Akron, Akron, Akron, Akron, Akron, Akron, Akron....Articles/Discussion

[Judge Smails]

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My favorite quote from the Akron beat writer:

"they have three solid running backs and one of those running backs very much has potential to be damaging. His name is Warren Ball. He transferred from Ohio State as a fifth-year graduate transfer. He started out great last year and then he played six quarters, averaged 7.2 yards a carry, and it looked like they found something. But then he broke his leg against Wisconsin. That threw his season off."

 

[Grant Green]

Broken legs do tend to reduce rushing yards.

Akron lost a number of offensive starters last year due to injury - which threw their whole season off. Expect them to look a lot better this year. PSU wins this game, but they better not take Akron lightly. I can see the typical slow first half, and then pull away in the 2nd half. Not sure PSU covers the spread on this one (although a 2nd half bet is always worth considering on this team).

 

[psu00]

It's hard to get a good read on this game. On paper PSU should win relatively easily but you never know. Too often PSU comes out slow and lets teams hang around.

Two areas that will be interesting to watch for improvement this season will be can the D get off the field quickly (without giving up points) and can the offense fire on all cylinders from opening kickoff (and not give away 2 quarters before they get going)?

 

[tboyer]

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My favorite quote from the Akron beat writer:

"they have three solid running backs and one of those running backs very much has potential to be damaging. His name is Warren Ball. He transferred from Ohio State as a fifth-year graduate transfer. He started out great last year and then he played six quarters, averaged 7.2 yards a carry, and it looked like they found something. But then he broke his leg against Wisconsin. That threw his season off."

Yeah I bet his average went down by about 7.2 yards per carry after the injury.

Seriously Ball will be a load if he's healthy. The PSU LBers better be ready.

 

[tboyer]

Any fan expecting this game to be a cream-puff game may be in for quite a surprise.
I know they were picked for third place in their conference, but I wouldn't be surprised at all if Akron challenged for the MAC Title.
Akron has a solid, experienced QB (who is primarily a passer, but is also mobile), they have a top-notch national recruit running back, and an experienced veteran offensive line.
They lost a couple of good wide receivers, but the roster includes a solid experienced outside receiver, plus transfers at WR who were originally signed by Missouri, Nebraska, Indiana, and Pitt. So they are not your typical MAC-level recruits.
Defensively their front 7 is very solid and experienced, including a legitimate Big Ten level outside linebacker. The greatest weaknesses on the Akron team are an inexperienced secondary, and the lack of a true pass rushing threat in their front four.
So, if Penn State is likely to have an abundance of success anywhere it would be due to Akron's inability to match up with Penn State's downfield receivers.
Akron also has the benefit of a very Tyler Davis-esque field goal kicker - very accurate but somewhat limited on the long FGs.
Opening games are always difficult to predict, but the 30 point spread seems very, very high IMO.

Point spreads can be really stupid this time of year because so little is known.

Right now Akron worries me more than Pitt. This game could be uncomfortable for PSU fans if Akron avoids turnovers.

I'm sure PSU won't be caught flatfooted -- they're going to be so juiced to play a football game, and the staff has been telling them about Akron for two weeks.

And yes, PSU is bigger and faster and has two Heisman candidates in the backfield. So I'm not worried. But it would be pretty funny if the story line after the game is that PSU underachieved because they only won 27-14 or something like that.

 

[PSU2UNC]

Yeah I bet his average went down by about 7.2 yards per carry after the injury.

Seriously Ball will be a load if he's healthy. The PSU LBers better be ready.

Not get all "math-y" on you, but his average( i.e. ypc) probably stayed the same. One would hope that he got zero carries after breaking his leg, so that statistic would remain unchanged.

;-)

 

[SR108]

" The greatest weaknesses on the Akron team are an inexperienced secondary, and the lack of a true pass rushing threat in their front four.
So, if Penn State is likely to have an abundance of success anywhere it would be due to Akron's inability to match up with Penn State's downfield"

Sounds like a pretty good matchup to me. If the Oline has improved as much as we are hearing, and we burn them for big plays down field, that should open up space for Barkley. Maybe the point spread is not that unrealistic.

