The official game roster for the start of the season has been released. Sure, it tells you what players will play what position and what the coaches think of each player relative to one another at each position. However, it leaves you with a nagging question; what the fuck does this all mean? Honestly, Chaz Powell is a back-up WR and is returning kicks but not Punts (Astorino is)? A.J. Wallace is still backing up Timmons at DB? Newsome is the backup QB.
First, and easily the most interesting, is Chaz Powell. Chaz Powell is the heir apparent to Derrick Williams' title of "Mr. Versatility". Powell has literally taken the #2 now that Derrick used to wear, he lined up at WR, RB, last year. Now, with D-Will, gone, will he morph into the multi-purpose threat that Williams was? What does the Roster tell us? Powell is backing up Brett Brackett at WR and is also listed at returning kicks, however, Astorino, is returning punts.
Look, Powell is going to play. He is explosive, dynamic, and potentially game-changing but maybe he isn't the best decision maker. The answer seems clear: Chaz can make things happen but he probably doesn't make the best decisions. Decision making skills are particularly critical when returning punts. At one point last year it seemed like if D-Will were returning punts it was either going to be a fumble or a big play.
AJ Wallace is clearly still in Joe's Dog House for not having good grades and as soon as he gets himself together academically he will play.
What most of us assumed during the spring has been confirmed, Kevin Newsome is the #2 QB. This is good news for a number of reasons. First, Newsome can make things happen with his legs just like Clark can so the offense won't have to adjust philosophically if Newsome has to come into a game. Second, how exciting is it to have a true freshman QB who you are pumped to see get a little time on the field to prepare him for next year? If I could get Clark back for yet another year I would, however, I think Newsome will really benefit from getting to be behind Clark for a year while still getting a little playing time.
I am pumped for the season to begin!
GO STATE! BEAT AKRON!
Showing posts with label Fired up. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fired up. Show all posts
Monday, August 31, 2009
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Early Spring Scrimmage
The Lions had an early scrimmage this weekend in which we got a little peak at the the depth chart as it stands today. The CDT has the story, however, what does it all mean?
The CDT relates that Clark looked good throwing both short routes and deep balls very accurately. Great. I am glad. The simple fact of the matter is that Clark should be an accurate passer and he should look really good in spring practice when he is the only player wearing a red jersey. What is interesting is how the rest of the QBs on the roster looked.
This is what the CDT had to say about Kevin Newsome:
Working with the second team for all but a few snaps, true freshman Kevin Newsome had an up-and-down afternoon. His passes, thrown with a three-quarter, sidearm motion, had zip but often missed his intended targets. He seemed jumpy in the pocket, though defensive linemen from both the first and second-team defenses gave him little time to throw. Newsome looked much more comfortable — and more efficient — as a ball carrier, displaying good patience, vision and speed with a low-to-the- ground style.
I am not surprised that Mr. Newsome looked "jumpy" as this was his first time in a game-like situation with players with college speed and size bearing down on him. All this without the benefit of a red jersey. I think that is enough to make anybody "jumpy". Regardless of how he felt in the pocket I am more concerned with the description of his delivery: sidearm. As players get bigger and bigger the proper mechanics will help to keep the ball away from the paws of defensive linemen. I know that there have been plenty of successful QBs who haven't had perfect mechanics; however, it certainly doesn't help. Newsome's ability to run the ball is, of course, what we were all excited about when we recruited him. Also, while the kid's mechanics may not be perfect, athletic freakishness cannot be taught. Better passing mechanics can be worked out over the next year. Let's not forget that Newsome is only practicing right now because he enrolled in school early. This extra spring package certainly gives him a lot of extra experience with the offense to try to become the back up QB.
Matt McGloin also took several snaps.
Redshirt freshman walk-on Matt McGloin showed the difference between a freshman and a player with a year of college experience, even if that experience came on the scout team. Though he lacked the arm strength of Clark and Newsome, McGloin was accurate on short balls and deep balls, at one point connecting with fellow walk-on and Philipsburg-Osceola alumnus J.D. Mason for considerable gains on consecutive plays.
This is what I want to see out of McGloin. He doesn't have to be flashy, but the Lions definitely need a guy who can come in and throw the ball accurately when the team needs him too. A better understanding of the offense --- as well as accuracy --- seems to point to McGloin being the back up QB for the 2009 season. It is impossible to comment on McGloin's ability to run the ball, however, should he not be as effective running as passing it would be interesting to see Newsome come in to run a limited "Wild Lion" package at some points.
