Syracuse looking for the next Stephfon Green

◊ Hide the women and children. Batten down the hatches. Syracuse just might have hired a head coach with a brain. Well, maybe, but at least he's on the right track.

In a Sporting News article today, Dave Curtis writes about newly-hired Orange(men) head coach Doug Marrone's quest to recruit better in the City of New York. Curtis smartly mentions Penn State's recent success in that state:

"Penn State, led by Brooklyn-raised Joe Paterno, has maintained a decent presence in New York. But there's an opening there for another school, and Marrone hopes he can fill it with the Orange."

Decent presence? Try these names on for size: Maurice Evans, Stephfon Green, and Ollie Ogbu. They're just three names from last season's roster from NYC (Nerraw McCormack and Shane Thompson were the two others). Evans came in much-heralded, but Green and Ogbu were very much under the radar. You want to bet that Marrone sees guys like Green, and knows deep down he can get them to the 'Cuse?

"We're not going to fill all our scholarships with kids from there," [Marrone] said in his office in December. "But we know the area. And we know that even though the talent might not be fully developed, we know there is talent there."

That has Green written all over it. So, Penn State, this is your second warning (the first being Rutgers a few years ago): watch out, because there's another school looking to tap into your recruiting lines.

Think Penn State is really worried? Me neither.

More below the fold...

Poll Results: Maybin and Evans should have stayed at PSU

In what has been a very heated topic over the last week, readers have spoken. According to two recent polls here at ZN, readers indicated that both Maurice Evans and Aaron Maybin should have stayed with Penn State for at least another season before entering the NFL draft. The results are very interesting, as 95 percent said that Evans made the bad move, while only 59 percent said Maybin should have stayed.

More below the fold...

Evans joins Maybin, turning pro

FOS has been a busy little thing, hasn't it? Now the site is reporting that Maurice Evans will forgo his senior season, and declare for the NFL draft. If you thought Aaron Maybin made a bad move, this easily trumps that. Evans season was marred from the start, and completely killed by the mary-jane incident. I'm not sure what the scouts told him, but he must like a few hundred-thousand dollars more than school. He'll probably go on the second day, especially with the "character" issues, but you know what, we can't get down with this. We can only hope he and Maybin represent Penn State well on the next level.

But I'm still really, really pissed off at this. Does this show something on the Larry Johnson, Sr. front that Penn State isn't telling us? When your two best ends take off like bats out of hell, it sends a message.

More below the fold...

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...

Blue & White Roundtable :: MICHIGAN

No. 3 Penn State hosts Michigan for Homecoming. Y.F. Yurasko thought some questions were appropriate.

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

Penn State is undefeated and ranked #3 in both major polls. Have they been tested yet?

ZN: If Penn State can go into Madison, in a night game, and demolish Wisconsin as they did, then yes, the test has been passed. I'm sure worried about going to Ohio State, and the final game hosting Michigan State. Even throw in there the trip to Iowa as one I'm slightly concerned about. But I really believe that this Penn State team is THAT GOOD, to come out undefeated. I don't think Penn State will be given any sort of "vote of confidence" from the media, like, for instance the one Texas got this week, or Alabama three weeks ago. Everyone's definition of "Test" seems to be, "can Penn State win a tough, close game?" Well, if Penn State does in fact blow out the rest
of its schedule, then will they pass this mythical "test?"

What unit or player is most responsible for the Nittany Lions success this season?

ZN: I should say Daryll Clark, but he's too obvious. I'll go with Aaron Maybin/Defensive Line. No team has been able to consistently run on Penn State, which forces the opposition to pass way more than they want to. Look at Wisconsin. They wanted, desperately, to run the ball, but couldn't. That allowed Penn State to rush only four and drop seven. If Penn State can end up doing that, there's no question about its defensive ability to win games.

How can Michigan beat Penn State on Saturday?

ZN: Turnovers. Force Daryll Clark to throw an interception. Rip the ball out of Evan Royster's hands. Block a kick. Michigan needs cheap points, and to get Penn State out of rhythm. They're not going to win on offense, and they won't win by stopping Penn State with defense. But they can for Penn State into mistakes. That will keep the crowd out of it (for a while, at least) and give Michigan a chance, however slim.

