PSU Rose Bowl Preview: USC

The Rose Bowl Game



vs.

Thursday, January 1, 2009. 5:00 p.m. est. Pasadena, CA.

For the first time since 1994, your Penn State Nittany Lions (11-1) will play in the grandaddy of the all...The Rose Bowl. Their opponent, the USC Trojans(11-1), earned the right to face PSU as winners of the Pac-10 conference, and will be there for the 7th straight time. This game pits two of the game's most notable, accomplished coaches and two of college football's most distinguished traditions and uniforms. It will be Joe Paterno's 34th bowl game in his head coaching career, and could prove one of his toughest battles. After all, USC is a very good team who outscored its opponents 342-56 over its last 9 games, and is essentially playing in its own backyard.

Ye old breakdown...

When PSU is on offense: This matchup, against the USC defense, will be very critical to the outcome of this game. USC is by-far the best defense we have faced this year, and they are ranked #1 nationally in all major defensive categories (scoring, run, and pass defense). The Trojans are absolutely loaded with talent at all positions on defense and are led by linebackers Rey Mauluga (winner of the Butkus and Bednarik awards) and New Jersey native Brian Cushing. Perhaps the best of them all, however, is enormous safety Taylor Mays who, at 6-3 220 lbs, is a one man wrecking crew. All three of these guys should be 1st round NFL draft picks, and all three are tough to contain. Yet, despite all of the publicity that the USC defense gets, one cannot help but look at the competetion that they faced this year. By all accounts, the Pac-10 was very sub-par from top to bottom and as a result USC's defense was never really challenged by any competant offense. The one offense they did face, Oregon State, beat them up and handed the Trojans their only loss of the year. Good news is that we run a similar offense to the one that Oregon State runs, and the one that gave USC fits that night. Nevertheless, the key to PSU's offensive success is keep USC guessing; PSU cannot afford to play too conservative and can't get too aggressive either. We should show SC a variety of looks and make them wonder what's about to come. It goes without saying that Daryll Clark needs to play very well, and so does our O line, but if we can keep the Trojan defense on its toes, then their amazing defense will become less so.

When PSU is on defense: Historically, USC has had juggernaut offenses that boast big-time NFL talent everywhere. That's not exactly the case this year. Granted, their offense is good, but not as good as the recent past. Their QB, Mark Sanchez, has had ups and downs and does not play well when he gets knocked around. Therefore, pressure is key against a competant, but beatable Trojan offensive line. USC generally plays 3 running backs and although none of them is head and shoulders above the other two, all three can play. Yet, each of them (CJ Gable, Staphon Johnson, and Joe McKnight) are better receivers out of the backfield than they are runners. Look for PSU to put more linebacker speed on the outside to negate these weapons. Perhaps the scariest part of the USC offense is their WRs. Led by 6 foot 5 inch Patrick Turner, the Trojan recievers are HUGE, and not one of them is smaller than 6-1. This could prove difficult for the smaller PSU cornerbacks, and puts more emphasis on getting to Sanchez before he can get set and throw. The PSU defense, as a result, plays as big a role in this game as they have in any previous one--if they are on the field all day it could be a long one. Interestingly enough, for all our defensive accomplishments this year, our D has not scored a defensive touchdown all season. Could this game change that? It could certainly help.

When you see a USC song girl: instant New Year's Day boner.

Bottom line: The Rose Bowl presents an enormous challenge and opportunity for Penn State. The challenge being USC. They are perhaps one of the toughest, most talented teams PSU has ever faced in a bowl game, and could be the most athletic star-studded team we have faced since Miami in the '86 National Championship Game. The opportunity is to show that we are as good as our record shows, and not the Big 10 representative from a weak conference that everyone thinks we are. We also have the opportunity to get people talking about our chances next year--a good showing on Thursday will do just that.

But all that aside, this is the type of game that has, in essence, made a legend out of Joe Paterno. When Paterno is given more than 2 weeks to prepare for an opponent, strange and magical things can happen. Heart and determination suddenly become more than overused cliches. Average players become good ones, good players become great, and great ones become legends just like the man who coaches them. It is also in these games when hardly-spoken, unknown names like Garrity (not Geraghty) and Giftopolous become etched in Penn State Football lore forever. The chance is there again, on Thursday at 5 p.m.

