A very tough weekend for me last time out, only going 5-5, I've got a better feeling about this week though, and an Upset Special extra, so lets get right to it.
#1 USC at Washington- I like the Trojans by a lot, that said Ty Willingham will have the Huskies coached up and playing tough for the 1st half.
USC Wins: 38-12
Kansas State at #7 Texas- This game is very important for Texas; they need to put together two straight good showings before they go into the Red River Shootout. Kansas State will be pesky though, they beat the Longhorns last year and will give them a battle but Texas puts it away late.
Texas Wins: 34-20
Michigan State at #9 Wisconsin- The Badger eeked out a win against the Hawkeyes on Saturday night, who were about 1 yard too long on a 4th down toss to putting together a game winning drive. Michigan State has performed well so far this year but is inferior in all aspects of the game to Wisconsin; Badgers do it big in Madison.
Wisconsin Wins: 35-16
#22 Alabama at Florida State- FSU has had some off field troubles these past few weeks, two players were suspended stemming from an incident at a local bar and several players were indicated in a cheating scandal. Alabama looked a step slow against Georgia last week but I would put money on the fact that Nick Saban has prepared the hell out of his team for this tangle with the Seminoles. Crimson Tide...roll.
Alabama Wins: 30-19
Pittsburgh at Virginia- Kind of a Blah game, the Panthers are sitting at an apathetic 2-2, coming of a crushing loss from UConn and Virginia has kind of sleep walked through their season so far, losing to Wyoming and beating the likes of Duke and UNC, they had a nice win against G. Tech last weekend and that is proof enough they are better than Pittsburgh. Not by much though.
Virginia Wins: 24-17
Mississippi State at #16 South Carolina- Miss. St. might have saved Sylvester Croom's job by beating Auburn earlier this year, the Bulldogs have strung together 3 wins in a row after their opening day beat down by LSU. South Carolina is coming off a loss in Baton Rouge themselves and are looking to get back on the good foot, the ol' ball coach will have the Gamecocks ready to play.
South Carolina Wins: 33-13
#6 California at #11 Oregon-Easily the game of the week, Cal hasn’t been challenged yet by a good team, and Oregon seems to have one of the better offenses in the nation, Dennis Dixon has been surreal throwing and running the ball all over the field. The home field advantage will be huge in this game; Autzen is one of the hardest places to play in the entire country. Get out your popcorn ready and crack open a beer; this will be a good one.
Oregon Wins: 40-25
Air Force at Navy: Air vs. Water.... Air wins.... wow I totally mailed that one in
Air Force Wins: 20-6
#21 Penn State at Illinois- Penn State will attempt to put that Michigan loss behind them and get their 1st win of the Big Ten season. The defense will have to step up big in order for the Lions to do so, maybe more importantly the offense will have to let the defense get some rest by putting some points on the board by running the ball well and making smart decisions at the QB position (cough cough Morelli cough cough). Illinois is one of the teams in the Big Ten that has been a nice surprise, Juice Williams is the heart of their offense and he needs to play well in order for them to win. Their lone loss was to a good Missouri team when Williams was injured in the 1st half and couldn’t play the rest of the game. Lions pull it out with good D and a solid running game (cough cough Rodney Kinlaw, not Austin Fumble Scott cough cough)
Penn State Wins: 25-13
****UPSET SPECIAL****
Now I know some people won’t think this is a huge upset but it’s an upset nonetheless and I'm definitely going out on a limb. My pick is #18 Southern Florida to beat #5 West Virginia on Friday night, the game is in Florida and easily the biggest game this program has ever had (well the Auburn game was huge but this is bigger). They have some real athletes in that program and don’t be surprised if the D can hang with the WVU offense, the Bulls the nation leader in sacks and tackles for loss in George Selvie. It will be a tough road to hoe though, the WVU offense is STACKED: White, Slaton, Schmitt, Devine, Reynaud...etc but the Bulls can pull it off.
South Florida Wins: 30-27
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Big Ten Blogger Roundtable: Week 5
This week's questions come from (http://www.laketheposts.com/2007/09/ltp-hosts-week-5-big-ten-blogger.html) A Northwestern blog, and from what I read over at BSD the only one, who would think a team who lost to Duke would only have one devoted blogger?
Michigan turned to Russell Crowe (successfully). ND went with Regis (unsuccessfully). Imagine your team is in desperate need of a pregame pep talk (no imagination needed at NU). You can bring in anyone in the world. Who do you turn to and why?
I could think of hundreds of beautifully poetic speakers who can give a great resounding speech to the team to help uplift their hearts from their despair over the happenings of the past weekend: Maya Angelou, Barack Obama, Bono just to name a few, but if I had to pick a single person I would have to go with The Dude, aka Jeffery Lebowski, you know, the guy from The Big Lewboski. If the Dude could come into the locker-room he would be able to sit everyone done and pontificate about what it means to be a team and how to play as a whole. He would walk in there and ask the team how good they are, they would respond "pretty good" The Dude would then say "Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man." He would tell them that they need to go out their and prove that they are "pretty good" and make that everyone else's opinion too.
What perception about your program is perpetuated to the point where it is your pet peeve? Why does it bother you so much (no, the answer does not have to be an alliteration)?
I don’t think I have a pet peeve about the program, I have a pet peeve about the supporters of it, they all cry foul about how the team never gets enough national attention and how they are continually shafted by the refs, polls etc. It bothers me because it is a product of the way JoePa runs the team, he doesn’t allow too many scouts at practices and tries to keep the players away from the media as much as possible. Therefore there becomes a lack of knowledge about the team in general and you can only rightly judge something that you know about, this leads to a "snubbing" if you will by the national media. Think about it, you never see the lions doing interviews or pieces on TV when they don’t have a game on national TV on that weekend, on the other hand you see kids from USC, LSU, Michigan, OSU on ESPN ALL the time. Its not because they don’t like the team, its because they don’t KNOW the team.
It is only week 5 of the season, but you've been asked to create your team's highlight reel for the season. You get to choose one song. What is it and why?
I'm a HUGE Phish fan so I would be remised if I didn’t include some Phishiness to the blog as soon as I possibly could, and here is my opportunity. The song? Maze. The lyrics are fairly sufficient and speak to the team and the fans at this point in the season.
The overhead view is of me in a maze
And you see what I'm hunting a few steps away
And I take a wrong turn and I'm on the wrong path
And the people all watching enjoy a good laugh
Embarrassed with failure, I try to reverse
The course that my tread had already traversed
So doing the trauma engulfing my dream
Invaded through what was an unguarded seam
The torrent of helplessness swept me away
To the cavern of shame and the hall of dismay
Inside me a voice was repeating this phrase:
"You've lost it, you'll never get out of this maze"
You'll never get out of this maze.
Phish-Maze
Michigan turned to Russell Crowe (successfully). ND went with Regis (unsuccessfully). Imagine your team is in desperate need of a pregame pep talk (no imagination needed at NU). You can bring in anyone in the world. Who do you turn to and why?
I could think of hundreds of beautifully poetic speakers who can give a great resounding speech to the team to help uplift their hearts from their despair over the happenings of the past weekend: Maya Angelou, Barack Obama, Bono just to name a few, but if I had to pick a single person I would have to go with The Dude, aka Jeffery Lebowski, you know, the guy from The Big Lewboski. If the Dude could come into the locker-room he would be able to sit everyone done and pontificate about what it means to be a team and how to play as a whole. He would walk in there and ask the team how good they are, they would respond "pretty good" The Dude would then say "Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man." He would tell them that they need to go out their and prove that they are "pretty good" and make that everyone else's opinion too.
What perception about your program is perpetuated to the point where it is your pet peeve? Why does it bother you so much (no, the answer does not have to be an alliteration)?
I don’t think I have a pet peeve about the program, I have a pet peeve about the supporters of it, they all cry foul about how the team never gets enough national attention and how they are continually shafted by the refs, polls etc. It bothers me because it is a product of the way JoePa runs the team, he doesn’t allow too many scouts at practices and tries to keep the players away from the media as much as possible. Therefore there becomes a lack of knowledge about the team in general and you can only rightly judge something that you know about, this leads to a "snubbing" if you will by the national media. Think about it, you never see the lions doing interviews or pieces on TV when they don’t have a game on national TV on that weekend, on the other hand you see kids from USC, LSU, Michigan, OSU on ESPN ALL the time. Its not because they don’t like the team, its because they don’t KNOW the team.
