At known risk, some notes on specific aspects of the UMich - PSU game:

[stormingnorm]

The video:

Quick Notes:

1) Cam Brown played, possibly, his best game of year. Yeah, Cam (I've been kind of surprised at how far he has come - I didn't expect a lot from him this year)

2) Parsons was - once again - the most positively impactful of the LB. (Just as a for instance, take a look at the 10:30 mark on the video.... Parsons is the ONLY PSU LB who makes those types of plays). He made several noteworthy plays. As did Brown.
36 had his moments - he's a very serviceable player within his role on this team, even if he may never be top-notch.
FWIW, #13 also got into the rotation earlier than usual and - IMO - was solid.

3) Once again, the "PASS" part of the RPO - which had been so impactful over the previous 2 years - was completely absent (as it has been all year).
On only ONE occasion - which happened to be the final PSU snap of the game, the Stevens TD, did it appear that the PASS option even considered (Stevens pulled the ball, and gave a very brief look to the P option - - - - - he didn't throw, as the defense opened up, allowing him to sprint untouched for the TD - - - but he at least looked as if he SAW the P option).
Why that critical element of the RPO has been eliminated from the 2018 offense..... God only knows.

4) The O Line play has been deliberated at length. So I'll just list short O Line notes for every snap:

"P or R" to denote Run or Pass play
"Good" = Every lineman "did their job" well enough to allow the play a chance to succeed
"FUBAR" = A break down that doomed the play to failure (barring an extraordinary play by one of the skill players)
Some may use a more severe metric to evaluate, but that's what I use.

Aside from the first Series - which was a complete mess - nearly all the FUBARs were from Fries - who had been seeing limited action, but played all but the first 7 snaps (presumably Wright was injured). I have to assume Fries has been less than 100% over the last several weeks - since his PT had been dramatically reduced. In any event, he was simply overmatched.

After the first series, 80% of the OL settled down quite well. 5 of the 6 FUBAR plays originated with #71.
All in all - enough to make it probably the "worst" performance of late by the PSU OL.... but they were also facing a very, very good front - - - - - and doing so, it would appear, with a injured or otherwise impaired RT.

Series 1:
P FUBAR 52 beat on pass rush (But McS was able to quickly hit #87 for the big gainer anyway)
R GOOD (though 74 was unable to get to the second level due to good defensive play)
P FUBAR Both 52 and 77 beat on pass rush
P FUBAR 52 beat on pass rush
Bad series for Bates. Not sure WTF was going on there.

Series 2:
R GOOD
P GOOD
R GOOD

Series 3:
P GOOD
P FUBAR 71 beat on pass rush
R GOOD
P GOOD

Series 4:
P FUBAR 71 beat on pass rush
R GOOD

Series 5:
R OK But 66 was unable to get out in time on a pull
R GOOD
P FUBAR 71 beat on pass rush, and 74/62 got lost on a stunt

Series 6 (the series where McS missed the wide open #3 for a TD):
Great pass blocking on this series - including several blitz pick ups)
P OK But 71 was beaten a bit on pass rush
P GOOD
P GOOD
P VERY GOOD
P VERY GOOD
P VERY GOOD
P VERY GOOD
P VERY GOOD
P FUBAR 74 beat on pass rush


Second Half:

Series 7:
P GOOD
R GOOD
R OK, but 71 couldn't control his man in one-on-one blocking

Series 8:
R OK
P VERY GOOD
P GOOD

At this point he game was 21-0, and effectively over from a competitive standpoint, but persevering on:

Series 9:
R GOOD
P GOOD (Pick Six)

Series 10:
P FUBAR 71 beat on pass rush
R GOOD
P GOOD

Series 11:
P GOOD (Interception)

Series 12:
R Good defensive blitz call, simply too many to block
R GOOD
P GOOD
R GOOD
P FUBAR 71 beat on pass rush
R GOOD
P GOOD
P OK, but extra blitzer got into pocket
R GOOD
R GOOD
R GOOD


End of game.

Several series where PSU had plenty solid enough play from the OL..... but couldn't do squat (usually not even getting a first down).
So, obviously , something is very, very wrong... and, aside from the first series and the situation at RT (which is a very important issue, to be sure), the issue is something other than the OL.




