SoxJox said:Compared to some others, the Nittany Lions' "Signature Event" went off pretty much as planned. No surprises, although some late developments, such as sfip's reported matriculation of Stanford's Kevin Reihner and former Michigan commit Lavert Hill materialized late. The final rundown shows Penn State with national ranking in the top 10.
Things can go one of three ways on Saturday, which will be very telling for the 2015 season:
-the offense blows away a tough defense, meaning the upcoming season could be very special.
-the offense struggles at times, but does enough to come away with a win and shows the potential to improve as the season progresses.
-the offense is a complete dumpster fire that can't open holes or keep Hackenberg upright, meaning we're in for more of the same as 2014.
The most logical scenario would probably be the second one.
Franklin said Breneman may not play this season, due to unspecified injury, according to FoxSports article.SoxJox said: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.
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.
This seems awfully harsh. Hackenberg demonstrated an awful lot of skill under BOB as a fresh. System, coaching, o-line all seem like big factors.canderson said: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.
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:This seems awfully harsh. Hackenberg demonstrated an awful lot of skill under BOB as a fresh. System, coaching, o-line all seem like big factors.
SOSH would run off the field like little pussies if it had to play Army.canderson said:Thankfully they play Army this week. SOSH could beat Army.
In war. And toughness. And intellect. But not in football this year.terrynever said:SOSH would run off the field like little pussies if it had to play Army.
Indiana is pretty terrible. Maryland is worse than any of them I'd think. But they all suck.terrynever said: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
I'm watching Indiana right now. They are not terrible. Interesting works for me. Stopped Buckeyes twice so far. Lead, 3-0.canderson said:Indiana is pretty terrible. Maryland is worse than any of them I'd think. But they all suck.
Who is QB next year, that McSorely kid? I assume they force Franklin to overhaul his staff to keep his job.
I confused Illinois and Indiana, oops.terrynever said:I'm watching Indiana right now. They are not terrible. Interesting works for me. Stopped Buckeyes twice so far. Lead, 3-0.
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.
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: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.