CFB51 College Football Fan Community
The Power Five => Big Ten => Topic started by: Big Beef Tacosupreme on May 27, 2023, 03:37:10 AM
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I can't sleep, so why not?
I'm going to list the positions from most talented on down.
1. Cornerbacks/Safeties:
Penn State lost Joey Porter Jr, but this unit has a lot of talent and shouldn't lose a step. There is talent and depth everywhere.
Kalen King outplayed JPJ in the latter half of the year and some consider him the best player on the team. JPJ will be replaced by Johnny Dixon, a redshirt Sr who put up excellent stats in limited playing time last season. Keaton Ellis (rSR) is a returning starter at the safety position. Keaton is likely a mid rounder in the upcoming NFL draft.
2. Linebackers:
As a freshman, Abdul Carter finished 4th in the B1G in sacks, and second on the team in tackles. He was All B1G (2nd Team) and a Freshman All-American. He did this despite not being the starter. Curtis Jacobs returns as well. Jacobs was an All B1G Honorable mention. Keep an eye out for true freshman Tony Rojas, as he was the talk of spring ball. Penn State also returns the third starter, Tyler Elsdon (44 tackles), as well as Kobe King (41 tackles). Depth, talent, and experience everywhere.
3. Running Backs:
You guys already know about the two returning freshmen, but PSU lost a lot of depth as every older guy hit the transfer portal. Fortunately they were able to bring in rSr Trey Potts from Minnesota, as well as a couple of highly touted recruits. The backfield is one of the most talented in the country, but probably only 3rd in their own division.
4. Defensive Line:
As far as defensive ends go, Penn State has an embarrassment of riches. Chop Robinson and Adisa Isaac are All-B1G 2nd teamers by most publications, while Dani Dennis-Sutton was a true freshman all American. There is also a ton of depth. However, Penn State's weakest position may be defensive tackle. The starters will likely be redshirt seniors, so at least they will be experienced. Still, this makes PSU vulnerable to a power running game.
5. Offensive Line:
Weirdly, Penn State's offensive line will likely be a strength this year, highlighted by future top 10 draft pick Olu Fashanu. 4/5 starters return, and there is a TON of depth. Penn State's offensive line coach has done wonders in his 3 years at PSU. Again, a case could be made that this unit would be among the best in the country, but will likely be third overall in their own division. Still, this should be one of the strongest PSU O-Lines in recent memory.
6. Tight Ends:
Last year Penn State may have had the best tight end room in the country. They lost Brenton Strange to the NFL draft, but this room is still very good. Theo Johnson was injured to start 2022, but he finished the season averaging 16.4 yards per catch and 4 touchdowns. He will be in the mix for the best TE in the conference--if he plays. He's in the dog house because of pending assault charges stemming from a fraternity fight. He did not participate in spring ball. The depth is mostly underclassman.
7. Wide Receivers:
PSU fired the WR coach in the off season, which should give you an idea of how Franklin felt about the recent performance of this unit. However, they have a lot of highly touted recruits and two of the best available wide receivers transferring in from the portal. Keandre Lambert-Smith is the lone returning starter. Just like last season, I would expect them to be serviceable, but they really lack the superstar that every other position group has.
8. Quarterback:
Yeah, Drew Allar is a five star and he has had more than a year to get used to being a college QB. The potential is there. Potential doesn't amount to a hill of beans piled into a good chili.
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Sounds pretty much like a UGA review ...
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Who the hell is this newbie? :d030:
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Good to see you Mr. TacO. Been a while. I think PSU could be sneaky this year, depending on the QB play.
Maybe run through the schedule for us. We know the East is better than the West at the top and that OSU and M are playoff contenders again. Good to see WVU on the schedule!
(https://i.imgur.com/Ph6jjwP.png)
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I'm seeing 2 losses for the OSU with the Lions being one of them BUT the Games is in C-Bus. Perhaps 3 but I'm willing to be wrong
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PSU should be unbeaten going into the OSU game. The @Illinois game could be tricky, but it's better to get them early on.
(After hosting PSU, OSU goes to Madison.)
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better to get programs with new coaching staffs early on
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PSU should be unbeaten going into the OSU game. The @Illinois game could be tricky, but it's better to get them early on.
(After hosting PSU, OSU goes to Madison.)
Ruh-Roh,alway a slobberknocker in Madtown
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Good to see you Mr. TacO. Been a while. I think PSU could be sneaky this year, depending on the QB play.
Maybe run through the schedule for us. We know the East is better than the West at the top and that OSU and M are playoff contenders again. Good to see WVU on the schedule!
(https://i.imgur.com/Ph6jjwP.png)
West Virginia doesn’t appear to be as strong as they normally are. Illinois and Iowa have a shot. A lot will depend on the play of Drew Allar. If he’s good enough to get the pass offense off the ground than those should be wins as well.
Franklin has been building teams for years to try and beat OSU. That should be a tight game, as usual.
I don’t see PSU beating Michigan. Michigan just matches up way too well. Maybe if it had been the whiteout game.
I’m thinking 1-3 losses depending on QB play.
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Sounds pretty much like a UGA review ...
Hah. Penn State isn't in that kind of company just yet.
Normally this might be a year in which the kind of talent PSU has would put them in the picture for the B1G championship. In the days of the portal, however, every team's weakness can be addressed pretty quickly. The rich get richer, as they say.
BBT's Preseason Grades:
QB : C (Based on limited action last year)
Oline : A-
Wide Receivers : C+
Tight Ends : B+
Safeties : A-
Cornerbacks : A
Linebackers : A
Defensive Ends : A
Defensive Tackles : C
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so, the defense will be stout
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It really is a decent description of UGA though, the first post, especially about tight ends ...
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so, the defense will be stout
Penn state was 5th in the country in yards per play last season and could possibly be better this year. Especially against the pass. So, yes.
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It really is a decent description of UGA though, the first post, especially about tight ends ...
Hopefully both teams will be even better than we hope. Would be nice to have another national championship matchup.
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Howdy BBTZ.
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Howdy!
I've been learning Texican on Dual Lingo.
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Some Small updates:
According to Franklin, the Tight Ends, Running Backs, and Offensive line "have a chance" to be better than last year. In Franklin speak, that means they will be better than last year.
Only general coach speak about the wide receivers and QB.
Franklin in regards to Allar: “He’s in a really good place,” Franklin said. “... There’s a lot of things like that to be excited about. He’s also good in the meeting room. I think Sean Clifford really helped with that. So there’s a lot of things to be excited about but we got to build on it and take the next step.”
OC: “Physically he looks great,” Yurcich said. “He’s in tip top shape. His body looks great. The mental aspect of it, the more time you get with them the more well-versed they are. Everything seems to be on schedule and he’s progressing forward very nicely.”