KNITS pick...

PSU: 20

USC: 17

A few notes...

1. The Whites

2. Happy New Year

3. LET'S GO STATE!

2008 Big Ten Champions!!!

PSU Preview: Michigan State

Game 12

@

Saturday, November 22. 3:30 est. Beaver Stadium

Well, it’s the last regular season game for our 7/8th ranked Penn State Nittany Lions and it’s a bigee. With the Land Grant Trophy (ugliest trophy ever) up for grabs, 15th ranked Michigan State comes to town. Oh yeah, and if that weren’t enough, a PSU win will lock up its second Big Ten title in 4 years and secure a spot in The Grandaddy of Them All…The Rose Bowl. The weather will be cold, which means lots of orange hunting gear, and those on hand for the game will not only witness the final home game for seniors like Deon Butler and Derrick Williams, but perhaps also Coach Joe Paterno(don’t count on it, though). At any rate, this should be a terrific ending to a terrific 2008 Penn State Football season.

Break down…

When PSU is on offense: Against Indiana last week, the offense looked very inconsistent and, at times, nonexistent. Whatever your assessment is, know this, however: our whole goal on offense last week was to get through the game healthy (not to impress), and to get QB Daryll Clark as many reps as possible to get him feeling 100% ready for this all-important game. That being said, our offense needs to prove it can play better than it has the past 3 games. Make no mistake about it, Michigan State has a decent defense, and they will come after Clark; therefore protection of him is paramount, as is his ability to make good decisions. The offense would love to come out fast and score on its first possession, something it hasn’t done since the Wisconsin game. Hopefully we won’t have to wait until the second quarter to get it going, because against Michigan State that may be too late.

When PSU is on defense: Our defense may have its hands full on Saturday if it can’t stop the run. Michigan State boasts one of the best ground games in the country, led by 1,500+ yard running back Javon Ringer and a big offensive line. PSU’s goal will be to make MSU one-dimensional by keying on Ringer. Spartan QB Brian Hoyer can make a play or two, but our defense will be content putting the game in his hands rather than the mileage-heavy Ringer. Hoyer, if you remember, is the same QB who lit us up last year in East Lansing, but his top two targets from ’07 are gone, and the MSU passing game has suffered. Thus, look for PSU to load the box with Hero back Mark Rubin or an extra linebacker to stop the run. We must tackle well and get to the ball because Ringer will make you pay if don’t. Yet, the Spartan offensive line has yet to face a defensive line like we have. Odrick, Maybin, Evans and company will play a huge role in this game…let’s just hope it benefits us.

When Penn State plays Michigan State: it’s also Blood Drive week! Does anyone know who wins that thing? Does anyone care?

Bottom line: This game is big. It’s for the Conference Title. It’s for the Roses. It’s for the seniors. It’s for the fans. It’s for Dear Old State. It’s for all the doubters and nay-sayers . It’s for a great 2008. It’s for Joe Paterno.

KNIT’S Pick…

MSU: 7
PSU: 31

Game Notes…
1. DE/DT Josh Gaines practiced this week and will play. His importance to the rotation and success of our d line is understated.

2. Get into the stadium early in order to salute the Seniors.

3. The last of the Lime Green Vest.

LET’S GO STATE!

PSU Preview: Indiana

Game 11

@


***This week’s write-up will be a bit different. It will not only be an Indiana preview, but also a smallish rest-of-the-season preview…all sprinkled with comments regarding last Saturday’s heartbreaker. If you don’t want to read, I understand because it was hard to write.

After arguably the most painful loss in Penn State Football history, the 7/8th ranked Nittany Lions return to action on Saturday at home against a pitiful Indiana squad. All bullshit and roundabout-speak aside, this game should be a blowout, and the Hoosiers should become the whipping boys for PSU frustration. However, the last time something like that was supposed to happen was 1999, and things didn’t turn out as planned.