Bonus

Going up for Homecoming?

Nope. Want to, but... um... nope.

What do you think is going through Maurice Evans head these days?

"Sacks? Who needs freaking sacks? We could win the
national-freaking-championship!"

Where were you the last time Penn State beat Michigan?

Seventh Grade.

Will Joe Paterno be on the sidelines for any of the game?

I don't think he has to be, so... no.

More below the fold...

Blue & White Roundtable :: Boiling up a win

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ZN: No Comment.

Lightening Round.

-Royster over 100 yards?

Yes.

-Curtis Painter throws first TD ever vs. PSU?

Yes.

-Pat Devlin gets meaningful playing time?

No.

More below the fold...

Blue & White Roundtable :: Big Ten opener

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lightening Round

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

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

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

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

Put it on the line – final score:

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

More below the fold...

Run down of JoePa's presser

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More below the fold...

Evans and Koroma return

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

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

From Rivals.com:

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

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

More below the fold...

Blue & White Roundtable :: Livin' on a Prayer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lightening Round

Penn State throws its first interception this week? NO.

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

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

More below the fold...

Evans and Koroma: Early Reactions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

This is some scary stuff right now.

More below the fold...

Evans and Koroma charged

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

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

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

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

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

More below the fold...

Preview, Game 2: No. 19 Penn State vs. Oregon State

Kickoff: Sat., Sept. 6. 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN

Weather Forecast: Strong chance for Rain; Warm.

Host: No. 19 Penn State Nittany Lions
Record: 1-0 (0-0, Big Ten)
Last Game: Defeated Coastal Carolina 66-10
Injuries: DE Maurice Evans (suspension - out game), DT Abe Koroma (suspension - out game), TE Andrew Quarless (suspension - out game), 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; (defense) S Anthony Scirrotto, LB Josh Hull
Head Coach: Joe Paterno, 43rd season, 373-125-3
Season Statistics:
Offense - 334 rush/260 pass/66 points per game
Defense - 52 rush/198 pass/10 points per game
TO Margin - (+1)

Why PSU will win -- The rushing game: If Stanford can rip off 210 yards against Oregon State, then Penn State shouldn’t have too much trouble. But this week, PSU has to be ready for a team that’s no Coastal Carolina. OSU has won at least nine games two years in a row, and won its last two bowl games. But OSU did lose to Stanford. Penn State will need to keep the ball as long as possible this week, with the suspensions on defense. Special Teams: It’s supposed to rain, a lot. If so, this one can come right down to the special teams play. I’m guessing Kevin Kelly will hit one of two this week, but the return games and punting will be stellar. Even if AJ Wallace doesn’t play (I think he will), Penn State should enjoy great field position on a soggy field.

Visitor: Oregon State Beavers
Record: 0-1 (0-1, Pac 10)
Last Game: Lost @ Stanford 36-28
Injuries: G Jeremy Perry (Knee - Possible), C Marcus Henderson (Mono - Possible)
Key Players: (offense) QB Lyle Moevao, WR Sam Stroughter; (defense) LB Bryant Cornell, DL Victor Butler
Head Coach: Mike Riley, 8th season @ OSU, 47-39
Season Statistics:
Offense - 86 rush/404 pass/28 points per game
Defense - 210 rush/91 pass/36 points per game
TO Margin - (-2)

Why OSU will win -- Turnovers: Get Penn State out of its groove early, and this one could go Oregon State’s way in a hurry. And now with the PSU suspensions, OSU will be looking for every way to take advantage. With slippery conditions possible, look for the OSU defenders to constantly rip for the ball. I’m not sure OSU can go toe-to-toe with PSU if it turns into a shootout, but the Beavers would love for it to come to that. The Passing Game: Oregon State was reduced to chucking the ball around once behind at Stanford. This week, Mike Riley already said the key will be balance. But I really think the balance for OSU will come from the passing game. Get the PSU secondary nice and soft, then send a few runs right at the depleted PSU defensive line. It’s a tough task, even if the PSU defense will be watered down, but not entirely impossible.