In regards to the WRs:
“So I think we came out of spring saying, ‘OK, we feel good that we’ve got two and a question mark on the third'”
“I thought Omari, the way he ended spring ball I think really helped. That really helped us feeling like we had three guys that had done it in Beaver Stadium. Obviously you’ve got Malick Meiga who’s played a ton of football here and we’re going to need him to continue to compete for one of those jobs. Malik McClain is a guy, there was a lot of buzz, especially from you guys, about him coming in. It’s going to be interesting. He looked great this morning, running and moving around. I’ve heard great things about him. I’ve noticed Kaden Saunders. He kind of jumped out to me. Anthony Ivey’s probably one of the more natural receivers that we have. There’s a bunch of guys that I could mention,” Franklin said. “… Liam’s a guy that I don’t think gets talked about. He’s got a chance because he’s got the intelligence and understanding of the offense. He can play multiple positions.”
In regards to Dante Cephus, the transfer WR from Kent State, who arrived after spring practice:
(Cephus is projected to challenge for the #1 WR spot)
"It's been tough to give a full evaluation of Cephas because of just how limited (things have been)," offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich recently said. "I mean, I can tell you after a few practices, but we haven't practiced yet. Just been some drill work."
"He looks athletic. We knew that coming into it," Yurcich said. "He's a really good route runner. He's got really good hands, got a really good skill set. But on top of that, I just need more familiarity with him and more work with him."
"Haven't been able to see him go one on one yet with my eyes, haven't been able to see him competing against another human being. So it's gonna be an incomplete eval for him."
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Everything I read is that the PSU defense is gonna be special. Tons of talent.
Could this be PSU's year? Iowa is seemingly always a PIA for PSU. M at home is winnable.
Crossovers are all beatable.
(https://i.imgur.com/bLqW25I.png)
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It sounds like this should be their year if they are to have one any time soonish.
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Everything I read is that the PSU defense is gonna be special. Tons of talent.
Could this be PSU's year? Iowa is seemingly always a PIA for PSU. M at home is winnable.
Crossovers are all beatable.
[img width=274.381 height=495]https://i.imgur.com/bLqW25I.png[/img]
Interesting that their crossovers are their first three league games. PSU would still control their own destiny with a loss in any one of those, of course.
Their new starting QB won't really be new anymore by the time they play tOSU and M in October and November but he will be for their trip to Champagne-Urbana and when they host Iowa. Those are games that PSU could lose, particularly if Allar has a "freshman" game.
As an Ohio State fan I REALLY don't like the setup for the PSU/tOSU game: Penn State's three weeks prior are effectively three weeks off so they have most of a month to prepare for the Buckeyes.
The obvious starting point for this discussion is the tOSU and M games. Penn State hasn't beaten tOSU since 2016, they haven't won in Columbus since 2011, and the haven't beaten both tOSU and M in the same season since 2008. If they can't leap at least one of those hurdles then they'll be third in their own division even if they are a nationally top-10 team.
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Everything I read is that the PSU defense is gonna be special. Tons of talent.
Could this be PSU's year? Iowa is seemingly always a PIA for PSU. M at home is winnable.
Crossovers are all beatable.
(https://i.imgur.com/bLqW25I.png)
Penn State's defense on the outside will probably be the best in the conference. The starting cornerbacks, defensive ends, and outside linebackers are among the best in the entire country. However, they aren't very stout in the middle. There is TONS of experience at the safety, MLB and DT positions, but there isn't a lot of star power.
Penn State was not very good against power runs up the middle in 2022, and I don't think that will change much in 2023. They did improve throughout last year, but they also lost 3 NFL players in the off season. PJ Mustipher (UDFA), Ji’Ayir Brown (3rd), and Jonathan Sutherland (UDFA)
In a perfect world:
-The return of Manny Diaz as the defensive coordinator for a second season will lead to continued improvement. (Likely)
-At least one of the DT's on the roster will surprise everyone and be a force inside (Not Likely)
-There are a bunch of talented guys at the safety position. Hopefully one will break through with NFL potential. (Likely)
-No Major injuries
-The Fighting Harbaughs step on a bunch of legos before they roll into state college.
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Everything I read is that the PSU defense is gonna be special. Tons of talent.
Could this be PSU's year? Iowa is seemingly always a PIA for PSU. M at home is winnable.
Crossovers are all beatable.
(https://i.imgur.com/bLqW25I.png)
I would put Penn State's chances against Michigan at 10% or less.
Illinois and Iowa early could be a problem, especially with a new QB.
I feel pretty good about the OSU game. I like the way Penn State matches up, I like the way the schedule sets up, and I felt PSU blew the game last year.
Worst case I could see 4 losses. Best case would be 1 loss.
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Interesting that their crossovers are their first three league games. PSU would still control their own destiny with a loss in any one of those, of course.
Their new starting QB won't really be new anymore by the time they play tOSU and M in October and November but he will be for their trip to Champagne-Urbana and when they host Iowa. Those are games that PSU could lose, particularly if Allar has a "freshman" game.
As an Ohio State fan I REALLY don't like the setup for the PSU/tOSU game: Penn State's three weeks prior are effectively three weeks off so they have most of a month to prepare for the Buckeyes.
The obvious starting point for this discussion is the tOSU and M games. Penn State hasn't beaten tOSU since 2016, they haven't won in Columbus since 2011, and the haven't beaten both tOSU and M in the same season since 2008. If they can't leap at least one of those hurdles then they'll be third in their own division even if they are a nationally top-10 team.
I do not know if this is the year that Penn State could win the division. Michigan looks downright scary. However, Penn State is close enough that if they catch a few lucky breaks it is possible.
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It sounds like this should be their year if they are to have one any time soonish.
2024 PSU also looks pretty darn good.:72:
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I do not know if this is the year that Penn State could win the division. Michigan looks downright scary. However, Penn State is close enough that if they catch a few lucky breaks it is possible.
The thing that makes it relatively unlikely, IMHO, is that if PSU can't beat Michigan, their path to Indy gets really tricky.
Even if PSU beats everyone else including Ohio State in Columbus, they'd still need Michigan to lose twice. The most likely of those would be Ohio State but even that is a reach. If we are operating on the assumption that PSU wins in Columbus and loses at home to Michigan then they need a tOSU team that was bad enough to lose to them at home to somehow be good enough to win on the road against a team that PSU wasn't good enough to beat at home. Stranger things have happened, but it isn't likely.
More doubtful is where Michigan's other loss is going to come from. Michigan's crossovers are Minnesota, Purdue, and Nebraska. 247 picks those teams 8th, 11th, and 10th in the league respectively.
