Saturday night's game against Illinois was electric, both on the field and in the stands. Since the '05 Ohio State game, night games at Beaver Stadium have become legendary, and the Illinois game was no exception. After a slowish start, the Nittany Lions dismantled the Illini 38-24, and have climbed to #6 in the polls, which is both exciting and nerve-wracking. At any rate, PSU passed the test Saturday night against some big-time Illinois talent, especially on offense. It was a great win, and a great statement in front of a national audience. It only gets tougher from here, however.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of the game...
1. If there were ever any doubt why Daryll Clark is the starting quarterback, Saturday night put it all to rest. The guy is a leader and a great player. He may even enter the Heisman race if he keeps it up.
2. I feel like every week I say something about Navarro Bowman, and I'll do it again. To watch him on TV is amazing, but to watch him in person makes you wonder if you're seeing things. He is absolutely INCREDIBLE, and may go down as one of the greatest linebackers to ever play at Penn State. It's no wonder why many people have started calling him "Lavarro".
3. Mark Rubin made more plays in Saturday's game than he has in his entire career. With the exception of the broken coverage Arrelious Benn TD in the 4th quarter, Rubin had a solid game; he even made a couple of great tackles defending the option. I've been down on this guy for a long time, but he played very well. Here's to hoping it continues.
4. Speaking of safeties, Drew Astorino also played well. He is always in the right place at the right time, can tackle, can hit hard, and plays much bigger than his size. Like Rubin, he did a nice job defending the option.
5. We need to stop fumbling.
6. Our defense really adjusted nicely after giving up those 2 touchdowns early.
A quick aside: apparently on the first Illinois TD drive it was so loud in the stadium that the defense couldn't commincate with each other. Normally they would make the calls in the huddle, but they had to do so on the fly because Illinois was running a no-huddle offense. It was so loud they couldn't hear one another. Wow.
7. At this point, perhaps our biggest concern (and perhaps our only one) is MLB Josh Hull. There were many plays where Hull was a step late, got tossed to the side, run out of the play, or even put on his backside. This can't happen. The result was that Illinois was able to run up the middle, and for some big gains. I'm sure PSU and Tom Bradley were content with letting Illinois run up the middle, but not for the yardage that they did. At this point, Hull is not playing well, and other options need to be considered before it will really cost us.
8. From O line to back up WRs, our offense is good.
9. After giving up the first Benn TD, cornerback Lydell Sargeant was benched. His replacement, AJ Wallace, played great, especially considering he had to cover Benn for the rest of the night. Look for Wallace to start for the rest of the season. That's a good thing.
10. Derrick Williams.
Let's Go State!
Monday, September 29, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
PSU Preview: Illinois
Game 5
@
Saturday, September 27th. 8 p.m. est. Beaver Stadium
Saturday night’s game begins the true test of your 2008 Penn State Nittany Lions. It is then that Big Ten conference games begin, it is then that PSU starts a ridiculously tough 8 game stretch, and it is then that we will hopefully show everyone that we are every bit worthy of a top-ten ranking. The test begins in primetime, under the lights, and surrounded by a whiteout.
Knits’s Breakdown:
When PSU in on offense: First off, Illinois’s defense is probably the weakest unit on their team. They are last in the Big Ten in scoring defense and are giving up a whopping 4.4 yds per rush. That doesn’t fare well against a PSU offense that’s first in the Big Ten and top-ten in the nation in scoring, and has obliterated opposing defenses on the ground. That being said, look for a heavy dose of Royster/Clark/Green running the ball to get Illinois to commit to the run. Once that happens, the passing game could open up, and open up widely. Illinois does, however, like to blitz a lot and from different places. That could prove difficult for the PSU offense if it’s not controlled, but could prove fatal to Illinois if it’s not effective. In short, if PSU limits turnovers and mistakes, this could be another banner day for the Penn State offensive machine.
