original photo via BSD.
GO STATE! BEAT SPARTY!
Showing posts with label D-Will. Show all posts
Showing posts with label D-Will. Show all posts
Friday, November 21, 2008
Saturday, November 08, 2008
One Hiccup Only
Penn State started terribly going three and out and that was a good outcome. It could have been a lot worse, Iowa could have had a safety or the ball on PSU's two. After giving up a quick TD Penn State has looked good on offense controlling both the ball and the clock.
Iowa looked great during Penn State's first possession and then for their next two plays, resulting in a Greene TD. However, since then the game seems to belong to PSU. Iowa, however, is hanging in there and are still only down by 6 points (they will also get the ball to start the second half).
My favorite part of the first half has been all the direct snaps to D-Will. It isn't that PSU hasn't tried this before, however, it was always a pass. Now we have D-Will running the single wing and Iowa is powerless to stop it.
Oh, and PSU controlled the ball for over 75% of the first half.
I am fired up!
GO STATE! BEAT IOWA!
Iowa looked great during Penn State's first possession and then for their next two plays, resulting in a Greene TD. However, since then the game seems to belong to PSU. Iowa, however, is hanging in there and are still only down by 6 points (they will also get the ball to start the second half).
My favorite part of the first half has been all the direct snaps to D-Will. It isn't that PSU hasn't tried this before, however, it was always a pass. Now we have D-Will running the single wing and Iowa is powerless to stop it.
Oh, and PSU controlled the ball for over 75% of the first half.
I am fired up!
GO STATE! BEAT IOWA!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
D-Will Dominates, PSU Goes To 5-0
More detailed reactions to come later.
It is clear, however, that D-Will dominated like never before. Unless you don't consider the following a dominating performance:
Good win. Lets start thinking about theBadgers Boilermakers!!
GO STATE! BEAT THE BOILERMAKERS!!
It is clear, however, that D-Will dominated like never before. Unless you don't consider the following a dominating performance:
33 yds rushing and 1 TD.So, yeah, you could say that D-Will had a good game.
75 yds receiving and 1 TD.
133 yds returning and, oh yeah, one for 94 yds and a TD.
Good win. Lets start thinking about the
GO STATE! BEAT THE BOILERMAKERS!!
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
What We Learned From Coastal Carolina
First, wasn't it great to see Penn State back on the football field? My God, the eight months between bowl games and the start of the season seems to get longer with every passing year. Regardless, we have finally gotten a look at what Penn State might look like this year. I'm going to try to look at what the offense did and what the defense did in the 66 to 10 route of the Chanticleers.
One also must consider that Coastal Carolina simply is not in Penn State's league. The Chanticleers aren't really a fair measuring stick for the Lions. We will certainly know after the Oregon St. game.
Offense:
The offense looked damn near unstoppable for a lot of the day. Lets start with the running game and then take a gander at the passing attack.
Royster looked great running the ball. Too be fair, pretty much whoever carried the ball for the
Lions looked great. PSU wracked up 334 yds on the ground spread out over 8 ball carriers and 43 carries (7.8 yds/carry). The running game also had yet to unveil any of the QB runs. It seems as though the offense, while terribly effective, was also fairly basic. I don't think we've seen all the Spread HD offense has to offer yet. What opened up these running lanes were some great blocking from the offensive line. However, what really stood out to me, was how well the receivers were blocking down field. This is exactly the kind of effort you need to propel a team to the next level.
On another side note, who the fuck is Chaz Powell and where have the staff been hiding him? He is listed as a backup Free Safety but certainly showed a flair for offense as he had two rushes: one for five yards and the second a 55 yard scamper for a TD! I mean, WTF!?!?! I completely missed this, but here is a recruiting video which shows that this kid might be special.
As Clark started to run the offense I was blown away at how polished he looked. I believe he completed his first four passes and ultimately went 11/14 for 146 and a TD. What startled me all the more was how Devlin looked just as good! Both Quarterbacks threw the ball effectively and efficiently. Clark completed 78.5% of his passes and Devlin 62.5%. This is the efficiency and accuracy that PSU has been missing over the last few years. Again, this wasn't against comparable talent, however, it is certainly a good sign. However, one must also consider that Morelli looked good in his opening games completing 61% of his passes against Fla. Int. in 2007 and 50% of his passes against Akron in 2006. Ammo also threw 3 TDs in each of those games. So, both QBs looked good but lets not go too overboard.
