Saturday, September 3, 2011
I share in Rudy's excitement over a new Penn State season. I also share in his sentiments that Penn State is loaded with talent this year, and could suprise some people since they seem to be overlooked by most. The last time they had this much talent but did not come into the season highly ranked was 2005, and we all know what happened that year.
My two biggest question marks are the QB position and coaching. QB is an obvious one. The fact that Bolden didn't come out and win the job right away was upsetting to me, and I don't think that's a good sign. I was hoping for a lights-out pre-season from him to make the QB decision an easy one, and that didn't happen. So we will see what happens at QB. Again, going back to 2005, although MRob is now considered a PSU legend, if your recall correctly, there were a lot of question marks about him heading into that season. I was one of many people who had doubts about his ability to be a Big Ten quarterback. He silenced any doubters that season, however. But the point is, even though the QB situation looks like it will be a question mark this season, that doesn't necessarily mean it will be.
In regards to the coaching, I just think the team has not gotten the most out of it's talent in the last 10 years, and I'm worried that will continue this season. I could probably elaborate a little further with specific examples, but that would take a little too long. I hope the coaching staff proves me wrong this year, but I will believe it when I see it.
For me, the thing I will be watching this game is Brandon Beachum. I think he's going to be a great running back this year. Most people are excited for Redd, and rightfully so, because he's a stud. But he's also not the biggest guy in the world and I'm not sure he is a 25 carry per game back in the Big Ten. Therefore, I think Beachum, who has a little more meat on him, will be play a key role int he offense this year. I think he will receive more carries than most people are expecting. He's my player to watch for this game.
Penn State rolls.
As we flip our calendars from August to September, familiar feelings comes over us...hope, excitement, and maybe even a little bit aroused. Penn State football is back. After spending the past eight months basically living a meaningless, empty life, I once again have purpose. Like a homeless man, picking through dumpsters in search of the fruitful Bud Light cans, I have come across a fat wallet amidst the banana peels, soiled paper towels and rotten cheese; the next four months will be figuratively showered with whiskey and Olde English. I am a happy man.
This matchup between Penn State and the lowly Indiana State Sycamores presents little in the way of a challenge, and certainly the outcome of the game is not in doubt. However, a much more important battle is fought within the ranks of the Nittany Lions. Unlike we have seen in recent years, the team enters the season with several positions lacking a true starter. Obviously the elephant in the room is the quarterback situation, but also along the offensive line and to a lesser extent at linebacker players to this day continue to compete for starting positions. This offseason has been an extremely good one with more intensity and competition than I can remember. Coming off of a 7-6 season, the team is playing with a chip on their shoulder. They know that they could have been better, and they are eager to prove that point this season. The depth at linebacker and defensive back brings me back to the days of Team VJ Pepicelli. The running backs and receivers are probably the most talented in the entire Big Ten, but questions still linger about the lines and about the whole Bolden/McGloin reality show. Paterno has decided that this year, he will not name a starter for the opening game, but will use the powderpuff as another scrimmage for the quarterbacks to separate themselves. To me this is meaningless. If these two are that close that you can't name a starter....just make Bolden the quarterback. I don't think that anyone would argue that Bolden is the more gifted player, and has a much higher ceiling, so just give him the rock. Let him improve and develop. It's a no brainer. The only logical excuse I can see, is Paterno wants to be fair and so he's jumping through all of these hoops to make it look like McGloin actually has a shot. My prediction: Both QBs perform well against ISU, but Bolden is named starter for Alabama.
The offensive line is something that seems to be an issue every year and has been since the Rose Bowl run in 2008. I think this unit might surprise people. There are no real stars on the line, especially with the loss of Wisniewski, but what they lack in individual strength, they make up for as a unit. They've worked together for a very long time and I feel that they should be competent enough to be successful. With all of the potential offensive fire-power that Penn State has, this group just needs to be good enough and things could get crazy. I'm looking forward to it.
On the defensive side of the ball, I seriously just peed my pants I'm so excited. With the exception being defensive end (where Penn State has about 25 young studs ready to explode), every position boasts veteran leadership and a sexy mayor. Michael Mauti is going to turn heads this year. I love his attitude and intensity. He's like a meaner Posluszny. Devon Still on the defensive line I personally think will earn Big Ten honors. This man is an absolute giant and even though he looks like a refrigerator, he's actually not fat at all. Hide your children. If Jack Crawford can get back to his old form and some of this young speed rushers can fill in for the injured Pete Massaro, this defense could be something special.
The biggest difference this year is that Penn State is flying under the radar. But I see them. My radar sees them. I guess that's kind of my job, but regardless...everyone looks at this team and sees a few question marks and dismisses them as mediocre. But what about Alabama? They lost their starting quarterback, and their best receiver (although they have probably the best running back in the world), and they're sitting pretty at #2. I'm fine with it though. This team will surprise people. There's so much talent. As for this game that's being played this week...I don't expect it to be too tough and Silas Redd will probably run for close to 200 yards. It will be nice to see Beachum back on the field and will be a huge contributor.
What can I say? It's the most exciting time of year and I just wrote a small book. A pamphlet. Let's get this thing started. Lions roll 49-3. Get some