When PSU in on defense: This is the matchup that will decide the outcome of the game. Illinois’s O, led by ultra-mobile Juice Williams, will test our defense with its ability to do many different things. Beside Williams, Illinois’s other playmaker is WR Arrelious Benn, who killed PSU last year catching, running, and returning. The good news is that Williams has always had trouble throwing the ball, which hinders Benn’s ability to catch it. The bad news is that Williams knows he's not a good passer and will take off running very quickly. Therefore, the PSU defense must play disciplined ball, while also attacking Williams. Look for speedy LB Bani Gbadyu to “spy” Williams, and for PSU to go after him. PSU’s D will be bolstered by the return of Mo Evans and Abe Koroma. A good defense just got a lot better, and just in time.
When you're hiding in Honduras, and you’re a des-per-ate man: Send lawyers, guns, and money. The shit has hit the fan. Haaaya!
Bottom line: Night game. Primetime. Whiteout. Solid defense. Explosive offense. A much more competitive opponent, but one that will have to do everything right to win. The first test should be a good one, but one that PSU will pass with little trouble.
Knits Pick…
Illinois: 14
PSU: 42
Game notes:
1. The return of Evans and Koroma. They won't start, but will get plenty of playing time.
2. The return of Herbstriet and AJ Hawk's boyfriend Musberger. They get the call on Saturday night.
3. The return of the lime green vest.
Let's Go State!
@
Saturday, September 27th. 8 p.m. est. Beaver Stadium
Saturday night’s game begins the true test of your 2008 Penn State Nittany Lions. It is then that Big Ten conference games begin, it is then that PSU starts a ridiculously tough 8 game stretch, and it is then that we will hopefully show everyone that we are every bit worthy of a top-ten ranking. The test begins in primetime, under the lights, and surrounded by a whiteout.
Knits’s Breakdown:
When PSU in on offense: First off, Illinois’s defense is probably the weakest unit on their team. They are last in the Big Ten in scoring defense and are giving up a whopping 4.4 yds per rush. That doesn’t fare well against a PSU offense that’s first in the Big Ten and top-ten in the nation in scoring, and has obliterated opposing defenses on the ground. That being said, look for a heavy dose of Royster/Clark/Green running the ball to get Illinois to commit to the run. Once that happens, the passing game could open up, and open up widely. Illinois does, however, like to blitz a lot and from different places. That could prove difficult for the PSU offense if it’s not controlled, but could prove fatal to Illinois if it’s not effective. In short, if PSU limits turnovers and mistakes, this could be another banner day for the Penn State offensive machine.
When PSU in on defense: This is the matchup that will decide the outcome of the game. Illinois’s O, led by ultra-mobile Juice Williams, will test our defense with its ability to do many different things. Beside Williams, Illinois’s other playmaker is WR Arrelious Benn, who killed PSU last year catching, running, and returning. The good news is that Williams has always had trouble throwing the ball, which hinders Benn’s ability to catch it. The bad news is that Williams knows he's not a good passer and will take off running very quickly. Therefore, the PSU defense must play disciplined ball, while also attacking Williams. Look for speedy LB Bani Gbadyu to “spy” Williams, and for PSU to go after him. PSU’s D will be bolstered by the return of Mo Evans and Abe Koroma. A good defense just got a lot better, and just in time.
When you're hiding in Honduras, and you’re a des-per-ate man: Send lawyers, guns, and money. The shit has hit the fan. Haaaya!
Bottom line: Night game. Primetime. Whiteout. Solid defense. Explosive offense. A much more competitive opponent, but one that will have to do everything right to win. The first test should be a good one, but one that PSU will pass with little trouble.
Knits Pick…
Illinois: 14
PSU: 42
Game notes:
1. The return of Evans and Koroma. They won't start, but will get plenty of playing time.
2. The return of Herbstriet and AJ Hawk's boyfriend Musberger. They get the call on Saturday night.
3. The return of the lime green vest.
Let's Go State!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
PSU Recap: Temple
PSU routed Temple on Saturday 45-3 to improve to 4-0 on the season. The win was a final tune-up for Saturday night's Big Ten opener against Illinois. When that game arrives, the competition and the stakes raise exponentially. But, that's not for another 6 days, so let's take a look at yesterday's game, shall we? Good, here goes...