What will happen: I just don’t see PSU losing this game. But OSU will scare the hell out of PSU fans. Once PSU pulls away from a tight game, ESPN will talk more about the recent off-the-field issues, instead of the game itself. Daryll Clark will look great again, but the running game will be even better. The defense will be surprisingly stout, but not by PSU standards. The PSU wideouts will shine.

Prediction: No. 19 Penn State, 38 - Oregon State, 24

More below the fold...

Evans, Koroma and Quarless out this week

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

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

More below the fold...

UPDATE :: Weed found in 5204

Yes, marijuana was found in the apartment--which will forever be known as just '5204'--where Evans, Koroma, Wallace live and, newly discovered, Andrew Quarless hung out last night. I'm not so sure this will be as bad as we all thought. I know it's weed, but there's a lot of questions going around right now, which the police don't have answers to, yet.

"Drug law charges will be filed soon, Moerschbacher said, adding police could not specifically say who might be charged in connection with the incident. He said police are still investigating to determine who had possession of the marijuana... Exactly what charges will be filed is hard to say at this point, Moerschbacher said... Evans, Wallace, Quarless and Koroma have not been charged with any crime, Moerschbacher said."

Who had the weed? Well, it seems like this kid did:

"When police arrived at the residence, an officer spoke with Aristides A. Nova (senior-engineering), who told police he does not reside in the residence and was only staying there temporarily, according to the warrant."

Wallace said he wasn't even there, and it seems a bit shady that when Nova shows up, so does the weed. Let's hope this isn't heading down the worst case scenario route, but that Penn State football can move on.

More below the fold...

Here we go again; Police 'respond' to players' residence

Not much is known about this yet, but it seems right now that it's nothing. We'll see. I'm sure it will get blown up, if the media has anything to do with it. Penn State should just call up ESPN right now, sort of a preemptive strike.

"Police entered apartment 5204 late last night for unknown reasons. According to the directory, defensive end Maurice Evans, cornerback A.J. Wallace and defensive tackle Abe Koroma live in apartment 5204."

Wow, that's some fine investigative journalism there, young Collegian grasshopper. Keep it up, and someday you might work for Outside The Lines.

More below the fold...

MSM Working Hard; All-Americans and Bowl Projections

Yes, it's game week, and with only two more days before football--holy shit, really, you should watch Oregon State Thursday night--the Main Stream Media is churning out readership inflators like Joe Paterno mumbles on-air. Both SI.com and ESPN.com came out with debatable content, SI's All-American team, and ESPN's bowl projections. And before I go any further, PSU is represented well in both.

First, on SI's All-American team, Maurice Evans is the first DE listed. It would have been easy to just say he's good at sacking the quarterback (duh, if you're AA, you should be), but SI was kind enough to do some real research and point out that Mo forced five fumbles last year, two of which came in the come-back win over Texas A&M in the Alamo Bowl. Stats like that go much further when determining if a guys is just a player, or a play-maker. George Selvie of USF came in at the other DE spot. Who would have thought the team PSU played in its 2005 opener would be thinking BCS bid only two seasons later.

Heading over to ESPN.com, Mark Schlabach and Bruce Feldman gave their bowl projections for 2008. Feldman, while once admitting to me he always liked PSU, was a bit more skeptical of the Lions this season. He slotted them for the Outback Bowl against Tennessee. Hey, at least it's on New Years Day, folks. Schlabach put PSU a bit higher, facing off with Auburn in the Capital One Bowl. Personally, I'd like to see that happen (not over a BCS bid, of course), so that PSU could have a chance at redemption for the Tigers' upset win over PSU in the 2003 Capital One Bowl. Yeah, that was my first bowl game live, and it was quite disappointing.

I should mention that Wisconsin and Ohio State were the two teams ahead of PSU in both sets of picks. Schlabach said OSU would be in the BCS title game, with Wisconsin going to the Rose. Feldman doesn't think OSU will make the big game, going to the Rose, with Wisky in the Capital One.

I'd take three January bowl appearances in four years. But I'd like two bowl wins in three years over SEC foes even better.

More below the fold...

2008 Herbies: Where's the love?

I'm still convinced Kirk Herbstreit is a closet Penn State fan. But this time around, his eighth annual Herbie Awards had a bit less love for the Lions. There was the customary pitch for PSU as the best student section, as Herbie has been infatuated with the Whiteout since Ohio State 2005. We're always glad to have that feather in our cap.