It is only week 5 of the season, but you've been asked to create your team's highlight reel for the season. You get to choose one song. What is it and why?
I'm a HUGE Phish fan so I would be remised if I didn’t include some Phishiness to the blog as soon as I possibly could, and here is my opportunity. The song? Maze. The lyrics are fairly sufficient and speak to the team and the fans at this point in the season.
The overhead view is of me in a maze
And you see what I'm hunting a few steps away
And I take a wrong turn and I'm on the wrong path
And the people all watching enjoy a good laugh
Embarrassed with failure, I try to reverse
The course that my tread had already traversed
So doing the trauma engulfing my dream
Invaded through what was an unguarded seam
The torrent of helplessness swept me away
To the cavern of shame and the hall of dismay
Inside me a voice was repeating this phrase:
"You've lost it, you'll never get out of this maze"
You'll never get out of this maze.
Phish-Maze
Blue White Roundtable Week 5
Today is hump day, what better day to forget last week’s transgressions and look forward to this coming weekend. These weeks’ questions are offered up by http://mvn.com/ncaa-pennstate/(The Nittany Notebook).
The offense looked pathetic against Michigan. Is there any hope that Penn State's offense can at least play respectably the rest of the season?
A very slight, tiny, minute hope that the offense can get it together and put up some points on the board. That is clearly the Achilles heel of the team, the defense is great, and the special teams have been top notch. The play-calling needs to improve, I don’t now how many times that will be said, they need to put Morelli in a situation where he can accel: Give Kinlaw the ball, Scott has a clear case of fumbleitis and should be benched, or least made the 2nd stringer. Andrew Quarless needs top get the ball, he is 6-5 for gods sake he'll be open on every play!
You can lay the blame for the loss to Michigan on one person. Who gets it?
The head coach, poor poor game plan, poor poor execution of the poor poor game plan. It left the defense to be exploited and tired, which led to Mike Hart being able to run the ball for 153 yds on 44 carries.
Penn State plays Illinois in a tough road test this weekend. What kind of performance do you expect from Penn State on Saturday?
I expect the defense to show up and play like bats out of hell (MEATLOAF!) I expect the offense to maintain its ineptitude but be able to run the ball a little bit better, get some short fields on some turnovers and pull it out in the 4th quarter.
Lightning Round:
After that performance against Michigan what is your new record prediction and bowl game for Penn State?
I could still see an 11-1 record, Wisconsin doesn’t seem too tough still, still struggling against weaker opponents and a night game in Happy Valley is just what the doctor orders when the Buckeyes come to town...I also could see 9-3 with losses to those two teams as well. If they got 11-1 then I see a nice bowl, Rose, Capital One, Orange..etc if 9-3 then Outback Bowl here we come!
Who starts at tailback against the Illini?
Roaustin Kinscott
Score prediction for the Illinois game.
25-15 PSU
When does A.J. Wallace finally supplant Lydell Sargeant as the other starting CB?
Probably never, you know Joe, you wouldn’t want him to get hurt playing CB, it would ruin our great return game.
The offense looked pathetic against Michigan. Is there any hope that Penn State's offense can at least play respectably the rest of the season?
A very slight, tiny, minute hope that the offense can get it together and put up some points on the board. That is clearly the Achilles heel of the team, the defense is great, and the special teams have been top notch. The play-calling needs to improve, I don’t now how many times that will be said, they need to put Morelli in a situation where he can accel: Give Kinlaw the ball, Scott has a clear case of fumbleitis and should be benched, or least made the 2nd stringer. Andrew Quarless needs top get the ball, he is 6-5 for gods sake he'll be open on every play!
You can lay the blame for the loss to Michigan on one person. Who gets it?
The head coach, poor poor game plan, poor poor execution of the poor poor game plan. It left the defense to be exploited and tired, which led to Mike Hart being able to run the ball for 153 yds on 44 carries.
Penn State plays Illinois in a tough road test this weekend. What kind of performance do you expect from Penn State on Saturday?
I expect the defense to show up and play like bats out of hell (MEATLOAF!) I expect the offense to maintain its ineptitude but be able to run the ball a little bit better, get some short fields on some turnovers and pull it out in the 4th quarter.
Lightning Round:
After that performance against Michigan what is your new record prediction and bowl game for Penn State?
I could still see an 11-1 record, Wisconsin doesn’t seem too tough still, still struggling against weaker opponents and a night game in Happy Valley is just what the doctor orders when the Buckeyes come to town...I also could see 9-3 with losses to those two teams as well. If they got 11-1 then I see a nice bowl, Rose, Capital One, Orange..etc if 9-3 then Outback Bowl here we come!
Who starts at tailback against the Illini?
Roaustin Kinscott
Score prediction for the Illinois game.
25-15 PSU
When does A.J. Wallace finally supplant Lydell Sargeant as the other starting CB?
Probably never, you know Joe, you wouldn’t want him to get hurt playing CB, it would ruin our great return game.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Heisman Race Vol.I
All right time for some Heisman talk! I refrained from keeping a list of Heisman candidates for the same reason I didn’t want to have a top 10, hype can severely skew the reality. Reggie Bush had the '05 Heisman locked up from the beginning of training camp, as did Troy Smith a year ago. By waiting for a quarter of the season to be finished, we can now start to draw some actually plausible conclusions.
#1: Tim Tebow- There has been NO ONE better than Mr. Tebow so far this season, there was a lot of talk about whether he would be able to run the spread offense to the standard Urban Meyer wanted, he has answered all those questions and more. Almost 1100 yds throwing with 10 TDs with only 1 INT, hes passing for a 68% clip and has run for 358 with 7 TDs on the ground. I already have a He15man shirt.
#2: Andre' Woodson- This guy can flat out play, he’s been the leader for that Kentucky team and he is now the all-time leader for passing attempts made without an interception, 296, and that’s still going. He's got 1008 yds and 11 TDs. If Kentucky continues to play like they belong in the top half of the SEC Woodson should be getting some real publicity and will probably be the 1st QB taken in the '08 NFL Draft.
#3: Darren McFadden- Easily the most talented running back in the country, if you disagree then I would suggest you check out the run he had against Kentucky last Saturday. Big, Strong, Fast, a shame his team is 1-2 because he will be one of the most deserving players in the nation by the end of the year but will get no recognition due to the poor team record.
#4: Steve Slaton- He would be higher but he has played nobody, but that will change soon. Slaton leads the nation in touchdowns, 9, and is averaging 6 yds a carry; he can is the biggest threat to take one all the way every time.
#5: Pat White- The yin to Slaton's yang. It could be argues White is a better running back that Slaton, he’s a running quarterback that has really improved his ability to throw the ball this year, 622 yds and 6 TDs to go with 288 yds rushing and 6 TDs. Slaton and White will split the vote however...stupid Heisman Voters.
#1: Tim Tebow- There has been NO ONE better than Mr. Tebow so far this season, there was a lot of talk about whether he would be able to run the spread offense to the standard Urban Meyer wanted, he has answered all those questions and more. Almost 1100 yds throwing with 10 TDs with only 1 INT, hes passing for a 68% clip and has run for 358 with 7 TDs on the ground. I already have a He15man shirt.
#2: Andre' Woodson- This guy can flat out play, he’s been the leader for that Kentucky team and he is now the all-time leader for passing attempts made without an interception, 296, and that’s still going. He's got 1008 yds and 11 TDs. If Kentucky continues to play like they belong in the top half of the SEC Woodson should be getting some real publicity and will probably be the 1st QB taken in the '08 NFL Draft.
#3: Darren McFadden- Easily the most talented running back in the country, if you disagree then I would suggest you check out the run he had against Kentucky last Saturday. Big, Strong, Fast, a shame his team is 1-2 because he will be one of the most deserving players in the nation by the end of the year but will get no recognition due to the poor team record.