Zug, Moye, and Brackett all saw a lot of snaps at WR. WR is a position that the Lions really need to develop nicely this spring after the departure of the most productive WR corps in Penn State history. Now, every one of these guys is going to have to show us significant development if the Lions want to be as productive through the air as they were last year. One interesting thing to note is that every one of these guys is over six feet tall, in fact, Brackett and Moye are 6' 6" and 6' 5" respectively. How interesting will it be to go from a decidedly undersized group of WRs to a very large group of players. Jump Balls here we come!
Needless to say, the newly assembled OL will have to play very well for PSU to have a great season. I am not expecting a dominating year from the OL as they are young but they are particularly young on the left side of the line.
The firstteam offensive line included sophomore DeOn’tae Pannell at left tackle, redshirt freshman Matt Stankiewitch at left guard, Stefen Wisniewski at center, junior Lou Eliades at right guard and Dennis Landolt at right tackle.
A lot of folks are complaining about the 2009 schedule as it is very heavy on the cupcakes early in the year. However, that schedule will be a giant help to a very young offensive line and give them an opportunity to get some consistency up front. With a little experience this crew could start to play some good ball when PSU gets to the meat of its schedule.
Ahh spring, a time of unbridled potential and possible delusion.
I just can't wait for the Blue/White game!
GO STATE! PRACTICE HARD!
The CDT relates that Clark looked good throwing both short routes and deep balls very accurately. Great. I am glad. The simple fact of the matter is that Clark should be an accurate passer and he should look really good in spring practice when he is the only player wearing a red jersey. What is interesting is how the rest of the QBs on the roster looked.
This is what the CDT had to say about Kevin Newsome:
Working with the second team for all but a few snaps, true freshman Kevin Newsome had an up-and-down afternoon. His passes, thrown with a three-quarter, sidearm motion, had zip but often missed his intended targets. He seemed jumpy in the pocket, though defensive linemen from both the first and second-team defenses gave him little time to throw. Newsome looked much more comfortable — and more efficient — as a ball carrier, displaying good patience, vision and speed with a low-to-the- ground style.
I am not surprised that Mr. Newsome looked "jumpy" as this was his first time in a game-like situation with players with college speed and size bearing down on him. All this without the benefit of a red jersey. I think that is enough to make anybody "jumpy". Regardless of how he felt in the pocket I am more concerned with the description of his delivery: sidearm. As players get bigger and bigger the proper mechanics will help to keep the ball away from the paws of defensive linemen. I know that there have been plenty of successful QBs who haven't had perfect mechanics; however, it certainly doesn't help. Newsome's ability to run the ball is, of course, what we were all excited about when we recruited him. Also, while the kid's mechanics may not be perfect, athletic freakishness cannot be taught. Better passing mechanics can be worked out over the next year. Let's not forget that Newsome is only practicing right now because he enrolled in school early. This extra spring package certainly gives him a lot of extra experience with the offense to try to become the back up QB.
Matt McGloin also took several snaps.
Redshirt freshman walk-on Matt McGloin showed the difference between a freshman and a player with a year of college experience, even if that experience came on the scout team. Though he lacked the arm strength of Clark and Newsome, McGloin was accurate on short balls and deep balls, at one point connecting with fellow walk-on and Philipsburg-Osceola alumnus J.D. Mason for considerable gains on consecutive plays.
This is what I want to see out of McGloin. He doesn't have to be flashy, but the Lions definitely need a guy who can come in and throw the ball accurately when the team needs him too. A better understanding of the offense --- as well as accuracy --- seems to point to McGloin being the back up QB for the 2009 season. It is impossible to comment on McGloin's ability to run the ball, however, should he not be as effective running as passing it would be interesting to see Newsome come in to run a limited "Wild Lion" package at some points.
Zug, Moye, and Brackett all saw a lot of snaps at WR. WR is a position that the Lions really need to develop nicely this spring after the departure of the most productive WR corps in Penn State history. Now, every one of these guys is going to have to show us significant development if the Lions want to be as productive through the air as they were last year. One interesting thing to note is that every one of these guys is over six feet tall, in fact, Brackett and Moye are 6' 6" and 6' 5" respectively. How interesting will it be to go from a decidedly undersized group of WRs to a very large group of players. Jump Balls here we come!
Needless to say, the newly assembled OL will have to play very well for PSU to have a great season. I am not expecting a dominating year from the OL as they are young but they are particularly young on the left side of the line.
