2015 Penn State Football
- Thread starter SoxJox
- Start date
SoxJox said:
Hill was never committed to Michigan, he's from Michigan. But he did make a visit (for the BBQ at the Big House) recently, and appears to be on the fence.
4-star safety Andrew Pryts commits. Penn State fended off UCLA, Ohio State, Notre Dame, and Stanford among others to land the 6-foot-1, 200 pound prospect. He's the 20th commit for the 2016 class.
Adam Breneman not listed at tight end on this week's depth chart.
Saturday's game against Temple appears to be on ESPN.
The first depth chart. Keep an eye on true freshman RB Saquon Barkley.
http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/psu/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/depth_chart_non_event/depthchart_8_31.pdf
Saturday's game against Temple appears to be on ESPN.
The first depth chart. Keep an eye on true freshman RB Saquon Barkley.
http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/psu/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/depth_chart_non_event/depthchart_8_31.pdf
Probably giving him additional time to strengthen from his ACL surgery. With Gesicki, Carter, and Wilkerson there likely won't be a noticeable difference, although I do look for the Lions to use the TE more effectively ion the passing game this year. Especially early on to give time to evaluate what level of improvement has materialized within the offensive line.
Also worth noting, only 10 Seniors at the top of each of the 30 listed positions. 10 are either true SO or FR.
Also worth noting, only 10 Seniors at the top of each of the 30 listed positions. 10 are either true SO or FR.
Getting younger ... is that a good thing or bad thing? I know it is necessary and is part of the rebuilding process.
I feel bad for Breneman. Along with Hackenberg, he was the leader of that freshman class that for the most part chose to stay in 2012. Chronic knee problems can take away the burst that separates elite players from average ones. Gesicki has basically replaced Breneman anyway.
Do you trust that OL? Mostly the same guys, with a year's experience under their belt. Now we find out what kind of line coach Herb Hand is. We already know he is very good on Twitter and other social media. Looking for results on the field this year. Hackenberg needs some time in the pocket without a jailbreak on every other play.
Also, I am not sold on Paris Palmer at LT.
And Temple is no pushover. This could be very similar to the Rutgers game in New Brunswick last September although it should be a Penn State crowd, even in a Philly stadium.
I feel bad for Breneman. Along with Hackenberg, he was the leader of that freshman class that for the most part chose to stay in 2012. Chronic knee problems can take away the burst that separates elite players from average ones. Gesicki has basically replaced Breneman anyway.
Do you trust that OL? Mostly the same guys, with a year's experience under their belt. Now we find out what kind of line coach Herb Hand is. We already know he is very good on Twitter and other social media. Looking for results on the field this year. Hackenberg needs some time in the pocket without a jailbreak on every other play.
Also, I am not sold on Paris Palmer at LT.
And Temple is no pushover. This could be very similar to the Rutgers game in New Brunswick last September although it should be a Penn State crowd, even in a Philly stadium.
I'm not sold on PP either. I'm expecting that he will be moved out of the blind side position in short order. His backup, FR/SO Chance Sorrell came out of HS as a TE, so he should at least be agile. But, again, young.
At least one thing going for the OL this year, with the notable exception of PP, is that each is now in their preferred/strong position, and hopefully can remain there without scattering due to injuries the way they had to right out of the blocks last year. Not only were they young last year, they were juggled and re-ordered like a jigsaw puzzle, as well. If the word on Strength Coach Dwight Galt is to be believed, everyone is bigger and stronger. Supposedly PP lost 30+ "bad" pounds before Galt went to work on him. PP is listed at 302 on the DC but I think he hasn't quite gotten back to that weight based on other reports.
At least one thing going for the OL this year, with the notable exception of PP, is that each is now in their preferred/strong position, and hopefully can remain there without scattering due to injuries the way they had to right out of the blocks last year. Not only were they young last year, they were juggled and re-ordered like a jigsaw puzzle, as well. If the word on Strength Coach Dwight Galt is to be believed, everyone is bigger and stronger. Supposedly PP lost 30+ "bad" pounds before Galt went to work on him. PP is listed at 302 on the DC but I think he hasn't quite gotten back to that weight based on other reports.