Overall review: With sloppy play, turnovers, and a general sluggishness, it took the nation's 4th highest scoring offense one quarter to get it together. Yet, after that, it was business as usual. The Nittany Lion offense scored 31 points in the second quarter on its way to amassing 546 yards of total offense. Yet, it was the Lion defense that was the most powerful unit from start to finish on Saturday, knocking out starting Owl QB Adam DiMichelle 5 plays into the game, registering 7 sacks, and limiting the Temple offense to only 138 total yards. Beside the offensive 1st quarter slumber and sloppiness, there was only one other glaring concern from this game: our kickoff coverage unit. A problem last year, it roared its head again, giving up way too much return yardage to an average Temple team. That needs to be rectified, again. Here's to hoping we got all that nonsense out of our system before it could really hurt. All in all, however, it was a good win.
A closer look:
1. Thus far, PSU has outscored its opponents 211-40.
2. If there were any doubt who the best linebacker, if not player, on our defense is, it's Navarro Bowman. Making his first start this year, Bowman was an absolute MONSTER, and his stat line was like something out of Tecmo Bowl...11 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 interception (which was 1 yard away from paydirt). Bowman is only a redshirt sophomore, and is already scary-good. The next great PSU linebacker. Recognize.
3. Aaron Maybin is also a monster. He was virtually unblockable all day.
4. Our student section better have been saving their energy and voices for Saturday night.
5. Stephfon Green is starting to heat up. That was a great TD run.
6. Our O line is good.
7. The Temple cheerleaders were tough to look at.
8. I'm starting to get very concerned about MLB Josh Hull. He just doesn't seem to show up enough, and often gets blown out of the play. We're gonna need much more from our middle linebacker starting in 6 days.
9. Mark Rubin is, and always has been, a liability on defense. Sure, the guy is athletic, but that doesn't translate into a successful Big Ten safety. The past 15 games say so. We might as well just put 10 guys out there on defense. or, here's a thought...PLAY DREW ASTORINO INSTEAD!
10. With every passing game, I'm starting to truly believe that this could be Joe Paterno's last season coaching our beloved Nittany Lions. Get your Michigan State tickets now. And give me one.
On Thursday: THOAD's PSU/Illinois Preview
Let's Go State!
Overall review: With sloppy play, turnovers, and a general sluggishness, it took the nation's 4th highest scoring offense one quarter to get it together. Yet, after that, it was business as usual. The Nittany Lion offense scored 31 points in the second quarter on its way to amassing 546 yards of total offense. Yet, it was the Lion defense that was the most powerful unit from start to finish on Saturday, knocking out starting Owl QB Adam DiMichelle 5 plays into the game, registering 7 sacks, and limiting the Temple offense to only 138 total yards. Beside the offensive 1st quarter slumber and sloppiness, there was only one other glaring concern from this game: our kickoff coverage unit. A problem last year, it roared its head again, giving up way too much return yardage to an average Temple team. That needs to be rectified, again. Here's to hoping we got all that nonsense out of our system before it could really hurt. All in all, however, it was a good win.
A closer look:
1. Thus far, PSU has outscored its opponents 211-40.
2. If there were any doubt who the best linebacker, if not player, on our defense is, it's Navarro Bowman. Making his first start this year, Bowman was an absolute MONSTER, and his stat line was like something out of Tecmo Bowl...11 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 interception (which was 1 yard away from paydirt). Bowman is only a redshirt sophomore, and is already scary-good. The next great PSU linebacker. Recognize.
3. Aaron Maybin is also a monster. He was virtually unblockable all day.
4. Our student section better have been saving their energy and voices for Saturday night.
5. Stephfon Green is starting to heat up. That was a great TD run.
6. Our O line is good.
7. The Temple cheerleaders were tough to look at.
8. I'm starting to get very concerned about MLB Josh Hull. He just doesn't seem to show up enough, and often gets blown out of the play. We're gonna need much more from our middle linebacker starting in 6 days.