Let’s take a stroll down hellish memory lane, shall we? During that unforgettable ’99 season, PSU was 9-0 and climbed to #2 in the country. On a sunny Homecoming afternoon in early November, PSU faced a terrible Minnesota team and was a huge favorite. At the end of that unforgettable game, Minnesota kicker Dan Nystrom kicked a field goal with no time remaining. The Gophers shocked the Nittany Lions 24-23, and swiftly ended PSU’s title hopes in the quietest Beaver Stadium any of us have ever experienced. The next 2 games were supposed to be games that involved PSU flexing its frustrated muscles, but instead they lost focus, lost confidence, lost leadership, and lost both games. In the end, PSU dropped their final 3 contests and went to the Alamo Bowl.

Fast forward to this year, and to last Saturday. Similar situation, eerily similar game, and the exact same result…a 24-23 heart-breaking loss. So, it begs the question: In which direction will this team go? The same tailspin 1999 path? Or, will they regroup, refocus, and kick some ass like they should have in the days of Arrington and Brown, and like they should have last weekend in Iowa City?

Let’s see…

When PSU is on offense: We should kill Indiana’s horrible defense. The Hoosiers gave up 52 points and over 600 yards of offense to Wisconsin last weekend, so this one shouldn’t be tough at all. Additionally, Indiana has given up 40 or more points in 5 of their 10 games. But no matter how easy this game looks, our offensive success depends (and the rest of offensive season depends) on two things: Daryll Clark’s health and our playcalling/gameplan. In fact, the two are very closely related. There’s no denying that Clark isn’t 100% and/or the coaches don’t think he is. Therefore, they aren’t allowing him to take too many hits, which in turn effects EVERYTHING that we do in the spread. Clark’s two strengths are his leadership and his ability to make plays with his legs. If you take the latter away from him (because you don’t want him to get hit), then our offense becomes less dynamic and dangerous. This, clearly, affects our play-calling. Although I’d love to run Royster 50 times a game, you can’t do that for a variety of reasons. Although I’d love to run Derrick Williams “wildcat” plays all day, you can’t do that either. Our offense has been successful because of its ability to be a unpredictable, multi-faceted machine, and Clark is a huge variable in that. However, when you can’t utilize him to his fullest, and you run the same plays, then it doesn’t work as well. Exhibit A: PSU vs. Iowa on Saturday. In short, we need Clark for our offense to be effective, and we can’t afford predictable, bad play-calling. The only other alternative (and it’s a good one) is to play Devlin more.

When PSU is on defense: Our defense did not play well when it mattered last week in Iowa City. Our soft zone killed us at the end (again!), primarily because our D linemen were gassed, our pass rush disappeared, and our D backs didn’t react to things well/fast enough. Personally, I don’t think the cover 2 soft zone at that time puts you in a position to win, but that’s beside the point. In essence, we picked the wrong time and the wrong game for our defense to suck. Compound that with the fact that 2 of our starting linebackers just aren’t that good, 2 of our more-heady players were injured (Gaines and Astorino), and the fact that our defensive backs are becoming a liability, and what you have is a defense that can get battered at times. Although Indiana doesn’t light the world on fire on offense, we still need to execute. After all, we allowed a seemingly high school QB named Ricky Stanzi to drive 60+ yards in 3+ minutes to beat us last weekend. It really wasn’t anything he did, but everything we didn’t do. We need to be better on Saturday and for the rest of the season.

When, oh when: we will ever get ours?

Bottom line: I still haven’t recovered from the Iowa game, and I’m not sure I ever will. I never thought I would be upset over a very possible Rose Bowl berth, but somehow it seems like a cruel consolation to what could have been. I am, however, very positive that this team will do everything it can to make amends for what happened last weekend. I’m positive they will learn from their errors, I’m positive they will be more focused, and I’m positive that the leaders on this team will step up. I’m positive Penn State will kill Indiana, and start to smell the roses.

KNIT’S Pick…

Indiana: 3

PSU: 52

Game Notes…

1. Lime Green Vest Returns

LET’S GO STATE!

PSU Preview: Iowa

Game 10


@

Saturday, November 8, 2008. 3:30 p.m. Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, Iowa.