"1. Penn State -- If you haven't been to Happy Valley in the fall, you're missing out on one of the great happenings in all of sports. Quite simply the loudest, most supportive student section in college football."

Coming in second...Florida (muahahahaha!)

In another PSU plug, Herbie named Tom Bradley and his defense No. 5 overall, alongside Pete Carroll (No. 1), Willie Martinez (No. 2), Will Muschamp (No. 3) and Jim Heacock (No. 4). Not bad company.

And before I go negative, I'll mention that PSU was listed next to MSU for sleepers in the Big Ten this year. (It was a "Penn State/Michigan St" sort of thing) So that's positive. But now for my gripe.

Maurice Evans wasn't even listed as one of the top SEVEN defensive ends in college football. Mr. Herbstreit, we as PSU fans love you. You've supported us in our dark times, and cheered us in the light. But now you disappoint us, as well as many of your colleagues who voted Evans All-America last year. But I guess we shouldn't be all that shocked, since you also chose to leave off Greg Middleton of Indiana. He, after all, only led the nation in sacks last season!

We still love you, Herbie, and get GameDay back to PSU!

More below the fold...

P.S. I know U., 2008 – Part 3, Defense

I’ll go over the two and three-deep this week for the Penn State offense, defense and special teams. Then on Monday, we’ll look at the coaching staff. 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 enjoy P.S. I know U., 2008.

As I did in Part 1 and Part 2 , I’ll describe each player in one of three ways - Great, Good, Decent. ‘Great’ indicates that player is a sure starter, and should get all-conference or All-America. ‘Good’ means that player is a solid starter, someone the team can rely on to do the job. ‘Decent’ goes to many of the backups who will see time in the rotations. I figure there isn’t a player on the two or three deep that is below decent, or PSU is in real trouble.

Part 4, Defense - Front Seven

:: Linemen :: [Ends] Maurice Evans, Aaron Maybin, Josh Gaines, Jerome Hayes, Eric Latimore, [Tackles] Jared Odrick, Ollie Ogbu, Tom McEowen, Abe Koroma, Chima Okoli

[Ends]
No. 48. Maurice Evans. [DE, Jr., 6-2/264] – Great. Consensus All-America in ’07, Evans is on his way to PSU history. He’s one of the players I won’t go into with too much detail, as he’s one of the most recognizable players in the nation going into this season. Barring any problems, he should continue his freakish dominance of opposing quarterbacks. 2007: 54 tkl, 21.5 tfl, 12.5 sks, 5 ff, 1 fr.

No. 47. Josh Gaines. [DE, RS Sr.., 6-1/275] – Good. Who doesn’t like Josh Gaines? His humble demeanor off the field is far from his play-making ability on the field. He and Evans frequently flipped positions, constantly keeping opposing offenses guessing. He’s a very productive member of one of the best defensive fronts in all college football. Gaines should be a candidate for post-season honors on the conference level. 2007: 40 tkl, 5 tfl, 2.5 sks, 1 qbh, 1 ff.

No. 5. Jerome Hayes. [DE, RS Jr., 6-2/246] – Great. If it wasn’t for the injuries, Hayes might have become one of the best pass-rushers in the Big Ten. On of the smartest moves this coaching staff has done in a long time is move him from LB to DE, as his speed and strength is just unblockable. In a weird twist of fate for me, when I was in Mt. Sinai hospital last summer, one of the orderlies working with me was Jerome’s father-in-law. Nice guy. 2007: 17 tkl, 3 tfl, 2.5 sks.

No. 59. Aaron Maybin. [DE, JR Soph., 6-4/236] – Good. Maybin burst onto the scene last year when he plowed into Notre Dame QB Jimmy Clausen. He went on to sub behind Evans and Gaines, eventually earning more playing time when Hayes went down. Maybin was named to several All-Freshman teams, and adds a great deal of depth to the end spot. When he wasn’t at end, Maybin played special teams. He should take a more involved role this fall. 2007: 12 tkl, 4.5 tfl, 4 sks, 1 ff.