9. Mark Rubin is, and always has been, a liability on defense. Sure, the guy is athletic, but that doesn't translate into a successful Big Ten safety. The past 15 games say so. We might as well just put 10 guys out there on defense. or, here's a thought...PLAY DREW ASTORINO INSTEAD!
10. With every passing game, I'm starting to truly believe that this could be Joe Paterno's last season coaching our beloved Nittany Lions. Get your Michigan State tickets now. And give me one.
On Thursday: THOAD's PSU/Illinois Preview
Let's Go State!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
PSU Preview: Temple
Game 4
@
Saturday, Sept. 20. 12 noon est. Beaver Stadium
On Saturday, the once-pathetic Temple Owls come to State College to face your 15th/16th ranked Nittany Lions. Although they’re still not a “good” team, Temple is nonetheless competitive and will be the best team that the Lions have faced so far in 2008. The Owls are led by competant head coach Al Golden, who was a standout tight end and captain for Penn State in the early 90’s. Golden also coached linebackers for PSU before becoming defensive coordinator at Virginia under Al Groh. Former Lion LB Mark D’Onfrio is also on the Temple staff as the coordinator of their defense.
When you put all of the nice connections aside, what you have is a Temple team that would love to make up for 2 straight tough losses with an upset of heavily-favored PSU. You also have a State team that would love to use Temple as its fourth straight punching bag. Although the former isn’t out of the question, the latter is 99% sure to occur.
When PSU is on offense: all you’re going to see is exactly what has made this offense so successful for the first 3 games…our offense steamrolling the Owl defense.
When PSU is on defense: PSU must continue to dominate the line of scrimmage, and get to Temple QB Adam DiMichelle, who could be the most talented player on the Owls. Interestingly, DiMichelle started his career at PSU, but transferred. Not unlike our other opponents, Temple will be overmatched; PSU’s D just needs to limit mistakes, and whack DiMichelle around. It would also be great if the coaches decide to finally sit strong safety Mark Rubin, and replace him with redshirt freshman Drew Astorino. Astorino is a good, smart player, and is much better than the liability Rubin.
When it’s 30 seconds before kickoff at Mad River: don’t even think about getting the beer special. Your ass can wait 30 seconds.
Bottom line: this one shouldn’t even be close. PSU’s offensive and defensive lines have dominated the first 3 games, and this one shouldn’t be an exception. I’d imagine that the 2nd and 3rd string guys will get good playing time in the second half, but one must start to wonder: does that help or hurt us when our first stringers will be expected to play 4 quarters against a more quality opponent?
Knits Pick…
Temple: 10
PSU: 56
Game Notes…
1. The PSU offense, as you know, has been very impressive. Check these out…
-PSU is 4th in the nation in scoring
-PSU is the only team in the country to rush for more 270 yards a game and pass for more than 260 a game. Wow.
-this is the first Nittany Lion team since 1994 to score more than 35 points in each of its first 3 games.
2. Evans and Karoma did not practice this week. Again.
3. Saturday, the return of the lime green vest.
LET'S GO STATE!!!
@
Saturday, Sept. 20. 12 noon est. Beaver Stadium
On Saturday, the once-pathetic Temple Owls come to State College to face your 15th/16th ranked Nittany Lions. Although they’re still not a “good” team, Temple is nonetheless competitive and will be the best team that the Lions have faced so far in 2008. The Owls are led by competant head coach Al Golden, who was a standout tight end and captain for Penn State in the early 90’s. Golden also coached linebackers for PSU before becoming defensive coordinator at Virginia under Al Groh. Former Lion LB Mark D’Onfrio is also on the Temple staff as the coordinator of their defense.
When you put all of the nice connections aside, what you have is a Temple team that would love to make up for 2 straight tough losses with an upset of heavily-favored PSU. You also have a State team that would love to use Temple as its fourth straight punching bag. Although the former isn’t out of the question, the latter is 99% sure to occur.
