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Saturday, October 2, 2010

Role Reversal?

0 comments Posted by Rudolf Hersh at 11:49 AM

Iowa has been a thorn in our sides for years, destroying dreams of national championships and knocking our basketball team out of the NCAA tournament. Unfortunately they have already lost a game so a loss here wouldn't be quite as devastating, but a Penn State win here would make this season a success. I don't remember a season when I have picked against PSU this many times, but Iowa is just a better team in so many aspects of the game. They have more experience, they don't turn the ball over, they have a terrific defense, star players that can take over a game, and we saw what they could do on special teams last year.

To keep this quick, Penn State needs to get solid play out of their offensive line. They played well last week despite giving up just their first sack of the season, but the loss of Eliades is crushing. My take on the conservative play-calling inside the red zone last week is that Penn State knew that eventually they would take over and they just wanted to get some points. Whatever. Not concerned about it. They moved the ball pretty well, but definitely need to be more consistent. This week Penn State will need all the points they can get and I expect them to open up the playbook a little more. The offensive calls against Alabama were actually pretty good so I feel confident in the coaching staff, but execution will be critical. Their redzone production has had about as much success as Drew in a dance contest against yours truly (OH!). I agree that tight ends need to be used, but Gilliam is young and I think a better option is Brackett out of his flex spot. I was excited to see Justin Brown have a big game, and I hope to see him on the field more and maybe Zug a little less. All said and done, Iowa should win this game, but Penn State certainly has the talent to win this, but they need to win the turnover battle and get pressure on Stanzi.

Got a wedding to go to tonight so I will once again be DVRing and watching later. Very excited for this one. This would be a huge win, and a great confidence booster for a young team that is still looking for an identity.

 

Friday, October 1, 2010

Big Ten Opener

0 comments Posted by Drew Merritts at 4:45 PM

The magical time is now upon us with games that actually matter, leaving behind the jabronies that occupy the cannon fodder schools of Temple, Kent State, and Youngstown. Bring on the good stuff.


There are a lot of interesting match ups in the Big Ten this week. Particularly Michigan State - Wisconsin, and I'll be keeping my eye on an undefeated Indiana team hosting Michigan. But obviously my mind is fixed on the perennial thorn in Penn State's side, Iowa.

Iowa seems to be the team that we can never beat when we're supposed to and can never yank an upset from when we aren't. I think the root of this can be traced to coaching. Kirk Ferentz is a great coach. An outstanding coach. I think most people "in the know" would tell you the same but your casual fan would probably know who Lane Kiffin is before Ferentz. Iowa is one of these teams I joke about because no matter who graduates they seem to always have the same team: lots of beef up front, a decent and mobile quarterback, a good running back, and one receiver that's fast as lighting. This years squad pretty much fits that mold. The loss to Arizona told us what we already knew, Iowa is not a team that's going to be able to score at will, especially against the tougher defenses of the Big Ten. But have no doubt, this will not be a 6-4 game.

I was obviously concerned at the score of last week's game versus Temple. For the second time this year I think PSU has fallen victim to playing better than the score showed. Five trips to the red zone ending in field goals is not a way to beat Iowa. I haven't seen a red zone attack that bad since Rudy put on all that Old Spice body spray and went cruising for high school girls. The offense becomes very predictable inside the 20 and they need to trust Bolden more. I'm a firm believer that the red zone is where tight ends earn their stripes. Quarless and Shuler were great red zone threats and I'd like to get back to that. It was also nice to see Royster have a good day. However I would personally rather see Silas Redd get more action than Stephon Green.

Last year's Iowa game was a perfect example of how we always lose to Iowa. Giving up big special teams plays, failing to convert on big third downs, and turning over the ball on their half of the field. These are all things that this Penn State team has already proven they love to do. You can't give Ferentz chances, he will make you pay. I just don't see the Lions pulling this one out on the road. But as the old saying goes, "that's why they play the game." If we can limit the turnovers and keep up the amazing job of not committing penalties, this could launch PSU in to a great spot in the Big Ten standings.

 

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