The firstteam offensive line included sophomore DeOn’tae Pannell at left tackle, redshirt freshman Matt Stankiewitch at left guard, Stefen Wisniewski at center, junior Lou Eliades at right guard and Dennis Landolt at right tackle.
A lot of folks are complaining about the 2009 schedule as it is very heavy on the cupcakes early in the year. However, that schedule will be a giant help to a very young offensive line and give them an opportunity to get some consistency up front. With a little experience this crew could start to play some good ball when PSU gets to the meat of its schedule.
Ahh spring, a time of unbridled potential and possible delusion.
I just can't wait for the Blue/White game!
GO STATE! PRACTICE HARD!
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
No News Is Good News
We are in the doldrums of the year when it comes to college football. Spring practice isn't underway, the spring game/draft is a month away, all is quiet in Nittany Nation. This is exactly the way a Penn State Football fan should want it. Let's examine the situation. Off-field news is almost always bad news. This time of year all news about the Lions is off-field news. No off-field news is good news.
The past few off-seasons have been full of juicy gossip and drama involving fights, trials. Last year we were in the throws of the Pryor-Sweepstakes, T. Sales got arrested, rumors were swirling regarding Joe choosing a successor, Quarless got a DUI during State Patty's Day, Chris Bell was kicked off the team for attacking another player, Pringle was fondling himself in the stacks, it was a busy off-season to say the least.
This year we are treated to the lovely silence of players behaving nicely and not getting into legal trouble. It is nice isn't it? News is so slow that BSD is covering PSU baseball! Soon, cats and dogs will live in harmony and Penn State will make it into the NCAA tournament! I mean, for the love of god, Joe must be on cloud 9 right now!
Life is good.
Oh yeah, by the way, Sean Lee is a goddamn bear!
GO STATE!
The past few off-seasons have been full of juicy gossip and drama involving fights, trials. Last year we were in the throws of the Pryor-Sweepstakes, T. Sales got arrested, rumors were swirling regarding Joe choosing a successor, Quarless got a DUI during State Patty's Day, Chris Bell was kicked off the team for attacking another player, Pringle was fondling himself in the stacks, it was a busy off-season to say the least.
This year we are treated to the lovely silence of players behaving nicely and not getting into legal trouble. It is nice isn't it? News is so slow that BSD is covering PSU baseball! Soon, cats and dogs will live in harmony and Penn State will make it into the NCAA tournament! I mean, for the love of god, Joe must be on cloud 9 right now!
Life is good.
Oh yeah, by the way, Sean Lee is a goddamn bear!
GO STATE!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
PSU Recruiting Map
I was wandering around over at CNNSI.com when I came across a google maps application which allows you to view the recruiting progress of a school or conference in map form. For example, peep the PSU recruiting map.
View Larger Map
Or USC's:
View Larger Map
It is interesting to be able to get this sort of graphical comparison of recruiting classes. While college football is and always will be a regional sport, it is interesting to note how USC recruits on a national scale in comparison to PSU's very regional recruiting.
Which begs the question, should PSU be recruiting on a national scale or are the Lions getting what they need from the North East?
GO STATE! RECRUIT HARD!
View Larger Map
Or USC's:
View Larger Map
It is interesting to be able to get this sort of graphical comparison of recruiting classes. While college football is and always will be a regional sport, it is interesting to note how USC recruits on a national scale in comparison to PSU's very regional recruiting.
Which begs the question, should PSU be recruiting on a national scale or are the Lions getting what they need from the North East?
GO STATE! RECRUIT HARD!
Thursday, January 01, 2009
The Fired Up Open Thread
This thread is not only open but also it is fired the fuck up for college football!
WOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
I'll be watching football, cooking, and eating pretty much all day. It doesn't get any better than this.
GO STATE!
WOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
I'll be watching football, cooking, and eating pretty much all day. It doesn't get any better than this.
GO STATE!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Go Northwestern!
I always root for the Big Ten during the bowl season. I'm currently watching NW and those dicks in Missouri fight it out. Lets go Wildcats! WOOOOOO! EAT MY HATE, BIG 12!
GO BIG TEN!
GO STATE!
GO BIG TEN!
GO STATE!
Vacation is Over!
And now i'm trying to catch up with what is going on with the team, a week at sea without TV or internet puts a damper on the PSU Obsession. Emails with anything i may have missed would be greatly appreciated. Or just pictures of your PSU decorated house. Your wife isn't really upset, she truly loves your PSU stuff. Just keep repeating that until it feels true.