5) Overall defense was actually quite good - IMO. A couple of errors on the back end... but the D Line (especially the starting four) were very good again - - - - Givens and Windsor have really come on as a pair (Givens has been there for a while, Windsor is really stepping up).
LB play - aside from #7 - was at least solid, and I think in fairness quite good.
#11 (and most of his cohorts) were playing harder even when PSU was down 4-5 TDs, than #7 was from the opening bell. There is an "efforting" issue there, and I don't expect to see that rectified this year... I just kinda' throw my hands up there and figure it is what it is.



With each viewing, one can't help but to think that even a breath of life from the offense in the first 35 minutes of the game, and the 42-7 blowout could have been a very competitive game.
I could go into a lengthy list of what I THINK shoulda' coulda' changed wrt scheming, play-calling, etc to make that happen (and mentioned the non-existent RPO above).... but that also seems to be one of those "it is what it is" issues.


I don't want to talk too much about McS's day (gee, it was crappy ) - because he was, IMO, not only playing with one hand tied behind his back wrt the offense, but also with far less than 100% physical capability.



Anyway.... just one person's view of the "high points" after further review.

 

[step.eng69]

With each viewing, one can't help but to think that even a breath of life from the offense in the first 35 minutes of the game, and the 42-7 blowout could have been a very competitive game.

yep, thanks for the game brief

 

[bdgan]

Hopefully the entire OL returns next year. The question is what happens if 1 or 2 leave, and what happens in 2 years when we need an entire makeover. It looks like the next round of OL could be Gellerstat, Miranda, Holmes, and Thorpe (if he stays at OL). Don't know much of anything about those kids.

LB has to be better next year. Farmer will be gone, Parsons and Brooks should bve better. Maybe Luketa and Smith. The guy that surprises me is Cooper. He played as a true freshman. Wasn't that great but I hoped he could provide some much needed depth as a senior. Apparently not. 14 tackles as a freshman, 2 as a senior.

 

[psu_1294]

Storming....Thanks for the thoughtful analysis.

I tend to agree with a lot you say. Brown is becoming very good. Parsons is the leading tackler, Castro Fields, Reid, AO doing some nice things in the back end. Taylor playing pretty well. The DL showing some nice stuff with limited rotation (though the DEs bit on Patterson’s fakes several times). Two holes in my mind are #4 and #7. Gotta love Scott for all he’s done but he looked lost vs Michigan. #7 for all his physical talent just hasn’t embraced the switch to LB.

Offensively, FWIW, I think Trace must have physically and mentally “wore out” after OSU. MSU was his worst game ever (till Sat. but Michigan was much better than MSU). While there have been a lot of drops, some of those have to be on Trace for delivering the ball early, behind or high. Good receivers can save the QB many times, but many of our current receivers aren’t doing that.

Looking forward to Wisky. Hope we come out with fire.

 

[PSU2UNC]

The video:

View embedded media

With each viewing, one can't help but to think that even a breath of life from the offense in the first 35 minutes of the game, and the 42-7 blowout could have been a very competitive game.

Gee, you mean like a blocked FG returned for a TD?

Shame that got called back on a penalty (checks replay of penalty call)....oh, come on!

 

[sluggo72]

there looks like alot of blocking going on......
Video unavailable
This video contains content from WazeeDigital, who has blocked it on copyright grounds

 

[Obliviax]

8 for 17 in (team) passing. Two interceptions, no TDs, 118 yards. that went with 6

yep, thanks for the game brief

the horrible overthrow when Thompkins got his defender to fall down was a key. We go into halftime 14-7 with momentum.

As it turns out, we go in 14-0, UM scores on their first drive then we pick six and it is 28-0. Add in the mess with the blocked FG and fumble. A lot went UM's way and the team finally collapsed at 28-0.

Football is a game of momentum....UM had it all and we were powerless to create a break and other breaks just didn't go our way. The loss is not as bad as it looked.

If PSU can play a good football game and not have the mistakes, we win games again.

 

[PSUcup1]

8 for 17 in (team) passing. Two interceptions, no TDs, 118 yards. that went with 6

the horrible overthrow when Thompkins got his defender to fall down was a key. We go into halftime 14-7 with momentum.

As it turns out, we go in 14-0, UM scores on their first drive then we pick six and it is 28-0. Add in the mess with the blocked FG and fumble. A lot went UM's way and the team finally collapsed at 28-0.

Football is a game of momentum....UM had it all and we were powerless to create a break and other breaks just didn't go our way. The loss is not as bad as it looked.

If PSU can play a good football game and not have the mistakes, we win games again.

PSU defense held them on the first 2 drives of the 2nd half

 

[PSUSignore]

Football is a game of momentum....UM had it all and we were powerless to create a break and other breaks just didn't go our way. The loss is not as bad as it looked.