By the way, good to see you BBTZ!
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The thing that makes it relatively unlikely, IMHO, is that if PSU can't beat Michigan, their path to Indy gets really tricky.
Even if PSU beats everyone else including Ohio State in Columbus, they'd still need Michigan to lose twice. The most likely of those would be Ohio State but even that is a reach. If we are operating on the assumption that PSU wins in Columbus and loses at home to Michigan then they need a tOSU team that was bad enough to lose to them at home to somehow be good enough to win on the road against a team that PSU wasn't good enough to beat at home. Stranger things have happened, but it isn't likely.
More doubtful is where Michigan's other loss is going to come from. Michigan's crossovers are Minnesota, Purdue, and Nebraska. 247 picks those teams 8th, 11th, and 10th in the league respectively.
By the way, good to see you BBTZ!
If OSU, UM, and PSU each lose one game to each other, it would go to the tiebreaker, which is opponents records. That still doesn't favor PSU, but it IS another way they get in.
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If OSU, UM, and PSU each lose one game to each other, it would go to the tiebreaker, which is opponents records. That still doesn't favor PSU, but it IS another way they get in.
It is a possibility but I just think it is pretty unlikely. Using projected final records from 247 (https://247sports.com/longformarticle/big-ten-football-predictions-projecting-every-teams-final-record-for-2023-season-208613855/#2155054), here are the projected cumulative records of Ohio State's, Penn State's, and Michigan's crossovers:
Ohio State, 15-12
- 7-2 Wisconsin
- 6-3 Minnesota
- 2-7 Purdue
Michigan, 13-14
- 6-3 Minnesota
- 5-4 Nebraska
- 2-7 Purdue
Penn State, 9-18
- 6-3 Iowa
- 3-6 Illinois
- 0-9 Northwestern
I'm not saying that I agree exactly with 247's projections, I'm just using them as a starting point and Penn State's opponents have a LOT of ground to make up based on these projections.
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Some comments from Franklin about the Defensive Tackles:
“Probably the position I’m most excited about right now, for a lot of different reasons, is defensive tackle,” “D’Von Ellies is a guy at a level that he’s never worked at before, And I’m really excited about him. Hakeem Beamon, think he’s got chance to be one of the better D-tackles in the country. But as you guys have heard me say before, some of our defensive tackles need to put some size. Hakeem’s bigger than he’s been in a long time.”
“We got a chance to have, I think, one of the best d-lines in the country from a depth and a talent standpoint, but also a size standpoint,” Franklin said. “Zane Durant’s bigger and stronger than he’s been. Hakeem Beamon’s bigger and stronger than he’s been. D’Von Ellies is working in a way that I’ve never seen him work before. So right now, that’s a position group that I’m really excited about, that I think has a chance to take us to the next level on defense.”
So hopefully the defensive tackles will be better than I was originally projecting. If that ends up being a strength, this should be one of the best defenses Franklin has ever had.
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This looks to be "The Year" for PSU and Michigan, and of course OSU isn't going away. They can't all win it, but they should be top ten plus all year.
I remarked earlier how the comments on the first two teams sound, to me, a lot like UGA, so maybe that is the mold to which teams are headed? It's really the Bama mold I think. It can be cracked by outstanding QB/WR play such as OSU has had.
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It sounds like this should be their year if they are to have one any time soonish.
‘24 might be their year honestly.
Michigan is losing a ton of starters after this year and has a brutal schedule in ‘24 and OSU will be losing Marv and a lot on defense.
Penn State will have an Allar with a full year under his belt both their stud RBs back and on their schedule in ‘24 they miss Michigan and get Ohio State at home.
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The B1G Network's PSU Preview (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6I9uAtXYKI)
Some interesting takeaways from the B1G crew:
-If wide receiver was a question, it is no longer a question
-Offensive line was dominating "at times." (Don't think that's ever been said about a PSU team)
-Abdul Carter could be the B1G defensive player of the year
Last season, the PSU defense ranked:
#1 in the FBS on QB Pressure %, Pressures, and Hurries.
#4 in Tackles for Loss
#6 in Sacks
#7 in takeaways
(Note this is all pass defense, rushing defense was not nearly as good)
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The B1G Network's PSU Preview (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6I9uAtXYKI)
Some interesting takeaways from the B1G crew:
-If wide receiver was a question, it is no longer a question
-Offensive line was dominating "at times." (Don't think that's ever been said about a PSU team)
-Abdul Carter could be the B1G defensive player of the year
Last season, the PSU defense ranked:
#1 in the FBS on QB Pressure %, Pressures, and Hurries.
#4 in Tackles for Loss
#6 in Sacks
#7 in takeaways
(Note this is all pass defense, rushing defense was not nearly as good)
how do you think their rush defense will stack up in '23? they getting any beefier on the interior? they're gonna have to stop Michigan and OSU's run games to at least split the series and go 1-1, which they'll have to do if they are gonna win the B1G.
Henderson & Williams are both healthy going into the season, which means OSU run game should be better so long as they stay that way. Michigan is going to be really good running the ball with what they bring back at RB and got in the portal to beef up the OL. Penn State is gonna have to stop both those running games if they are to win the B1G.
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how do you think their rush defense will stack up in '23? they getting any beefier on the interior? they're gonna have to stop Michigan and OSU's run games to at least split the series and go 1-1, which they'll have to do if they are gonna win the B1G.
Henderson & Williams are both healthy going into the season, which means OSU run game should be better so long as they stay that way. Michigan is going to be really good running the ball with what they bring back at RB and got in the portal to beef up the OL. Penn State is gonna have to stop both those running games if they are to win the B1G.
how do you think their rush defense will stack up in '23?
They improved dramatically after the Michigan debacle in '22. Franklin even made a comment about how the young guys realized how important it was to stay in their gap and not to try and do too much after that game. PSU allowed just over 1400 rushing yards in '22, and over 400 of those yards came against Michigan! For the season, PSU allowed 3.31 yards per rush, which ranked 17th overall in the FBS.
With that said, run defense is absolutely PSU's weak point. I don't think they are likely to give up over 400 yards on the ground to Michigan again, but I don't exactly think they are going to hold them to less than 4 yards per carry, either. Still, that's a pretty huge improvement, as PSU allowed Michigan to average over 7 yards per carry.
they getting any beefier on the interior?
It was one of Franklin's priorities to do so. Almost all of the DTs put on significant pounds. Beamon is up to 284 pounds (from 256), and Ellies is 302 Pounds (weight is about the same). Those are the projected "starters", but the DTs are rotated often, so the biggest increases will be from the younger replacements. Zane Durant is up 5 pounds to 280, Jordan van den Berg is up 15 pounds to 301, and Coziah Izzard should also be up 5-10 pounds (close to 300).