#4: Steve Slaton- He would be higher but he has played nobody, but that will change soon. Slaton leads the nation in touchdowns, 9, and is averaging 6 yds a carry; he can is the biggest threat to take one all the way every time.
#5: Pat White- The yin to Slaton's yang. It could be argues White is a better running back that Slaton, he’s a running quarterback that has really improved his ability to throw the ball this year, 622 yds and 6 TDs to go with 288 yds rushing and 6 TDs. Slaton and White will split the vote however...stupid Heisman Voters.
Monday, September 24, 2007
College Football Top 10 Vol.II
Ok, week 2 of my College Football Top 10 and some moving and shaking of the top 10.
#10: Wisconsin- You can't move up in the poll if you struggle to beat an unranked team, especially one that was not on the "under the radar and could possibly be in the top 25" the kind of team that loses to 0-2 Iowa State Penn State losing puts Wisconsin in the top 10 by default. Next Week...Mich. St.
#9: Boston College- I'm going with the body of work so far, some people have Rutgers in this area but they were idle, doesn’t really help their cause, 3-0 in conference play and a nice win against Navy gets you into the top 10. Next Week...UMass
#8: Ohio State- No move for the Buckeyes, they trounced the hapless Northwestern team who lost to Duke last week, they are however starting to look like the class of the Big Ten, that Oct. 27th game in Happy Valley is starting to look scarier and scarier. Next Week...At Minnesota
#7: Texas- Same deal as the Buckeyes, a resounding win against Rice, no point in moving the Longhorns up. Next Week...Kansas St.
#6: California- A nice conference win for the Bears keeps them in the middle of the top 10, still waiting for them to play a real opponent...Next Week #11 Oregon
#5: West Virginia- Another non-conference win for the Mountaineers, Slaton and White are really fun to watch, should get their 1st test of the season this week. Next Week...At #18 USF
#4: Florida- They struggled with Mississippi, who was in the game pretty much until the end, this is the reason for the drop to #4. Tim Tebow continues to shine with 266 yds passing with 2 TDs and 166 on the ground with 2 TDs. Sign me up for the He15man campaign. Next Week...Auburn
#3: Oklahoma- Moves up by default because of Florida's struggles as well as because they shut down Tulsa's high powered Offense and continued to put up big numbers on the offensive side of the ball themselves. Next Week...At Colorado
#2: USC- They rolled over Washington State in the fashion yours truly predicted, still waiting for that big game to put them over the top. If they go into Husky Stadium and beat the Huskies resoundingly then I could see them at the #1 spot in the near future. Next Week...At Washington
#1: LSU- The Tigers stay on top with their win over another top 25 team, a conference foe to boot. Another cupcake to roll over until the game of the year, hosting Florida. Next Week...At Tulane
Dropping out: Penn State, Rutgers
New: Wisconsin, Boston College
#10: Wisconsin- You can't move up in the poll if you struggle to beat an unranked team, especially one that was not on the "under the radar and could possibly be in the top 25" the kind of team that loses to 0-2 Iowa State Penn State losing puts Wisconsin in the top 10 by default. Next Week...Mich. St.
#9: Boston College- I'm going with the body of work so far, some people have Rutgers in this area but they were idle, doesn’t really help their cause, 3-0 in conference play and a nice win against Navy gets you into the top 10. Next Week...UMass
#8: Ohio State- No move for the Buckeyes, they trounced the hapless Northwestern team who lost to Duke last week, they are however starting to look like the class of the Big Ten, that Oct. 27th game in Happy Valley is starting to look scarier and scarier. Next Week...At Minnesota
#7: Texas- Same deal as the Buckeyes, a resounding win against Rice, no point in moving the Longhorns up. Next Week...Kansas St.
#6: California- A nice conference win for the Bears keeps them in the middle of the top 10, still waiting for them to play a real opponent...Next Week #11 Oregon
#5: West Virginia- Another non-conference win for the Mountaineers, Slaton and White are really fun to watch, should get their 1st test of the season this week. Next Week...At #18 USF
#4: Florida- They struggled with Mississippi, who was in the game pretty much until the end, this is the reason for the drop to #4. Tim Tebow continues to shine with 266 yds passing with 2 TDs and 166 on the ground with 2 TDs. Sign me up for the He15man campaign. Next Week...Auburn
#3: Oklahoma- Moves up by default because of Florida's struggles as well as because they shut down Tulsa's high powered Offense and continued to put up big numbers on the offensive side of the ball themselves. Next Week...At Colorado
#2: USC- They rolled over Washington State in the fashion yours truly predicted, still waiting for that big game to put them over the top. If they go into Husky Stadium and beat the Huskies resoundingly then I could see them at the #1 spot in the near future. Next Week...At Washington
#1: LSU- The Tigers stay on top with their win over another top 25 team, a conference foe to boot. Another cupcake to roll over until the game of the year, hosting Florida. Next Week...At Tulane
Dropping out: Penn State, Rutgers
New: Wisconsin, Boston College
Week 4 Picks Re-Cap(GOT IT-MISSED IT)
It figures that the week I decide to publicize my picks, which had been pretty good so far, that I totally bomb.
Week 4 totals: 5-5
Washington State at #1 USC: I got that one right, almost the score too. USC: 47 Wash St.: 17 GOT IT
Iowa at #9 Wisconsin: Closer than I expected but still the same result. Wisc.: 17 Iowa: 13 GOT IT
#12 South Carolina at #2 LSU: Some hi-jinks by LSU left SC in the dust. LSU: 28 S.C.: 16 GOT IT
Georgia at #16 Alabama: So close! Alabama fought to get it to OT but in the end they just weren't tough enough. Georgia: 26 Alabama: 23 MISSED IT
Connecticut at Pittsburgh: I got this one completely wrong UConn rolled. UConn: 34 Pitt: 14 MISSED IT
Texas Tech at Oklahoma State: The Red Raiders offense didn't disappoint, scoring 45, unfortunately their Defense did giving up 49. OSU: 49 Texas Tech: 45 MISSED IT
Maryland at Wake Forest: Almost nailed this one dead on. Wake Forest: 31 Maryland: 24 GOT IT
#21 Kentucky at Arkansas: Got killed on this one, Andre' Woodson looks like the real deal. Kentucky: 42 Arkansas: 29 MISSED IT
North Carolina at #23 South Florida: Another good prediction, I seem to only be able to do that in the games that don’t matter. USF: 37 UNC: 10 GOT IT
#10 Penn State at Michigan: I knew it would be a close one, anyone who took the over on this game should never bet again, but Morelli broke your Hart, again. Michigan: 14 PSU: 9 MISSED IT
Could have been worse but I hope I never have another showing like that again.
Week 4 totals: 5-5
Washington State at #1 USC: I got that one right, almost the score too. USC: 47 Wash St.: 17 GOT IT
Iowa at #9 Wisconsin: Closer than I expected but still the same result. Wisc.: 17 Iowa: 13 GOT IT
#12 South Carolina at #2 LSU: Some hi-jinks by LSU left SC in the dust. LSU: 28 S.C.: 16 GOT IT
Georgia at #16 Alabama: So close! Alabama fought to get it to OT but in the end they just weren't tough enough. Georgia: 26 Alabama: 23 MISSED IT
Connecticut at Pittsburgh: I got this one completely wrong UConn rolled. UConn: 34 Pitt: 14 MISSED IT
Texas Tech at Oklahoma State: The Red Raiders offense didn't disappoint, scoring 45, unfortunately their Defense did giving up 49. OSU: 49 Texas Tech: 45 MISSED IT
Maryland at Wake Forest: Almost nailed this one dead on. Wake Forest: 31 Maryland: 24 GOT IT
#21 Kentucky at Arkansas: Got killed on this one, Andre' Woodson looks like the real deal. Kentucky: 42 Arkansas: 29 MISSED IT
North Carolina at #23 South Florida: Another good prediction, I seem to only be able to do that in the games that don’t matter. USF: 37 UNC: 10 GOT IT
#10 Penn State at Michigan: I knew it would be a close one, anyone who took the over on this game should never bet again, but Morelli broke your Hart, again. Michigan: 14 PSU: 9 MISSED IT
Could have been worse but I hope I never have another showing like that again.
