The Penn State Football Show

Well clearly I have to eat my words regarding this game, but I will gladly do so after by far Penn State’s best performance of the season. There are still many areas in which Penn State is struggling and needs to improve, but in my opinion, they dominated Iowa in this game much more than the 13-3 score indicates. They were able to run all over Iowa, which is rare against a consistently strong Hawkeye defense that always seems to have Penn State’s number. They dominated time of possession, and Iowa’s offense could not get anything going against the defense of Penn State. In terms of moving the ball, Penn State completely dominated Iowa, they just need to figure out a way to finish drives, which is easier said than done. But more on that below. Overall a great win over an opponent that Penn State has struggled with of late.

Observations from the game:

-I was glad to see Penn State blitz more in this game than usual. They need to do more of that, and the guy who is blitzing needs to be Gerald Hodges. He has the speed, quickness, agility and strength to be an excellent pass rusher if Bradley lets him. On the play where he forced the fumble, you could see he was a man on a mission and there was no stopping him. He should be blitzing like that multiple times per game. Especially with the lack of pass rush PSU is getting from it’s defensive ends.

-Astorino and Willis played well in the secondary. As did the freshman Amos. Powell has been holding his own at corner this year too. Getting Lynn and Morris back will be nice. I still don’t like Sukay at all.

-The most promising thing from this game was the performance of the offensive line. I’ve been hoping to see Penn State be able to run the ball like that all year, and this is the first time since the opening game that they were able to do so. In other words, this is the first time against an actual defense that they were able to do so. It always seems to take Penn State offensive lines about half a season to really come together and play as a unit. It seems like that happened yesterday. Hopefully they keep it up because this offense will be completely dependent on the run and play action pass to succeed against stronger defenses. If the run is working, that will open up the passing game. If the run is not working, neither QB is good enough to carry this team through the air alone.

-Silas Redd had a great game. And Curtis Dukes is running the ball real well too. I’d like to see Dukes put the ball away a little better, he kinda holds it out there asking for trouble. I’d like to see the coaching staff try and do some more things to get Redd the ball in space. Too many of his runs are right up the middle. Let’s get him on the outside in the open field because he is dynamic when he’s in the open field and might be able to break the big one.

-Speaking of breaking the big one, I really think PSU needs to take more shots deep down the field to Derek Moye. He’s tall and fast and has made big plays in the past. The main reason I say this is because I honestly believe Penn State’s best chance of scoring is if it comes from outside the 20 yard line. Their struggles in the red zone are well documented, and I don’t expect them to get any better. There is a reason they struggle there and it’s all about the QB’s. Bolden simply has not been an accurate passer all year, and McGloin doesn’t have the strongest arm. He gets by with his arm in the middle of the field, but in the red zone, where everything gets a little tighter and you have less room to work with, his arm really limits what PSU can do through the air. Obviously I’d like to see PSU fix the red zone problems, but I’m not sure it’s really a fixable problem. I think its more of a result of the personnel they have on the field. So I think the best solution is to try and score on big plays. If they are moving the ball well, mix in a play action bomb to Moye and hope for the best. I think that gives them a better chance at scoring six than by driving all the way.

-I think Penn State’s two best offensive players all season have been their two fullbacks, Suhey and Zordich. These guys are awesome. Every time Zordich goes in he blows somebody up. Both of them have been very effective running the ball this year, and Suhey has been very effective as a receiver out of the backfield. I really think PSU needs to stick with more formations that leave the fullback on the field. I like the fullback in there rather than Devon Smith. It seems like every running play up the middle behind a fullback is good for at least 3 or 4 yards. The same can not beside for runs up the middle out of single-back sets. Stick with the fullbacks!!!

-This is a big one that needs to be addressed and fixed: Ferra had some nice punts yesterday to try to pin the opponent within their own 10, but each time, there was not a PSU player in site to catch the ball and keep it from going into the end zone. The punts had more than enough hang time to allow Penn State players to spring down to the goal line, turn around, find the ball, and prevent it from being a touchback. But each time they were still running and trying to find the ball when it came down and inevitably rolled in the end zone. There is no reason for that. This is why Penn State needs a special teams coach. They looked clueless out there yesterday on punts. The truth is, Penn State will be involved in many more games just like yesterday where field position is key. They need to take advantage of any chance they can get to pin the opponent inside the 10.