When PSU is on offense: all you’re going to see is exactly what has made this offense so successful for the first 3 games…our offense steamrolling the Owl defense.
When PSU is on defense: PSU must continue to dominate the line of scrimmage, and get to Temple QB Adam DiMichelle, who could be the most talented player on the Owls. Interestingly, DiMichelle started his career at PSU, but transferred. Not unlike our other opponents, Temple will be overmatched; PSU’s D just needs to limit mistakes, and whack DiMichelle around. It would also be great if the coaches decide to finally sit strong safety Mark Rubin, and replace him with redshirt freshman Drew Astorino. Astorino is a good, smart player, and is much better than the liability Rubin.
When it’s 30 seconds before kickoff at Mad River: don’t even think about getting the beer special. Your ass can wait 30 seconds.
Bottom line: this one shouldn’t even be close. PSU’s offensive and defensive lines have dominated the first 3 games, and this one shouldn’t be an exception. I’d imagine that the 2nd and 3rd string guys will get good playing time in the second half, but one must start to wonder: does that help or hurt us when our first stringers will be expected to play 4 quarters against a more quality opponent?
Knits Pick…
Temple: 10
PSU: 56
Game Notes…
1. The PSU offense, as you know, has been very impressive. Check these out…
-PSU is 4th in the nation in scoring
-PSU is the only team in the country to rush for more 270 yards a game and pass for more than 260 a game. Wow.
-this is the first Nittany Lion team since 1994 to score more than 35 points in each of its first 3 games.
2. Evans and Karoma did not practice this week. Again.
3. Saturday, the return of the lime green vest.
LET'S GO STATE!!!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
PSU Preview: Syracuse
Game 3
@ 
Saturday, September 13. Carrier Dome, Syracuse, NY. 3:30 est on ABC.
This is the first road game for your Nittany Lions, but the outcome should be the same. The Orangemen (I refuse to call them the Orange, that's stupid) are not a good team, and have given up 72 points in losses to Big Ten doormat Northwestern and Akron. Needless to say, if coach Greg Robinson was on the proverbial hotseat before the season began, his nuts are now up in flames; in fact, he could be fired at any second. The team is ready to go and focused, and the coaches are prepping them to not overlook a rivalry and an opponent that wouldn't mind "kicking your teeth in", as Joe Paterno said earlier in the week.
When PSU is on offense: we're gonna do exactly what we did last week...steamroll the shit out them.
When PSU is on defense: we're gonna do exactly what we did last week...play smart, play tough, and not give up any big plays. However, look for Syracuse to go over/up the middle and pull out all the stops: trick plays, etc.
When PSU scores: pile on Joey Bagganaude.
Bottom line: rivalry or not, we should crush this team. We should dominate every phase of the game, and it should be in hand early. However, to use a classic Joe-ism, "you never know how kids will react in certain situations on the road in a tough place to play". Ok, maybe that's overdoing it, but is somewhat true. Yet, barring our entire starting offense getting the shits and sitting out, this one will be blowout numero 3.
Knits pick...
PSU: 59
'cuse: 6
Game notes...
1. Contrary to a boneheaded Philly Daily News article, Evans and Karoma did not practice this week and will not play. They probably won't be back until the week leading up to the Illinois game (sept. 27)
2. Do yourself a favor and just watch #18 Navarro Bowman when he's on the field. He's the real deal, pal.
3. No lime-green vest on Saturday, but something even better...THE WHITES!
Let's Go State!
@ 
Saturday, September 13. Carrier Dome, Syracuse, NY. 3:30 est on ABC.
This is the first road game for your Nittany Lions, but the outcome should be the same. The Orangemen (I refuse to call them the Orange, that's stupid) are not a good team, and have given up 72 points in losses to Big Ten doormat Northwestern and Akron. Needless to say, if coach Greg Robinson was on the proverbial hotseat before the season began, his nuts are now up in flames; in fact, he could be fired at any second. The team is ready to go and focused, and the coaches are prepping them to not overlook a rivalry and an opponent that wouldn't mind "kicking your teeth in", as Joe Paterno said earlier in the week.