3 Reasons Why Penn State Lost on Saturday
The game was hard-fought and the Defense played spectacular throughout much of the game, still they failed to beat Michigan, here are the reasons why.
1) Play-Calling: I said last week that the play-calling was going to have to change, the lions couldn’t just run the ball up the middle against this good Michigan defense and expect to get anywhere. The 1st series as I recall started with a spread formation where they ran an inside draw for no gain. That is not how you win football games against a team that is venerable down in the deep middle! It continued throughout the 1st quarter and into the 2nd half and when Austin Scott finally fumbled to KILL a drive that could have put 7 on the board the offense finally went into a different direction. Which leads me to the 2nd problem: Mistakes.
2) Mistakes: In a comment I left over at BSD I mentioned that in order to win this game the Lions and specifically Morelli would have to be mistake and turnover free. That of course didn’t happen, his fumble in the 1st quarter led to Michigan's 1st touchdown and put us in a 7-0 within the first 8 minutes. Later Morelli missed a wide-open Deon Butler on a slant that would have given up a TD. Austin Scott's fumble was the dagger in the heart killing hopes of winning that game unless a miracle happened, which it didn’t, when you go into hostile territory you can not turn the ball over and miss your marks, it only makes it harder to overcome the other team's home field advantage.
3) Exhausted Defense: This is an effect to the 1st two problems causes. The defense was very good, Connor played a hell of a game and met Hart in the hole all day but when the offense can't stay on the field and turns the ball over and can't capitalize on the chances they get that leaves the Defense to keep the whole team in the game. Hart only averaged 3.5 a carry, he only had a long of 14. But when the Michigan Offense kept getting the ball back they could just go to their bread and butter, running Hart 44 times for 153. And when Penn State REALLY needed a stop in the 4th with 4 minutes left after they had made it 14-9 the D couldn’t keep up with the Michigan Offense and that was that.
Overall: Do I think the Season is lost? Well if you define a season with whether Penn State wins a National Championship or not then yes I do think it’s lost. But I truly believe we still have a top 10 Defense in the country and we will be able to hang with Wisconsin and Ohio State, if the Offense can change something, ANYTHING, or if Morelli can mature just a little bit more then the team will become more complete. Remember those two games as well as Iowa and Purdue are at home, the only conference away games left are Illinois and Indiana with Illinois this weekend. I'm still this optimistic because we still really don’t know how good everyone is, Iowa gave Wisconsin all they could handle in Camp Randall. So if Iowa comes into Happy Valley and the lions take it to them then I would feel we still have a great shot at beating Wisconsin. Ohio State is looking like they are getting their act together, to be honest I wished we could have played them in the 3rd or 4th game of the season, the longer the season goes on, the better they will get.
1) Play-Calling: I said last week that the play-calling was going to have to change, the lions couldn’t just run the ball up the middle against this good Michigan defense and expect to get anywhere. The 1st series as I recall started with a spread formation where they ran an inside draw for no gain. That is not how you win football games against a team that is venerable down in the deep middle! It continued throughout the 1st quarter and into the 2nd half and when Austin Scott finally fumbled to KILL a drive that could have put 7 on the board the offense finally went into a different direction. Which leads me to the 2nd problem: Mistakes.
2) Mistakes: In a comment I left over at BSD I mentioned that in order to win this game the Lions and specifically Morelli would have to be mistake and turnover free. That of course didn’t happen, his fumble in the 1st quarter led to Michigan's 1st touchdown and put us in a 7-0 within the first 8 minutes. Later Morelli missed a wide-open Deon Butler on a slant that would have given up a TD. Austin Scott's fumble was the dagger in the heart killing hopes of winning that game unless a miracle happened, which it didn’t, when you go into hostile territory you can not turn the ball over and miss your marks, it only makes it harder to overcome the other team's home field advantage.
3) Exhausted Defense: This is an effect to the 1st two problems causes. The defense was very good, Connor played a hell of a game and met Hart in the hole all day but when the offense can't stay on the field and turns the ball over and can't capitalize on the chances they get that leaves the Defense to keep the whole team in the game. Hart only averaged 3.5 a carry, he only had a long of 14. But when the Michigan Offense kept getting the ball back they could just go to their bread and butter, running Hart 44 times for 153. And when Penn State REALLY needed a stop in the 4th with 4 minutes left after they had made it 14-9 the D couldn’t keep up with the Michigan Offense and that was that.
Overall: Do I think the Season is lost? Well if you define a season with whether Penn State wins a National Championship or not then yes I do think it’s lost. But I truly believe we still have a top 10 Defense in the country and we will be able to hang with Wisconsin and Ohio State, if the Offense can change something, ANYTHING, or if Morelli can mature just a little bit more then the team will become more complete. Remember those two games as well as Iowa and Purdue are at home, the only conference away games left are Illinois and Indiana with Illinois this weekend. I'm still this optimistic because we still really don’t know how good everyone is, Iowa gave Wisconsin all they could handle in Camp Randall. So if Iowa comes into Happy Valley and the lions take it to them then I would feel we still have a great shot at beating Wisconsin. Ohio State is looking like they are getting their act together, to be honest I wished we could have played them in the 3rd or 4th game of the season, the longer the season goes on, the better they will get.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Lets Go State!
I was cruising YouTube this morning and stumbled upon the motivational videos that they play at Beaver Stadium before the games and I have to admit, I'm FUCKING PUMPED UP!!!!!!! It put me in a great mood for this weekend so I figured I would help spread that feeling to all Nittany Lion faithful. If this doesnt get you excited then maybe you should check out Lou Holtz's Pep Talk to us, he gave it last night at half time of the A&M-Miami game, very inspirational but I would also point out that teams that recieve a pep talk from Lou are 0-3....nevermind that...Lets Go State!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Big Ten Blogger Roundtable: Week 4
A set of week 4 Big Ten questions, brought to you by the folks over at http://maizenbrew.com/.
1. Time to break out the crystal ball. I want to know what happens at the END of the season. Give me your offensive and defensive Players of the Year in the Big Ten along with Coach of the Year and why.
Offensive Player of the Year will be Mike Hart, he is on pace to rush for over 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns. Even if he ends up with a measly 1750 and 17 TDs he will be the OPotY. The Defensive Player of the Year or DPotY, will be Dan Connor, he is far and away the best Linebacker in the conference and will easily go on to make over 100 tackles (breaking Paul Posluszny's school tackle record). He will have 10+ sacks and will be the captain of the only undefeated team in the Big Ten. Coach of the Year will be a toss up between Indiana's Bill Lynch who has done some very nice things for the Hoosiers, if he can lead them to a bowl for the 1st time since the '93 season then he will be the winner. The only other option would be Paterno if Penn State does indeed go undefeated.
2. With the upsets, close games, and head scratchers so far, every game we thought was going to be important has changed. Michigan State is 3-0, for Pete's sake, and they look good doing it. Pick the three games on the Big Ten Schedule that will determine the Big Ten Champion. Bonus Points for not picking three games on your own schedule.
1) Wisconsin vs. Penn State: 10/13
Even if Penn State loses in the Big House this season the Wolverines have to play at Wisconsin and of course Ohio State, they will not win both of those games; in fact they could possibly lose both. So the winner of this game gets right into the drivers seat of the conference.
2) Ohio State vs. Penn State: 10/27
Here is THE game, we can speculate about how everything will fall but if everything works out how it is suppose to, these two teams will be undefeated which would mean OSU will be 4-0 in the conference and PSU will be 5-0 with wins against Mich. and Wisc. If PSU wins then they are good to go, 6-0 in the conference with only Purdue and Mich St. left on the conference schedule. If OSU wins then they are 5-0 with Wisc and Michigan left to play.
3) Wisconsin vs. Ohio State: 11/03
This game happens a week after the OSU-PSU game, if OSU is victorious then this game could pretty much become a pseudo-conference championship game
3. How many games, this season, have you been to? How many games have you tailgated at? If you have tailgated, name your beverage of choice. If you answered no to the previous questions, hang your head in shame, or at least give a good story about watching the game in enemy territory and giving the bouncer the finger when he asked you to quiet down.