-I briefly mentioned this earlier, but the one criticism I have about the defense is they need to do a better job of getting to the QB. Still is a monster and has to be one of the best DT’s in the country right now. He is very disruptive and reminds me a lot of Odrick. But he’s the only one of the 4 linemen getting through, and it’s easy for a QB to run a way from a big 300 pound tackle coming right through the middle, they just bounce it outside and Vandenburgh did many times yesterday. That’s where they need Crawford to step up and formulate a pass rush on the outside as well, giving the QB nowhere to go. Up until that last drive, I think PSU only had one sack. They got some pressure, but were not able to get to him and bring him down. They need to do a better job of getting sacks.

-With that being said, how awesome was it to watch Iowa’s final drive where Penn State got three consecutive sacks to force a 4th and 30. What a dominant, almost comical performance. That was really impressive. Similarly, how great was Penn State’s scoring drive where they ran it 15 times in a row right down Iowa’s throat. Those were some dominant performances that were a lot of fun to watch.

-Lastly, I don’t think much needs to be said on this matter other than Bolden clearly is not the guy and QB and should not see the field any more. Chris Spielman is a pretty obnoxious outspoken commentator, and I don’t really like him, but he was completely correct when he said that putting Bolden out there in the second half was just wasting a series. Just throwing it away. He shouldn’t have started the game in the first place. After that pathetic opening drive, where he was throwing the ball nowhere near his targets, and telegraphing every throw, he should not have been put back on the field. Penn State scored three points on that drive in spite of Bolden, not because of him. I was actually kind of pissed they made that great fake FG call on that drive just because I knew it was a complete waste of a good call. There was no way Bolden was going to lead the offense to a TD on that drive. No chance. So what good is the fake field goal conversion? Listen, I like the kid, I think he has a strong arm and shows poise at times, and I think he’d probably be successful in a program where he actually received some decent coaching, but anyone out there who still thinks Bolden should be playing over McGloin needs to open their eyes because it’s not even a race any more at this point. Not even close. Like it or not, Matt McGloin is the QB of this team and probably will be next year two. Any first rep snaps that don’t go to him in practices or in games are just a waste. Hand him the keys and see what he can do with them. So far he’s done an admirable job of moving the offense, and he’s without question the best option at QB for this team.

How in the world is Penn State favored to win this game? Has anyone been paying attention the last 10 years? Iowa owns Penn State, even when Penn State is good. So how can PSU be favored this year, when Penn State isn't even good? That's pretty much all I have to say about this game. PSU's only chance is if McGloin starts and plays the whole game at QB. Bolden won't put up any points against Iowa. Iowa wins with ease as they usually do against PSU 17-3.

Sitting in the stands before the Alabama game, I made the comment, "What does this game really mean?" The rhetorical answer to that question, really, is NOTHING! Sure, we all want to compete for a National Championship but I think it is clear that Penn State is not a 12-0 caliber team. However, a Big Ten Leaders division championship and a spot on the turf in Indy in December is a very realistic goal which begins today. I think the old philosophy of rooting for your future opponents to win games is over and we will begin to have a more NFL-like ideology where we want divisional opponents to lose (i.e. Nebraska beating Wisconsin or Northwestern over Illinois).

Things I am looking for against Indiana:

• I, too, am excited to see the replacement corners, Thomas and Amos. I think this is the game where one of them makes a name for himself and becomes part of the first team.


• I am not a big Devon Smith fan, but I don't think they are using him properly. Sending him on deep routes just isn't gonna work. Everyone knows about his speed now and they will prepare for it. However, if you give him the ball in the short crossing routes or on WR screens where he has some green space, things might happen. I think he is more useful in this phase than any other receiver we have.


• How much will the injury of Michael Mauti really hurt? I dont think we will find out today but if there is one position on this team that can afford a major loss, it is at Linebacker. Again, time for young guys to step up. I want to see what Mike Hull can do. Also, can Gerald Hodges start playing up to capabilities?