No. 56. Eric Latimore. [DE, RS Fr., 6-6/262] – Decent. The coaching staff raved about Latimore all spring, saying his towering stature could help him knock down any pass thrown his way. He starred in both football and basketball in HS, which shows in his good agility to get through blocking schemes. He’ll be a great backup this season. 2007: No Stats Accumulated

[Tackles]
No. 85. Ollie Ogbu. [DT, RS Soph., 6-1/292] – Good. Ogbu was a major factor in coach Larry Johnson’s DL rotation last season. He was also named to several All-Freshman teams following the year, and could very well contend for All-Big Ten honors in ‘08. He’s not the biggest tackle you’ll see, but he is extremely quick and elusive. Ogbu gave teams like Wisconsin, Ohio State and Texas A&M fits when trying to block him. He was a real pleasant surprise last year. 2007: 18 tkl, 10 tfl, 1 sk.

No. 91. Jared Odrick. [DT, Jr., 6-5/308] – Great. Odrick complements Ollie Ogbu in that Jared uses his brute strength and size to over-power the opposing linemen. It was really unfortunate last year when he dislocated his ankle against Indiana, as he was really emerging as one of the outstanding tackles in the Big Ten. He was an Army AA with Evans, A.J. Wallace and the departed Chris Bell. Even with the injuries, he’s played in 19 games the last two seasons, starting seven last year. Odrick should be an unquestionable candidate for All-Big Ten honors. 2007: 16 tkl, 4 tfl, 2 sks, 1 blk’d kick.

No. 97. Abe Koroma. [DT, RS Soph., 6-3/316] – Good. Abe is one of Joe Paterno’s favorite linemen, as he constantly praised his work last season and this spring. It’s almost a shame how well PSU has recruited the DL recently, as guys like Koroma could start for 100 other FBS schools. Luckily for PSU, he’s in Happy Valley, and could become a great member of this DL rotation. He won the Jim O’Hora award this spring, for his exceptional attitude and work eithic. 2007: 7 tkl, 0.5 tfl, 1 fr.

No. 55. Tom McEowen. [DT, RS Soph., 6-4/274] – Decent. McEowen has been bitten by the injury bug during his time at PSU. He first saw action in 2006, but left mid-season. Then, during winter ’07 workouts, he tore his ACL. Amazingly enough, he recovered in time to play last season. I look for Tom to become a key factor in this year’s rotation, as he played in five of the last six games in ‘07. 2007: No Stats Accumulated.

No. 92. Chima Okoli. [DE, RS Fr., 6-4/287] – Decent. You’ll see a lot more of Chima as 2008 progresses. He was redshirted last season, but made some noise coming out of spring practice this year. Okoli wasn’t a super-recruit like some of the others on this line, but he’s had a great work eithic so far, which should guarantee the coaches will find him some time on the field. He’s one of the great “depth” guys coach LJ has to work with. 2007: No Stats Accumulated.

:: Linebackers :: [1st Team] Tyrell Sales (Fritz), Bani Gbadyu (Sam), Josh Hull (Backer), [2nd Team] Navorro Bowman, Nate Stupar, Chris Colasanti, Mike Mauti

[1st Team] (Ed. Note-There are a lot of ‘decent’ grades in the LBs, but that’s only due to inexperience. The talent is definitely there.)
No. 46. Tyrell Sales [‘Fritz’ OLB, RS Sr., 6-2/233] – Good. Sales is one of those guys who works very hard, without much recognition for it. That’s not to say the coaches don’t appreciate him. It’s the fan base that has grown to love its All-American LBs year after year. Sales isn’t Posluszny, Connor or Lee. But he’ll be a major stabilizer on defense this year. He’s played in every game since his redshirt-frosh season (2005), and has 86 tkl, 7.5 tfl and 3 sks over three years. The lone returning starter, Sales’ experience should make a huge impact on an otherwise green linebacking corps. 2007: 50 tkl, 5.5 tfl, 3 sks.

No. 15. Bani Gbadyu [‘Sam’ OLB, RS Soph., 6-1/221] - Decent. Watching Gbadyu come on the last two games against Michigan State and Texas A&M really impressed me. He had some monster stops at East Lansing, even if the rest of the defense didn’t do so well. Reports from practice have him running faster than any other LB, which more than compensates for his lack of size. With so many teams on this year’s schedule running spread-style attacks, Bani’s speed will definitely come in handy. And like Sales, he’s a great student, earning Dean’s List recognition this past spring. 2007: Played 133 snaps; 6 tkl.

