College Football News says PSU Overrated
- Thread starter royboy
- Start date
Totally agree. Their offense might be the 2nd best in the conference this year and they play scrappy defense.
The noon road start is also terrible. I'd rather play at Kinnick Stadium in prime time versus Ryan Field at noon.
PSU is the defending B1G East Division & B1G Conference Champions and is returning more starting experience as well as more 2-Deep experience than any team in the Conference, but their "over-rated"? The analytical, cognitive reasoning and logic abilities of the slack-jaw "traditional b1g ten homers" are just incredible as per usual. LOL
I say College Football News is overrated! Look at their picks. Dumb. Penn State overrated as returning B1G champs with like 80some % of our starters returning and more coming in while in our 2nd year of JoMo's offense? We were decimated with injuries when Pitt and Michigan caught us early last year. This year we won't be totally out of LBs when we play these teams. Our depth is so much better and our starters are more experienced.
Michigan underrated? They lose 80some % of their starters and are still being ranked about where they finished last year with a senior stacked team.
Yep, CFN is absolutely overrated. They might not even exist in a decade with these projections.
Michigan underrated? They lose 80some % of their starters and are still being ranked about where they finished last year with a senior stacked team.
Yep, CFN is absolutely overrated. They might not even exist in a decade with these projections.
What CFN may be under rating is the Oline. If our Oline can go from a liabilty, like it was early last year, to strong/dominate, like it was trending toward at the end of last year, Penn State could be damn near unbeatable.
If you give McSorley time and Barkley holes, look the hell out.
If you give McSorley time and Barkley holes, look the hell out.
True about the OL. On the other hand, after a year defensive coordinators may do a better job of adjusting to Moorhead's offense. I think this will be a one-loss team heading into its Bowl game. Possible playoff team, but it depends who they lose to.
A successful team bringing back a ton of starters with a returning all-american candidate at qb and the best college football player in the country is overrated? Last year was last year, but the confidence built is as big as anything. This team is capable of beating everyone on their schedule. Being "hunted" isn't going to determine whether they're successful or not. Everyone has to replace something. The John Reid injury is the most concerning to me but the secondary is full of experience and talent and not many teams on the schedule are going to have the ability to test them. Penn State matches up well with everyone on the schedule and poses matchup problems for everyone because of the skill players on offense. I know we worry about other teams but other teams have to worry about us.
Really, Michigan is AT LEAST as talented as PSU? Looking just at the offense, you're going to have to work hard to convince me that Michigan has a back anywhere near Barkley's level, and the same goes for QB and TE. That's at least 3 positions where PSU is markedly better, including the most important position on the field (QB).
I'll admit I really know nothing about Michigan other than the fact that they lost a ton of players from a team that lost 3 of their last 4 games, with the 1 win being an unimpressive home win versus Indiana. So can you explain this confidence you have in Michigan and the lack of confidence you have in PSU?
I just re-watched the wisky game and i have one question... did Godwin even play?
ok, yes, i'm joking... but the receivers you remember from that game were Hamilton (quite often), Blacknall (quite spectacularly), Gesicki (ditto). Sure Godwin was special (and especially in the RB when we were missing Blacknall) but after watching them crucify wisky's good db's, i think we'll be just fine in the point scoring department. [and considering some of the additional talent at receiver that could be even better than any of them.. hafta feel good]
The schedule is tough, no doubt. But a very real (as opposed to "every team has a chance") opportunity to win all of them is there... should be fun!
ok, yes, i'm joking... but the receivers you remember from that game were Hamilton (quite often), Blacknall (quite spectacularly), Gesicki (ditto). Sure Godwin was special (and especially in the RB when we were missing Blacknall) but after watching them crucify wisky's good db's, i think we'll be just fine in the point scoring department. [and considering some of the additional talent at receiver that could be even better than any of them.. hafta feel good]
The schedule is tough, no doubt. But a very real (as opposed to "every team has a chance") opportunity to win all of them is there... should be fun!
The source of the opinion explains everything...
Given that PSU is the returning B1G East Division & Conference Champions (Michigan finished as an "also ran" in the B1G East, let alone the Conference Championship race) AND also returning more "Starting" and "2-Deep" talent than any other B1G team in 2017, an "objective" and logical analysis based on an evaluation of quantifiable facts rates PSU a favorite which is the best explanation as to how these highly biased opinions reached their conclusions (i.e., they hate the actual facts and what they imply).