Henderson & Williams are both healthy going into the season, which means OSU run game should be better so long as they stay that way.
OSU averaged 3.8 yards per carry against PSU for 98 yards. They have great talent, but I wouldn't consider them a power running team like Michigan is. I feel fairly confident they will hold their own against OSU's rushing attack.
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The B1G Network's PSU Preview (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6I9uAtXYKI)
Some interesting takeaways from the B1G crew:
-If wide receiver was a question, it is no longer a question
-Offensive line was dominating "at times." (Don't think that's ever been said about a PSU team)
-Abdul Carter could be the B1G defensive player of the year
Last season, the PSU defense ranked:
#1 in the FBS on QB Pressure %, Pressures, and Hurries.
#4 in Tackles for Loss
#6 in Sacks
#7 in takeaways
(Note this is all pass defense, rushing defense was not nearly as good)
Watched that camp preview and I'm eager to see Penn State in action. The West Virginia game should be a good first game of the season. WVU's defense was not that great last year but they're no cupcake. Penn State should be able to run on them so maybe we'll see their new QB Allar throw the ball around a bit.
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Watched that camp preview and I'm eager to see Penn State in action. The West Virginia game should be a good first game of the season. WVU's defense was not that great last year but they're no cupcake. Penn State should be able to run on them so maybe we'll see their new QB Allar throw the ball around a bit.
I don’t know. WVU really isn’t expected to be very good this year. In fact, they were picked dead last in the new 14 team Big 12 this year. I figure Penn St can do about anything they want to offensively. The defense was bad last year and there isn’t any reason to expect anything much different this year.
I want to see if WVU can move the ball on the ground against them, though. The one thing WVU seems to have going for it is a veteran OL and what looks to be a decent stable of backs. For the first time in several years WVU will have a running threat at QB so zone reads and designed QB runs are expected to be back on the table.
Last I checked the line is 19.5. If WVU can keep it within 17 I’ll consider it somewhat of a moral victory. I just don’t want one of these 35-7 type scores going into halftime.
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I don’t know. WVU really isn’t expected to be very good this year. In fact, they were picked dead last in the new 14 team Big 12 this year. I figure Penn St can do about anything they want to offensively. The defense was bad last year and there isn’t any reason to expect anything much different this year.
I want to see if WVU can move the ball on the ground against them, though. The one thing WVU seems to have going for it is a veteran OL and what looks to be a decent stable of backs. For the first time in several years WVU will have a running threat at QB so zone reads and designed QB runs are expected to be back on the table.
Last I checked the line is 19.5. If WVU can keep it within 17 I’ll consider it somewhat of a moral victory. I just don’t want one of these 35-7 type scores going into halftime.
Strange things happen in those first games. Especially with a new QB. Especially a Franklin coached team. (Franklin's teams usually get better as the year goes on)
In 2022 Penn State struggled against Purdue.
In 2021 they struggled against Wisconsin.
In 2020 they lost to Indiana
In 2019 they opened up against two patsies, but barely beat Pitt in game 3
In 2018 they they barely beat App State in overtime
In 2017 they started very strong, but returned nearly everyone from the previous year
In 2016 they played a patsy to start, and then lost to Pitt
In 2015 they lost to Temple
In 2014 they barely beat UCF on a field goal as time expired
In 9 years:
Losses: 2
Close wins: 4
Close wins after playing cupcakes: 1
Losses after playing a cupcake: 1
Comfortable wins: 1
This is also the first time since 2017 that Penn State returns both coordinators, so that might play a factor in these slow starts.
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6 Penn State players make the top 50 of Bruce Feldman's Freak List (https://theathletic.com/4768413/2023/08/15/bruce-feldman-college-football-freaks-list/):
9. Chop Robinson, DE
15. Jordan van der Berg, DT
23. Olu Fashanu, OT
31. Nick Singleton, RB
38. Zane Durant, DT
43. Abdul Carter, LB
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(https://i.imgur.com/oIuxCWO.jpg)
A couple of thoughts:
1. These players replace what Franklin has called the best leadership he's ever had (2022 Captains)
2. Theo Johnson is obviously out of the doghouse.
3. Dom DeLuca is a rSophomore linebacker that is currently the "turnover king" of fall camp. He's a nightmare on special teams, blocking a Minnesota punt last year. He lead the special teams unit in tackles with 7. He's a former walk-on that earned his scholarship last year, and also played a fair amount of snaps on defense.
4. Malick Meiga is a RS Junior WR. He won the PSU award for the top special teams player in 2022. He had 4 tackles and forced a fumble on special teams. Although he has been mentioned a few times by James Franklin this fall, most publications have him as a 3rd string wide receiver.
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Penn State announces top performers from preseason training camp:
1. Most TD passes - Drew Allar
(Note: Expected, but supposedly he and Pribula received similar reps -- Allar has still not been named the starter)
2. Most TD receptions - KeAndre Lambert-Smith
(note: Dante Cephus has only been on campus a few weeks, so this was expected -- Cephus is still learning the playbook)
3. Takeaway Kings: Daequan Hardy (CB) & true freshman Tony Rojas (LB).
(Note: Tony Rojas was mentioned in my very first post, he is almost certain to see significant playing time this year)
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how do you think their rush defense will stack up in '23?
They improved dramatically after the Michigan debacle in '22. Franklin even made a comment about how the young guys realized how important it was to stay in their gap and not to try and do too much after that game. PSU allowed just over 1400 rushing yards in '22, and over 400 of those yards came against Michigan! For the season, PSU allowed 3.31 yards per rush, which ranked 17th overall in the FBS.
With that said, run defense is absolutely PSU's weak point. I don't think they are likely to give up over 400 yards on the ground to Michigan again, but I don't exactly think they are going to hold them to less than 4 yards per carry, either. Still, that's a pretty huge improvement, as PSU allowed Michigan to average over 7 yards per carry.
they getting any beefier on the interior?
It was one of Franklin's priorities to do so. Almost all of the DTs put on significant pounds. Beamon is up to 284 pounds (from 256), and Ellies is 302 Pounds (weight is about the same). Those are the projected "starters", but the DTs are rotated often, so the biggest increases will be from the younger replacements. Zane Durant is up 5 pounds to 280, Jordan van den Berg is up 15 pounds to 301, and Coziah Izzard should also be up 5-10 pounds (close to 300).
Henderson & Williams are both healthy going into the season, which means OSU run game should be better so long as they stay that way.