The inability to build or keep momentum has plagued this team in many big games. Every time we get some momentum, we seem to shoot ourselves in the foot with either a critical penalty, turnover, special teams gaffes, or by missing a big execution opportunity (e.g., Trace missing the wide open TD pass). Our offense is boom or bust, and we've been busting so often in these big games that we can't sustain drives, can't keep the defense off the field and can't score enough points. When the offense is clicking, they usually look pretty damn good. But I view it as a consistency issue more than anything. The team is yet to play a complete 4Q game all season. Against weaker opponents we can get away with it, but not against the big boys.

 

[ClarkstonMark]

Wright was definitely hurt.
He was on the sideline bike almost the entire third quarter, no shoulder pads, so his day was obviously over.

It was obvious that UM was better team. What really hurts is it was just as obvious that PSU was better team against OSU and MSU.

 

[84Lion]

PSU defense held them on the first 2 drives of the 2nd half

Yep. UM had over 20 minutes TOP in the first half (mostly due to PSU offense inability to sustain drives - let alone score anything) and the D looked gassed at the end of the 1st half but they were still getting it done. PSU D did a great job in the early 2nd half stopping UM (who got the ball to start the 2nd half) but the PSU O did nothing with that.

Penn State's D is not the problem. They have been doing their best to hold up their end of the bargain.

 

[Nittany Ziggy]

The video:

View embedded media

Quick Notes:

1) Cam Brown played, possibly, his best game of year. Yeah, Cam (I've been kind of surprised at how far he has come - I didn't expect a lot from him this year)

2) Parsons was - once again - the most positively impactful of the LB. (Just as a for instance, take a look at the 10:30 mark on the video.... Parsons is the ONLY PSU LB who makes those types of plays). He made several noteworthy plays. As did Brown.
36 had his moments - he's a very serviceable player within his role on this team, even if he may never be top-notch.
FWIW, #13 also got into the rotation earlier than usual and - IMO - was solid.

3) Once again, the "PASS" part of the RPO - which had been so impactful over the previous 2 years - was completely absent (as it has been all year).
On only ONE occasion - which happened to be the final PSU snap of the game, the Stevens TD, did it appear that the PASS option even considered (Stevens pulled the ball, and gave a very brief look to the P option - - - - - he didn't throw, as the defense opened up, allowing him to sprint untouched for the TD - - - but he at least looked as if he SAW the P option).
Why that critical element of the RPO has been eliminated from the 2018 offense..... God only knows.

4) The O Line play has been deliberated at length. So I'll just list short O Line notes for every snap:

"P or R" to denote Run or Pass play
"Good" = Every lineman "did their job" well enough to allow the play a chance to succeed
"FUBAR" = A break down that doomed the play to failure (barring an extraordinary play by one of the skill players)
Some may use a more severe metric to evaluate, but that's what I use.

Aside from the first Series - which was a complete mess - nearly all the FUBARs were from Fries - who had been seeing limited action, but played all but the first 7 snaps (presumably Wright was injured). I have to assume Fries has been less than 100% over the last several weeks - since his PT had been dramatically reduced. In any event, he was simply overmatched.

After the first series, 80% of the OL settled down quite well. 5 of the 6 FUBAR plays originated with #71.
All in all - enough to make it probably the "worst" performance of late by the PSU OL.... but they were also facing a very, very good front - - - - - and doing so, it would appear, with a injured or otherwise impaired RT.

Series 1:
P FUBAR 52 beat on pass rush (But McS was able to quickly hit #87 for the big gainer anyway)
R GOOD (though 74 was unable to get to the second level due to good defensive play)
P FUBAR Both 52 and 77 beat on pass rush
P FUBAR 52 beat on pass rush
Bad series for Bates. Not sure WTF was going on there.