After a bye week, your #2.5 ranked Penn State Nittany Lions (9-0, 5-0) are back in action—this time against the underrated Iowa Hawkeyes (5-4, 2-2). Iowa is coming off a bad loss against Illinois, a game in which they should’ve won. In fact, this is a dangerous Iowa team; a team whose four losses were by a combined 12 points. In each of those games Iowa lost late, and should’ve won. PSU, meanwhile, got to take the week off, heal up, and get ready to go on the road. Oh, and if the Nits were short of motivation to win this week, the wonderful BCS, ignorant sports writers, and countless college football blowhards still don’t think PSU is a high-caliber team. What better way to prove them wrong then to make yet another statement in Iowa City. Nevertheless, you have to start to wonder: when will we not have to make a statement and finally get some respect?***

***If you wish to debate that issue, you know how to locate me. But, you better come armed with an ass-load of information.

Anyway, back to it…

When PSU is on offense: Iowa boasts a good defense, and they play very tough. They have allowed only 82 points in 9 games this season, and have done so with a hard-nosed style, led by defensive tackle Mitch King. The Hawkeyes have lost one of their starting safeties for the remainder of the year due to underage drinking, but it shouldn’t matter. What does matter is how aggressive (or not) our offensive will be on Saturday. If we go conservative, then we play right into the hands of the Iowa defense. If we run the full extent of the Spread HD, which is what we should do, then we’ll be tough to stop. Fact is, Iowa’s defense is good, but they don’t match up well against our weapons. But, your weapons can’t be utilized if you keep them locked up.

When PSU is on defense: Iowa runs a very basic offense, but it all hinges on talented RB Shonn Greene. Greene, who has amassed over 1,200 yards on the ground, could be one of the best running backs in the nation. Therefore, our gameplan should be the same as it was against Wisconsin and Ohio State…stop the run. It worked fine in those games, and should do well on Saturday. If you take Greene out of the game, or at limit his production, then Iowa is forced to rely on shaky quarterback Ricky Stanzi. Stanzi seems to only be able to throw 4 and 5 yard rollout passes consistently. Anything over that yardage and he becomes wildy erratic. So, stop Greene and all should be fine

When you’re PSU and you’re undefeated: will you, can you, ever catch a break and get some damn respect?

Bottom line: As much as I hate to admit it, we have to prove to a lot of people (read: a-hole AP writers who don’t even watch our games, but read the stat line and draw conclusions) just how dominate we are. Clearly, the first 9 games didn’t do it for these people. I know, there is a lot of ball to be played by everyone, but the reality is that no one outside of the Nittany Nation believes that we are good enough to make it to Miami, let alone stand a chance if we do. Therefore, we can’t afford to give anyone or any computer more reasons to doubt us. So, look for us to load up on the Iowa running game, and revert back to the offensive aggressiveness that we saw against Wisconsin and Illinois. We don’t need to do both to win, but both would spell a dominate victory. This team continues to have a chip on its shoulder, and it’s growing (thanks BCS!). Not to mention we’ve had an extra week to sharpen our attack. If you’re Iowa, you could be in for it.

KNITS Pick:

PSU: 38

Iowa: 7

Game Notes…

1. Daryll Clark has been limited in practice, but will play on Saturday. He is said to be fine.

2. Iowa is planning an overall black-out for Saturday’s game, with the students doing a “Greene-out” for Shonn Greene. Just when you thought a black-out couldn’t be any more ridiculous.

3. The Whites. And the ¾ length white sock.

Let's Go State!!!

PSU Preview: Ohio State

Game 9

@

Saturday, October 25th. 8 p.m. est. Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio

Saturday night’s game in Columbus means everything for the Nittany Lions. Win, and the road to “the” major bowl becomes a lot smoother. Lose, and there goes your shot. In short, this could be one of the biggest, most important regular season games in Penn State Football history. What we have on our side is talent everywhere, heart by the ton, and determination to get it done. What we have against us is a cocky freshman QB who burned PSU in the latter stages of recruiting, a big dangerous running back, and an 0-7 all time record in Columbus. Raise your hand if you’re nervous to the point of nausea? My hand is up.

Breakdown...