OSU averaged 3.8 yards per carry against PSU for 98 yards. They have great talent, but I wouldn't consider them a power running team like Michigan is. I feel fairly confident they will hold their own against OSU's rushing attack.
Penn State “ held” a lame Treyvon Henderson ( fractured foot), a gimpy Miyan Williams ( pulled hamstring) and fullback Mitch Rossi ( 1 carry, 9 yards) to 5.58 yards per carry. It’s only when you add in QB sacks ( they are counted as runs) does it come down to the 3.8.
OSU does not want to be a power running team. They aim to put the defense in run pass conflict- and that’s why they lead the nation in yards per play last year.
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How does PSU select captains?
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Penn State “ held” a lame Treyvon Henderson ( fractured foot), a gimpy Miyan Williams ( pulled hamstring) and fullback Mitch Rossi ( 1 carry, 9 yards) to 5.58 yards per carry. It’s only when you add in QB sacks ( they are counted as runs) does it come down to the 3.8.
OSU does not want to be a power running team. They aim to put the defense in run pass conflict- and that’s why they lead the nation in yards per play last year.
OSU’s 3 longest runs: 41 yards, 9 yards, 7 yards. Other than those 3 runs, they pretty much went nowhere.
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OSU’s 3 longest runs: 41 yards, 9 yards, 7 yards. Other than those 3 runs, they pretty much went nowhere.
Well that’s how it usually works.
Donovan Edwards went nowhere against Ohio State. He had 20 carries for 56 yards for 2.8 per carry. Except he had 2 runs for 160 yards late in the game. But other than that he went nowhere.
as I recall PSU had UM’s run game bottled up for the first half as well.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cfom46D-McU
If you give up runs like this when game is on the line- doesn’t much matter if you held it in check prior to that.
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Well that’s how it usually works.
Donovan Edwards went nowhere against Ohio State. He had 20 carries for 56 yards for 2.8 per carry. Except he had 2 runs for 160 yards late in the game. But other than that he went nowhere.
as I recall PSU had UM’s run game bottled up for the first half as well.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cfom46D-McU
If you give up runs like this when game is on the line- doesn’t much matter if you held it in check prior to that.
Here's the bottom line. OSU had some success, but their run game didn't scare me. Michigan's run game? That scares me.
And, no, PSU didn't bottle up Michigan's run game at any point. Harbaugh was doing Harbaugh things and kept calling pass plays on critical downs in the first half, which kept it close. In the second half UM committed to the run and PSU couldn't stop them.
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How does PSU select captains?
Something about voting. And I have no idea if it is the players votes or the coaches.
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Here's the bottom line. OSU had some success, but their run game didn't scare me. Michigan's run game? That scares me.
And, no, PSU didn't bottle up Michigan's run game at any point. Harbaugh was doing Harbaugh things and kept calling pass plays on critical downs in the first half, which kept it close. In the second half UM committed to the run and PSU couldn't stop them.
Well I don’t blame you. Their run game didn’t scare anyone lol. Especially in the second half of the season, without their 1st, 2nd,3rd and 4th string RBs playing.
we will see if all of them can stay healthy.
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OSUs #5 RB would start at 10 other Big Ten schools. I'm more.concerned about the Buckeyes interior line. They looked disinterested in run blocking
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OSUs #5 RB would start at 10 other Big Ten schools. I'm more.concerned about the Buckeyes interior line. They looked disinterested in run blocking
Last season? Or this spring?
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A few revisions now that the preseason is over and game prep has begun.
Wide Receivers (-): By far the weakest point on the team. Cephus is still learning the playbook but has not been the ace receiver PSU fans were hoping for. In fact, there will be many formations with only 2 wide receivers on the field. No real superstars, but Tre Wallace and KeAndre Lambert-Smith have separated themselves.
Tight Ends (+): Despite the fact that Brenton Strange was drafted number 61 overall, this room is very talented and deep, and will be better than last year. Expect to see lots of 2 TE sets, as Theo Johnson is probably Penn State's best receiver, and they need to get their best players on the field. Watch out for Tyler Warren and Khalil Dinkins.
Defensive Tackle (+): With the loss of PJ Mustipher, it was expected that this unit would take a step back. However, this unit is much improved and very deep, and should actually be improved over last year.
Middle Linebacker (+): Kobe King (Kalen's brother) has secured the starting position over Tyler Elsdon. Apparently both have gotten better, but King has really looked strong.
Cornerback (+): Johnny Dixon has been very good. He was excellent last year, but people expect him to be even better.
Quarterback (+): Practice reports about Drew Allar have been very good. The most common phrase used is "lives up to the hype." I am cautiously optimistic.
Expect to see a lot of 2 RB formations and 2 TE formations this year from Penn State.
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A few revisions now that the preseason is over and game prep has begun.
Wide Receivers (-): By far the weakest point on the team. Cephus is still learning the playbook but has not been the ace receiver PSU fans were hoping for. In fact, there will be many formations with only 2 wide receivers on the field. No real superstars, but Tre Wallace and KeAndre Lambert-Smith have separated themselves.
Tight Ends (+): Despite the fact that Brenton Strange was drafted number 61 overall, this room is very talented and deep, and will be better than last year. Expect to see lots of 2 TE sets, as Theo Johnson is probably Penn State's best receiver, and they need to get their best players on the field. Watch out for Tyler Warren and Khalil Dinkins.
Defensive Tackle (+): With the loss of PJ Mustipher, it was expected that this unit would take a step back. However, this unit is much improved and very deep, and should actually be improved over last year.
Middle Linebacker (+): Kobe King (Kalen's brother) has secured the starting position over Tyler Elsdon. Apparently both have gotten better, but King has really looked strong.
Cornerback (+): Johnny Dixon has been very good. He was excellent last year, but people expect him to be even better.
Quarterback (+): Practice reports about Drew Allar have been very good. The most common phrase used is "lives up to the hype." I am cautiously optimistic.
Expect to see a lot of 2 RB formations and 2 TE formations this year from Penn State.
Here is some film study where 2 TEs is the new thing. Penn State is mentioned a few times- specifically- for giving the defense fits with it.
https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/film-study/2023/08/140215/film-study-the-future-of-college-offenses-will-revolve-around-tight-ends-and-whether-jim-knowles-is
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Here is some film study where 2 TEs is the new thing. Penn State is mentioned a few times- specifically- for giving the defense fits with it.
https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/film-study/2023/08/140215/film-study-the-future-of-college-offenses-will-revolve-around-tight-ends-and-whether-jim-knowles-is
I REALLY like PSU's offensive coordinator, Mike Yurcich.
Here's some film study on PSU's use of the old school T formation:
Link (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKp3dmvNjxA)
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Well that’s how it usually works.