Series 2:
R GOOD
P GOOD
R GOOD

Series 3:
P GOOD
P FUBAR 71 beat on pass rush
R GOOD
P GOOD

Series 4:
P FUBAR 71 beat on pass rush
R GOOD

Series 5:
R OK But 66 was unable to get out in time on a pull
R GOOD
P FUBAR 71 beat on pass rush, and 74/62 got lost on a stunt

Series 6 (the series where McS missed the wide open #3 for a TD):
Great pass blocking on this series - including several blitz pick ups)
P OK But 71 was beaten a bit on pass rush
P GOOD
P GOOD
P VERY GOOD
P VERY GOOD
P VERY GOOD
P VERY GOOD
P VERY GOOD
P FUBAR 74 beat on pass rush


Second Half:

Series 7:
P GOOD
R GOOD
R OK, but 71 couldn't control his man in one-on-one blocking

Series 8:
R OK
P VERY GOOD
P GOOD

At this point he game was 21-0, and effectively over from a competitive standpoint, but persevering on:

Series 9:
R GOOD
P GOOD (Pick Six)

Series 10:
P FUBAR 71 beat on pass rush
R GOOD
P GOOD

Series 11:
P GOOD (Interception)

Series 12:
R Good defensive blitz call, simply too many to block
R GOOD
P GOOD
R GOOD
P FUBAR 71 beat on pass rush
R GOOD
P GOOD
P OK, but extra blitzer got into pocket
R GOOD
R GOOD
R GOOD


End of game.

Several series where PSU had plenty solid enough play from the OL..... but couldn't do squat (usually not even getting a first down).
So, obviously , something is very, very wrong... and, aside from the first series and the situation at RT (which is a very important issue, to be sure), the issue is something other than the OL.




5) Overall defense was actually quite good - IMO. A couple of errors on the back end... but the D Line (especially the starting four) were very good again - - - - Givens and Windsor have really come on as a pair (Givens has been there for a while, Windsor is really stepping up).
LB play - aside from #7 - was at least solid, and I think in fairness quite good.
#11 (and most of his cohorts) were playing harder even when PSU was down 4-5 TDs, than #7 was from the opening bell. There is an "efforting" issue there, and I don't expect to see that rectified this year... I just kinda' throw my hands up there and figure it is what it is.



With each viewing, one can't help but to think that even a breath of life from the offense in the first 35 minutes of the game, and the 42-7 blowout could have been a very competitive game.
I could go into a lengthy list of what I THINK shoulda' coulda' changed wrt scheming, play-calling, etc to make that happen (and mentioned the non-existent RPO above).... but that also seems to be one of those "it is what it is" issues.


I don't want to talk too much about McS's day (gee, it was crappy ) - because he was, IMO, not only playing with one hand tied behind his back wrt the offense, but also with far less than 100% physical capability.



Anyway.... just one person's view of the "high points" after further review.

Thanks for your passion, the organization of your thoughts and for sharing your work. I always appreciate your game breakdowns. Not as much as the beatdowns that you unleash on certain board numbskulls but, the post-game analysis is always a highlight!

 

[KnightWhoSaysNit]

The offensive philosophy needs to change to one of ball control. No one wins championships without playing good defense, and no good defense is on the field as much as ours. Stop with the "explosive play" focus for a while.

If the P in RPO is missing, that's got to be a big reason we have no clock-controlling run game. Some of those "Ps" need to be into zones that force a tough choice between taking the runner or covering the receiver. If we're not going to do it then might as well go under center, I-formation, and play-action pass.

 

[Lionfan01]

I think #9 is close to, if not the GOAT at Penn State.

At 50%-70%, he doesn't have the tools to do what he does. I'm guessing/assuming on the 50%-70%

All we can hope for is to win the next 3 games. (1-0, 1-0, 1-0)

I don't know how Franklin recovers from that debacle. This is where he has to add some fun and creativity to the process. A 10 win season is still out there.

 

[KnightWhoSaysNit]

I think #9 is close to, if not the GOAT at Penn State.

At 50%-70%, he doesn't have the tools to do what he does. I'm guessing/assuming on the 50%-70%

All we can hope for is to win the next 3 games. (1-0, 1-0, 1-0)

I don't know how Franklin recovers from that debacle. This is where he has to add some fun and creativity to the process. A 10 win season is still out there.

Trace will never be a "GOAT," as you put it. He is struggling with:

1. Injury
2. Unreliable receivers
3. O-staff strategy, game plans, and plays that don't put them in a position to win

He has always had to deal with the size issue. These make that insurmountable. The accuracy problem, I believe, has gotten worse as these other issues (beyond most of his control) have grown. It's unfortunate and painful to watch this happen to such a great kid.

 

[Obliviax]

Trace will never be a "GOAT," as you put it. He is struggling with:

1. Injury
2. Unreliable receivers
3. O-staff strategy, game plans, and plays that don't put them in a position to win

He has always had to deal with the size issue. These make that insurmountable. The accuracy problem, I believe, has gotten worse as these other issues (beyond most of his control) have grown. It's unfortunate and painful to watch this happen to such a great kid.