PS...The intra-state smack talk has been rather quite of late so I will get the ball rolling again. I still cant believe that Pitt advertises "9 Time National Champions" at Heniz Field. If PSU took the same approach, they would have to build another stadium addition to fill the space. Talk about false advertising...

The Big Ten opener this year is, in all intensive purposes, another powderpuff. Indiana (who has NEVER beaten Penn State) is 1-3 coming out of their non-conference slate with loses to Virginia, Ball State and North Texas. Yea...North Texas. Good job. Penn State's barometer will be tested next week when it plays Iowa, but for this week they should have a grocery list of things that they want to accomplish.

1) Run the ball. OH.MY.GOD. You're Penn State...this is what you do. But the coaches think the only way to run is to try it on the first 3 series of the game when the opponent knows exactly what's coming. Then by the time McGloin comes in the game they have figured out they need to start airing it out, and it makes him look like the better quaterback.

This is why those playaction passes to open the game have been open...so that's like one good play...why not do something "crazy" and start the game from the gun. Maybe a little no huddle? Just mix it up. Take control of the tempo. I would love to just see a nice opening drive that results in a touchdown. Is that too much to ask? With the way the defense is playing, this puts a ton of pressure of the other team to score.

So, back to my point of running the ball....throw the ball....then run the ball. Don't just run into a brick wall 10 times and call it quits. Mess with their minds, man!

2) Get Derrick Thomas on the field right now. This guy is apparently a shutdown corner and I think he's done enough time in the doghouse. Let him outside to play. With Lynn out, I would love to see a lot of Thomas and Amos. I think these two are much better corners than Powell and Morris despite their inexperience.

3) Get the screen game going. I don't think I have ever seen a Penn State team so incapable of throwing a screen pass. Bolden really needs to work on getting a little more air under his throws and continuing to move backwards to draw the defenders away. He seems cemented in the ground and always does that thing where he throws the ball when he's getting planted. Stop it. Anticipate. Get rid of it with a little touch.

4) Don't run a reverse of third down ever again. Stop that.

5) Justin Brown looked pretty good last week. I'd like to see some more of him over the middle. This will open things up on the edge for Moye who has really improved his play as well after a mediocre at best opening two games.

6) From what I have heard, Amos and Belton will be back returning kicks. Thank you. Powell looks like he's on one of those airport moving walkways when he's retuning....run dude! And Devon Smith...what hasn't been said about a Devon Smith that hasn't already been said about a Raggedy Ann doll. My high school coach used to scream one thing at me constantly and eventually I got it...."GET UP FIELD!"

7) Devon Still has looked absolutely amazing so far this year and I think teams are very focused on double teaming him like they did with Odrick in 2009. Remember when Jack Crawford was good? What was that...2009? Yea, Odrick was there. Well, look for more out of the defensive ends this week....they may have the luxury of going against some tight ends. Let's get some sack lunches for this noon game.

I expect Penn State to handle Indiana very easily. They really are a terrible team; there's no two ways about it. Plus, Penn State actually looked decent last week, albeit against an inferior opponent. I am very curious as to how all this quarterback controversy is going to play out, but I'd bet my lederhosen on JoePa still going with two QB's for the Iowa game. I think Bolden and McGloin's performance in that game will be the deciding factor. A game within a game. Whatever. I'm just excited to be able to watch the entirety of a Penn State game live and not having to DVR it. Let's come back home to State College with some momentum! We Are

Mike Mauti and the PSU defense put together an impressive bailout plan that left most Democrats across the country scratching their heads. This game was downright sloppy and looked more like a mid-level High School contest. In all intents and purposes, the Penn State offense and special teams did everything they could to throw this game down the drain. But, the defense, which will keep this team afloat this season, came through with several big plays down the stretch.

Honestly, I don't know what to make of this team. Not since 2004 have we seen such a discrepancy between the offense and the defense of a Joe Paterno team. The defense is on the verge of becoming great. I really don't think there are too many, if any, weaknesses on defense. I have been impressed with the tackling and hitting in the secondary and the defensive line, although it lacks depth, is creating havoc on opposing offensive linemen.