Predictions?
I think they win 8, but that means they have to beat Temple and I'm not overly convinced. Losses to Michigan, Ohio State, Michigan State and Maryland.
I think they win 8, but that means they have to beat Temple and I'm not overly convinced. Losses to Michigan, Ohio State, Michigan State and Maryland.
I think it could be a Jekyll and Hyde year, with the second half defined by how the first half goes. Certainly Temple should not be taken for granted, although Penn State dominated them last year - holding them to something like ~250 yds total offense, and 70+ of that coming on one play. And while Temple is "away", then comes 5 straight homes games. I don't think Buffalo, San Diego State, Army or Indiana will put up much resistance. Rutgers could be a thorn, but their coach is in a little bit of hot water, which might serve as a distraction. And with the earlier "war of words" between Franklin and Flood, Penn State will likely will be further motivated.
I think losses to tOSU and MSU are foregone conclusions - although despite all the OL woes last year, Penn State still took the Tree Nuts to OT. A very bad call influenced that game you may recall.
I see Penn State beating the Maze and Blue, but expect it to be close.
The wrench is Maryland. They start the season with an untested QB (he was 3rd on the depth chart last year), but I expect they'll have the position settled by that time of year. The hubbub at midfield last year after the coin toss did not sit well with the Lions, and I've seen several comments about it from the players in numerous articles. I see the Happy Valleyites taking down the turtles with relish. But, again, close.
Final: 9-3, with Penn State splitting the toss up games (Michigan and Maryland)
I think losses to tOSU and MSU are foregone conclusions - although despite all the OL woes last year, Penn State still took the Tree Nuts to OT. A very bad call influenced that game you may recall.
I see Penn State beating the Maze and Blue, but expect it to be close.
The wrench is Maryland. They start the season with an untested QB (he was 3rd on the depth chart last year), but I expect they'll have the position settled by that time of year. The hubbub at midfield last year after the coin toss did not sit well with the Lions, and I've seen several comments about it from the players in numerous articles. I see the Happy Valleyites taking down the turtles with relish. But, again, close.
Final: 9-3, with Penn State splitting the toss up games (Michigan and Maryland)
It's not the Red Sox Ft Myers truck, but the Penn State equipment rig looks awesome.
Apologies...can't embed videos from this machine.
Apologies...can't embed videos from this machine.
Black Shoe Diaries' take on this week's game at Temple.
And PennLive's prediction: PSU 19 - Temple 6
I'm looking for something more like PSU 38 - Temple 13.
And PennLive's prediction: PSU 19 - Temple 6
I'm looking for something more like PSU 38 - Temple 13.
Franklin said Breneman may not play this season, due to unspecified injury, according to FoxSports article.SoxJox said:
Paris Palmer (73) impersonating a subway turnstile:
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=13591924&ex_cid=espnTW
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=13591924&ex_cid=espnTW
A couple of more games like this and I expect the remaining prize recruits for the 2016 class to flee elsewhere...and wouldn't be surprised to see previously-committed recruits pack up their pens and sign with other schools, Franklin's "recruiting genius" notwithstanding.
This is the type of post a fan hates to make, but in an effort to look in the mirror, here's a one-stop shop of the 10 sacks Hackenberg suffered on Saturday. Ugly.
If this is the Jekyll and Hyde season I foresaw, Jekyll arrived a bit earlier than expected.
If this is the Jekyll and Hyde season I foresaw, Jekyll arrived a bit earlier than expected.
Shit's probably going to get bad pretty quickly in Happy Valley, honestly.
Everything has regressed after watching Week 1. The line is horrible, Hackenberg really has an extremely limited skillset and is highly inconsistent at that, playcalling was atrocious and the secondary is in shambles after losing its best player for the year.
I'm not a fan of Penn State, just a follower and have many friends who live/breath PSU football, but have a feeling they'll be turning on Franklin after they lose to Illinois.
Everything has regressed after watching Week 1. The line is horrible, Hackenberg really has an extremely limited skillset and is highly inconsistent at that, playcalling was atrocious and the secondary is in shambles after losing its best player for the year.