I don't recall him ever being injured before last Saturday.

I am not sure who I'd call GOAT over Trace. We haven't had the best QB's over the years. I guess Collins but he was surrounded by GOATs at various positions.

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

Trace will never be a "GOAT," as you put it. He is struggling with:

1. Injury
2. Unreliable receivers
3. O-staff strategy, game plans, and plays that don't put them in a position to win

He has always had to deal with the size issue. These make that insurmountable. The accuracy problem, I believe, has gotten worse as these other issues (beyond most of his control) have grown. It's unfortunate and painful to watch this happen to such a great kid.

You probably know this, but:

Greatest
Of
All
Time

So, ‘GOAT’ is cumulative, not reflective of one season. Like others, I believe his is the GOAT at PSU.

 

[NorthJerseyLionLover]

We don't have 1 other person that can play right tackle at all if two people are apparently hurt? Seems hard to believe.

I don't see Franklin earning his money right now with creativity. He has to coach a little, doesn't he?

 

[KnightWhoSaysNit]

You probably know this, but:

Greatest
Of
All
Time

So, ‘GOAT’ is cumulative, not reflective of one season. Like others, I believe his is the GOAT at PSU.

Wrong. I got it totally wrong. (Probably an age-related thing.)

When I was playing sports "goat" meant the opposite. I am not used to all of the abbreviations in today's form of "language."

That said, I still don't believe Trace is a GOAT. He's the "greatest of all time" in a number of stats, and I believe in heart, but he is, and has been, a benefactor of the stars around him, and of a system that could exploit this through high-yardage bombs. He's also benefitted by getting 3+ years of nearly full-game playing time, in games where his predecessors would be retired to the bench. These are the real factors behind his stats. We've had several other QBs who I thought were better passers.

Stats can be misleading. Consider Hackenberg. Leading passer but could not throw a 5 yard screen or swing pass. Had other accuracy problems. Couldn't sense a rush. Big problems with pocket awareness. And still, looking good in the record books.

 

[Lionfan01]

FWIW - and this is IMPRESSION, rather than ANALYSIS:


While I think there are some very quantifiable and tactical things that need to be done to get the performance of the squad to optimal level (some that can be done today, some that may have to wait a bit), I think CJF's greatest challenge right now - and for the rest of this season - is dealing with his squad from the neck up.

Especially on the offensive side of the ball (but to a lesser degree throughout the team) he has to - IMO - try to find a way to make this f^cking game a little bit fun again. Get them feeling like they are going to be able to perform.
This just doesn't look like a very happy group (I know its never "happy" to lose... but I think it may be a little deeper than simply losing). Trace's post-game comments, while understandable, were disconcerting (not blaming McS in any way - and I certainly don't think his comments were wrong - - - - - but just a bad sign vav the location of this team's head right now).


In recent years, even when this team lost - I think they were PISSED OFF, and they KNEW they could play better and win.
Right now, this team looks FRUSTRATED, and like they are HOPING they can win.

A PISSED OFF team that KNOWS they can win - even if they've lost a few - will be fine. A team that is FRUSTRATED, and is HOPING they can win.... is f^cked (IMO).


I certainly am not sure what the best way is to do that right now - that would have to come from someone who KNOWS these kids inside and out, and where they are at right now, and which buttons need to be pushed (ie A large part of the HFC's job. Do you kick ass? Assuage egos? Pat on the back? Just make some changes to routine for the sake of making things a bit "fresher"? Something else? IDK).
But - IMO - that is the challenge.

Yeah, there is a neck up problem right now and hopefully Franklin knows which buttons to push to get out of the funk .

Am I rusty, or did Penn State bust out the power I during the dark years to change things up? Not that we can do that with how this team is constructed, but a similar type of variation on the current offensive scheme? I don't know. Something to get the minds off of the slump?

 

[canuckhal]

FWIW - and this is IMPRESSION, rather than ANALYSIS:


While I think there are some very quantifiable and tactical things that need to be done to get the performance of the squad to optimal level (some that can be done today, some that may have to wait a bit), I think CJF's greatest challenge right now - and for the rest of this season - is dealing with his squad from the neck up.

Especially on the offensive side of the ball (but to a lesser degree throughout the team) he has to - IMO - try to find a way to make this f^cking game a little bit fun again. Get them feeling like they are going to be able to perform.
This just doesn't look like a very happy group (I know its never "happy" to lose... but I think it may be a little deeper than simply losing). Trace's post-game comments, while understandable, were disconcerting (not blaming McS in any way - and I certainly don't think his comments were wrong - - - - - but just a bad sign vav the location of this team's head right now).


