scoring drive in the third quarter. The Penn State coaching staff really let the players do what they do best in this game: make big plays. This was the perfect way to end the 2008 regular season, and this senior class' incredible run as Penn State Nittany Lions.

More below the fold...

Review, Game 7: Penn State 48, Wisconsin 7

Today I'll go over a few of the ups and downs from Penn State's win over Wisconsin. We haven't seen a more complete performance out of Penn State--over a very decent team, never mind away from Beaver Stadium--since the 63-14 win over Ohio State in 1994. Yeah, Penn State looked that good in Madison. I said I would go over the ups and downs, but there really aren't any downs to go over this week. Sure, Daryll Clark threw a pick, but who cares, the game was well in hand at that point. But we'll get into all of this as I review how each unit performed Saturday, and what we could expect for next week's revenge-fest against Michigan.

OFFENSE :: A+

Line - The run blocking could have been a little better, but Wisconsin's game plan blatantly centered around stopping Evan Royster. The beauty of that was Clark's ability to stay upright in the passing game, as the line didn't surrender any real negative plays this week. Even though Penn State rushed for a season-low 106 yards, it was mostly due to the short fields Wisconsin gave the Lions. So I'd say this was another dominant performance by the PSU offensive line.

Receivers - When Derrick Williams dropped the first long pass of the game, I said "here we go again." But that was the only big screw up by this unit all night. Wisconsin had a ton of trouble keeping the PSU wide outs from getting open, climaxing with Deon Butler drawing a holding call on his 44-yard touchdown grab. He just ran by the defender. On the route-running side, this was the best performance all year by the receivers, in terms of getting open on broken plays. They came back to the ball, and gave Clark a great big target to hit.

Quarterbacks - The best thing that could have happened to Clark this week was that interception. I was giddy seeing him freak out on the sideline, obviously livid at himself. That's the kind of attitude that wins championships. Clark hasn't pulled the ball down to run like Mike Robinson would have, but Clark is head-and-shoulders above M-Rob's passing abilities. He never takes his eyes off the receivers, yet somehow knows when the pressure's coming. The option pitch on the goal line was a work of art. I was pleasantly surprised to see Pat Devlin get some good throws in, but I'd like to see him get in earlier in blowouts. But that's just being picky.

Rushers - Penn State didn't need a big day from Evan Royster & Co. All he had to do was keep Wisconsin honest, and the Badgers took the bait. As I said above, Wisconsin went all out and committed to stopping the run. It worked, but not as well as we think. Royster was still able to get nice holes, and regularly pounded out five yards or more. Stephfon Green was effective, but again, didn't have to be anything more. This was a quiet week for the Penn State ground game.

DEFENSE :: A+

Line - Aaron Maybin is, right now, a First-Team All-America selection. The rest of the line just stuffed P.J. Hill and supposed-phenom John Clay, but it was Maybin's timely sack and forced fumble that closed any window Wisconsin had for a comeback. After losing so many linemen this year, we were all worried about this unit being the weakest link. Not by a long shot, now. Who would have thought, if you said Maurice Evans would have only one sack at this point, that Penn State would be this dominant up front? Not me. One of the most over-looked aspects of the line's play is in pass defense. There were two to three instances where Wisconsin's quarterbacks had an open receiver, only to have Jared Odrick or another lineman bat down the pass.

Linebackers - Sometimes a no-name unit plays harder, and this season's linebackers are the embodiment of that theory. Josh Hull, following weeks of sketchy play, has elevated his game to new heights. He was on that lose fumble like itch on a mosquito bite. Those are the plays Penn State needs to win games. Navorro Bowman led the team, again, in tackles. Tyrell Sales should have had that interception, but we're not complaining. I really like where this unit is heading, especially with guys like Nate Stupar (more on him in a minute), Chris Colasanti and Mike Mauti waiting in the wings.

Secondary - Does any team in America have a better rotation of cornerbacks than Penn State? I think not at this point. Lydell Sargeant enjoyed his first interception so much, he decided to pick off another. But those passes weren't just bad throws, Sargeant actually baited the passer on at least one of them. And I can't say enough about Penn State's safeties. (Wow, I'm getting way to gushy this week!) Anthony Scirrotto didn't come up with the interception, after pleading with Tom Bradley to challenge, but it was a good play. I thought Mark Rubin would have made the play of the game if his interception stood. He looked like a wide receiver on that play. Oh wait, he used to be one.