Donovan Edwards went nowhere against Ohio State. He had 20 carries for 56 yards for 2.8 per carry. Except he had 2 runs for 160 yards late in the game. But other than that he went nowhere.
as I recall PSU had UM’s run game bottled up for the first half as well.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cfom46D-McU
If you give up runs like this when game is on the line- doesn’t much matter if you held it in check prior to that.
Edwards went nowhere the first half because Ohio State was selling out entirely to stop the run committing 9 guys in the box the entire first half and blitzing to no end and leaving their CBs on an island in man coverage- after JJ kept wrecking them for giant chunk plays they had to back off with the aggressive box #s and well, Michigan wrecked them on the ground.
If you have to sell out and commit 9 guys and run blitz to no end to stop the run....you can't truly stop the run....
And Penn State was stopping the run at no point basically that entire Michigan game....
edit: and also....the DUMBEST thing in football I ever hear is...."oh yeah well if you take away that 70 yard run and that 40 yard and that 30 yard run and that 50 yard pass in the game then um yeah well they didn't do anything" Uh...OK.
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I wonder if this 12 formation is going to be more widely spread in CFB, at least with teams with two very good TEs.
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maybe at Nebraska, but not at Wisconsin
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OSUs #5 RB would start at 10 other Big Ten schools. I'm more.concerned about the Buckeyes interior line. They looked disinterested in run blocking
Ya this is where Booger has excelled picking up seasoned starters in the portal - and good ones,prolly bagmen involved ;D
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I wonder if this 12 formation is going to be more widely spread in CFB, at least with teams with two very good TEs.
best formation in the f'n game imo if you actually have two TEs that BOTH can actually block at a high level and are dangerous threats at receiving. not many teams do. UGA seems to have been just churning those out last few years...
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Ya this is where Booger has excelled picking up seasoned starters in the portal - and good ones,prolly bagmen involved ;D
Ohio State avg 5.4 ypc. Last season. Second only to Michigan at 5.6. Both were top ten nationally
And they were much better than that in the first half of the year- before all the injuries.
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A few revisions now that the preseason is over and game prep has begun.
Middle Linebacker (+): Kobe King (Kalen's brother) has secured the starting position over Tyler Elsdon. Apparently both have gotten better, but King has really looked strong. Are Carter & Jacobs all comingback?they were pretty good there.Elsdon was one of the leading tacklers last year
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Ya this is where Booger has excelled picking up seasoned starters in the portal - and good ones,prolly bagmen involved ;D
what?
Jeem has barely hit the portal. You're acting like he's Deion and got 40 guys in. He has recruited and developed 99% of his roster. The guy got 1 center from the portal last year. That's it. This year is the first year he's actually hit the portal and he got: 3 OL's- only one of which is surefire starter- the other two are in all-out fall camp battles, 1 LB who won't start this year (probably will next year though), a QB who probably won't even win the backup job, an EDGE that won't start either and will be a rotational situational pass rusher, a TE who will be the #2 TE, and a CB that will probably start the season just bc he's very experienced and then wind up getting passed over by highly talented freshman that Jeem recruited in rs Frosh Amorion Walker or true frosh Jyaire Hill.
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Ohio State avg 5.4 ypc. Last season. Second only to Michigan at 5.6. Both were top ten nationally
And they were much better than that in the first half of the year- before all the injuries.
tOSU lost both starting tackles not sure about their replacements. UofM would get the nod there at least starting this season
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what?
Jeem has barely hit the portal. You're acting like he's Deion and got 40 guys in. He has recruited and developed 99% of his roster. The guy got 1 center from the portal last year. That's it. This year is the first year he's actually hit the portal and he got: 3 OL's- only one of which is surefire starter- the other two are in all-out fall camp battles, 1 LB who won't start this year (probably will next year though), a QB who probably won't even win the backup job, an EDGE that won't start either and will be a rotational situational pass rusher, a TE who will be the #2 TE, and a CB that will probably start the season just bc he's very experienced and then wind up getting passed over by highly talented freshman that Jeem recruited in rs Frosh Amorion Walker or true frosh Jyaire Hill.
YOUR.....OFFENSIVE......LINE
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Ohio State avg 5.4 ypc. Last season. Second only to Michigan at 5.6. Both were top ten nationally
And they were much better than that in the first half of the year- before all the injuries.
anyone who thinks OSU doesn't have a great run game is nuts. They have 4 dudes that are legit and would start at most B1G teams not named Michigan or Penn State. Miyan Williams, Treyveon Henderson, Chip Trayanum, and Dallan Hayden. No one else has that. Michigan has 2 guys, so does Penn State. They don't have 4. Michigan might have a 3rd legit back in true frosh Ben Hall, lot of buzz on him inside from the staff and players and he flashed in spring game, but OK even if you give them that one- it's still only 3. They definitely don't have 4.
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YOUR.....OFFENSIVE......LINE
right.
The transfer LaDarius Henderson isn't a lock to start over Karsen Barnhart at LT nor is transfer Myles Hinton to start over Trente Jones at RT. Barnhart and Jones are both really good players. Wots is Barnhart has actually been beating Henderson out at LT.
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Ya this is where Booger has excelled picking up seasoned starters in the portal - and good ones,prolly bagmen involved ;D
That's not the preferred nomenclature, Dude.
"NIL negotiators".
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right.
The transfer LaDarius Henderson isn't a lock to start over Karsen Barnhart at LT nor is transfer Myles Hinton to start over Trente Jones at RT. Barnhart and Jones are both really good players. Wots is Barnhart has actually been beating Henderson out at LT.
Both Hinton (three varsity letters) and Nugent (four) join U-M from Stanford. Hinton has made 16 career starts at right tackle in 23 appearances and Nugent has started 24 games at center (in 27 games played). Hinton was the team's Most Outstanding Freshman in 2020. Nugent has twice earned All-Pac-12 honorable mention honors from the league's coaches. Both players have started for the Cardinal since the 2021 opener. And Henderson was a team captain and started 6 games before injury
Oh even if they don't start that's called DEPTH FFS . And last year Olu Oluwatimi was 2nd team AA transfer from Virginia.he was a force at center- yes, JEEM portals very nice for the O-line. Let a couple of guys go down there then we'll discuss again. And you're acting like seasoned veterans aren't an asset.Send them south to C-Bus
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tOSU lost both starting tackles not sure about their replacements. UofM would get the nod there at least starting this season
right.
The transfer LaDarius Henderson isn't a lock to start over Karsen Barnhart at LT nor is transfer Myles Hinton to start over Trente Jones at RT. Barnhart and Jones are both really good players. Wots is Barnhart has actually been beating Henderson out at LT.
this is the Penn State thread!!!