In recent years, even when this team lost - I think they were PISSED OFF, and they KNEW they could play better and win.
Right now, this team looks FRUSTRATED, and like they are HOPING they can win.

A PISSED OFF team that KNOWS they can win - even if they've lost a few - will be fine. A team that is FRUSTRATED, and is HOPING they can win.... is f^cked (IMO).


I certainly am not sure what the best way is to do that right now - that would have to come from someone who KNOWS these kids inside and out, and where they are at right now, and which buttons need to be pushed (ie A large part of the HFC's job. Do you kick ass? Assuage egos? Pat on the back? Just make some changes to routine for the sake of making things a bit "fresher"? Something else? IDK).
But - IMO - that is the challenge.

Franklin will never admit it, but I think there is a lack of leadership this year to pull them through the tough games and build the confidence that they had the past two years. The blow-out two years ago sent the team on a mission.

This lack of leadership is due to the lower number of starting seniors in the class. Of the 13 seniors, only 4 are starters. Of those 4, maybe two (McSorley and Scott) I think have been mentioned as leaders.

This is a learning year for the others, and these experiences of close losses and wins, and a blow-out will hopefully bear fruit. I expect that others who are not ready this year will step up next year not only in leadership roles, but also on the field to make plays when they needed. I see Dotson and Hamler as WRs with the ability to make plays. Johnson may have the dropsies this year, but remember that Gesicki had them too and then he didn't the following year.

A 9-3 or 8-4 down year is not really all that bad when you look around at some other programs. They are close.

 

[canuckhal]

Yeah, there is a neck up problem right now and hopefully Franklin knows which buttons to push to get out of the funk .

Am I rusty, or did Penn State bust out the power I during the dark years to change things up? Not that we can do that with how this team is constructed, but a similar type of variation on the current offensive scheme? I don't know. Something to get the minds off of the slump?

I'm not sure why Penn State doesn't use two TE sets more often. Maybe next year we will see that in the playbook.

 

[canuckhal]

FWIW - and this is IMPRESSION, rather than ANALYSIS:


While I think there are some very quantifiable and tactical things that need to be done to get the performance of the squad to optimal level (some that can be done today, some that may have to wait a bit), I think CJF's greatest challenge right now - and for the rest of this season - is dealing with his squad from the neck up.

Especially on the offensive side of the ball (but to a lesser degree throughout the team) he has to - IMO - try to find a way to make this f^cking game a little bit fun again. Get them feeling like they are going to be able to perform.
This just doesn't look like a very happy group (I know its never "happy" to lose... but I think it may be a little deeper than simply losing). Trace's post-game comments, while understandable, were disconcerting (not blaming McS in any way - and I certainly don't think his comments were wrong - - - - - but just a bad sign vav the location of this team's head right now).


In recent years, even when this team lost - I think they were PISSED OFF, and they KNEW they could play better and win.
Right now, this team looks FRUSTRATED, and like they are HOPING they can win.

A PISSED OFF team that KNOWS they can win - even if they've lost a few - will be fine. A team that is FRUSTRATED, and is HOPING they can win.... is f^cked (IMO).


I certainly am not sure what the best way is to do that right now - that would have to come from someone who KNOWS these kids inside and out, and where they are at right now, and which buttons need to be pushed (ie A large part of the HFC's job. Do you kick ass? Assuage egos? Pat on the back? Just make some changes to routine for the sake of making things a bit "fresher"? Something else? IDK).
But - IMO - that is the challenge.

I agree and this team doesn't seem to have a Marcus Allen or Miles Dieffenbach to keep everyone loose when needed.

 

[Connorpozlee]

FWIW - and this is IMPRESSION, rather than ANALYSIS:


While I think there are some very quantifiable and tactical things that need to be done to get the performance of the squad to optimal level (some that can be done today, some that may have to wait a bit), I think CJF's greatest challenge right now - and for the rest of this season - is dealing with his squad from the neck up.

Especially on the offensive side of the ball (but to a lesser degree throughout the team) he has to - IMO - try to find a way to make this f^cking game a little bit fun again. Get them feeling like they are going to be able to perform.
This just doesn't look like a very happy group (I know its never "happy" to lose... but I think it may be a little deeper than simply losing). Trace's post-game comments, while understandable, were disconcerting (not blaming McS in any way - and I certainly don't think his comments were wrong - - - - - but just a bad sign vav the location of this team's head right now).