I'm not a fan of Penn State, just a follower and have many friends who live/breath PSU football, but have a feeling they'll be turning on Franklin after they lose to Illinois.
You are more than right. I PM'ed this thought with terrynever, but will share here: I held judgment last year, but this first game revealed quite a bit to me regarding Franklin. His greatest quality may wind up being his undoing - loyalty to his coaching staff, when in the face of very clear evidence that Donovan, in particular, is in WAY over his head.
OL coach Herb Hand's nostrils are below the surface as well.
Of Hack's 44 sacks last year, I'd clearly place the blame on his shoulders for 12-15 of those, simply by holding the ball too long - in those rare instances when the line did give him time. But honestly, I don't know if it's even possible to get a legitimate read on his current skillset because in this game he had almost no time - certainly less that 3 seconds in most sacks - to react at all.
Secondary is still intact. It's the linebacking crew that was dinged with the loss of MLB Nyeem Wartman-White, and the less than stellar play of his two backups, Gary Wooten and Von Walker, which is disappointing since they are a JR and SR, respectively, and should be more experienced
In a funny footnote, the players literally buried the game film.
OL coach Herb Hand's nostrils are below the surface as well.
Of Hack's 44 sacks last year, I'd clearly place the blame on his shoulders for 12-15 of those, simply by holding the ball too long - in those rare instances when the line did give him time. But honestly, I don't know if it's even possible to get a legitimate read on his current skillset because in this game he had almost no time - certainly less that 3 seconds in most sacks - to react at all.
Secondary is still intact. It's the linebacking crew that was dinged with the loss of MLB Nyeem Wartman-White, and the less than stellar play of his two backups, Gary Wooten and Von Walker, which is disappointing since they are a JR and SR, respectively, and should be more experienced
In a funny footnote, the players literally buried the game film.
Franklin's a CEO. He isn't a coach, necessarily, but has to surround himself with assistants that can coach indeed. There is no proof Donovan has any idea what he's doing and his trackrecord of 14 games so far is piss-poor. It's like they have no idea what to do with a QB that can't run for his life. That's the sign of bad coaching.
What kills me is Franklin and his staff installed their Vandy offense, instead of tailoring something that fit Hack's skill set. But Franklin has made it pretty clear that the O-Line is the problem, not his offensive scheme. He is "re-evaluating" his offensive. Coaches this week, according to pennlive.com.
I'm guessing backup QB Trace McSorley is a better fit for the offense than Hack. He is mobile. Hack is not mobile, cannot slide in the pocket, seems tentative instead of authoritative coming out of the huddle, freezing in the moments before the snap when he is identifying where pressure may be coming. The Temple defensive captain said after the game that they felt Hack was panicking at the line of scrimmage. Some of them sensed from his body language that Hack gave up in the fourth quarter.
This is almost a Bledsoe-Brady situation, just waiting for someone to knock Hack into next year.
I'm guessing backup QB Trace McSorley is a better fit for the offense than Hack. He is mobile. Hack is not mobile, cannot slide in the pocket, seems tentative instead of authoritative coming out of the huddle, freezing in the moments before the snap when he is identifying where pressure may be coming. The Temple defensive captain said after the game that they felt Hack was panicking at the line of scrimmage. Some of them sensed from his body language that Hack gave up in the fourth quarter.
This is almost a Bledsoe-Brady situation, just waiting for someone to knock Hack into next year.
Granted most people in this thread probably already know this, but here's how the stripeout is expected to look Saturday against Rutgers.
That'll be amazing if they pull it off. This wouldn't have a shot in hell at working at Michigan.
Penn State is now a gimmick program. Just win some games, okay?sfip said:Granted most people in this thread probably already know this, but here's how the stripeout is expected to look Saturday against Rutgers.
I'll eat my crow, they filled it to 95 or so percent.
Barkley is electric, like Madden-player electric. Hackenberg is terrible, no way is he back next season. F they had a competent backup I doubt he'd be starting. No accuracy, no ability to read a defense, and no feel for the game. NFL stud, my ass.