SPECIAL TEAMS :: A+

Kickers - Kevin Kelly is the best kicker in the Big Ten. His nagging injuries are apparently gone, and it's showing. I'll admit I thought he wouldn't nail that 50-yarder. But he proved to me that he can make the big ones. Jeremy Boone recovered from a very "meh" week at Purdue, booting punts for almost 45 yards per. I'm extremely confident with the Penn State kicking game, should we need it against Ohio State or Michigan State.

Returners - Do they give awards for the best return man anymore? I'm going to find out, and when I do, Derrick Williams gets it this season, hands down.

Coverage - This week was night-and-day better than earlier this year, never mind last season. Stupar was a monster at getting to the ball carrier, but the unit as a whole really clamped down on Wisconsin's return games. Looked like someone beat up these guys in practice the past few weeks, because they were out for blood.

COACHES :: A+

This is officially the Galen Hall & Jay Paterno show on offense. The "Spread HD" is sexier than sex itself. I wonder, when the coordinator of the year awards come out, who gets it? Galen or Jay? This wasn't old Penn State, conservative on the road, playing it safe. And I think Joe likes it, a lot. If I'm Ohio State, I'm getting very worried now that the prospect of a tight-assed Penn State gameplan is out the window. But this week we shouldn't overlook at the defense. Tom Bradley should get more respect for what he does with his group. With so many guys lost, from Sean Lee to the defensive tackles, to the injuries of Jerome Hayes and Devon Still, Bradley has done more with nothing than anyone in the nation. This is the first week I've given A+ to all four units.

*Ed-Later today, I'll post my top 25.

More below the fold...

Tuberville fires OC Franklin

Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville today fired his offensive coordinator, Tony Franklin. This is relevant to Penn State because of 2004. Not Auburn's undefeated 2004 season, but rather Penn State's 4-7 season that year. If you remember correctly, Penn State ranked pitifuly low most offensive categories. That was also the same season that brought us Galen Hall and the new beginnings of the "spread" at Penn State. If Tuberville were head coach at Penn State that season (I know, that hypothetical is filled with holes, but for the sake of argument...), Galen Hall would have been canned. He wasn't, and now Penn State is romping every opponent with one of the best spread attacks in college football.

You see, the SEC doesn't care about building anything, or giving anyone a chance. They need quick fixes, and wins... NOW. Franklin's offense this season at Auburn ranked in the mid-100s nationally in the big categories. It's WEEK SEVEN, and he's gone! Everyone knows that new offenses, especially going from an antiquated SEC attack to the spread, takes about three seasons, sometimes sooner, like Penn State in 2005. But for a program like Auburn, patience was absent when it was absolutely needed. It's frustrating, I know from experience.

I really thought Auburn would be able to run the spread this year. I drank the kool-aid after seeing QB Kodi Burns run around Clemson in the bowl. But it's not my responsibility to run that program. Head coaches and the football leadership at Auburn should have exercised better judgment before firing Franklin. Give the guy a freaking chance.

This could end up being really, really bad for Auburn. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

More below the fold...

P.S. I know U., 2008 - Part 5, The Coaches

This is the final installment for P.S. I know U., 2008. Today I'll look at the coaching staff, which is always a touchy subject with PSU fans. So it should be fun. As usual, this won’t be full of messy stats (even though I do love them, oh so much), but it also won’t be straight opinion. This is just to get everyone in the loop when it comes to the key figures for 2008. Hope you enjoyed P.S. I know U., 2008.

Just like I did with the players, I'll rate the coaches on three levels - Great, Good, Decent. ‘Great’ indicates that the coach will go down as one of the best in PSU and CFB history. ‘Good’ is a guy who PSU cannot do without, and is someone other schools would love to hire. ‘Decent’ are very serviceable coaches who get the job done with the team, but they're not superstars by any means. And before I even get that first nasty comment about Jay Paterno, yes, I put him as decent. He's surely not the best man for the job, but he would have been pushed out if it were all that bad.