When PSU is on offense: Here’s the deal…we need a solid Daryll Clark, we need to limit major mistakes/turnovers (especially on our end of the field), and our offensive line needs to get the upper hand against a lack-luster OSU front four. First off, Clark is our key to offensive success; if he gets going, makes good decisions, and manages the offense like he has, then our offense will roll. OSU will definitely load up on the run and force Clark to beat them, so he is a huge key to the game. Seondly, turnovers have killed us against OSU in the past, and the Buckeyes mounted a huge lead last week against Michigan State by preying off of Spartan Turnovers, mostly in Spartan territory. Lastly, our O line could mean the difference between a solid run game and a non-existent one, and a solid Daryll Clark and a QB who never gets into a rhythm. OSU’s d line, and D in general, did a good job against MSU’s run last weekend, but MSU is one-dimensional. When the run failed, they had nothing to back it up. We have the ability to run and pass, but both could prove tough. Although the Buckeye defensive line has played inconsistently, their defensive backfield is very good led by All-American Malcolm Jenkins (who, by the way, has returned 2 INTS for TDs in the last 2 games against PSU). Nevertheless, our O will be ready, and don’t be surprised to see some new formations, new plays, and new wrinkles in the offense; something tells me that the coaches have had plays waiting in the wings just for this game.

When PSU is on defense: Priority #1: Stop Chris Wells (I refuse to call him Beanie). Pryority #2: get after that cocky SOB Terrelle Pryor. Smack him around, confuse him, frustrate him—all in attempt to bring out more of his “freshman tendencies”. Make no mistake about it, these are the top two things PSU must do to win the game. Ohio State’s passing game, although respectable, is nothing without a solid run game, so it’s important to stop the run. Look for D coordinator Tom Bradley to show Pryor/OSU tons of looks in attempt to throw him off; don’t be shocked if we run some 4 linebacker (4-4) sets in order to load up on the run. Look for true freshman linebacker Mike Mauti (#42) to provide athleticism and speed on the outside in order to contain and harass Pryor. Mauti came into the Michigan game midway through the second quarter, and immediately made in impact. Of course, despite our personnel and gameplan, we must tackle well, shed blockers, and eliminate mental mistakes—things that we didn’t do in the first quarter and a half last week. Something tells me this week's PSU defense will be more focused.

When there’s only 4 games left in 2008 (plus a bowl game): enjoy the ride, especially considering it’s probably the last season for a living legend.

Bottom line: This game means everything. The stakes are as big as they can get for a regular season game. On offense, if Daryll Clark can lead us, if we can control the line of scrimmage, and if we can eliminate major mistakes, then we’ll be just fine. On defense, just stop the run and knock around that a-hole quarterback of theirs. Do those things, and the rest will fall into place. Then, the road will become smoother and magical things could be on the horizon.

KNITS pick…

PSU 24

OSU 14

Game notes…

1. Let’s Go State!

THOAD Endorses...Hole in the Wall

Get ready...for the Hole

Phillies Win...BITCHES!

PSU Preview: Michigan

Game 8

@


Saturday, October 18th. 4:30 p.m. est. Beaver Stadium


Michigan comes to Happy Valley on Saturday for a weirdly scheduled kickoff on Homecoming. Penn State (7-0, 3-0) is looking to beat the Wolverines (pronounced Vulv-er-eeeens) for the first time since 1996, and will try to avoid looking ahead to next weekend's showdown in Columbus. The 3rd ranked Lions are perhaps the most powerful overall team in the country; they are very solid in all phases of the game: offense, defense, and special teams--which is a rarity not only in college football but in the history of Penn State football. PSU has outscored its opponents 377-77, and has had 46 plays of 20 or more yards. Conversely, Michigan comes in to Beaver Stadium on a 2 game losing streak, most notably last weekend to Toledo. The Wolverines, coached by the ultimate slimeball snake Rich Rodriquez (not to be confused with that turd Roderrrrio), are not a good team, but are very desperate and won't exactly roll over. So, fire up the ugly-as-shit tissue paper float that's supposed to be Rocky but looks like a fuckin' grisly bear, get drunk as shit, scream your face off for Dear Old State, and enjoy the pounding we're gonna put on Michigan on Homecoming.


Let's break it down, shall we?...

When PSU is on offense: this should be one of the best defenses Penn State will face all year, if not the best. Michigan has a very good defensive line and will get a boost from the return of DE Brandon Graham. Armed with 2 big defensive tackles, Michigan's rush defense ranks 21st in the country, while its pass defense is a crappy 94th nationally. That being said, the Michigan defense has yet to face anything close to the offense that we have. Penn State's Daryll Clark-led Spread HD (ranked 9th) has so many looks, so many options, and so many weapons that Michigan will have its hands full. It's not as if we need to play mistake-free football to get the better of the Wolverine defense, but we must be sure to execute properly and limit costly turnovers.