When PSU is on offense: we're gonna do exactly what we did last week...steamroll the shit out them.
When PSU is on defense: we're gonna do exactly what we did last week...play smart, play tough, and not give up any big plays. However, look for Syracuse to go over/up the middle and pull out all the stops: trick plays, etc.
When PSU scores: pile on Joey Bagganaude.
Bottom line: rivalry or not, we should crush this team. We should dominate every phase of the game, and it should be in hand early. However, to use a classic Joe-ism, "you never know how kids will react in certain situations on the road in a tough place to play". Ok, maybe that's overdoing it, but is somewhat true. Yet, barring our entire starting offense getting the shits and sitting out, this one will be blowout numero 3.
Knits pick...
PSU: 59
'cuse: 6
Game notes...
1. Contrary to a boneheaded Philly Daily News article, Evans and Karoma did not practice this week and will not play. They probably won't be back until the week leading up to the Illinois game (sept. 27)
2. Do yourself a favor and just watch #18 Navarro Bowman when he's on the field. He's the real deal, pal.
3. No lime-green vest on Saturday, but something even better...THE WHITES!
Let's Go State!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Monday, September 8, 2008
Entourage
Sarah Palin belonged to a church that believes that Alaska is a place chosen by God as a refuge when the world ends. (I know I know, Obama was a member of a church with a racist pastor). Oh yes, her church also believes that Alaskans are a chosen people.(Yes, yes, Rev. Wright used his pulpit for political purposes). I forgot to mention that people in this fine mainstream Alaskan church speak in tongues. (It's true, Rev. Wright has been known to hate America). Do you know that Palin's husband once belonged to the Alaskan Independence party which believes that Alaska should declare independence from the United States? Can you blame him, I mean do you defy God or your own country? Anyway, this tuff cookie is one fine mainstream American.
True Blood, True?????
Death by asphyxiation during sex. A black market practice known as "blood draining". A semi-hot chick who can read minds and has fallen for a vampire. True blood has certainly laid the foundation for another kick ass HBO series as it includes interesting characters, an interesting story line, and gratiutious boob shots. However, the granting of Duchamps will be reserved after more is known of this series. I'm interested.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
PSU Recap: Oregon State
Saturday's 45-14 drubbing of Oregon State was everything that a PSU fan could want. The offense dominated, the defense was stellar, and (after the first kickoff went out-of-bounds), the special teams was very good.
From play calling to execution, the win was absolutely positive in every way, except for one thing...linebacker Jerome Hayes tore his acl after a cheap shot block-below-the-waist late in the fourth quarter. Hayes was busy covering a punt when the dirty hit injured his left knee; he will miss the rest of the season. This is the second year in a row that Hayes has had a devastating knee injury. He tore his right acl covering a kickoff against Wisconsin last year and, after rehab, returned this year at 100%. He will be missed.
A few Knits notes from the win...
1. As this writer has said numerous times before, our offensive line could be the best in the country and arguably one of the best in PSU history. For the second straight game the unit has yet to give up a sack, and hasn't done so since the Temple game last November (knock on wood). Compound that with their nasty run blocking and what you have is an O line that the PSU faithful haven't seen since 1994.
2. Evan Royster is amazing. Great instincts, quickness, vision, power, and speed.
3. Yesterday we saw why Daryll Clark is starting this season and should've started last season. He makes good decisions consistently and is a beast running the ball. Nothing against Devlin, but Clark deserves the starting nod.
4. The student section needs to be filled a bit more at kickoff times. Note to students: leave the tailgate 5 minutes earlier. You can easily carry 6 beers and drink them on the way.
5. Navarro Bowman is the best player on our defense right now. He should play every down. With Hayes now done for the year, that wish could come true.
