Or maybe it should be Who? Who? as in who will step up and be a leader for this team. Certainly, it hasn't been Evan Royster (though, I'm still hoping he breaks out of this funk and shows some life). This team has talent, albeit young talent, but the potential is there. What's missing is cohesion, leadership, and fire...three important attributes to allowing this team to meet that potential.
With an improved Temple lying in wait, can we overcome these shortcomings and come together as a team? I'd love to see this weekend be a breakout game ala Minnesota 2005 or Wisconsin 2008. That would set us up nicely for the tough start of league play that lies ahead.
No matter what, I want this team to play to its potential...not below it. Do it for State, boys!
Go, Lions!
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
PSU, After Game 3
Well, game #3 is history, and what have we learned:
1) Rob Bolden, though showing flashes of great potential, is still a freshman. His poise and demeanor might suggest otherswise, but his decision-making is sometimes suspect. At times he throws into coverage (ala A. Morelli), and he seems to need more trajectory on deep balls. Overall, though, I'm excited about him! He does make everything look effortless.
2) Our defense is worse than I expected. The linebacking corps seems slow, and the best athletes at linebacker don't play enough. Additionally, we lack the experience and killer on the d-line that I thought we'd have (and by which we've all been spoiled). And how much do we miss those experienced punters we had the last few years! And what happened to our "sure tackling" skills? That is usually a strength, not a weakness.
3) Why do we insist on putting slow, less athletic people at safety? A journalist suggested putting Powell at one cornerback and moving Danton Lynn to safety. Immediately we gain speed in the secondary. And we are pretty deep at receiver, with or without Powell. I wish the coaches thought that way.
4) Evan Royster has been a real force the last few years...what's up with him? He may not get many touches in the weeks ahead if his "slump" continues.
Overall, as the season goes forward, I have more concerns rather than less. I still hold out hope and believe we will improve, but we could end up 9-3...or just as easily 5-7. I'm hoping for the former but wouldn't be surprised by the latter. The good news is that with so much youth getting quality PT, we should have brighter years ahead.
Either way, I'm here to cheer for the Lions! Go, State!
1) Rob Bolden, though showing flashes of great potential, is still a freshman. His poise and demeanor might suggest otherswise, but his decision-making is sometimes suspect. At times he throws into coverage (ala A. Morelli), and he seems to need more trajectory on deep balls. Overall, though, I'm excited about him! He does make everything look effortless.
2) Our defense is worse than I expected. The linebacking corps seems slow, and the best athletes at linebacker don't play enough. Additionally, we lack the experience and killer on the d-line that I thought we'd have (and by which we've all been spoiled). And how much do we miss those experienced punters we had the last few years! And what happened to our "sure tackling" skills? That is usually a strength, not a weakness.
3) Why do we insist on putting slow, less athletic people at safety? A journalist suggested putting Powell at one cornerback and moving Danton Lynn to safety. Immediately we gain speed in the secondary. And we are pretty deep at receiver, with or without Powell. I wish the coaches thought that way.
4) Evan Royster has been a real force the last few years...what's up with him? He may not get many touches in the weeks ahead if his "slump" continues.
Overall, as the season goes forward, I have more concerns rather than less. I still hold out hope and believe we will improve, but we could end up 9-3...or just as easily 5-7. I'm hoping for the former but wouldn't be surprised by the latter. The good news is that with so much youth getting quality PT, we should have brighter years ahead.
Either way, I'm here to cheer for the Lions! Go, State!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
PSU vs. Alabama
This week the Lions head to the land of the Crimson Tide to take on the defending national champs? Can the young Nits and their venerable coach find a way to stay in the game...or will they get their doors blown off. Conventional wisdom favors the latter, but Paterno had traditionally found ways to keep his teams "in the game," even when they didn't belong there. Nittany Nation can only hope that is the case this week. Either way, it will be a great learning experience for the young Lions!
Go, Lions!
Go, Lions!
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