No mincing words here but...the offense stinks! Neither QB can really put together a substantial drive where they show signs of greatness. I think we have some offensive weapons but if the QB play continues to be lackluster, none of them will have the opportunity to make plays and we will see offensive series much like '04. I still don't like the two QB system...

Also, what happened to the whole Spread HD stuff? Are these QB's not mentally equipped to handle that type of offense? I mean, doesnt it seem like we run the same 5-6 plays all game?

I SPY...Chaz Powell (CB #2) - Has CP2 finally realized his potential? He has impressed me with his tackling in the open field and, in addition to the INT, he has made some plays in pass defense. I noticed that they had Powell matched up with Bama's Marquis Maze. I would have figured Danton Lynn would be put on Maze. Either way, the coaches must like his play as well because I don't see much of Stephon Morris who often spells Powell at corner. A productive Powell will tighten up the secondary even more.

I don't know what it is about people and slashing tires, but tonight I decided that since my baseball game was in Cambridge that I would ride my bike to it. After the victory we went to a bar to have a few drinks. As I make my way out to my bike to ride the 3.5 miles home, I discover that a tire was flat. Then I discovered that both tires were flat. One had an evident key/knife hole, the other....I saw no evidence of a stabbing. Why did you do that? I ended up having to walk my bike home. Took over an hour. Dick move. What does this have to do with Penn State football?

Alabama essentially came into town and stabbed Penn State's tires. They had no choice but to walk their bike home. Accept defeat, alter their gameplan and just pack it in and hoof it. Everyone is freaking out though....why? So you had to walk home, it's still good exercise. You still made it, and your legs are stronger even though you didn't get home the way you planned. Bolden went up against the best defense he has ever seen. The best defense anyone on that team has ever seen....and he didn't do all that bad. He had some very nice throws that were dropped, and made a few bone-head plays, but that's to be expected. In all honesty, Alabama's defensive backs are absolutely the best I have ever seen on a college football team. People complain about his always throwing to his first read, but that's not true. Many of the times it is, but those are the playaction passes where it's a certainty that Moye is single covered. Do you think that Szczerba was the hot read on that third down conversion that he fumbled away? I thought Bolden showed a lot of poise and made his decisions very quickly, which is a HUGE improvement from last year. Last year he did not have a single effective run, and he scrambled well against 'Bama.

You guys are all talking about how he's gotten worse....but that's completely false! Remember last year's Illinois game where Bolden got pressured and just threw the ball into an oncoming defender's hands? Not only did Bolden not get sacked a single time against Alabama, but he also displayed good touch, a cannon of an arm, and better overall leadership abilities. You have to admit that all of this controversy must be weighing on both quarterbacks and it can't be easy to establish any kind of rhythm out there. Supposedly this week, we will see more of the "hot" guy staying in. Let's hope that after this game, a starter can be established.

On to the Temple game. This is an intriguing game, and I expect Temple to win the MAC and possibly end the regular season ranked or at least receiving votes in the polls. Having said that, Penn State is probably pissed. This team has too much talent to just limp away with their tail between their legs. The defense is very very good, and Temple, who relies on their running game, will have tough sledding. Creating turnovers has always been tough for Penn State, and that's largely because they don't take many risks. I was actually happy to see Sukay go for that pick. Why not try and make the big play? I do agree with all of you that Devon Smith needs to take a seat. He's just a gimmick and whenever Curtis Drake is healthy, he should supplant him. I was pleased with what I saw out of Shawney Kersey and Allen Robinson. Both young guys showed some decent hands and should push the veterans to step up or the young bucks might take some of their playing time.

I will actually get to see all of this Temple game, so I am excited about that. I also need to fix my bike, but I'll leave that for another day. Let's go state.

Please excuse my absence so far this year. I really have no excuse. The Alabama loss is still sticking with me, particularly after reading Pete's post. I actually went back through and read everyone's notes on the Alabama game last year and it was all the same complaints. Predictable play calling, giving up field position, and having no stones to throw the ball. One particular point of contention was Penn State kicking a field goal from inside the 10 to put the game at 27-3 as opposed to going for it, then had the audacity to try and onside kick. Sound familiar?