All the receivers looked good. I was particularly pleased to learn that Derrick Williams has re-learned how to break a goddamned tackle! Hallelujah!
(consider the possibility of having to rescind all prior criticism of Jay if the Spread HD actually works out. I mean, could it actually work out?)
Defense:
The defense gave me some concern. It seemed as though the linebackers were far less active than they have been in years prior. This surprised me, I thought that the talented defensive line would leave the linebackers free to make some big plays. I don't know if they couldn't get off their blocks or what but it seemed as though the play at LB needs to improve. This fact shows up in the defensive statistics, no LB broke 10 tackles on the game. Sales had seven, Bowman had six, Hull hardly did anything registering only 2 tackles.
People have speculated that Colasanti would unseat Hull as the starting MLB before the beginning of Big Ten play. This prediction certainly seems possible as Colasanti registered 2 tackles as well. If Colasanti improves between his first and second game, and he should show substantial improvement, he will be the starting MLB come September 27th.
The big surprise, for me, was Stupar logging 5 tackles and having one of the better games among the linebackers. He is looking to push Sales and Gbadyu for more PT at the OLB positions.
The Defensive line looked great. All three of Penn State's sacks were logged by the defensive line. The big boys up front consistently got pressure on the QB and penetration on almost every play.
The Secondary looked.....ok. The one big play which the Lions gave up came at the beginning of the second quarter. Trent Usher (WR) drifted into a vacancy the size of Rhode Island in the Penn State backfield. He was so wide open you had to know instantly that somebody completely blew an assignment. It was bothering me so I took a look at the video, ESPN has a good one. All three LBs are sent on a blitz which makes 2 of the weak-side WRs the responsibility of Scirrotto and Rubin. You can see Rubin rush far to the weak side to pick up the same WR which Scirrotto clearly has leaving Usher all alone in the middle of the field. This was by far the biggest mental mistake of the day. I know Rubin is trying his best but he will need to improve his instincts to shore up the safety position. Right now the Lions are missing Sukay and his injured foot.
GO STATE! BEAT THE BEAVERS!
One also must consider that Coastal Carolina simply is not in Penn State's league. The Chanticleers aren't really a fair measuring stick for the Lions. We will certainly know after the Oregon St. game.
Offense:
The offense looked damn near unstoppable for a lot of the day. Lets start with the running game and then take a gander at the passing attack.
Royster looked great running the ball. Too be fair, pretty much whoever carried the ball for the
Lions looked great. PSU wracked up 334 yds on the ground spread out over 8 ball carriers and 43 carries (7.8 yds/carry). The running game also had yet to unveil any of the QB runs. It seems as though the offense, while terribly effective, was also fairly basic. I don't think we've seen all the Spread HD offense has to offer yet. What opened up these running lanes were some great blocking from the offensive line. However, what really stood out to me, was how well the receivers were blocking down field. This is exactly the kind of effort you need to propel a team to the next level.
On another side note, who the fuck is Chaz Powell and where have the staff been hiding him? He is listed as a backup Free Safety but certainly showed a flair for offense as he had two rushes: one for five yards and the second a 55 yard scamper for a TD! I mean, WTF!?!?! I completely missed this, but here is a recruiting video which shows that this kid might be special.
As Clark started to run the offense I was blown away at how polished he looked. I believe he completed his first four passes and ultimately went 11/14 for 146 and a TD. What startled me all the more was how Devlin looked just as good! Both Quarterbacks threw the ball effectively and efficiently. Clark completed 78.5% of his passes and Devlin 62.5%. This is the efficiency and accuracy that PSU has been missing over the last few years. Again, this wasn't against comparable talent, however, it is certainly a good sign. However, one must also consider that Morelli looked good in his opening games completing 61% of his passes against Fla. Int. in 2007 and 50% of his passes against Akron in 2006. Ammo also threw 3 TDs in each of those games. So, both QBs looked good but lets not go too overboard.
All the receivers looked good. I was particularly pleased to learn that Derrick Williams has re-learned how to break a goddamned tackle! Hallelujah!
(consider the possibility of having to rescind all prior criticism of Jay if the Spread HD actually works out. I mean, could it actually work out?)