I've only been to one game, FIU. We drank, at great length Miller Lite and ate some Pizza, I would have made it to the Notre Dame game but I drank wayyyyy too much the Friday before ND and I woke up at 2pm to my roommate's shower leaking into the Kitchen so I had to forego the game to save th house...I still have my ticket..Anyone interested in a stub?
Bitter/Angry Bonus Question!
4. As the Big Ten Season kicks off, the Conference is in somewhat of a difficult position nationally. Needing some momentum after a horrid BCS performance, the Conference needed some momentum early in the season. It hasn't gotten it. The first three weeks have been abysmal. Is this just a down year for the Big Ten, is there a change Nationally that the Big Ten just hasn't picked up on, is there some truth to the "Big Ten Style of Play" that everyone harps on, or has college football simply caught up? What do you think and why? I may be beating a dead horse, but no one looks good this year and I'm at a loss as to why.
The conference isn't down as a whole, in fact I might argue that its up, the bottom of the league (save for Minn. and Northwestern) are improving, Illinois and Indiana are making big strides this year and Mark Dantonio has MSU playing much better than John L. Smith ever did. Michigan is having a down year; Ohio State is lacking big stars. I would bet good money that this conference is bigger and better than ever in the coming next two years.
1. Time to break out the crystal ball. I want to know what happens at the END of the season. Give me your offensive and defensive Players of the Year in the Big Ten along with Coach of the Year and why.
Offensive Player of the Year will be Mike Hart, he is on pace to rush for over 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns. Even if he ends up with a measly 1750 and 17 TDs he will be the OPotY. The Defensive Player of the Year or DPotY, will be Dan Connor, he is far and away the best Linebacker in the conference and will easily go on to make over 100 tackles (breaking Paul Posluszny's school tackle record). He will have 10+ sacks and will be the captain of the only undefeated team in the Big Ten. Coach of the Year will be a toss up between Indiana's Bill Lynch who has done some very nice things for the Hoosiers, if he can lead them to a bowl for the 1st time since the '93 season then he will be the winner. The only other option would be Paterno if Penn State does indeed go undefeated.
2. With the upsets, close games, and head scratchers so far, every game we thought was going to be important has changed. Michigan State is 3-0, for Pete's sake, and they look good doing it. Pick the three games on the Big Ten Schedule that will determine the Big Ten Champion. Bonus Points for not picking three games on your own schedule.
1) Wisconsin vs. Penn State: 10/13
Even if Penn State loses in the Big House this season the Wolverines have to play at Wisconsin and of course Ohio State, they will not win both of those games; in fact they could possibly lose both. So the winner of this game gets right into the drivers seat of the conference.
2) Ohio State vs. Penn State: 10/27
Here is THE game, we can speculate about how everything will fall but if everything works out how it is suppose to, these two teams will be undefeated which would mean OSU will be 4-0 in the conference and PSU will be 5-0 with wins against Mich. and Wisc. If PSU wins then they are good to go, 6-0 in the conference with only Purdue and Mich St. left on the conference schedule. If OSU wins then they are 5-0 with Wisc and Michigan left to play.
3) Wisconsin vs. Ohio State: 11/03
This game happens a week after the OSU-PSU game, if OSU is victorious then this game could pretty much become a pseudo-conference championship game
3. How many games, this season, have you been to? How many games have you tailgated at? If you have tailgated, name your beverage of choice. If you answered no to the previous questions, hang your head in shame, or at least give a good story about watching the game in enemy territory and giving the bouncer the finger when he asked you to quiet down.
I've only been to one game, FIU. We drank, at great length Miller Lite and ate some Pizza, I would have made it to the Notre Dame game but I drank wayyyyy too much the Friday before ND and I woke up at 2pm to my roommate's shower leaking into the Kitchen so I had to forego the game to save th house...I still have my ticket..Anyone interested in a stub?
Bitter/Angry Bonus Question!
4. As the Big Ten Season kicks off, the Conference is in somewhat of a difficult position nationally. Needing some momentum after a horrid BCS performance, the Conference needed some momentum early in the season. It hasn't gotten it. The first three weeks have been abysmal. Is this just a down year for the Big Ten, is there a change Nationally that the Big Ten just hasn't picked up on, is there some truth to the "Big Ten Style of Play" that everyone harps on, or has college football simply caught up? What do you think and why? I may be beating a dead horse, but no one looks good this year and I'm at a loss as to why.
The conference isn't down as a whole, in fact I might argue that its up, the bottom of the league (save for Minn. and Northwestern) are improving, Illinois and Indiana are making big strides this year and Mark Dantonio has MSU playing much better than John L. Smith ever did. Michigan is having a down year; Ohio State is lacking big stars. I would bet good money that this conference is bigger and better than ever in the coming next two years.
College Football Picks Week 4
Time for the weekly Pick'em, I'm a member of both the Deadspin College Pick'em as well as the Black Shoe Diaries College Pick'em. I've faired pretty well so far, in picking 10 games each week I've only missed 6 picks (it would only be 5 if Michigan didn't suck, did anyone really think they would lose 2 in a row at home? but I digress). My record is a respectable 24-6 and I thought I would just post the games and give my picks on here.
Washington State at #1 USC
I'm going to go out on a limb here and pick the Trojans.... call me crazy but I think they are a little bit better than the Cougars.
USC wins 49-14
Iowa at #9 Wisconsin
This is an interesting match-up the Hawkeyes were the pick for the sleeper in the Big Ten by many of the experts, but they struggled mightily against Iowa State and lost the game to the then 0-2 Cyclones 15-13. No offense is not a good way to go about beating the Badgers. I see this one being close for a small amount of time, possibly until half time but then the Badgers run away with it.
Wisconsin wins 33-13
#12 South Carolina at #2 LSU
No one is better than the Bayou Bengals at this point in the season, my top ten says so, Steve Spurrier will have his hands full coming into Tiger Stadium, South Carolina will struggle with LSU's pure speed and vicious defense that has given up a total of 7 points in 3 game and the touchdown had to be reviewed. I see a big win for LSU.
LSU wins 38-12
Georgia at #16 Alabama
This game as Jaws would say will be a "good ol' fashioned snot knocker". Big tough SEC football, one team, Georgia, trying to prove that they are still a good team and deserve to be back in the Top 25. Another trying to prove they belong in the Top 25. There have been some gamesmanship already this week; Mark Richt has closed practice to the public for the 1st time in his tenor at Georgia. Nick Saban comes from the Bill Belicheat...err Belichick coaching tree; perhaps Richt is fearing someone videotaping his practice? Alabama has been pretty impressive, a nice come back win against Arkansas to put them 2-0 in their conference. This will be a very close game. Alabama pulls it out with the help of a raucous Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Alabama wins 27-23
Connecticut at Pittsburgh
A battle of the 2nd tier Big East teams, think of this as Indiana vs. Northwestern. UConn is 3-0 but should be 2-1 with a loss to Temple but the refs blew a call late in the game that would have given them the win. Pitt game MSU a run for their money but came up short last week, Pitt wins in the battle for 4th place.
Pitt wins 24-17
Texas Tech at Oklahoma State
I was at the Saloon Friday night and I got to watch as the Cowboys got their asses kicked by the Trojans.... of TROY. This OSU team was supposed to be the surprise of the Big 12, but with losses at Georgia and at Troy these cowboys are looking more like cowgirls. Tech has a huge offense as usual this year, the lowest score they have put up this year is 45. Red Raiders Roll.
Texas Tech wins 43-24
Maryland at Wake Forest
I've seen a couple of games from both of these teams and neither strikes me as being very good. Wake gave Nebraska a run for their money but as we saw Nebraska could very well have been overrated. Maryland hung with WVU for a half but fell apart in the 2nd half of that game. Wake has played much tougher competition so far (BC, Nebraska, Navy) and I think that will work to their advantage, Wake Wins.