6. Josh Gaines is an unsung dude on defense who should get more recognition.
7. Our defense, however good, needs to play better when the competition gets better. Sure we did well against a potentially dangerous OSU offense, but we'll need to be more consistent once we face the likes of Wisconsin, Ohio State, and Illinois. Good thing is that when Evans and Karoma return we'll play even better than we did yesterday.
8. Busch Light is the best domestic beer that money can buy. Pair it with McClanahan's hoagies, brownies, and beef barbeque sandwiches for a perfect meal.
9. AJ Wallace didn't play much, although he did suit up. The reason could be that the staff wants to rest him for much bigger games in the future. Wallace is currently nursing a tender hamstring.
10. Contrary to what many so-called "fans" think, Joe Paterno is very much with it. All you need to do is listen to the post-game press conference to realize that he's still "in-touch".
Next up: Syracuse
Let's Go State!
From play calling to execution, the win was absolutely positive in every way, except for one thing...linebacker Jerome Hayes tore his acl after a cheap shot block-below-the-waist late in the fourth quarter. Hayes was busy covering a punt when the dirty hit injured his left knee; he will miss the rest of the season. This is the second year in a row that Hayes has had a devastating knee injury. He tore his right acl covering a kickoff against Wisconsin last year and, after rehab, returned this year at 100%. He will be missed.
A few Knits notes from the win...
1. As this writer has said numerous times before, our offensive line could be the best in the country and arguably one of the best in PSU history. For the second straight game the unit has yet to give up a sack, and hasn't done so since the Temple game last November (knock on wood). Compound that with their nasty run blocking and what you have is an O line that the PSU faithful haven't seen since 1994.
2. Evan Royster is amazing. Great instincts, quickness, vision, power, and speed.
3. Yesterday we saw why Daryll Clark is starting this season and should've started last season. He makes good decisions consistently and is a beast running the ball. Nothing against Devlin, but Clark deserves the starting nod.
4. The student section needs to be filled a bit more at kickoff times. Note to students: leave the tailgate 5 minutes earlier. You can easily carry 6 beers and drink them on the way.
5. Navarro Bowman is the best player on our defense right now. He should play every down. With Hayes now done for the year, that wish could come true.
6. Josh Gaines is an unsung dude on defense who should get more recognition.
7. Our defense, however good, needs to play better when the competition gets better. Sure we did well against a potentially dangerous OSU offense, but we'll need to be more consistent once we face the likes of Wisconsin, Ohio State, and Illinois. Good thing is that when Evans and Karoma return we'll play even better than we did yesterday.
8. Busch Light is the best domestic beer that money can buy. Pair it with McClanahan's hoagies, brownies, and beef barbeque sandwiches for a perfect meal.
9. AJ Wallace didn't play much, although he did suit up. The reason could be that the staff wants to rest him for much bigger games in the future. Wallace is currently nursing a tender hamstring.
10. Contrary to what many so-called "fans" think, Joe Paterno is very much with it. All you need to do is listen to the post-game press conference to realize that he's still "in-touch".
Next up: Syracuse
Let's Go State!
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
PSU Preview: Oregon State
Game 2
vs.
Saturday, September 6th. 3:30 p.m est. Beaver Stadium, State College. TV: ABC
Saturday's game against Oregon State will tell us more about our 19th ranked Nittany Lions than last week's blowout win. Despite losing their first game, OSU remains a dangerous team and one should not be fooled by their week one loss to Stanford. First off, Stanford is a tougher team than people realize. Secondly, OSU should've won if not for a fumble at the Stanford 2 yard line that went out of the back of the endzone late in the game. At any rate, PSU should win this game, but could have its hands full with a speedy, yet undersized OSU squad coached by ultra-competant Mike Riley.