Futile exercise to predict. IMHO, predictions should be saved until game week when have a better understanding of the roster. Michigan game last year turned out differently when the LBs all went down, some in game.
That said, would expect O to be more efficient this year. Fewer 3 and outs. D has question marks on line and LB depth. Secondary should be stronger even w/o Reid. Special teams should be solid but wonder if Davis can be as good as last year. Return and coverage units should be improved.
This team should put up a lot of points to make up for any deficiencies on D and D shouldn't be on field as much this year.
That said, would expect O to be more efficient this year. Fewer 3 and outs. D has question marks on line and LB depth. Secondary should be stronger even w/o Reid. Special teams should be solid but wonder if Davis can be as good as last year. Return and coverage units should be improved.
This team should put up a lot of points to make up for any deficiencies on D and D shouldn't be on field as much this year.
Precisely --- that Minnesota game was an absolutely huge pivot game for us in 2016. Even more so than OSU for a few weeks later.
Honestly, when we look back, Minnesota 2016 very well may prove to be the most important game of the Franklin era (Northwestern 2012 was the pivot game of the NCAA sanction era).
Anyway, the Iowa game is the pivot game in 2017. Win that one - team will have confidence they can win games against good competition on the road. For as good as we were last year, this is something we need to prove we can do - our best road win in 2016 was at Indiana (and people tend to forget we trailed that game by 2-scores late in the 3rd quarter). Beat Iowa, and I think we'll go 4-1 minimum on the road (and 5-0 would be on the table).
Lose that one, I think we max out at 2-3 on the road, and finish within a game of 8-4.
On a tangent --- ABC has a TV window blocked for 7:30 PM on September 23. They block windows for 7:30 PM (instead of 8 PM) when they'll be broadcasting a B1G game - part of the B1G's new TV contract. There's also a 7:30 PM TV window on October 21 (when we host Michigan). I mention that because while it's not been formally announced, you have to figure a 99% likelihood PSU @ Iowa goes there. Will be a tough environment.
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I admit to being a cockeyed optimist, especially when it comes to the Nittany Lions, and even more so in the summer before that first punt, but I’ll offer what I see on O and D for 2017:
A. OFFENSE
*** McSorley didn’t simply “throw up jump balls” as the narrative claims; he put the ball in a spot where his athletic receivers could catch it. Well, quite often #s 88, 13, 12, 5, and 3 did so. All but Godwin return, and we add #s 84, 11, 10, and maybe 1 to the mix. TM has the “it” factor of a champion, and he has already passed his “sophomore jinx” year, so he could very well be spectacular this fall.
*** Saquon Barkley. If he stays healthy, he very likely will remove any doubt that he is the best RB ever to wear the generic whites.
*** I don’t quite understand all the dynamics that go into making one OL better than another. But according to so many on this board who do know what to look for, this year’s OL should be stronger and more capable of run & pass blocking. Though I won’t be really happy until we start making 3rd-and-<2 a nearly automatic 1st down, I’ll be content if the OL just keep Saquon from losing 4 yards on handoffs.
*** Tyler Davis hasn’t missed a FG attempt in 2 years. He’s had a couple blocked, but if his kick gets past the LOS, it’s good. He’ll have had 8 months to work with a replacement snapper & holder, so I don’t expect him to get much worse, though keeping a 100% rate is tough.
B. DEFENSE
*** Here’s where my unbridled enthusiasm rears its optimistic head. Last year we had only Sickels returning on the DL. For reasons we all understand, the talent behind them was not ready for instant stardom. That’s all changed. Our DEs are tall, aggressive, quick, and hungry. Brown is experienced; Sharif M was the man in during those critical 4th-quarter drives vs. OSU; Buckholtz appears capable of Nassib-like play; Simmons “brings it” and should be ready in September for solid PT; Joseph, Toney, and Matos just further enhance a strong DE position.
*** At DT, #s 41, 52, and 56 have loads of experience, and CC really blossomed the 2nd half of the season. Givens is a year older, likely stronger and quicker, and a force to worry opposing OLs. Depth comes with rotating Windsor, Shelton, Jordan, and 1 or both of Hansard and Bolds, who I expect to play since we lose 3 DTs for 2018.