When PSU is on defense: Our defense, which is very good, is seemingly becoming stronger each week. On the other hand, Michigan's offense sucks. Compound that with the fact that their starting QB, Stephen Threet, is probably not going to play. His replacement, Nick Sheridan is even worse than Threet; he doesn't have a good an arm or running ability. It's possible the Wolverines will also be without true freshman RB Sam Mcguffie. In any case, Michigan's offense (ranked 109th nationally) is in for a long night against our top-ten defense.

When you build a building above the hat of William Penn: how long are you cursed? We'll find out.

Bottom line: 12 years of frustration for Penn State will be avenged on Saturday night. Barring any major mistakes, this one should be pretty easy. The key will be our offensive gameplan and execution; if we can do offensively what we did against Illinois and Wisconsin, then a new streak will begin. Happy Homecoming!

KNITS Pick...

Michigan: 0

PSU: 35


A few game notes...

1. Starting right guard Stefphen Wisniewski may not play on Saturday. He sprained his MCL and the coaches want him better for the OSU game. In his play will be Mike Lucian, who is very good and very capable. After all, Lucian started 8 games last year at right guard.

2. Evan Royster reportedly dislocated a finger in practice; he's said to be fine and will play.

3. Look for a military "fly-by" right after the National Anthem. Lt. Daniel Caffey and Goose in one of them? No sir, Goose passed away and Caffey is having an intense relationship with Iceman.

4. Red Card Weekend, but lime green vest.

LET'S GO STATE!!!

Coming Soon...

"Nailin' Palin" starring Lisa Ann...from your friends at Hustler Video.

PSU Recap: Wisconsin

Penn State smashed Wisconsin on Saturday night 48-7, propelling the Nittany Lions to 7-0 and a number 3 ranking. It was the worst beating that Wisconsin has endured at Camp Randall Stadium since 1989. Everthing from gameplan to playcalling to execution was flawless and terrific.

In fact, Saturday night's game could have been one of the most dominant performances I have ever seen from a Penn State football team against a respectable opponent. The destroyed Wisconsin in every phase of the game, and did so convincingly.

Going a step further, this could be one of the most complete, well-rounded, dominant PSU squads in our history. They can play offense, defense, and special teams. Even better, they can play a variety of ways: Smashmouth? We can do it. Spread? we can do that too. We can pound you on offense and shut you down on defense. And, just when you think you've had enough, we have the special teams to crush you even further. Of Penn State's last 4 "great teams" ('82, '86, '94, and '05) only the '82 team was as complete as this team is. At this point, we are playing lights-out in every phase of the game. Knock on wood.


A more detailed breakdown...


1. We set the tone from the get-go. On offense we threw over the middle and down the field on our first possesion, which showed that our gameplan was to run our Spread HD to its fullest. On defense, Navarro (Lavarro) Bowman's 3rd and 1 smack of Badger running back PJ Hill set the tone for the defense. If you have an opportunity to rewatch that play...do it. It ended Wisconsin's first possession, and it was an amazing play.


2. Our D line is sick, and Aaron Maybin continues to play like an All American. He leads the nation in sacks, and his 2 forced fumbles on Saturday were huge. Moreover, DT Jared Odrick is incredible as well. His stats never show has good and disruptive he truly is.

The D line was so disruptive that, of the 4 passing plays Wisconsin tried to run in the 1st quarter, only one of them actually saw the QB throw the ball. The other 3 plays were 2 sacks and a one yard scramble.


3. We couldn't have wished for a better leader and QB for this team than Daryll Clark. He has been incredible. Heisman talk soon? aww, who cares about that shitty award. He's too good for it anyway.


4. Did you notice Tom Bradley had our defense play a 4-4 (4 linebackers) and a 4-5 (5 linebackers) throughout the game. brilliant plan. Wisconsin couldn't handle it, their running game was shut down, and they never adjusted.