When PSU is on Defense: The Beavers will most likely throw quick passes, short slants, and lots of screens to negate our pass rush and force our secondary, particulary our safeties, to make plays. On a few occasions, Coastal Carolina was able to have success with those types of plays, so look for the Beavers to try lots of them. PSU will counter with many different looks to confuse and rush QB Lyle Moevao, and will try to take advantage of a very average OSU offensive line. They must be sure to tackle well and not make mental mistakes because the Beavers' recievers, led by Sammie Stroughter, can make plays.
When PSU is on Offense: The high-powered PSU offense should have no trouble dominating an undersized, inexperienced Oregon State defense. Look for our offensive line to man-handle the Beaver defensive line and get lots of yards on the ground. It wouldn't suprise me if we ran the ball a lot early, and then went to the air as the game progresses. Put it this way, Stanford's average, slow running back had a career day against the Beavers, so Royster, Green and company will be just fine. As for the QBs, Clark and Devlin need to just manage the game, continue to make good decisions, and the rest should fall into place.
When Seth has had more than 2 Bunsteads: Look Out!
Game notes...
1. The weather looks pretty wet for the game on Saturday, as that hooker Hanna brings her stormy weather into the area. Not sure if the weather helps or hurts us, but I am concerned about slipping off of a Beaver Stadium bleacher and smacking my nards.
2. Saturday marks the first meeting between Oregon State and Penn State
3. Lime-green vests.
Let's Go State!
vs.
Saturday, September 6th. 3:30 p.m est. Beaver Stadium, State College. TV: ABC
Saturday's game against Oregon State will tell us more about our 19th ranked Nittany Lions than last week's blowout win. Despite losing their first game, OSU remains a dangerous team and one should not be fooled by their week one loss to Stanford. First off, Stanford is a tougher team than people realize. Secondly, OSU should've won if not for a fumble at the Stanford 2 yard line that went out of the back of the endzone late in the game. At any rate, PSU should win this game, but could have its hands full with a speedy, yet undersized OSU squad coached by ultra-competant Mike Riley.
When PSU is on Defense: The Beavers will most likely throw quick passes, short slants, and lots of screens to negate our pass rush and force our secondary, particulary our safeties, to make plays. On a few occasions, Coastal Carolina was able to have success with those types of plays, so look for the Beavers to try lots of them. PSU will counter with many different looks to confuse and rush QB Lyle Moevao, and will try to take advantage of a very average OSU offensive line. They must be sure to tackle well and not make mental mistakes because the Beavers' recievers, led by Sammie Stroughter, can make plays.
When PSU is on Offense: The high-powered PSU offense should have no trouble dominating an undersized, inexperienced Oregon State defense. Look for our offensive line to man-handle the Beaver defensive line and get lots of yards on the ground. It wouldn't suprise me if we ran the ball a lot early, and then went to the air as the game progresses. Put it this way, Stanford's average, slow running back had a career day against the Beavers, so Royster, Green and company will be just fine. As for the QBs, Clark and Devlin need to just manage the game, continue to make good decisions, and the rest should fall into place.
When Seth has had more than 2 Bunsteads: Look Out!
Bottom line: PSU is more physical and more talented then OSU, but this game will come down to how well our defense can handle the Beaver offense; particularly how well our defensive backs and linebackers can handle the quick-pass spread. If we allow OSU to get into a rhythm early, this game could become a shootout. Conversely, if we make a defensive statement early, get to Moevao, and disrupt their flow, then we win handily. There's also the possibility that OSU's offense will do well inside the 20's, but our defense will tighten up in the red zone, thus yielding a classic PSU "bend, but don't break" defensive showing. At any rate, the key matchup could be Lion CB AJ Wallace vs. Beave WR Sammie Stroughter, and we'll know early in the first half what type of game it will be.
KNITS PICK...
Oregon State: 10
PSU: 45Game notes...
1. The weather looks pretty wet for the game on Saturday, as that hooker Hanna brings her stormy weather into the area. Not sure if the weather helps or hurts us, but I am concerned about slipping off of a Beaver Stadium bleacher and smacking my nards.
2. Saturday marks the first meeting between Oregon State and Penn State
3. Lime-green vests.
Let's Go State!
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