Wake Forest wins 31-22
#21 Kentucky at Arkansas
Kentucky is coming off a huge win for their program, beating Louisville last week. Arkansas is coming off of a heartbreaking loss to the Crimson Tide in the last seconds. I think the wildcats will be just a little too out of it in order to get up for this game, Arkansas on the other hand will be ready to party. Kentucky gets run all over as it walks through this with a hangover.
Arkansas wins 34-24
North Carolina at #23 South Florida
I like this USF team a lot, the Tar Heels have struggled to win, Butch Davis is making improvements but will need a year at least of recruiting before he can make this program into something respectable. USF bulls their way to a win.
USF wins 30-16
#10 Penn State at Michigan
Here it is, the big one, the game that can turn the tide of the Nittany Lions season for better or for worse. I think if the Lions can get the ball to the outside early and keep Andrew Quarless involved often they can get an early lead. If the defense can pressure Mallet and stop Mike Hart then Penn State should be looking at a win. But if Hart can run then the Wolverines have a big chance to pull it off, if Hart runs for 150 and a TD that will set up Mallet to be able to throw the ball and that’s not at all what you want to see as a Nittany Lion fan. Mallet has good receivers to throw to and he has a cannon for an arm, if he gets time we could be in for a long day. I think the Defense will be able to keep the Lions in the game and I see them pulling it out late in the game, putting a final drive together to kill the Michigan hopes.
Penn State Wins 23-17
Washington State at #1 USC
I'm going to go out on a limb here and pick the Trojans.... call me crazy but I think they are a little bit better than the Cougars.
USC wins 49-14
Iowa at #9 Wisconsin
This is an interesting match-up the Hawkeyes were the pick for the sleeper in the Big Ten by many of the experts, but they struggled mightily against Iowa State and lost the game to the then 0-2 Cyclones 15-13. No offense is not a good way to go about beating the Badgers. I see this one being close for a small amount of time, possibly until half time but then the Badgers run away with it.
Wisconsin wins 33-13
#12 South Carolina at #2 LSU
No one is better than the Bayou Bengals at this point in the season, my top ten says so, Steve Spurrier will have his hands full coming into Tiger Stadium, South Carolina will struggle with LSU's pure speed and vicious defense that has given up a total of 7 points in 3 game and the touchdown had to be reviewed. I see a big win for LSU.
LSU wins 38-12
Georgia at #16 Alabama
This game as Jaws would say will be a "good ol' fashioned snot knocker". Big tough SEC football, one team, Georgia, trying to prove that they are still a good team and deserve to be back in the Top 25. Another trying to prove they belong in the Top 25. There have been some gamesmanship already this week; Mark Richt has closed practice to the public for the 1st time in his tenor at Georgia. Nick Saban comes from the Bill Belicheat...err Belichick coaching tree; perhaps Richt is fearing someone videotaping his practice? Alabama has been pretty impressive, a nice come back win against Arkansas to put them 2-0 in their conference. This will be a very close game. Alabama pulls it out with the help of a raucous Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Alabama wins 27-23
Connecticut at Pittsburgh
A battle of the 2nd tier Big East teams, think of this as Indiana vs. Northwestern. UConn is 3-0 but should be 2-1 with a loss to Temple but the refs blew a call late in the game that would have given them the win. Pitt game MSU a run for their money but came up short last week, Pitt wins in the battle for 4th place.
Pitt wins 24-17
Texas Tech at Oklahoma State
I was at the Saloon Friday night and I got to watch as the Cowboys got their asses kicked by the Trojans.... of TROY. This OSU team was supposed to be the surprise of the Big 12, but with losses at Georgia and at Troy these cowboys are looking more like cowgirls. Tech has a huge offense as usual this year, the lowest score they have put up this year is 45. Red Raiders Roll.
Texas Tech wins 43-24
Maryland at Wake Forest
I've seen a couple of games from both of these teams and neither strikes me as being very good. Wake gave Nebraska a run for their money but as we saw Nebraska could very well have been overrated. Maryland hung with WVU for a half but fell apart in the 2nd half of that game. Wake has played much tougher competition so far (BC, Nebraska, Navy) and I think that will work to their advantage, Wake Wins.
Wake Forest wins 31-22
#21 Kentucky at Arkansas
Kentucky is coming off a huge win for their program, beating Louisville last week. Arkansas is coming off of a heartbreaking loss to the Crimson Tide in the last seconds. I think the wildcats will be just a little too out of it in order to get up for this game, Arkansas on the other hand will be ready to party. Kentucky gets run all over as it walks through this with a hangover.
Arkansas wins 34-24
North Carolina at #23 South Florida
I like this USF team a lot, the Tar Heels have struggled to win, Butch Davis is making improvements but will need a year at least of recruiting before he can make this program into something respectable. USF bulls their way to a win.
USF wins 30-16
#10 Penn State at Michigan
Here it is, the big one, the game that can turn the tide of the Nittany Lions season for better or for worse. I think if the Lions can get the ball to the outside early and keep Andrew Quarless involved often they can get an early lead. If the defense can pressure Mallet and stop Mike Hart then Penn State should be looking at a win. But if Hart can run then the Wolverines have a big chance to pull it off, if Hart runs for 150 and a TD that will set up Mallet to be able to throw the ball and that’s not at all what you want to see as a Nittany Lion fan. Mallet has good receivers to throw to and he has a cannon for an arm, if he gets time we could be in for a long day. I think the Defense will be able to keep the Lions in the game and I see them pulling it out late in the game, putting a final drive together to kill the Michigan hopes.
Penn State Wins 23-17
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Blogpoll Roundtable: Week 4
Hey guys just thought I would steal another Roundtable to bulk up my 1st week. It would look bad if I didn’t post once I finally started to blog right? So this one is the Blogpoll Roundtable, and I'll just get right to it.
This weeks questions brought to you by Burnt Orange Nation
Handicap your team's chances to win your conference championship. If your team is not the favorite, who is?
I think the chances are pretty good for the lions. The 1st thing they need to do is beat Michigan for the 1st time in 8 attempts, that probably the 1,000 times you've heard that but it is true. If Penn State can manage a victory in the Big House then the title is just 2 home games against Wisconsin and Ohio State. It seems like a down year for the Big Ten and I think our defense will be able to carry us through the schedule of not-so-prime-time-teams of this years conference.
Outline the (realistic) best case and worst-case scenarios for your team.
The best-case scenario for the Nittany Lions would be to go 12-0, winning the Big Ten Title. USC, LSU, Oklahoma loses and we play in the National Championship game against Florida (where they would get their asses handed to them).
Something more realistic? 12-0 plays in the Rose Bowl versus Cal or Oregon. Worst Case? Losses to UM, Ill, Wisc, OSU finish 8-4, go to the Outback bowl again.
We're only three games in to the season, but teams and storylines are starting to take shape. Compare your team to a character or theme from a fable or children's tale.
Beauty or the Beast? We’ll find out on Saturday.
Imagine you're the coach of your team. Give three specific changes you'd implement immediately which you think would have the biggest impact on improving the team.
1) Run the ball with Rodney Kinlaw to the outside on off-tackle and sweep plays. Enough of this 3 yards and a cloud of dust stuff with Austin Scott, this is something I harped on when discussing what I thought PSU had to do in order to win on Saturday against Michigan. If you can get the defense going east and west you will be able to run north/south, not to mention run some play-action bootlegs, which Morelli loves.
2) Have a package for Darryl Clark. I know Morelli is the starter and I'm not disputing that but a few designed plays for Clark will add another little wrinkle to this otherwise bland offense.
3) Make Quarless the #1 target for Morelli, a tightend is a young quarterbacks best friend, the fact that he is a 6'5" target swimming in a sea of 5'11"-6'2" linebackers...he should be open regularly.
USC, LSU/Florida, and Oklahoma have established themselves as the frontrunners in the early going. Which other team or teams are you eyeballing as potential BCS party crashers?
Rutgers, they have almost all of their tough Big East game in its own back yard: Cincy (3-0), #24 South Florida (2-0), #5 West Virginia (3-0). The only difficult away game will be #18 Louisville(2-1) in the last week of the season. I will also make a case for Boston College. They are already 3-0 in their conference in just the first three weeks of the season, they now have 4 straight non-conference games and could possibly be going into #17 Va. Tech (away) 7-0. If they make it that far and beat the Hokies, look out.