5. Lydell Sargeant has made a career out of playing Wisconsin. 3 INTs in the past 2 games against them.


6. The option pitch play on 3rd and goal was an amazing call, and executed phenomenally. Not bad for a play that hasn't been run all season. That just shows you another level of our offensive dominance---when you can successfully run a goal line touchdwon play that no one has seen all year then you're even more dangerous than people thought.

7. Aside from that dropped pass, Derrick Williams is the tits.

8. The nation is starting to take notice of what we've known for some time. This team is special and could be the best in the country. Things are starting to take shape, and the thought of "what could be" is giving me goosebumps.

Let's Go State!

Let's

PSU Preview: Wisconsin

Game 7



@

Saturday, October 11th. 8 p.m. est. Camp Randall Stadium, Madison Wisconsin

Well, "season 2" officially begins for the 6th ranked Nittany Lions (6-0, 2-0) on Saturday night against the Wisconsin Badgers (4-2, 0-2). Why season 2? Because it is the next 6 games that will determine the ultimate fate of this year's PSU team. In fact, the next 3 games are enough to do it, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. Saturday night's venue is Camp Randall Stadium, a place that has been unkind to Penn State, and a place where we have scored a total of 6 points in our last 2 trips there. Wisconsin is coming off of 2 heartbreaking losses. Two weeks ago they blew a 19 point lead at Michigan, and last week they allowed that prick Pryor to drive down the field and score the go-ahead score with one minute left. In each case, Wisconsin was on the losing end, which begs the question "Can they conceivably lose 3 games in a row?" We'll find out on Saturday night when a different, much better Penn State team comes to visit; a visit that begins Season 2.

What to watch for...

When PSU is on offense: Coming into the season Wisconsin's defense was billed as one of the finest in the Big Ten, if not the land. Things haven't turned out the way people thought they would. Wisconsin is currently 31st in total defense nationally, which is a far cry from what the expectations were for this team. So, what should PSU do? First, we can't afford to play conservative like we have in past road games, and like we did at times last week at Purdue. Wisconsin's defense had a ton of trouble stopping a mediocre spread offense like Ohio State, so they should have their hands full if we run our Spread HD. Secondly, Daryll Clark must not only manage the game, but also not be afraid to take a shot downfield, take off running, or make a play. We have all the tools on offense (ranked #9 natioally) to dominate a lack-luster Badger defense, the question is whether the gameplan allows it to happen.

When PSU is on defense: The Penn State defense is the 8th best and the country and there is no mistaking what its top priority is on Saturday. In simplest terms, we must stop the Badger running game, which ranks 20th in the country. Wisconsin boasts a load of a running back in PJ Hill, and a host of other capable guys who make their ground game formidable. The key seems to be to smack Hill around early and get him out of a groove because if he gets going, that's when he becomes a stronger runner. Look for PSU to load the box, give Wisconsin a variety of "looks", and force shaky QB Tyler Everidge to throw the ball; something he hasn't done successfully or consistently all season. The only other playmaker PSU must account for is TE Travis Beckum, who is big and fast, but was shut down last year in Beaver Stadium. Stopping the run must be our top priority, and I'm sure it will be.

When you see Bonnie in the kitchen holding a spatula: that fuckin' thing's gonna be dipped into some mayo very soon. Just wait.

Bottom line: Remembering our past failures at Camp Randall could prove to be a blessing on Saturday night. We have to remember all the times that we have tightened up while playing there, and not repeat that same mistake. Beyond that, however, we must remember that this year's Penn State football team is a much better version than those that have played in Madison in the recent past, especially on offense. Sure, we have to stop the Wisconsin ground game, but the key to victory is our offensive gameplan, or our coaches' willingness to run the full extent of our now-famous Spread HD. If we allow ourselves to run that type of offense, the one that we saw against Illinois, the one that involves big-time offensive playmakers, then this one won't be as tough as we think.

KNITS Pick...

PSU: 30

Wisconsin: 13

Game notes...

1. The Wisconsin band may not be attendance for this one. Sounds like they get suspended for their second game for hazing (read: giving out brown-noses).

2. The return of Jordan Norwood? Most likely, and that's a good thing. We're better when he's in there.

3. 2 weeks in a row...the Whites.

Let's Go State!!!