In recent years, even when this team lost - I think they were PISSED OFF, and they KNEW they could play better and win.
Right now, this team looks FRUSTRATED, and like they are HOPING they can win.

A PISSED OFF team that KNOWS they can win - even if they've lost a few - will be fine. A team that is FRUSTRATED, and is HOPING they can win.... is f^cked (IMO).


I certainly am not sure what the best way is to do that right now - that would have to come from someone who KNOWS these kids inside and out, and where they are at right now, and which buttons need to be pushed (ie A large part of the HFC's job. Do you kick ass? Assuage egos? Pat on the back? Just make some changes to routine for the sake of making things a bit "fresher"? Something else? IDK).
But - IMO - that is the challenge.

Very well stated norm. I don’t see a lot of “jump” in this team. I don’t see anybody being consistently good enough to be able to get in teammates’ faces and be respected while doing it. Maybe you get that more next year when some of these younger guys have experience under their belts. Tough be a great leader when you are out there figuring out what you’re supposed to be doing. A leader has to be confident and to be confident you have to have some degree of a history of success. Guys look unsure of themselves all over the field.

 

[royboy]

I agree and this team doesn't seem to have a Marcus Allen or Miles Dieffenbach to keep everyone loose when needed.

Well, KJ Hamler is a bright spot and well liked, but the team could certainly use more of that spirit.

.

 

[CentrevilleLion]

Very well stated norm. I don’t see a lot of “jump” in this team. I don’t see anybody being consistently good enough to be able to get in teammates’ faces and be respected while doing it. Maybe you get that more next year when some of these younger guys have experience under their belts. Tough be a great leader when you are out there figuring out out what you’re supposed to be doing. A leader has to be confident and to be confident you have to have some degree of s history of success. Guys look unsure of themselves all over the field.

I'm beginning to think that the coaches at least began losing the confidence of the players with that hideous 4th and 5 call to close out the OSU game. The play I was looking for was the first play against Michigan. It seems to be the same plays week after week. That and having a QB run as security blanket has to be leaving the players in a funk.

 

[Rip_E_2_Joe_PA]

Hopefully the entire OL returns next year. The question is what happens if 1 or 2 leave, and what happens in 2 years when we need an entire makeover. It looks like the next round of OL could be Gellerstat, Miranda, Holmes, and Thorpe (if he stays at OL). Don't know much of anything about those kids.

LB has to be better next year. Farmer will be gone, Parsons and Brooks should bve better. Maybe Luketa and Smith. The guy that surprises me is Cooper. He played as a true freshman. Wasn't that great but I hoped he could provide some much needed depth as a senior. Apparently not. 14 tackles as a freshman, 2 as a senior.

Can Brown....

 

[Yboby]

McSorley took a real pounding in the OSU game. I'm not sure he ever fully recovered from that.

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

Watched the '60 Minute' version on B1G and have a few other random observations/comments....

- Add 17 and 30 to the list of players who had good games.
- The ridiculous penalty on Taylor's blocked FG return was a killer; first, it took points off the board. Second, Sanders fumbles on the next drive and Michigan has a short field to work with (and eventually score). Question though on the rules - there were three penalties on the FG block - the first was blocking below the waist (Michigan, penalty declined), the second was blocking below the waist (Penn State, assessed), the third was unsportsmanlike conduct, Michigan. In what instances do penalties 'off-set'?
- Can't believe we didn't even try to get a review on Trace's slide. He may not have got it, but it looked like he did.
- TM is definitely not 100%; several passes way off target, sliding early, gimping a bit while running. We absolutely NEED a QB who is a run threat for this offense to work.
- Michigan benefited from a few big plays; otherwise, they were pretty pedestrian on offense. They simply wore us down at the end though - our offense is not on the field long enough for them to get a break.

I doubt we would have won had the blocked FB been upheld, but it was a big momentum killer for the team especially since Michigan scored on the subsequent drive. That's two HUGE fumbles by Sanders. For all the ridiculous stuff Barkley did, his lack of fumbles is probably what we miss most (okay, maybe not, but still...). I though the D played really well and have been getting better each week. Frustrating to see things sort of spin out of control at the end, and if we had an offense that could get two first downs on a drive we'd be dangerous.