 

[Judge Smails]

In the 7 games since the Ohio State game, Penn State has averaged 46 points per game. With everything we have coming back, and the projected improvement of the offensive line, I honestly expect 50+ in this game. Why wouldn't you expect that? So if it's a close game, that would probably be due to struggles on defense.

That said, as JF mentioned in his press conference, it will be interesting to see how defenses attack this offense with a full offseason of film study. So, yes, it might take some adjustments at halftime before we really start cooking with gas.

What I want to see is just line up and run the ball. 7 yards, 5 yards, 4 yards, 13 yards, etc. It's the first game so you can't make too many sweeping conclusions, but I know I'll be disappointed if we don't rack up 250-300 yards rushing.

 

[Bird-in-Hand boy]

2014: Akron 21, Pitt 10. James Conner 25 carries for 92 yards.

2016: Pitt 42, Penn State 39. James Connor 22 for 117.

I calculate that Akron wins by 8 on Saturday.

 

[PSU2UNC]

2014: Akron 21, Pitt 10. James Conner 25 carries for 92 yards.

2016: Pitt 42, Penn State 39. James Connor 22 for 117.

I calculate that Akron wins by 8 on Saturday.

I didn't see a sarcasm font, so I will point out that it is 2017.

Pitt was mediocre last year and sucked (record was 6-7) in 2014.

 

[gogolion]

Not get all "math-y" on you, but his average( i.e. ypc) probably stayed the same. One would hope that he got zero carries after breaking his leg, so that statistic would remain unchanged.

;-)

I was thinking the same thing...

 

[Woodpecker]

2014: Akron 21, Pitt 10. James Conner 25 carries for 92 yards.

2016: Pitt 42, Penn State 39. James Connor 22 for 117.

I calculate that Akron wins by 8 on Saturday.

Wait, I think I'm catching on

Date Time Opponent# Rank# Site T V Result Attendance

September 4 12:00 p.m. Akron* No. 2 Beaver Stadium • University Park, PA ESPN+ W 70–24 95,192

 

[PSU2UNC]

Oh I was serious. (sarcasm)

Maybe take your bird out of your hand and go back to the Pitt board then...

 

[Option Bob]

2014: Akron 21, Pitt 10. James Conner 25 carries for 92 yards.

2016: Pitt 42, Penn State 39. James Connor 22 for 117.

I calculate that Akron wins by 8 on Saturday.

I'm not a math major, but you have Akron > Pitt by 11; Pitt > Penn State by 3.

Then you subtract the 3 for the Pitt win? Shouldn't you have added the 3 Pitt points to Akron's 11 and declare Akron by 14?

 

[Bird-in-Hand boy]

I'm not a math major, but you have Akron > Pitt by 11; Pitt > Penn State by 3.

Then you subtract the 3 for the Pitt win? Shouldn't you have added the 3 Pitt points to Akron's 11 and declare Akron by 14?

Yesss - 14. That's what I meant.

You know what Lou Holtz says... "that Kent State math".

Zips by 14.

 

[lionlurker]

Ball was a solid 4-star guy as a recruit.

 

[Judge Smails]

 

[KnightSlayer]

Absolutely no offense to Akron but, I too think we score 50+ points on Saturday. I think McSorley picks up right where he left off. Barkley is a beast. Gesicki & WRs talent across the board. IMO these are givens.

The key is the Oline. Last year Bates was a Frosh, McGovern a Frosh, Gonzalez a Frosh, Wright Soph. first time starting. Even someone not as optimistic as to expect these guys to build on what they did last year. Throw in Mahon at guard and this has the makings of a strong Oline.

Put a strong Oline in front of McSorley and Barkley with the talent at WR/TE and the sky is the limit.

 

[Bobpsu]

I'm not a math major, but you have Akron > Pitt by 11; Pitt > Penn State by 3.