No. 43. Josh Hull [‘Backer’ ILB, RS Jr., 6-3/231] - Good. If you thought Gbaydu quietly made a big statement in ’07, take a look at Josh Hull. The coaching staff is falling all over themselves with this guy. He was instrumental in the bowl victory, notching 2 tkl and 0.5 tfl. Hull walked on at PSU, out of nearby Penns Valley HS. Due to the injuries to Bowman and Dontey Brown (no longer at PSU), Hull was officially inserted into the LB rotation prior to the win over Wisconsin, where he had 2 tkl and a pbu. I personally love his size, which will serve him well covering the middle of the field. Plus, he’s continuing the trend of great student-athletes at LB, earning Dean’s List all last school year. 2007: Played 292 snaps; 18 tkl, 1 tfl, 1 pbu.

[2nd Team]
No. 18. Navorro Bowman [OLB, RS Soph., 6-/228] - Decent. Bowman was in Joe Paterno’s dog house for a good long time this year, but could quickly work his way out. He had a great showing in ’07, but a mid-season injury slowed him considerably. The 2005 Maryland Player of the Year, Bowman was part of the excellent ’06 recruiting class. He’s very quick, and has a great nose for the ball, registering a sack, forced fumble, fumble recovery, pbu, and blocked a kick last season. That sort of production is needed without Sean Lee out there. 2007: Played 307 snaps; 16 tkl, 2.5 tfl, 1 sk, 1 ff, 1 fr, 1 pbu, 1 blk’d kick.

No. 34. Nate Stupar [OLB, RS Fr., 6-1/220] - Decent. Nate’s father (PSU), three uncles (PSU) and grandfather (Tenn) all played college football. Stupar doesn’t have one things he’s particularly good at, but is one of the best all-around players at his position. I’m not sure if PSU is doing this purposely, but this guy is yet another fantastic student playing LB. He was named PA Defensive Player of the Year in ’06. I expect him to get a lot of playing time this season. 2007: No Stats Accumulated; recorded 6 tkl in both ’07 and ’08 B/W Games.

No. 53. Chris Colasanti [ILB, Soph., 6-2/232] - Decent. If there’s one guy who reminds me a lot of Posluszny, it’s Chris. He has fantastic size, and almost killed Derrick Williams this spring, leveling a hit so hard, D-Will didn’t get up for a few minutes. But the best part about the former super-recruit is that PSU grabbed him away from his home-state school, Michigan. He was one of only two true freshmen to play at all in ’07, which should indicate what the coaching staff thinks of his abilities. He should emerge as a co-starter in the middle by year’s end. Oh, and as if it wasn’t ridiculous enough, he’s yet another Dean’s List student playing LB at PSU this year, and could contend for Academic AA. 2007: Played 48 snaps; 3 tkl.

No. 42. Mike Mauti [ILB, RS Jr., 6-2/220] - Decent. I’m throwing Mauti in here because he did so well in the Army AA Game, and the coaches wanted to get him on the field so badly, they moved him to safety for the spring game. He may not see the field much this year, but redshirting a guy like this can only guarantee long-term success for PSU at this position. If he does play this year, expect a lot of special teams work. 2007: No Stats Accumulated.

Coming Tomorrow: Part 4, Secondary and Special Teams

P.S. I know U., 2008:
Part 1, Offense
Part 2, Offense (cont’d)

More below the fold...

Poll Results: Mo Evans leaving early for NFL?

The rumor mill was hard at work this summer, indicating PSU All-American DE Maurice Evans might leave early for the NFL. I'm personally not so sure this will happen, but then again, PSU fans weren't sure if Justin King would stick around. By a very, very slight margin (51%-48%), ZN readers felt Evans will enter the NFL draft following this football season. We can only hope this won't happen.


*Editorial Note: This week's First Look: Michigan State Spartans will be posted tonight sometime. Sorry for the delay. And be sure to vote in this week's ZN reader poll: Leading PSU receiver in '08 will be... below.

More below the fold...