 

[ClarkstonMark]

Regarding the block 6, the only explanation that makes sense is
UM illegal block before kick - to get the ball, PSU had to decline this. If they accept, then UM UM probably punts.
PSU illegal block - 15 yards from spot of foul
UM PF, 15 yards Basically offsets the PSU penalty, putting the ball at the spot of PSU's illegal block

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

Regarding the block 6, the only explanation that makes sense is
UM illegal block before kick - to get the ball, PSU had to decline this. If they accept, then UM UM probably punts.
PSU illegal block - 15 yards from spot of foul
UM PF, 15 yards Basically offsets the PSU penalty, putting the ball at the spot of PSU's illegal block

Thanks. I still do not see how that was an illegal block; he basically fell flat on his face with some assistance from the UM lineman.

 

[PSUcup1]

Watched the '60 Minute' version on B1G and have a few other random observations/comments....

- Add 17 and 30 to the list of players who had good games.
- The ridiculous penalty on Taylor's blocked FG return was a killer; first, it took points off the board. Second, Sanders fumbles on the next drive and Michigan has a short field to work with (and eventually score). Question though on the rules - there were three penalties on the FG block - the first was blocking below the waist (Michigan, penalty declined), the second was blocking below the waist (Penn State, assessed), the third was unsportsmanlike conduct, Michigan. In what instances do penalties 'off-set'?
- Can't believe we didn't even try to get a review on Trace's slide. He may not have got it, but it looked like he did.
- TM is definitely not 100%; several passes way off target, sliding early, gimping a bit while running. We absolutely NEED a QB who is a run threat for this offense to work.
- Michigan benefited from a few big plays; otherwise, they were pretty pedestrian on offense. They simply wore us down at the end though - our offense is not on the field long enough for them to get a break.

I doubt we would have won had the blocked FB been upheld, but it was a big momentum killer for the team especially since Michigan scored on the subsequent drive. That's two HUGE fumbles by Sanders. For all the ridiculous stuff Barkley did, his lack of fumbles is probably what we miss most (okay, maybe not, but still...). I though the D played really well and have been getting better each week. Frustrating to see things sort of spin out of control at the end, and if we had an offense that could get two first downs on a drive we'd be dangerous.

IMO the last 2 fumbles have been on Trace more than Sanders

 

[michnittlion]

Franklin will never admit it, but I think there is a lack of leadership this year to pull them through the tough games and build the confidence that they had the past two years. The blow-out two years ago sent the team on a mission.

This lack of leadership is due to the lower number of starting seniors in the class. Of the 13 seniors, only 4 are starters. Of those 4, maybe two (McSorley and Scott) I think have been mentioned as leaders.

This is a learning year for the others, and these experiences of close losses and wins, and a blow-out will hopefully bear fruit. I expect that others who are not ready this year will step up next year not only in leadership roles, but also on the field to make plays when they needed. I see Dotson and Hamler as WRs with the ability to make plays. Johnson may have the dropsies this year, but remember that Gesicki had them too and then he didn't the following year.

A 9-3 or 8-4 down year is not really all that bad when you look around at some other programs. They are close.

I agree that there is a lack of leadership on this 2018 team --- but there was also one on the 2015 team. Which means 2 times in 4 years.

That's a rather alarming rate for that to be happening.

 

[michnittlion]

Regarding the block 6, the only explanation that makes sense is
UM illegal block before kick - to get the ball, PSU had to decline this. If they accept, then UM UM probably punts.
PSU illegal block - 15 yards from spot of foul
UM PF, 15 yards Basically offsets the PSU penalty, putting the ball at the spot of PSU's illegal block

One note: the UM "illegal block before the kick" was, IMO, most definitely NOT before the kick. It was after the kick.

I was at the game. I saw distinctly where all 3 flags were thrown: (1) near the line of scrimmage, (2) along the U-M sideline, and (3) near the Michigan end zone. By process of elimination, the third flag had to be the one which was the Michigan illegal block.

Watching the replay it seems clear the illegal "block" was called against Quinn Nordin. I have no idea what Nordin was trying to do --- perhaps he thought he was "tackling the ball carrier" --- but he came in and took out Ellis Brooks' legs right as Taylor was crossing the goal-line. It was definitely a play where Nordin deserved a penalty.

So ALL 3 calls were after the kick.

Maybe I'm wrong, but it really seemed like it should have been +15 yards for PSU. They were all post-possession. Two of the 3 calls offset, and the 3rd one is enforced.

At 4:32 of the video below, you can see Nordin come in from the left - what I believe was the Michigan penalty.