Then you subtract the 3 for the Pitt win? Shouldn't you have added the 3 Pitt points to Akron's 11 and declare Akron by 14?

He had a bird in his hand!

 

[BobPSU92]

He had a bird in his hand!

And two in the bush!

 

[tboyer]

After looking at the lineups and hearing Bowden's comments, I think Akron will be a real opponent. Which is a good thing.

I think they will not be awed, they've been in big stadiums before, they're going to come in and play tough. They're experienced and won't be easily fooled. And the PSU players need to (and I think will) expect that.

The worst thing that can happen in games like this (aside from losing) is that the PSU players expect to just dominate somebody right from the start, and then the first few series go badly and they start to press. And when teams press early in the season, when star players try to do too much -- that's when people get hurt.

Hopefully PSU has the leadership and maturity to take it in stride if Akron comes in and is able to do some things. I'm not saying that is going to happen, but if it does, and the Beav crowd does its murmuring/grumbling thing, hopefully the PSU players have the composure to just hang in there and relax and just execute -- even if it takes till the 2nd half.

Their talent and depth will win this game if they just play within themselves and relax. I would love to see PSU play better 1st halves this year but it doesn't have to start Saturday. It's more important that nobody tries to be a hero (especially not a Heisman candidate) and blows out a knee the first game of the season trying to do too much. If the hole isn't there, Barkley, just be patient and the hole will be there the next play.

I trust that Franklin, who seems to think of everything, will have this kind of a talk with the players at some point.

 

[Judge Smails]

 

[Safety Blitz]

It is a new season.
There are some new parts.
These guys haven't played a real football game in about seven months.
I don't care how much experience is returning, there is bound to be a break-in period and some rust around the edges.
I will be 100% happy with a win -- any kind of win by any amount of points -- and a healthy roster at the end of the day.

 

[Judge Smails]

Running back rotation at practice last night was Barkley, Sanders, Robinson, in that order.

 

[Richard the LIONhearted]

http://s.pennlive.com/cOeA6pY

Pics of practice last night.

 

[BobPSU92]

http://s.pennlive.com/cOeA6pY

Pics of practice last night.

Tim Bream was at practice (Picture 28).

 

[denniskembala]

Frankie Wants Freshmen Focus

Must improve intensity.

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports...nsity-scout-team-james-franklin-20170831.html

 

[Judge Smails]

JF has got his game face on....

 

[dbsteel]

Absolutely no offense to Akron but, I too think we score 50+ points on Saturday. I think McSorley picks up right where he left off. Barkley is a beast. Gesicki & WRs talent across the board. IMO these are givens.

The key is the Oline. Last year Bates was a Frosh, McGovern a Frosh, Gonzalez a Frosh, Wright Soph. first time starting. Even someone not as optimistic as to expect these guys to build on what they did last year. Throw in Mahon at guard and this has the makings of a strong Oline.

Put a strong Oline in front of McSorley and Barkley with the talent at WR/TE and the sky is the limit.

The only reason this team doesn't score 50-60 in this game is if they take the foot off the pedal, or there is a horrible first game rust factor going on and we can't get it going till the second half. Or maybe if the defense can't get off the field. If you look at the offense right now, there isn't a weakness, and there is depth.

 

[Bird-in-Hand boy]

The only reason this team doesn't score 50-60 in this game is if they take the foot off the pedal, or there is a horrible first game rust factor going on and we can't get it going till the second half. Or maybe if the defense can't get off the field. If you look at the offense right now, there isn't a weakness, and there is depth.

Or maybe Akron plays hard and well?

 

[tboyer]

Frankie Wants Freshmen Focus

Must improve intensity.

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports...nsity-scout-team-james-franklin-20170831.html

Kind of a silly story. Franklin was explaining that a lot of the freshman came in with dreams of winning starting positions as freshman, and they're dealing with the disappointment of not making the depth chart and being consigned to the scout team which is a little like being called Junior Varsity.