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Bugeater go Hi-Jack another thread I got this one
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This could be a problem if they don't turn it around soon.
Penn State football’s academics rank at the bottom of Big Ten after worst score in a decade - BCTV (https://www.bctv.org/2023/08/26/penn-state-footballs-academics-rank-at-the-bottom-of-big-ten-after-worst-score-in-a-decade)
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This could be a problem if they don't turn it around soon.
Penn State football’s academics rank at the bottom of Big Ten after worst score in a decade - BCTV (https://www.bctv.org/2023/08/26/penn-state-footballs-academics-rank-at-the-bottom-of-big-ten-after-worst-score-in-a-decade)
meh. they'll likely turn it around. and it won't matter in the near future anyways, NCAA is on it's way out and on the verge of death.
I'd say in the next 10 years or less it's very likely SEC/B1G swallow up whatever valuable brands are left in the ACC/B12 (there are none in the PAC4) and leave the NCAA, expand the playoff to 16 teams and form their own governing body and that new governing body won't give a flying f##@ about academics- it'll only care about maximizing $$$$$ - as it should.
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This could be a problem if they don't turn it around soon.
Penn State football’s academics rank at the bottom of Big Ten after worst score in a decade - BCTV (https://www.bctv.org/2023/08/26/penn-state-footballs-academics-rank-at-the-bottom-of-big-ten-after-worst-score-in-a-decade)
what are they gonna do?
take away a scholarship?
I don't think so
somebody has to be on the bottom
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One path is to create more "rocks for jocks" courses, UGA had a geology class that was called that. The prof was a big football fan ...
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One path is to create more "rocks for jocks" courses, UGA had a geology class that was called that. The prof was a big football fan ...
good for UGA for doing that. they should be doing stuff to make it easier on the football players.
Cardale at OSU was right on the money- can we PLEASE all stop pretending like they are there to play school, bc they ain't. They are there to play football to generate millions of dollars for the individual schools in ticket sales & merchandising & donations and billions of dollars in tv money for the conferences to distribute to member schools. If they weren't elite football players they would have never gotten into their respective school in the first place.
Charles Woodson, Mario Manningham, Braylon Edwards, David Terrell, Jabrill Peppers, Rashan Gary - none of these dudes getting admitted into freaking Michigan ever if they were lacrosse players and not bad ass football players.
Let's just stop with all the pretension and holier art thou attitudes.
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I think nearly everyone does that in some sense. UNC got caught at it, basically, and then slid away from it.
When I was at UGA, it got passed around pretty quick which courses the football players were taking. And why.
The good news is on occasion a player from a poor background takes advantage and does well and gets his degree. Some of those could barely read when admitted.
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I'm all for stopping with that
but, encouraging and emphasizing the value and importance of education and academics seems like a good thing.
Doesn't seem to be too much to ask of the coaching staff to hold players to a decent standard in the classroom.
It shouldn't be too much to ask of the players either.
Git your ass into the "rocks for jocks" course on time every session and turn in your work, take the quiz. Do the right thing.
Same as learning the playbook and showing up for football meetings on time.
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Charles Woodson, Mario Manningham, Braylon Edwards, David Terrell, Jabrill Peppers, Rashan Gary - none of these dudes getting admitted into freaking Michigan ever if they were lacrosse players and not bad ass football players.
Let's just stop with all the pretension and holier art thou attitudes.
Woodson might have
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but, encouraging and emphasizing the value and importance of education and academics seems like a good thing.
Doesn't seem to be too much to ask of the coaching staff to hold players to a decent standard in the classroom.
Correct they're a twisted knee from having to work for a living.Get a Phys. Ed. degree and coach JR/SR high School Ball
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I'm all for stopping with that
but, encouraging and emphasizing the value and importance of education and academics seems like a good thing.
Doesn't seem to be too much to ask of the coaching staff to hold players to a decent standard in the classroom.
It shouldn't be too much to ask of the players either.
Git your ass into the "rocks for jocks" course on time every session and turn in your work, take the quiz. Do the right thing.
Same as learning the playbook and showing up for football meetings on time.
Idk. Part of me is like, well the amount of time and work these players have to commit to football....is insane. And a lot of those "voluntary" work out/film room/study sessions....ain't actually voluntary. it takes complete dedication and obsession to the craft to be a great football player. doesn't just happen.
the best players on the best teams....they are spending way more than 40 hours a week crafting/honing their skills at football....
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NCAA is on it's way out and on the verge of death.
How are they financed? From the Conferences? Drain of financial resources TBH
(https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia1.tenor.com%2Fimages%2Fcc216ce62e75949ac3acdfb8d030ec5b%2Ftenor.gif%3Fitemid%3D7689915&f=1&nofb=1&ipt=643a02d1ebe5a0507c7f5ed7b6f51bd89427106d409e878fd671b8ecffe1042a&ipo=images) (https://media1.tenor.com/images/cc216ce62e75949ac3acdfb8d030ec5b/tenor.gif?itemid=7689915)
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they can somehow manage to give 12/hrs a week to school
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Presuming some of these players are functionally illiterate, if they can get to near literate in three years that is probably better than not. Just learn to read, and maybe speak a bit better, and do some simple math. We're talking 3rd grade. Our K-12 is so awful in many cases .... as discussed separately it may be our most pressing and dire national issue.
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(https://i.imgur.com/UXlB7uN.png)
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On December 19, 2022, Jones signed with the Massachusetts Pirates of the Indoor Football League (IFL).
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Ironically, and to his credit, he ended up with a degree from OSU, with honors.
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edit: and also....the DUMBEST thing in football I ever hear is...."oh yeah well if you take away that 70 yard run and that 40 yard and that 30 yard run and that 50 yard pass in the game then um yeah well they didn't do anything" Uh...OK.
Disagree. Ohio State tried to run the entire game, against a defense that had been suspect against the run all season. OSU had 3 running plays that went over 5 yards. 41, 9, and 7. 3 successful runs in 25 attempts.
Compare that to Michigan's success a few weeks earlier and it should be pretty obvious why Michigan's rushing attack scares me.
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Are Carter & Jacobs all comingback?they were pretty good there.Elsdon was one of the leading tacklers last year
Yes, they are coming back. Elsdon and King split time last year.
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this is the Penn State thread!!!
Lol
I was thinking the same thing. :)
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This could be a problem if they don't turn it around soon.
Penn State football’s academics rank at the bottom of Big Ten after worst score in a decade - BCTV (https://www.bctv.org/2023/08/26/penn-state-footballs-academics-rank-at-the-bottom-of-big-ten-after-worst-score-in-a-decade)
If I hear anything about it, I will report it. I have no idea why it would go from a perfect score to such a low score in less than 5 years.