Barkley is electric, like Madden-player electric. Hackenberg is terrible, no way is he back next season. F they had a competent backup I doubt he'd be starting. No accuracy, no ability to read a defense, and no feel for the game. NFL stud, my ass.
That was eons ago. He's had three decent games in the past two years. He might be a complete head case and that is causing him to suck, I don't know, but he does suck.twibnotes said:
He can't throw a quick slant to a RB and have the ball be above the guys' knees if his life depended on it.
I don't have access to it from this computer, but I was reading a post-game analysis that suggested this game had more to it than met the eyes from the fan in the stands. Several post-game comments from the receivers credited Hackenberg with checking out of pass plays when he saw the defensive lineup made a run the much better choice. They PRAISED him for it. And when you have Lynch and Barkley running for 120 on 10 (1 TD) and 195 on 21 (2 TDs), respectively, it's hard to argue against that. It just wasn't a game in which the full load had to be carried by Hack. That's actually good for a change.
Did Hack again miss receivers when little pressure was there? Is the room for improvement? Does it appear the Lions are heading in the right direction? Yes, yes, and yes.
Did Hack again miss receivers when little pressure was there? Is the room for improvement? Does it appear the Lions are heading in the right direction? Yes, yes, and yes.
I love Barkley but he has torn up mediocre defenses these past two games. Let's see how he runs in conference games when his O-Line can't control the line of scrimmage the way they are right now. The passing game better be ready by then.
Hackenberg is not a head case. But he does miss Obie's coaching and the former offense. He might be a solid third-round pick if he comes out. Give him three years as a backup and he might even succeed in the NFL. No way does he walk right in and start.
Maybe O'Brien would pick Hack with a third-rounder.
Hackenberg is not a head case. But he does miss Obie's coaching and the former offense. He might be a solid third-round pick if he comes out. Give him three years as a backup and he might even succeed in the NFL. No way does he walk right in and start.
Maybe O'Brien would pick Hack with a third-rounder.
The Lions have sustained a number of injuries over the past couple of weeks, most notably to starting RB Akeel Lynch, FR sensation RB Saquon Barkley, LB Brandon Bell, OT Andrew Nelson, SS Jordan Lucas, and FS Marcus Allen, all of whom either didn't play or sustained injuries in some capacity last week. Not to mention losing Nyeem Wartman-White for the season.
But there are no changes to the depth chart, as colleges are required to make any injury reports. Hopefully the Army game will game them time to heal as their replacements get some reps.
Troy Apke and Malik Golden capably replaced Lucas and Allen in the SDSU game.
But there are no changes to the depth chart, as colleges are required to make any injury reports. Hopefully the Army game will game them time to heal as their replacements get some reps.
Troy Apke and Malik Golden capably replaced Lucas and Allen in the SDSU game.
Army trailing 20-14, takes ball with 6:48 left deep in own territory. Chance to win. Which means Penn State would have trouble vesting SOSH.
Army gets to midfield before Nits defense makes a couple stops. Cabinda sacks QB on fourth down.
Based on this effort, is there any Big Ten team Penn State can beat? Yeah, they did beat Rutgers
Based on this effort, is there any Big Ten team Penn State can beat? Yeah, they did beat Rutgers
Indiana is pretty terrible. Maryland is worse than any of them I'd think. But they all suck.terrynever said:
Who is QB next year, that McSorely kid? I assume they force Franklin to overhaul his staff to keep his job.
I'm watching Indiana right now. They are not terrible. Interesting works for me. Stopped Buckeyes twice so far. Lead, 3-0.canderson said:
McSorley is the guy next year. He fits what Franklin wants to do on offense. The third-stringer, Tommy Stephens, is just a taller, skinnier version of Hack.
How in the world can the Lions open as a 8-point favorite over Indiana? Sure, Indiana has been giving up 500+ yards per game, and they lost their starting QB and RB vs. the tree nuts. But after struggling (is that being too generous?) to squeak out a 20-14 win over that New York military school, well...color me very, very surprised.
I confused Illinois and Indiana, oops.terrynever said:
Indiana probably beats this Penn State team by two touchdowns.