This weeks questions brought to you by Burnt Orange Nation
Handicap your team's chances to win your conference championship. If your team is not the favorite, who is?
I think the chances are pretty good for the lions. The 1st thing they need to do is beat Michigan for the 1st time in 8 attempts, that probably the 1,000 times you've heard that but it is true. If Penn State can manage a victory in the Big House then the title is just 2 home games against Wisconsin and Ohio State. It seems like a down year for the Big Ten and I think our defense will be able to carry us through the schedule of not-so-prime-time-teams of this years conference.
Outline the (realistic) best case and worst-case scenarios for your team.
The best-case scenario for the Nittany Lions would be to go 12-0, winning the Big Ten Title. USC, LSU, Oklahoma loses and we play in the National Championship game against Florida (where they would get their asses handed to them).
Something more realistic? 12-0 plays in the Rose Bowl versus Cal or Oregon. Worst Case? Losses to UM, Ill, Wisc, OSU finish 8-4, go to the Outback bowl again.
We're only three games in to the season, but teams and storylines are starting to take shape. Compare your team to a character or theme from a fable or children's tale.
Beauty or the Beast? We’ll find out on Saturday.
Imagine you're the coach of your team. Give three specific changes you'd implement immediately which you think would have the biggest impact on improving the team.
1) Run the ball with Rodney Kinlaw to the outside on off-tackle and sweep plays. Enough of this 3 yards and a cloud of dust stuff with Austin Scott, this is something I harped on when discussing what I thought PSU had to do in order to win on Saturday against Michigan. If you can get the defense going east and west you will be able to run north/south, not to mention run some play-action bootlegs, which Morelli loves.
2) Have a package for Darryl Clark. I know Morelli is the starter and I'm not disputing that but a few designed plays for Clark will add another little wrinkle to this otherwise bland offense.
3) Make Quarless the #1 target for Morelli, a tightend is a young quarterbacks best friend, the fact that he is a 6'5" target swimming in a sea of 5'11"-6'2" linebackers...he should be open regularly.
USC, LSU/Florida, and Oklahoma have established themselves as the frontrunners in the early going. Which other team or teams are you eyeballing as potential BCS party crashers?
Rutgers, they have almost all of their tough Big East game in its own back yard: Cincy (3-0), #24 South Florida (2-0), #5 West Virginia (3-0). The only difficult away game will be #18 Louisville(2-1) in the last week of the season. I will also make a case for Boston College. They are already 3-0 in their conference in just the first three weeks of the season, they now have 4 straight non-conference games and could possibly be going into #17 Va. Tech (away) 7-0. If they make it that far and beat the Hokies, look out.
Blue White Roundtable...from the outside
Ok so I'm not offcially part of the Blue White Roundtable, but I am the newest member of the Penn State blogesphere so I figure I would chime in on this weeks set of questions. This weeks questions were offered up by Run Up the Score.
Reportedly, Penn State is playing some school in a mitten-shaped state this weekend. Are any of you actually optimistic for the Michigan game?
I am optimistic for the game. Not as much as I was before we struggled early against Buffalo and Michigan handled Notre Dame much better than we did(albeit with far more mental mistakes from ND). I'm looking forward to it in general because it will be the 1st time we will get to see the team play somebody, a game will finally have some meaning. If the Lions can win this game then we have the inside track for the Big Ten title and thus for a BCS bowl, and thats what we all want now isn't it?
Okay, we all know that Penn State has lost eight straight games against Michigan since 1997. Plenty of PSU fans blame the coaches' offensive game planning, calling it predictable and bland. Fair criticism? If the definition of "insane" is repeating the same act over and over again and expecting a different result, does this make our coaching staff absolutely crazy?
Yes that is very fair criticism. The offensive play-calling has been rediculous for a while, you can't build a lead by running the ball up the middle for 2 yards and then running a WR screen for 4. You saw the Michigan Defense struggle with the spread offenses of App. State and Oregon.
Wouldnt it be lovely to be able to have Michael Robinson for this game? With the speed at reciever and the play making ability of Robinson we would be 10 point favorite in this game, but instead we have Morelli. His arm strength will be an advantage so we will have to key on that, maybe throwing the ball to the middle with Andrew Quarless and some running on the outside by Kinlaw in the 1st quarter, that would be a novel idea.
List three things Penn State absolutely must do in order to finally beat Michigan.
1) Stop the Run....Mike Hart is the Hart of their team(sorry about the pun) but it is true, right now he has 500 yds and 5 tds through the 1st 3 games. If we can stuff the run then we leave Mallet to throw his way to a win.
2) Pressure Mallet, he had an easy day against Notre Dame. If the young D-line, which has looked good, can put pressure on Mallet and make him make quick indecisive decisons, that is to our advantage.
3) Better Offensive Play-calling, like I mentioned earlier, if we can get Quarless involved, his big frame should cause some match-up problems, and if the running game can get going, outside 1st, later pound it inside with Scott that should be able to put the Wolverines away.
Lightning Round:
Would you rather be facing a one-legged Henne or a two-legged Mallett this weekend?
Two-legged Mallet, although wouldnt it be nice to have to opportunity to make a no-legged Henne?
Your score prediction?
Penn State:23
Michigan: 17
In one word, tell us if the constant griping by Penn State fans about Big Ten officiating is valid.
YesNoYesNoYesNo....errr Maybe?
Reportedly, Penn State is playing some school in a mitten-shaped state this weekend. Are any of you actually optimistic for the Michigan game?
I am optimistic for the game. Not as much as I was before we struggled early against Buffalo and Michigan handled Notre Dame much better than we did(albeit with far more mental mistakes from ND). I'm looking forward to it in general because it will be the 1st time we will get to see the team play somebody, a game will finally have some meaning. If the Lions can win this game then we have the inside track for the Big Ten title and thus for a BCS bowl, and thats what we all want now isn't it?
Okay, we all know that Penn State has lost eight straight games against Michigan since 1997. Plenty of PSU fans blame the coaches' offensive game planning, calling it predictable and bland. Fair criticism? If the definition of "insane" is repeating the same act over and over again and expecting a different result, does this make our coaching staff absolutely crazy?
Yes that is very fair criticism. The offensive play-calling has been rediculous for a while, you can't build a lead by running the ball up the middle for 2 yards and then running a WR screen for 4. You saw the Michigan Defense struggle with the spread offenses of App. State and Oregon.
Wouldnt it be lovely to be able to have Michael Robinson for this game? With the speed at reciever and the play making ability of Robinson we would be 10 point favorite in this game, but instead we have Morelli. His arm strength will be an advantage so we will have to key on that, maybe throwing the ball to the middle with Andrew Quarless and some running on the outside by Kinlaw in the 1st quarter, that would be a novel idea.
List three things Penn State absolutely must do in order to finally beat Michigan.
1) Stop the Run....Mike Hart is the Hart of their team(sorry about the pun) but it is true, right now he has 500 yds and 5 tds through the 1st 3 games. If we can stuff the run then we leave Mallet to throw his way to a win.
2) Pressure Mallet, he had an easy day against Notre Dame. If the young D-line, which has looked good, can put pressure on Mallet and make him make quick indecisive decisons, that is to our advantage.
3) Better Offensive Play-calling, like I mentioned earlier, if we can get Quarless involved, his big frame should cause some match-up problems, and if the running game can get going, outside 1st, later pound it inside with Scott that should be able to put the Wolverines away.
Lightning Round:
Would you rather be facing a one-legged Henne or a two-legged Mallett this weekend?
Two-legged Mallet, although wouldnt it be nice to have to opportunity to make a no-legged Henne?
Your score prediction?
Penn State:23
Michigan: 17
In one word, tell us if the constant griping by Penn State fans about Big Ten officiating is valid.
YesNoYesNoYesNo....errr Maybe?