After I catch up, I'll be posting some thoughts on USC as well as impressions on other games.
After I catch up, I'll be posting some thoughts on USC as well as impressions on other games.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Recruiting: Via Internet Stalkery
We are over a week removed from Penn State's football season but it is never to soon to start thinking about recruiting. Sure, the lager from this year's season isn't warm yet and we are going to talk about recruiting? Absolutely.
Never fear. This recruiting edition is going to be light on the stats and blah, blah, blah; and heavy on awesome videos. The following is just a sample of some key positions that PSU may be looking at in the 2009 class. As I am want to say; BEHOLD THEIR EXCELLENCE!
Jelani Jenkins WLB 5-Star
Olney, MD (what is to say that LJSR can't get this kid out of Maryland and into Larryland?)
The kid is fucking fast and he hits like a sledgehammer. While PSU may seem stocked at LB, this guy seems like a singular talent and a potential All American. Definitely a good fit for LBU!
Kevin Newsome QB 4-Star
Chatham, VA
While he doesn't seem transcendent he has a rocket arm and good wheels. He seems more than capable of running the spread HD. DC-17 has one more year and Devlin has only one more year after that. PSU needs to recruit a QB.
Bryce McNeal WR 4-Star
Minneapolis, MN
AKA "B-Meezy"
The B-Meezy thing seems ridiculous, however, if you look at the tape, the kid possesses great acceleration as well as excellent moves. With three of the best WRs PSU has ever known leaving, it might be a good idea to try to restock the cupboard.
Curtis Dukes RB 4-Star COMMITTED!
Philadelphia, NY
PSU seems to have a solid stable of RBs. Royster, Green, Beachum, each seem like a good talent. However, experience teaches us that a good team is deep at RB, especially, a team that plays in cold weather.
COME TO PSU!!!
GET FIRED UP!
GO STATE! BEAT (insert Pac-10 team here!)
Never fear. This recruiting edition is going to be light on the stats and blah, blah, blah; and heavy on awesome videos. The following is just a sample of some key positions that PSU may be looking at in the 2009 class. As I am want to say; BEHOLD THEIR EXCELLENCE!
Jelani Jenkins WLB 5-Star
Olney, MD (what is to say that LJSR can't get this kid out of Maryland and into Larryland?)
The kid is fucking fast and he hits like a sledgehammer. While PSU may seem stocked at LB, this guy seems like a singular talent and a potential All American. Definitely a good fit for LBU!
Kevin Newsome QB 4-Star
Chatham, VA
While he doesn't seem transcendent he has a rocket arm and good wheels. He seems more than capable of running the spread HD. DC-17 has one more year and Devlin has only one more year after that. PSU needs to recruit a QB.
Bryce McNeal WR 4-Star
Minneapolis, MN
AKA "B-Meezy"
The B-Meezy thing seems ridiculous, however, if you look at the tape, the kid possesses great acceleration as well as excellent moves. With three of the best WRs PSU has ever known leaving, it might be a good idea to try to restock the cupboard.
Curtis Dukes RB 4-Star COMMITTED!
Philadelphia, NY
PSU seems to have a solid stable of RBs. Royster, Green, Beachum, each seem like a good talent. However, experience teaches us that a good team is deep at RB, especially, a team that plays in cold weather.
COME TO PSU!!!
GET FIRED UP!
GO STATE! BEAT (insert Pac-10 team here!)
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Hodge Podge
First, if you want a ticket to the Rose bowl you need to get yourself here at 10 on Wednesday (via CDT).
Also, Cartoons!
(via alionstale.com)
GO STATE!
Also, Cartoons!
(via alionstale.com)
GO STATE!
Monday, December 01, 2008
BCS Business
I have problem with how the BCS has sorted itself out in regard to Penn State's season. I said it before and I'll say it again, if PSU was to play for the National Title than they needed to go undefeated. Iowa put an end to that so PSU should not get a chance to play for the title.
However, I think the BCS standings in regard to the Big 12 is incredibly horrid. Oklahoma is going to play for the conference title, this, of course, shuts out Texas. This Texas team defeated Oklahoma by ten on a neuteral field. I don't understand what the problem is with conferences letting teams settle stuff on the field in stead of resorting to a tie (shudder) or bizzarre tie-breakers.
The only real poetic way for this to end would be for Missouri to win the Big 12 title game and for Florida to beat Alabama. This would leave Florida and Texas to play for the title? A texas team who didn't even win their division let alone the conference championship. But who would you replace them with? USC? Really?
playoff.
