Friday, September 24, 2010
After the Bama game, I feel like these "tweener" games are mostly irrelevant and simply preparation for the Big Ten schedule. However, this team needs these games to work out some kinks and get things rolling for next weekend, and that's why I watch! Here are a few things I am looking for in tomorrows game...
- True, the offensive line has not allowed a sack thus far. I think that is mostly due to the fact that Bolden does not hold onto the ball as long as guys like Clark and Morrelli did. Still, it's a feather in their caps. I do, however, want to see better run blocking from this group. They still struggle getting to the second level at times.
- Less of Chaz Powell at WR and more of Justin Brown. I thought they move Powell to defense anyway?
- Bolden looks good so far in most areas, but I think he needs to learn how to scramble out of the pocket and buy some time for the receivers. He has quick feet and throws well on the run. This will only make him more dangerous as his throwing time will begin to decrease in the Big Ten.
- More quick slant plays to Moye-Zug-Brackett. The thing that makes this work is Bolden's quick release. Cant be stopped in man coverage.
- Was last week a coming out party for DE Pete Massarro? Look for him to be on the field more this week.
I dont think Temple is good enough to beat Penn State but its good to see them progressing and becomming more of a force at the D-1A level.
Impressive stat: Penn State is the only team in the entire country that has not allowed a sack this year.
I'm hoping this is the game Royster breaks out of whatever physical, mental, and emotional slump he's in and returns to form. Otherwise I think we have a situation on our hands. Hammering out our running game and run blocking would give me a lot of confidence heading in to Iowa for the Big Ten opener. As an aside, one of the project managers for a subcontractor on our job went to Nebraska. My hatred for Nebraska has now been refreshed.
I think Temple is coming into this game confident they have a good shot to win it. Temple is MUCH better than they have been. That's because they have always been lousy. Now they are finally decent. While I do think they have a shot to win this game, I just don't think they match up very well against Penn State.
Temple's strength is their running back. And traditionally, as long as your name is not Trent Richardson, Penn State is pretty stout at defending the run. So I think Temple will have a hard time putting points on the board.
But I do think Temple will come in with a lot of energy and a lot of confidence. If the ball bounces their way a few times, you never know what could happen. Their head coach, offensive and defensive coordinators all played for Joe. Let's face it, Joe can be very predictable, so that is something to worry about. Although this year so far, Penn State has not been its old predictable self (Starting a true frosh QB, playcalling against Alabama). So you never know.
I'm excited to see a good test for the team. We should learn a lot about them tomorrow. Penn State needs to establish a ground game in this one. I say they win, but not a blowout.