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Are Carter & Jacobs all comingback?they were pretty good there.Elsdon was one of the leading tacklers last year
Yes, they are coming back. Elsdon and King split time last year.
Elsdon was a top 5 tackler last year is he splitting time again?
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If I hear anything about it, I will report it. I have no idea why it would go from a perfect score to such a low score in less than 5 years.
Athletic Dept's have been known to bend rules and fudge facts for eligibility sake so get the folks from 5 yrs ago - FIFY
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Presuming some of these players are functionally illiterate, if they can get to near literate in three years that is probably better than not. Just learn to read, and maybe speak a bit better, and do some simple math.
Didn't Dexter Manley of Washington supposedly get a degree but couldn't read/write?
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Elsdon was a top 5 tackler last year is he splitting time again?
King and Elsdon will continue to split time, but King will get the majority of the reps this season.
From what I've heard, Elsdon is a coach on the field, while King is much more athletic.
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Comparing 2022 Penn State to how I think they project in 2023:
Better:
Tight Ends - In 2022 it was called "the best tight end room in the country" by Franklin and others. Unfortunately, Tyler Warren and Theo Johnson spent most of the year fighting through injuries. Even with Brenton Strange off to the NFL, Franklin said this room should be better than last year.
Offensive Line - Returns 7 guys with loads of experience and only loses Juice Scruggs.
Running Backs - Both true freshmen starters will now be sophomores. In addition, PSU added transfer RB Trey Potts from Minnesota.
Defensive Line - PSU lost PJ Mustipher (DT) to the NFL. However, they return all 3 defensive ends from the best pass rushing defense in the country. In addition, there are good reports coming out of practice from the defensive tackle position.
Linebackers - Every linebacker returns. Practice reports indicate large improvements from Abdul Carter (he was a true freshman in 2022) and Kobe King (redshirt freshman in 2022).
Worse:
Secondary - Although the PSU secondary is still widely considered one of (if not the best) units on the team, I think it would be foolish to think that the loss of two highly drafted players in 2022 won't have some effect.
Wide Receivers - Parker Washington and Mitchell Tinsley left for the NFL after the 2022 season. The wide receivers weren't exactly setting the world on fire in 2022, and their replacements haven't exactly received glowing reports. By far the biggest question mark on the team. The only thing that gives me a bit of confidence? This unit has to compete against one of the best secondaries in college football every day, so maybe they are underrated.
Quarterback - Drew Allar has been receiving lots of praise about his performance in preseason practices. However, I find it hard to believe that a true sophomore can come in his first year and improve upon an NFL draft pick and PSU record holder, especially with less talent at wide receiver.
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It’s nuts. Everything I’ve read or heard about Penn St all summer has been nothing less than glowing. It’s almost to the point I’m surprised they are ranked 7, and not 1 or 2. For my part I want WVU to show me this year might be better than last year. Be competitive. I don’t want to see Penn St’s starters yucking it up in the 4th quarter while walk ons are fulfilling their dream of playing.
If WVU’s OL is as good as some think it might be it should be able to hold its own against Penn St. I don’t expect them to dominate but I don’t expect them to get dominated either.
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It’s nuts. Everything I’ve read or heard about Penn St all summer has been nothing less than glowing. It’s almost to the point I’m surprised they are ranked 7, and not 1 or 2. For my part I want WVU to show me this year might be better than last year. Be competitive. I don’t want to see Penn St’s starters yucking it up in the 4th quarter while walk ons are fulfilling their dream of playing.
If WVU’s OL is as good as some think it might be it should be able to hold its own against Penn St. I don’t expect them to dominate but I don’t expect them to get dominated either.
Honestly, I think WVU has a decent chance. They have a strong offensive line and running game, which matches up well against Penn State's defense. It's quite likely that PSU could struggle offensively in their first game of the year, especially with new wide receivers and a new QB. As I mentioned earlier in this post, Franklin's teams tend to get better as the year goes on, and often struggle early in the season.
I'm expecting a tighter game than most would project.
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A few updates from Franklin's press conference:
Tony Rojas (LB), Elliott Washington (CB), King Mack (Safety), and Zion Tracey (CB) will NOT redshirt this year.
Apparently Drew Allar did not throw a single interception until the "13th or 14th" practice.
Special teams are doing well
Yurcich will now call plays from the booth.
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Starting Guard Landon Tengwall has just announced his retirement from football due to an injury.
He is a redshirt Sophomore. Hopefully he will be OK.
He will likely be replaced by JB Nelson, a rJR.
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A few updates from Franklin's press conference:
Tony Rojas (LB), Elliott Washington (CB), King Mack (Safety), and Zion Tracey (CB) will NOT redshirt this year.
Seems a bit odd to announce that up front given all the things that could happen. Maybe this is contingent.
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Seems a bit odd to announce that up front given all the things that could happen. Maybe this is contingent.
This is pretty standard for Franklin. Likely there will be a few more that won't redshirt, but these are the guys that are absolutely going to play. Freshman are given a green, yellow, or red light in regards to playing time. Green light players play immediately and will not redshirt. Yellow players MAY be able to play, depending on injuries and how they develop. Red light players are always given a redshirt unless something drastic happens (They may play in up to 4 games, though).
Storm Duck (CB) was a starting cornerback for North Carolina. He transferred to Penn State this summer because PSU felt like they needed a few more cornerbacks. When it became obvious that he wasn't going to make even the 2nd team, he immediately transferred out. This opened the door for a bunch of the true freshman in 2023. (note that these "green light players" are due to a combination of talent and need, and that there are 3 CBs)
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Starting Guard Landon Tengwall has just announced his retirement from football due to an injury.
He is a redshirt Sophomore. Hopefully he will be OK.
He will likely be replaced by JB Nelson, a rJR.
This was kind of expected, no? I heard he hadn’t participated in fall camp. Is that correct? As an aside, one of the guys who runs WVU’s 247 site said he saw Tengwall at a WVU camp when he was in HS and he was one of the best OL he’s ever seen at a camp. Tough break.
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This was kind of expected, no? I heard he hadn’t participated in fall camp. Is that correct? As an aside, one of the guys who runs WVU’s 247 site said he saw Tengwall at a WVU camp when he was in HS and he was one of the best OL he’s ever seen at a camp. Tough break.
He was a future NFL player for sure.
Yes, he was being held out of fall camp, but it was expected that he would play. Physically, he was good to go. it isn't unusual for Franklin to hold his star players out or give them a "safer" workload. I don't think most realized how serious his medical situation was. Apparently he has had recurring concussion issues, and it just wasn't advisable for him to continue football.