Playoff!
Playoff!
PLAYOFF!
GO STATE!
However, I think the BCS standings in regard to the Big 12 is incredibly horrid. Oklahoma is going to play for the conference title, this, of course, shuts out Texas. This Texas team defeated Oklahoma by ten on a neuteral field. I don't understand what the problem is with conferences letting teams settle stuff on the field in stead of resorting to a tie (shudder) or bizzarre tie-breakers.
The only real poetic way for this to end would be for Missouri to win the Big 12 title game and for Florida to beat Alabama. This would leave Florida and Texas to play for the title? A texas team who didn't even win their division let alone the conference championship. But who would you replace them with? USC? Really?
playoff.
Playoff!
Playoff!
PLAYOFF!
GO STATE!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving
I'm headed back to State College for the weekend for some turkey, visiting, and partying with old friends. I will certainly also be watching football and probably doing some light posting. If you are in the area, hollaatchyoboy. If not, enjoy a Happy Thanksgiving you blue-white painted maniac.
GO STATE!
GO STATE!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
You Can't Freeze Your Nuts Off For Paternoville!
Students could be barred from forming Paternoville for the Michigan State game this week. The Collegian is reporting that should the weather drop below 32 degrees the passionate students will be forced to abandon Paternoville until the temperature warms up. Diabolical, yet pragmatic, sons of bitches!
This isn't a mere threat, the goddamn police will come to your tent at 11 PM and force you from your tent if the temperature is expected to dip below 32 degrees.
Your zeal for PSU will keep your warm.
GO STATE! FREEZE FOR YOUR LIONS!
This isn't a mere threat, the goddamn police will come to your tent at 11 PM and force you from your tent if the temperature is expected to dip below 32 degrees.
"There's going to be a stronger police presence at night than in the past just because of potential conditions," Boroch said. "Each night at 11, if temperatures are expected to go below 32, the police are going to come and essentially kick everyone out at Paternoville. They're going to go to all the tents and make sure no one is there."Let the kids go out there and freeze until they are blue! Perhaps a lovely shade of Navy Blue.
Your zeal for PSU will keep your warm.GO STATE! FREEZE FOR YOUR LIONS!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Lions Restore My World To Order
The Lions beat Indiana by 27 (unanswered) points today.
I was feeling down after the Iowa game so PSU's drubbing of Indiana made me feel significantly better. Also, seeing them flash up the 10-1 record up on the board was great. Two 10+ win seasons in four years truly establishes Penn State as being "back" after the dark times in the early 2000s.
The defense played really well today. Indiana completed under 50% of their passes, threw 0 TDs and was picked off. The Lions also held the Hoosiers under 200 yards of total offense.
It may have taken a while for the Spread HD to get going today but the Lions really took care of business and have a little momentum going into the Michigan St. game.
On a side note, could Clark fumble the ball any more?
GO STATE! BEAT SPARTY!
I was feeling down after the Iowa game so PSU's drubbing of Indiana made me feel significantly better. Also, seeing them flash up the 10-1 record up on the board was great. Two 10+ win seasons in four years truly establishes Penn State as being "back" after the dark times in the early 2000s.
The defense played really well today. Indiana completed under 50% of their passes, threw 0 TDs and was picked off. The Lions also held the Hoosiers under 200 yards of total offense.
It may have taken a while for the Spread HD to get going today but the Lions really took care of business and have a little momentum going into the Michigan St. game.
On a side note, could Clark fumble the ball any more?
GO STATE! BEAT SPARTY!
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!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Thursday Night Football
I'm having a great time watching NC State vs. FSU. I just want Bowden to lose as often as possible.
I am also watching TCU destroy BYU. So long, BYU! Your overrated assembly of homogeneous losers is sent back from whence you came! Does it feel odd to drop from #9 to out of the top twenty five in a single bound? Weird.
HOOORAY FOR FOOTBALL!
GO STATE! BEAT MICHIGAN!
I am also watching TCU destroy BYU. So long, BYU! Your overrated assembly of homogeneous losers is sent back from whence you came! Does it feel odd to drop from #9 to out of the top twenty five in a single bound? Weird.
HOOORAY FOR FOOTBALL!
GO STATE! BEAT MICHIGAN!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Joe's Pregame Speech For Michigan
This is what we need in the locker room before the game:
GO STATE! BEAT MICHIGAN!
(Good work, Juleser!)
GO STATE! BEAT MICHIGAN!
(Good work, Juleser!)
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