Monday, September 17, 2007
College Football Top 10 Vol.I
It took me 3 weeks into the college football season to start a top 10 list for a multiude of reasons, one being that i didnt get my blog up and running until week 3, but also because I hate, no I LOATHE pre-season polls. I find them to be very annoying, they have a way of skewing the entire landscape of the season by making front-runners before a game is even played! So after a few weeks I think you can kind of make a sense of what is occuring right now in the scene. Obviously USC is still #1, although i cant help but think that if they didnt have pre-season polls LSU would have taken that honor after their humiliation of Virginia Tech in week 2. LSU, Oaklahoma, and the defending Champs, Florida round out the contenders for the top spot. After that the water is still a little murky, but I'll try to make some sense of it.
#10: Penn State- A homer pick you say? I say no, they havent played any big time teams but what they have done is play defense. Their defense is easily in the top 5 in the country with leaders like Sr. Dan Connor, a sure fire 1st rd pick, and Jr. Sean Lee, a future Dan Connor(who was a future Paul Posluszny) and a shutdown corner in Jr. Justin King, this team can hang with some of the best...Next Week: At Michigan
#9: Rutgers- A very nice squad Greg Schiano has going over there in Jersey, again like PSU they havent played any juggernauts yet but they will: WVU, Lousiville on the road, and now South Florida appears to be a contender for the Big East title. One thing that is not in question: Ray Rice...he is quite good...Next Week: Maryland
#8: Ohio State- The Buckeyes looked VERY questionable throught their entire 2nd game against Akron, where they were ahead 3-2 at half time and eventually won 20-2. They looked questionable again for the 1st half against Washington, but in the 2nd half it looked like they were getting into a groove, finally putting the Huskies away 33-14 in an impressive win against Ty Willingham's upstart team....Next Week: Northwestern
#7: Texas- A very veryshaky game at Central Florida, they were lucky to walk away with the win, but they did. Every team is bound to have a game where they barely escape though, I see they have a couple of games before the Red River Shootout, I think they will get it together by then...Next Week: Rice
#6: California- Cal has been pretty impressive this year, the big win against Tennessee and a round trouncing of La. Tech this weekend. Nate Longshore has been pretty consistent, completing 66% of his passes so far. Their schedule is back loaded with Oregon in 2 weeks, USC later in the year and then at Washington,ask OSU they'll tell you Husky Stadium can get pretty loud...Next Week: Arizona
#5: West Virgina- Gotta love a team with 2 Heisman canidates right? Well yes but the defense is something not to love at all. With Steve Slaton and Pat White running all over the opponents(not to mention the freshman Noel Devine, he might be faster than Slaton!) it might not matter but their D is waiting to be tested...Next Week: East Carolina
#4: Oklahoma- They came into the season with the best defense in the Big 12 and some very fast youngsters at the running back position, the big question mark for them would be the QB position...well HELLO Sam Bradford the freshman has been outstanding, completing 79% of his passes and throwing 11 TDs in 3 games. All those games have been at home however so we are still waiting to see what they can do on the road...Next Week: at Tulsa
#3: Florida- The defending champs, I was pretty skeptical about them coming into the year, the loss of some playmakers on both Offense and Defense as well as Tebow finally getting all the snaps but I was suprised as hell when I watched the Gators systematically destroy Tennessee this weekend. Tebow has been great, I think they will be rolling until Oct. 6th when they have to play in Baton Rouge against LSU...Next Week: at Ole Miss
#2: USC- USC, the pre-season #1 pick, I have to admit the impressive display they put on against Nebraska in Lincoln was very convincing, they are definitely a top 2 or 3 team this year, but as of RIGHT NOW they are not the best team in the nation, yes they played Nebraska on the road, but the win wasnt impressive enough for me to move them back up to "where they belong"...Next Week: Washington State
#1: LSU- The Tigers, in my very humble opinion are indeed the number one school in the country. Why? Because they have played more quality opponents than USC has, yes I know USC had a by and thus one less game played as of now it doesnt change the fact that LSU went into Starkville and beat a Miss. State team who is far better than the Idaho team that USC beat in their opener, and on top of that even though the game against Va. Tech was in Baton Rouge, Va. Tech is a better team than Nebraska is. LSU will be rollin until that meeting with Florida, that will certainly be a game to watch...Next Week #12 South Carolina
#10: Penn State- A homer pick you say? I say no, they havent played any big time teams but what they have done is play defense. Their defense is easily in the top 5 in the country with leaders like Sr. Dan Connor, a sure fire 1st rd pick, and Jr. Sean Lee, a future Dan Connor(who was a future Paul Posluszny) and a shutdown corner in Jr. Justin King, this team can hang with some of the best...Next Week: At Michigan
#9: Rutgers- A very nice squad Greg Schiano has going over there in Jersey, again like PSU they havent played any juggernauts yet but they will: WVU, Lousiville on the road, and now South Florida appears to be a contender for the Big East title. One thing that is not in question: Ray Rice...he is quite good...Next Week: Maryland
#8: Ohio State- The Buckeyes looked VERY questionable throught their entire 2nd game against Akron, where they were ahead 3-2 at half time and eventually won 20-2. They looked questionable again for the 1st half against Washington, but in the 2nd half it looked like they were getting into a groove, finally putting the Huskies away 33-14 in an impressive win against Ty Willingham's upstart team....Next Week: Northwestern
#7: Texas- A very veryshaky game at Central Florida, they were lucky to walk away with the win, but they did. Every team is bound to have a game where they barely escape though, I see they have a couple of games before the Red River Shootout, I think they will get it together by then...Next Week: Rice
#6: California- Cal has been pretty impressive this year, the big win against Tennessee and a round trouncing of La. Tech this weekend. Nate Longshore has been pretty consistent, completing 66% of his passes so far. Their schedule is back loaded with Oregon in 2 weeks, USC later in the year and then at Washington,ask OSU they'll tell you Husky Stadium can get pretty loud...Next Week: Arizona
#5: West Virgina- Gotta love a team with 2 Heisman canidates right? Well yes but the defense is something not to love at all. With Steve Slaton and Pat White running all over the opponents(not to mention the freshman Noel Devine, he might be faster than Slaton!) it might not matter but their D is waiting to be tested...Next Week: East Carolina
#4: Oklahoma- They came into the season with the best defense in the Big 12 and some very fast youngsters at the running back position, the big question mark for them would be the QB position...well HELLO Sam Bradford the freshman has been outstanding, completing 79% of his passes and throwing 11 TDs in 3 games. All those games have been at home however so we are still waiting to see what they can do on the road...Next Week: at Tulsa
#3: Florida- The defending champs, I was pretty skeptical about them coming into the year, the loss of some playmakers on both Offense and Defense as well as Tebow finally getting all the snaps but I was suprised as hell when I watched the Gators systematically destroy Tennessee this weekend. Tebow has been great, I think they will be rolling until Oct. 6th when they have to play in Baton Rouge against LSU...Next Week: at Ole Miss
#2: USC- USC, the pre-season #1 pick, I have to admit the impressive display they put on against Nebraska in Lincoln was very convincing, they are definitely a top 2 or 3 team this year, but as of RIGHT NOW they are not the best team in the nation, yes they played Nebraska on the road, but the win wasnt impressive enough for me to move them back up to "where they belong"...Next Week: Washington State
#1: LSU- The Tigers, in my very humble opinion are indeed the number one school in the country. Why? Because they have played more quality opponents than USC has, yes I know USC had a by and thus one less game played as of now it doesnt change the fact that LSU went into Starkville and beat a Miss. State team who is far better than the Idaho team that USC beat in their opener, and on top of that even though the game against Va. Tech was in Baton Rouge, Va. Tech is a better team than Nebraska is. LSU will be rollin until that meeting with Florida, that will certainly be a game to watch...Next Week #12 South Carolina
Welcome to the show!
Hello to all, welcome to Penn State Minutiae where we talk at extreme length about Penn State football, college football, and sports in general. I guess I should introduce myself to all you readers(hopefully double digits!), I'm Sean, a Penn State Senior. I'm from the Philly suburbs,Upper Dublin represent, and I'm a big fan of the Eagles and the Phillies as well as sports in general. We'll get to the postin soon enough but I just wanted to check in with you guys and to welcome you to my humble abode on the internets.
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