I didn't think McSorley would be as good because of the wind today, and I also didn't think Thorson would so bad. That was the difference today. PSU finally wore NU down and that was that. They had nothing left in Q4.
PSU's defense is playing about as well as I've seen in the past decade. It's a physical, fast unit and VERY deep in some key areas, mainly CB and the DE positions. It seems a different name comes up off of that DL every week, with the exception of Shareef Miller who may very well end up on the all B1G first team.
As of the offense, it hasn't been fluid but it is winning and putting points up due to exactly this - depth, quality depth, and really quality depth. They key to stopping PSU is selling out on the run yes, but selling out on the blitz too. PSU's OL still isn't up to snuff, so if you can get pressure and have CB's that can operate in man coverage, you can stop PSU's offense. So it's one thing for IU to do it and give up 45 points, but it'll be a another for OSU, Michigan and Sparty.
Areas of major concern reamain tho:
1. The FG unit is a debacle and could easily cost them a game. What was an automatic last year is now a 50/50 proposition at best. New holder, new snapper and a line that's just not getting it done and getting pushed off the ball. Which leads me to....
2. The RT situation. It's been a revolving door on that side. Brendan Mahon has played RG most of the year this season after playing most of the year at RT last year. The reason? Chaz Wright and Andrew Nelson SHOULD be legit starters there right now (and even RS FR Will Fries), but none have anchored it down. Mahon projects as a guard in the NFL (if he were to make it there), so this is a natural fit for him. But they may need to shift him out and try someone else at RG, which doesn't bode well.
Obviously, PSU's season is essentially a 4 week one now - BYE, UM, OSU (road), MSU (road). That's quite a gauntlet.