*** Linebacker U. It has been a while since Penn State added a notch to that belt. But Coach Franklin is working to restore that talent, and he’s recruited the speed and aggressiveness necessary for today’s era of offense. Very few teams just line up and ram it down PSU’s throat. This group of DTs will prevent that as well. What has always got me throwing chairs (figuratively speaking) are those darn passes to a wide-open TE down the middle on 3rd-and-9. Well, now PSU has a slew of LBs who can cover downfield, including its MLB Cabinda. The speed provided by Farmer, J Miller, Bowen, Brown, and the freshmen will negate some of that short-range stuff that kept moving the chains.
*** IMO, the single greatest change Franklin has brought to Penn State football has been in the secondary. Throughout the past 50 years, the Lions have had stark few NFL-worthy DBs. But now there is speed and athleticism all over the S and CB positions. I am, perhaps naively so, confident that this season will see a white helmet within interception distance of opposing receivers, and among Campbell, Allen, Monroe, Wade and the freshmen, some will actually intercept the passes. Can they turn all Buckeye-pick6 for us? I only hope.
*** Gillikin is a year stronger and wiser, and I expect punting to be a huge plus.
A. OFFENSE
*** McSorley didn’t simply “throw up jump balls” as the narrative claims; he put the ball in a spot where his athletic receivers could catch it. Well, quite often #s 88, 13, 12, 5, and 3 did so. All but Godwin return, and we add #s 84, 11, 10, and maybe 1 to the mix. TM has the “it” factor of a champion, and he has already passed his “sophomore jinx” year, so he could very well be spectacular this fall.
*** Saquon Barkley. If he stays healthy, he very likely will remove any doubt that he is the best RB ever to wear the generic whites.
*** I don’t quite understand all the dynamics that go into making one OL better than another. But according to so many on this board who do know what to look for, this year’s OL should be stronger and more capable of run & pass blocking. Though I won’t be really happy until we start making 3rd-and-<2 a nearly automatic 1st down, I’ll be content if the OL just keep Saquon from losing 4 yards on handoffs.
*** Tyler Davis hasn’t missed a FG attempt in 2 years. He’s had a couple blocked, but if his kick gets past the LOS, it’s good. He’ll have had 8 months to work with a replacement snapper & holder, so I don’t expect him to get much worse, though keeping a 100% rate is tough.
B. DEFENSE
*** Here’s where my unbridled enthusiasm rears its optimistic head. Last year we had only Sickels returning on the DL. For reasons we all understand, the talent behind them was not ready for instant stardom. That’s all changed. Our DEs are tall, aggressive, quick, and hungry. Brown is experienced; Sharif M was the man in during those critical 4th-quarter drives vs. OSU; Buckholtz appears capable of Nassib-like play; Simmons “brings it” and should be ready in September for solid PT; Joseph, Toney, and Matos just further enhance a strong DE position.
*** At DT, #s 41, 52, and 56 have loads of experience, and CC really blossomed the 2nd half of the season. Givens is a year older, likely stronger and quicker, and a force to worry opposing OLs. Depth comes with rotating Windsor, Shelton, Jordan, and 1 or both of Hansard and Bolds, who I expect to play since we lose 3 DTs for 2018.
*** Linebacker U. It has been a while since Penn State added a notch to that belt. But Coach Franklin is working to restore that talent, and he’s recruited the speed and aggressiveness necessary for today’s era of offense. Very few teams just line up and ram it down PSU’s throat. This group of DTs will prevent that as well. What has always got me throwing chairs (figuratively speaking) are those darn passes to a wide-open TE down the middle on 3rd-and-9. Well, now PSU has a slew of LBs who can cover downfield, including its MLB Cabinda. The speed provided by Farmer, J Miller, Bowen, Brown, and the freshmen will negate some of that short-range stuff that kept moving the chains.
*** IMO, the single greatest change Franklin has brought to Penn State football has been in the secondary. Throughout the past 50 years, the Lions have had stark few NFL-worthy DBs. But now there is speed and athleticism all over the S and CB positions. I am, perhaps naively so, confident that this season will see a white helmet within interception distance of opposing receivers, and among Campbell, Allen, Monroe, Wade and the freshmen, some will actually intercept the passes. Can they turn all Buckeye-pick6 for us? I only hope.
*** Gillikin is a year stronger and wiser, and I expect punting to be a huge plus.
Good one Count Von "Some Cookies".... LOL, you're such a tool.
Michigan had better stay healthy this year. They have true freshman 2nd string backups all over the field. At offensive line, defensive line, linebacker, safety, wide receiver and cornerback. Their returning starters at wide receiver combined for 9 catches last year. Their best tight end after Butt transferred to UCLA. They are moving their center to left tackle. The right tackle spot is up in the air. The defensive line has studs, but linebacker and the secondary has no depth and the starters aren't world beaters either.