I would say that with Indiana's pass defense ranked somewhere around 112th in the country, perhaps Penn State could finally get their air game going. But I will not delude myself.
Bulletin board material. Penn State's Christian Hackenberg 'gets scared in the pocket', per Indiana DL Adarius Rayner.
Unfortunately, there just might be more than a grain of truth here.
On an unrelated note, I wonder what the odds are if Hack declares for the draft that Bill O'Brien picks up his old Frosh phenom. BO'B probably knows better than Franklin what the kid's true potential is, the last year and a half notwithstanding.
Unfortunately, there just might be more than a grain of truth here.
On an unrelated note, I wonder what the odds are if Hack declares for the draft that Bill O'Brien picks up his old Frosh phenom. BO'B probably knows better than Franklin what the kid's true potential is, the last year and a half notwithstanding.
Although playing against a depleted Indiana team, I was very surprised by the creative play calling from John Donovan. Actually - beyond surprised. Some very subtle maneuvers to take the pressure of the O line. A play list that featured a pass-heavy offense, albeit with mostly short routes. To be sure, 2 very well-thrown 39 yd TD passes. No interceptions. I have no illusions about the upcoming game with tOSU nut trees, but I think Penn State has positioned themselves about as well as they can for next week's game. Could Penn State be the team that finally takes the Buckeyes down? They certainly seem to have been vulnerable, even if undefeated.
I will share your guarded optimism. Good to see Hack taking a two-step drop on a completion to Carter over the middle. Nits need to do this more often. They have no chance against OSU unless they hit that vulnerable Buckeye defense with something new. Is it possible this coaching staff is smarter than we think? Have they been holding back on offensive schemes, saving a trick or two for the Buckeyes? It does not take a genius to realize this offense needs a quick drop and throw philosophy behind an O-Line that is so porous in obvious passing situations. The O- Line is blocking the run better, although we have yet to see the heart of the Big Ten schedule.SoxJox said:
Good win today. Nits have to play out of their minds in Columbus. But if Texas can beat Oklahoma after looking like shit for six weeks, anything is possible. This is why we love college football.
Good win, but remember Indiana has one of the five worst defenses in football. Average going up more than 500 yards/game.
Didn't watch but still stats look good abd gotta be happy with the resounding win without your RBs.
Didn't watch but still stats look good abd gotta be happy with the resounding win without your RBs.
Yes, the 500 yards/game was one of the things I mentioned in the OP of the Week 6 thread. Still, I watched a DVR'd game (after going with a buddy of mine who is a alum/ex-football payer from Delaware, to see the heavily-favored Blue Hens get zipped by the U of Rhode Island, 20-0) and it was an impressive win in any case. Penn State allowed just 172 yards in total offense from IU. While not racking up significant yards, due to the heavy emphasis on passing, Nick Scott and Mark Allen demonstrated the depth Penn State has at RB. Penn State still needs to incorporate the TEs better. This coming week is the test.
Franklin says Miami job speculation is a "distraction"
This is somewhat comical given that Al Golden, an alum and former Nittany Lion TE (1989-91), was rumored as one of the candidates Penn State was considering in the wake of Bill O'Brien's departure, before eventually hiring Franklin.
This is somewhat comical given that Al Golden, an alum and former Nittany Lion TE (1989-91), was rumored as one of the candidates Penn State was considering in the wake of Bill O'Brien's departure, before eventually hiring Franklin.
Still don't look great, but the Lions played about as complete a game as they have all year. 39-0.
Hackenburg: 21-29/256/2/0 (And caught a TD pass)
Sequon Barkley: 20 rushes for 84 yards. The freshman is showing he will be the real deal.
Defense held The Illini to 167 yards total offense, with Hendrick and Badnarik Watch lists DE Carl Nassib continuing his streak with at least one sack in 7 consecutive games.
Hackenburg: 21-29/256/2/0 (And caught a TD pass)
Sequon Barkley: 20 rushes for 84 yards. The freshman is showing he will be the real deal.
Defense held The Illini to 167 yards total offense, with Hendrick and Badnarik Watch lists DE Carl Nassib continuing his streak with at least one sack in 7 consecutive games.