Defense:
The defense gave me some concern. It seemed as though the linebackers were far less active than they have been in years prior. This surprised me, I thought that the talented defensive line would leave the linebackers free to make some big plays. I don't know if they couldn't get off their blocks or what but it seemed as though the play at LB needs to improve. This fact shows up in the defensive statistics, no LB broke 10 tackles on the game. Sales had seven, Bowman had six, Hull hardly did anything registering only 2 tackles.
People have speculated that Colasanti would unseat Hull as the starting MLB before the beginning of Big Ten play. This prediction certainly seems possible as Colasanti registered 2 tackles as well. If Colasanti improves between his first and second game, and he should show substantial improvement, he will be the starting MLB come September 27th.
The big surprise, for me, was Stupar logging 5 tackles and having one of the better games among the linebackers. He is looking to push Sales and Gbadyu for more PT at the OLB positions.
The Defensive line looked great. All three of Penn State's sacks were logged by the defensive line. The big boys up front consistently got pressure on the QB and penetration on almost every play.
The Secondary looked.....ok. The one big play which the Lions gave up came at the beginning of the second quarter. Trent Usher (WR) drifted into a vacancy the size of Rhode Island in the Penn State backfield. He was so wide open you had to know instantly that somebody completely blew an assignment. It was bothering me so I took a look at the video, ESPN has a good one. All three LBs are sent on a blitz which makes 2 of the weak-side WRs the responsibility of Scirrotto and Rubin. You can see Rubin rush far to the weak side to pick up the same WR which Scirrotto clearly has leaving Usher all alone in the middle of the field. This was by far the biggest mental mistake of the day. I know Rubin is trying his best but he will need to improve his instincts to shore up the safety position. Right now the Lions are missing Sukay and his injured foot.
GO STATE! BEAT THE BEAVERS!
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Lions With Attitude
The 2008 Lions are drawing motivation from the conference title voting held at the Big Ten Media Days the other week. Penn State was not voted into the top three teams in the conference (Tosu, Wisc., & Illinis).
Some of the 2008 captains did not take to kindly to this. In response Derrick Williams said the following:
AQ Shipley was not to be left out:
GO STATE! GET FIRED UP!
Some of the 2008 captains did not take to kindly to this. In response Derrick Williams said the following:
The subtext is, of course, FUCK YOU MAN! THIS IS MY SENIOR YEAR AND I WILL NOT TOLERATE THIS SHIT!“My thought is, after the season we can talk about who is in the top three,” he said. “I really could care less what people say about where Penn State is because no one has played yet.”
AQ Shipley was not to be left out:
“You come here expecting to be in the top three, especially with what we have returning,” center A.Q. Shipley said. “What it comes down to is we're coming to the Midwest and we weren't put in the top three, and obviously we're going to leave here with a chip on our shoulder.”Subtext: I am going to try to bury you on the field.
GO STATE! GET FIRED UP!
Friday, June 20, 2008
A Rallying Cry: It's Our Turn!
The Penn State 2008 Captains greeted the press yesterday. You can read the CDT's article here. To summarize, they learned a lot from the likes of Robinson and Poz and this group of Lions is looking to put that kind of product out on the field.
One statement really stood out to me was the quote D-Will gave to close the article out:
If you haven't already gotten your tickets for the 2008 Lift For Life there is still time! It is all set for July 11 @ 2pm in Holuba Hall. All the proceeds go to charity plus you get to see the 2008 Lions Participate in feats of strength. Rumor has it that Sean Lee is planning to participate in limited exercises where he will bite a towel in half to vent his frustration over his knee injury.
Now, we have an LJJR sighting in the area. Here is a pic, and editorial commentary, as LJ tosses out the first pitch at the Spike's game!
Pic courtesy of Centredaily.com
GO STATE! IT'S OURTime Turn! (I'm as dumb as a rock)
One statement really stood out to me was the quote D-Will gave to close the article out:
“We feel like it’s our turn,”It's Our Turn. A rallying cry for the 2008 season? It certainly sounds like it to me.
If you haven't already gotten your tickets for the 2008 Lift For Life there is still time! It is all set for July 11 @ 2pm in Holuba Hall. All the proceeds go to charity plus you get to see the 2008 Lions Participate in feats of strength. Rumor has it that Sean Lee is planning to participate in limited exercises where he will bite a towel in half to vent his frustration over his knee injury.