Part 5, The Coaches - Head, Defense, Offense, Strength

:: Head Coach ::

Joe Paterno [HC; 43rd Season; 500 Games, 372-125-3] – Living God. Ok, so shoot me for drinking the Paterno Kool-Aid. I really don't care how many people want him to leave, he's done more for Penn State than most want to know. And although I've had harsh words about him in the past, I don't believe he should be fired before he wants to go (I just wish he'd figure out when that will be). Bringing PSU back from the lower depths of mediocrity, look for another double-digit win this season. 2007: 9-4 (4-4), Alamo Bowl win over Texas A&M; Trails Bobby Bowden by 1 in the all-time "major college" wins record.

:: Defense :: Tom Bradley, Kermitt Buggs, Larry Johnson Sr., Ron Vanderlinden

Tom Bradley [In Charge of Defense/Cornerbacks; 30th Season, 9th as DC; 337.8 ypg/20.2 ppg] - Great. I really would be shocked if PSU didn't name Bradley the HC when Joe Paterno retires. I'm not one for nepotism (we've all seen how great that worked out with Jay), but it wouldn't seem right if Bradley didn't get the job. His defenses have nearly carried this team the past few years. And quite honestly, I'm surprised he hasn't left for a HC elsewhere. Could that be an indication that he knows something we don't? Maybe, but for now, let's hope he does as good a job this year has he's done the past 30. 2007: 17.5 ypg/93.8 rush/214.5 pass; 1 shutout (Temple 31-0).

Ron Vanderlinden [Linebackers; 8th Season] - Great. Until you read about Vanderlinden, you don't get a good understanding for how good he really is. He's coaches defensive units at Colorado (1990 Nat'l Champs), Northwestern (1996 Big Ten Champs), and was head coach at Maryland prior to PSU. He also coached up the only two two-time Bednarik winners, Paul Posluszny and Pat Fitzgerald (Northwestern 1995 and '96, now head coach there). PSU can't pay this guy enough for what he's done in Happy Valley. Vanderlinden is the unsung hero of this coaching staff, and one of the most consistent position coaches in PSU history. 2007: LBs Connor and Lee named All-Big Ten; Connor named All-America, Bednarik winner, and 2nd Round NFL pick.

Larry Johnson Sr. [Defensive Line; 13th Season, 8th at DL] - Great. I challenge anyone to name a better defensive line coach in college football today. PSU has finished with the No. 7 rush defense the last two seasons, and was No. 2 overall nationally in sacks last year. He's coached up FIVE All-American defensive linemen, including four first-round draft picks, and the No. 1 overall pick in 2000 (Courtney Brown). Prior to taking over the defensive line spot, Johnson was soley in charge of the defensive ends (1996-99). He's a prime candidate to take over at DC, should Bradley get the nod at HC. Johnson also directs the punting unit, which has made enormous strides the past few seasons, including Ray Guy finalist Jeremy Kapinos, and All-Big Ten selection Jeremy Boone. 2007: 98.3 rush per game; DE Maurice Evans named All-America; P Boone named All-Big Ten.

Kermit Buggs [Safeties; 1st Season] - Decent. The loss of Brian Norwood to Baylor (hired as DC), left a gaping hole in the PSU defensive staff. Buggs had been PSU's player personnel coordinator since 2003, but not much more is known about his coaching abilities. He knows how PSU operates, and with the stable of good stafeties to work with this year, Buggs should be just fine. The true test will be if he can get Anthony Scirrotto back to his 2006 form. If he gets at least 1st Team All-Big Ten this year, we'll know Buggs is a keeper. 2007: Not on Coaching Staff.