This is something that happens at every big time program in America -- 4 star prospects do scout team duty for at least a year. As Franklin points out, it's actually a great learning process for them to learn a huge variety of systems and formations. A year on the scout team and they understand their position so much better.

But yesterday was the day after the depth chart was released so it was completely understandable that some of the freshman are disappointed and shocked that they didn't make the 3 deep.

 

[royboy]

Kind of a silly story. Franklin was explaining that a lot of the freshman came in with dreams of winning starting positions as freshman, and they're dealing with the disappointment of not making the depth chart and being consigned to the scout team which is a little like being called Junior Varsity.

This is something that happens at every big time program in America -- 4 star prospects do scout team duty for at least a year. As Franklin points out, it's actually a great learning process for them to learn a huge variety of systems and formations. A year on the scout team and they understand their position so much better.

But yesterday was the day after the depth chart was released so it was completely understandable that some of the freshman are disappointed and shocked that they didn't make the 3 deep.

It's not a bad sign for the program when the Head Coach goes to Scout Team intensity as his first concern for improvement. That suggests he is pleased with a LOT of other aspects of this team.

 

[PSU_l]

Kind of a silly story. Franklin was explaining that a lot of the freshman came in with dreams of winning starting positions as freshman, and they're dealing with the disappointment of not making the depth chart and being consigned to the scout team which is a little like being called Junior Varsity.

This is something that happens at every big time program in America -- 4 star prospects do scout team duty for at least a year. As Franklin points out, it's actually a great learning process for them to learn a huge variety of systems and formations. A year on the scout team and they understand their position so much better.

But yesterday was the day after the depth chart was released so it was completely understandable that some of the freshman are disappointed and shocked that they didn't make the 3 deep.

Scout team doesn't make away game roster - would imagine biggest disappointment is they don't make the "travel roster" (max of 70 in b1g). As you say, this is a reality freshman face at most programs although it may be the 1st time at PSU under Franklin given that most of his recruits from his 1st several years made the "travel team" due to the cupboards being left so bare when CJF took over. Maybe that is why CJF mentioned this -- this is the 1st pre-season where double-digit freshman will have to deal with this disappointment, move past it and not let it become a distraction to their development.

 

[Tom McAndrew]

articles that some of you may enjoy:

CDT: Penn State CB Amani Oruwariye plans to 'open a lot of eyes' in 2017

Onward State: ST814 Released Unique Penn State Apparel for Football Fans

State College News: Hamilton Back And Ready To Finish What He Started

State College News: Cothran Ready For His Biggest Role Yet

CDT: Penn State football's Trace McSorley impressed by true freshman quarterback Sean Clifford

 

[mdking001]

PSU predicted to win by 34. Seems about right. 42-10

11 Penn State A = 87.06 0 0 0.00( 0) 0 0 | 0 0 | 87.10 11 | 87.07 11 | 87.04 11
127 Akron A = 55.33 0 0 0.00( 0) 0 0 | 0 0 | 55.37 127 | 55.33 127 | 55.32 127

 

[KnightSlayer]

Or maybe Akron plays hard and well?

Like I said in my post, no disrespect to Akron. They're playing on the road against a team that averaged 38 points per game, with an inexperienced patchwork Oline, with a first time starting QB, in the first year of a new offensive system. All the skill guys but one are back. The Oline brings back seasoned young guys combined with a couple of our best Sr Olinemen. I just get the feeling Akron may be walking into a buzz saw.

 

[Judge Smails]

 

[BobPSU92]

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FLAG.

 

[denniskembala]

Slow Starts? Someone Scared?

Who could it be?

http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/...joe-moorhead-slow-starts/stories/201708310218

Maybe ASWP and their media idiots needs to take in the Labor Day mattress sale at Levin!

 

[BisbeeMike]

Why is this the lead story with less than 48 hours until kickoff of the season opener? I can't find another single outlet nationwide that has this as the topic for PSU football at this point in the pre season.