Now, we have an LJJR sighting in the area. Here is a pic, and editorial commentary, as LJ tosses out the first pitch at the Spike's game!
Pic courtesy of Centredaily.comGO STATE! IT'S OUR
Sunday, September 09, 2007
PSU vs. Notre Dame: Initial Reactions
The most striking thing was how well the stadium-wide-white-out was executed. The stated goal was to be able to pick out every Irish fan in the Stadium and it was accomplished. I really didn't think that a lot of the older fans would get the memo but it seems that I was horribly wrong.
Photo by Nate Smith via The Collegian
I thought Jimmy Clausen, who i started simply referring to as "Pickle" (ex. "Eat that, Pickle!" It was very satisfying. I would really recommend it to any Michigan fan for next week.) played very well. He didn't seem rattled by the atmosphere in Beaver Stadium. He completed several short passes and did what Weiss wanted him to do...Survive.
The defense played extremely well. They sacked poor pickle 6 times, hurried him a lot more, and held Notre Dame to ZERO yards rushing. Yes, zero. The only ND TD came on an Int returned for a TD. The defense looked great.
William's punt return got me insanely fired up. That is the kind of production PSU needs out of D-Will.
Scott played well rushing for 116 yds on 28 carries (4.1yds/carry) and scoring two TDs. Scott really did a good job of putting his head down and doing his best Tony Hunt impression as he ate up yards and the clock with equal zeal. Scott really put the game away for Penn State.
Morelli didn't play particularly well. 12-22, 131 yds, 1 TD, 1 Int. He needs to play better for PSU to make it to the next level. To be fair, he was only 1 mistake away from having the exact game PSU needed.
Photo by Nate Smith via The CollegianI thought Jimmy Clausen, who i started simply referring to as "Pickle" (ex. "Eat that, Pickle!" It was very satisfying. I would really recommend it to any Michigan fan for next week.) played very well. He didn't seem rattled by the atmosphere in Beaver Stadium. He completed several short passes and did what Weiss wanted him to do...Survive.The defense played extremely well. They sacked poor pickle 6 times, hurried him a lot more, and held Notre Dame to ZERO yards rushing. Yes, zero. The only ND TD came on an Int returned for a TD. The defense looked great.
William's punt return got me insanely fired up. That is the kind of production PSU needs out of D-Will.
Scott played well rushing for 116 yds on 28 carries (4.1yds/carry) and scoring two TDs. Scott really did a good job of putting his head down and doing his best Tony Hunt impression as he ate up yards and the clock with equal zeal. Scott really put the game away for Penn State.
Morelli didn't play particularly well. 12-22, 131 yds, 1 TD, 1 Int. He needs to play better for PSU to make it to the next level. To be fair, he was only 1 mistake away from having the exact game PSU needed.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Ridiculous Insanity
If you are interested in doing some PSU reading might I suggest this article over at the Collegian which sheds light on D-Will's eating habits.
I wish i could say I didn't care, but I'm a pitiful shell of a man who enjoys reading what football players like to eat. I'm sad.
If you like more scandal than chicken, rice, and green beans on your college football plate than I'd suggest checking out the bevy of stories on the tax breaks people are getting for buying ridiculous condos in Tuscaloosa. Nothing beats getting a huge tax-break for your football condo while the rest of the gulf-coast struggles to rebuild. If you want to see what the Condos themselves are like check out the sales site.
Very nice.
UPDATE!
CNNSI has also rolled out there top 20 preview. Find PSU's here.
GO STATE! EAT WELL!
For dinner, a staple is baked chicken, rice and some green beans. Lunch could consist of a chicken and seafood combination, perhaps fish and shrimp. No more late-night food runs with the boys that sometimes occurred when he lived on campus, Williams said.
I wish i could say I didn't care, but I'm a pitiful shell of a man who enjoys reading what football players like to eat. I'm sad.
If you like more scandal than chicken, rice, and green beans on your college football plate than I'd suggest checking out the bevy of stories on the tax breaks people are getting for buying ridiculous condos in Tuscaloosa. Nothing beats getting a huge tax-break for your football condo while the rest of the gulf-coast struggles to rebuild. If you want to see what the Condos themselves are like check out the sales site.
Very nice.UPDATE!
CNNSI has also rolled out there top 20 preview. Find PSU's here.
GO STATE! EAT WELL!
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