The Penn State Football Show

Obviously Penn State was outclassed in this game. I said they would have to play a perfect game in order to win this one, and they did not. But with that being said, I'm not so sure that they win this game even without all those penalties and foolish mistakes. It was dissapointing that they did not play good Penn State football today. They really shot themselves in the foot a few times, but that was the least of their problems...

I am very dissapointed in the performance of the secondary. It was absolutely pathetic. USC was throwing at will all game long and PSU could not do anything to stop it. It was frustrating to watch. I don't understand why Penn State continues to play such soft coverage all the time. Its a wonder why USC was the only team to take advantage of that all year. I was worried about the secondary heading into this game, but I did not expect such a disgusting performance. The coaches really need to take a second look at their defensive schemes in the secondary and make some changes in my opinion.

Outside of the secondary, I was impressed with the team for the most part. USC managed some nice runs, but I think that was more of a result of Penn State looking for the pass than anything else. For the most part, they were respectable against the run. They only forced the one turnover, and did not get to the quarterback enough. They got some pressure, but never could seem to bring Sanchez down.

Offensively, I thought the team played great. They gained over 400 yards and put up 24 points against the defense we have been eharing so much about for the last month. I did not expect to have that much success with the passing game, I thought Darryl Clark played a great game. If that truly was one of the greatest defenses in college football history, you have got to give a lot of credit to Penn State and Darryl Clark. Losing Royster hurt big time, but I don't think anyone would argue that it would have changed the outcome of the game. I really think he would have had a big game though, and I feel bad for him that he was not able to play in this one. Luckily he has two more years.

One of the things that killed Penn State in the first half was play-calling on third and short. They really should have utilized Clark's mobility on thirr and short - that's the perfect time for a qb draw or option, but they did not do this. I couldn't believe they tried to run up the middle with Green on third and two. That was the third time this year they have done that with him and the third time it did not work. When will the coaches realize he is not a short-yardage power back but a small speed back instead? I know Royster was out at the time, but they could have given that ball to Beachum. There's no doubt in my mind Beachum falls forward on that play for the first down. A few different play calls on third and short in the first half could have extended a few drives and maybe changed the landscape of the game.

Bowman had a great game, Green played well outside of the fumble. Evans and Maybin did not step up and make many plays for the defense. D-Will did not do much. The O-line did a very good job opening up holes and protecting D Clark. Clark played a great game, made good decisions, and had some strong runs. He still has some work to do on his passing and his form.

Beachum had a few nice runs and looks like he has a bright future. Scirotto played terrible and I think Penn State will benefit by losing him to graduation. Astorino played great when he was on the field, and I can't wait to see him start next year. He is just one of those guys that, even this year as an inexperienced freshman, was one of the best players on the field as soon as he set foot on the field. He just has those sort of instincts.

I think Penn State will have a top 10 team next year. I believe Maybin, Evans and Odrick all come back next year, and will be the heart of the best front seven in the country. The only player they lose from the line is Gaines. In addition to the three previously mentioned linemen, Ogbu, Koroma, Still, and Jerome Hayes all return. At linebacker, Sean Lee returns, as does Bowman, Mauti, Stupar, Gbadu, and Hull. I even think the secondary will be better, despite losing all four starters. Tony Davis was solid and will be missed, but I can't say the same for Scirotto and Sargeant. Rubin played better than I expected this year, but he won't be difficult to replace. AJ Wallace better come ready to play next year. D'Anton Lynn may see the field as well. Astornio will be the leader of the secondary. They will have the luxury of knowing that the opposing QB will not have much time to throw.

On offense, having Clark return is huge. As I said before though, he needs to work on his footwork so that he can step into his throws. He is way too flat-footed when he releases the ball, and his accuracy suffers as a result. If he can fix this and become a more accurate passer, he could be an All American. The trio of Royster, Green and Beachum is phenomenal at tailback. Dan Lawlor had a great season and will be missed. Perhaps Larry can fill in. Losing all three wideouts and the o-line will be the biggest question marks. If players step up at these positions, Penn State will be a force next year.

Overall, a dissapionting game. I truly did not expect to see a blowout. Hopefully the staff will learn from this game, and come back strong next season.