:: Offense :: Galen Hall, Jay Paterno, Dick Anderson, Bill Kenney, Mike McQueary

Galen Hall [In Charge of Offense/Running Backs; 5th Season; 370.5 ypg/26.1 ppg] - Great. I'm not overrating him by saying he's great. The move back to a traditional offense led by QB Anthony Morelli really hampered the production under Hall, as he's more comfortable with the spread offense he ran at the tail-end of 2004 and during the championship season in '05. This year, I fully expect PSU to average more than 35 points per game with the spread offense and two mobile QBs. Hall's resume is long and distinguished, but you wouldn't know that, since PSU keeps him generally away from the press. He was OC at Oklahoma from '66-'83, and then HC at Florida from '84-'89 (40-18-1), where he won Coach of the Year in '84. As an assistant coach with the Dallas Cowboys, he developed Emmitt Smith into a Hall of Fame back, and since arriving at Penn State, has produced a 1000-yard back the past three seasons. He was starting QB for PSU from 1960-61. 2007: 30.3 ppg/193.8 rush/206.3 pass; 53-59 in Red Zone.

Jay Paterno [Quarterbacks; 14th Season, 9th at QB] - Decent. I'm not sure I want to delve to deeply into Jay Paterno. But for years, PSU fans have been clamoring for his removal. One NFL scout said of QB Anthony Morelli, he was "severely undercoached." That should really say it all, as Morelli just never made the progress we were all hoping for at PSU. Jay will probably have a better year this time around, as both Pat Devlin and Daryll Clark can make things happen with their feet, unlike Morelli. Jay's vision of the "Spread HD" seems to have become a punchline all spring and summer. We can only wait and see what that will be like. I'm not trying to get on his case today, but he was also recruiting coordinator from 1996-99. His later classes were the reason PSU suffered it's first two consecutive losing seasons in 2000 and 2001. Just thought I'd mention that. 2007: QB Morelli became the first PSU player to throw 2000 yards in two consecutive seasons.

Dick Anderson [Guards/Centers; 31st Season, 9th at G/C] - Great. Anderson has been around PSU since Joe Paterno, and played for Rip Engle at end (both ways). He's coached almost every offensive position at PSU, and was head coach at Rutgers, where he beat PSU in 1988. Something I didn't know until now, Anderson was the QB coach at PSU from 1993-1999. Does the name Kerry Collins ring a bell? Yeah, I'll let you think about that for a while. Anderson reminds me a lot of Ron Vanderlinden, in that he's unappreciated by most modern PSU fans. By the end of this season, however, everyone will know his name again, as it should be the best offensive line at PSU since 1994. 2007: C AQ Shipley and G Rich Ohrnberger named All-Big Ten; 193.8 rush ypg and only 20 sacks.

Bill Kenney [Tackles/Tight Ends; 21st Season] - Great. Kenney has been the OT/TE coach at PSU forever, and has produced some of the best players at those positions, including Levi Brown, Kareem McKenzie, Jeff Hartings and Kyle Brady. He was also recruiting coordinator in 1992. This will be the first time the OL comes back fully intact, and with two full seasons of experience together, Kenney's coaching abilities will shine. 2007: 193.8 rush ypg and only 20 sacks.

Mike McQueary [Wide Receivers/Recruiting Coordinator; 5th Season] - Good. Most PSU fans only remember McQueary as the starting QB in 1997. Now, he's known for constant beratement from Joe Paterno on the sidelines. But that's not a bad thing. McQueary has grown into the position, and has emerged as one of the hardest working coaches on staff. He's developed three of the best WRs in PSU history, and two of them were barely known upon arrival at PSU. His coaching efforts with these guys should finally pay off this year, as the offense should give them more opportunities to produce like they did in 2005. McQueary is also the recruiting coordinator, one of the best moves by Paterno in recent memory. 2007: WRs Butler, Williams and Norwood each had 40+ catches totalling 1646 yds; all three are in the top-10 all-time receiving charts at PSU.

:: Strength and Conditioning ::

John Thomas [Strength and Conditioning; 17th Season] - Great. Don't blame Thomas for PSU losing games in the fourth quarter, as it was lack of depth, not conditioning, which led to a few of those losses last season. Thomas came to PSU from the US Military Academy in 1991, and has since been named National Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year (1997) and Master of Strength and Conditioning Coach (2002). Thomas' pre-bowl workouts have been key to PSU's 3-0 post season record the last three years.

P.S. I know U., 2008:
Part 1, Offense
Part 2, Offense (cont’d)
Part, 3 Defense
Part, 4 Defense/Special Teams

More below the fold...