They will be a solid team and certainly nothing to take lightly. But I'd bet they have four losses when it's all said and done.
Will be looking for a turnaround this season in first half offense production.
Is a slower start part of JoMo's plan, as he probes the defense for weaknesses that he can exploit in the second half? At times last season, it made you wonder. Too many comeback games.
Would like to see our offense be able to get hot more quickly in games, so we aren't trying to play catchup later.
Take the lead and hold it. If there are any hickups later in a game, have a cushion to help you keep the lead.
Big comeback wins are fun for the fans. But trying to win from behind could bite us, if weather or other factors impact the second half offense at times.
Is a slower start part of JoMo's plan, as he probes the defense for weaknesses that he can exploit in the second half? At times last season, it made you wonder. Too many comeback games.
Would like to see our offense be able to get hot more quickly in games, so we aren't trying to play catchup later.
Take the lead and hold it. If there are any hickups later in a game, have a cushion to help you keep the lead.
Big comeback wins are fun for the fans. But trying to win from behind could bite us, if weather or other factors impact the second half offense at times.
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With respect to Michigan, we'll find out if Harbaugh can actually coach up to his reputation. If he loses 3 or more, I'd say that he is the overrated commodity in the Big Ten. Really, he had 2 good years at the University of San Diego, and one good year at Stanford. Period. He's finished 3rd in the Big Ten E both of his years at Michigan. His overall college record is 78-33, but if you take out the 22 wins over his second two seasons at the University of San Diego, which really is almost MAC level, his record is not all that noteworthy for a guy with his reputation, and not much different than JF's.
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As much as the offensive line took a step forward last year, they were still putrid in short yardage situations and tackles behind the LOS. The starting offensive line for the Rose Bowl went RS Frosh - RS Frosh - Senior - True Frosh - RS Soph. And the senior, sorry, was pretty terrible. We lost our top 3 tackles to injury last year as well.
The biggest step the offense can take is not having to rely on big plays to move the ball. If they can keep Barkley clean, much fewer tackles behind the line of scrimmage, and actually move the pile and move to middle of the pack for short yardage situations, you're looking at a whole new ball game.
Bates was a freshman all american. Mahon was ProFootballFocus' top offensive tackle two separate weeks. McGovern was awarded a freshman honor by the Big Ten and is going to be an absolute stud. You have guys who could be All American's one day on your two deep (Menet, Maranda). Just watched Steven Gonzalez put up 38 reps on the bench and i don't think he'll start again, despite playing well in '16. Nelson was our best offensive linemen for years. We haven't had this type of talent and experience and depth on the OL since the Paterno years.
Smarter evaluation would have been a talented offensive team with a solid kicking game. More defensive talent and depth and also young talent with more depth on the OL line.
Chance to beat Ohio State and return to the Big Ten title game.
Well put Judge.
Let's hope we can stay healthy this year and hope the line can give our excellent offensive weapons the space and time to do their thing.
I just threw on the Pitt/PSU 1982 game on youtube for the hell of it last night. The starters were introduced and the offensive line had 4 seniors and a junior. Can't wait until we get back to a normal cycle for offensive line depth. A veteran offensive line makes everything go.
as I recall we did pretty well the last time we went to Iowa. And since I'm going to be there, count it as a big win.
I don't get the Iowa thing. Can they beat us? Sure, any given Saturday. But we are a terrible match up for them. How do you lose to Iowa? You try to out-Ferentz Ferentz. Happened when Michigan got stuck in the mud last year; happened to Joe basically every year. This is not going to happen to this team, with this personnel on and off the field. No more worried about them than any other game.
NW....different animal.
Good points about experienced upper class lines. In the days of lots of 5th year seniors, we could redshirt and develop line talent over time. We are headed back in the right direction now.
Looking forward to having years of experienced, two-deep, quality OLinemen again.
The Football News, going way back, has always disrespected the Lions. No shock here.
And that '82 line returned only 2 starters from the year before, losing Munchak, Farrell, and Romano to the NFL. I'd love to see that kind of cycle for depth.
Isn't Fiutak the guy that said Michigan would win more than 1/2 a NC in 70 years? What a nutjob!!
Schedule is more difficult for sure.
There's no excuse for the offense. The defense depends on unknowns at DE, LB, and Reid's spot at CB. If we do well at those positions I would expect a 10-2 finish.
