Encouraging Quote from Andrew Nelson

[NJPSU]

"Speaking from an offensive line standpoint, it's a night and day difference. I'm so excited about what our offensive line is gonna be able to do this year. More importantly, I'm excited about what our offense and our team is gonna be able to. We are 100 percent better. "

That sounds promising.

 

[fairgambit]

"Speaking from an offensive line standpoint, it's a night and day difference. I'm so excited about what our offensive line is gonna be able to do this year. More importantly, I'm excited about what our offense and our team is gonna be able to. We are 100 percent better. "
That sounds promising.

Just the fact that this team no longer has to worry about the Sandusky distractions, and can concentrate on football, should make everyone better. It should be a fun year.

 

[BBG65]

Hopefully, he's right. But we have to remember no player in a preseason interview is going to talk negatively about the team. Everyone always has been working hard, is in the best shape of their lives and much improved. Every player from every team will say similar things. That's why they play the games.

 

[NittanyAmerica]

Penn State this year will surprise no one because every team on our schedule knows we are coming with a real fire in the belly. They know it, we know it.

N i t t a n y A m e r i c a

 

[NJPSU]

Just the fact that this team no longer has to worry about the Sandusky distractions, and can concentrate on football, should make everyone better. It should be a fun year.

If the offensive line could just get to mediocre status we could have a great season. Our QB could be the #1 pick in the draft, we have 6 four star wide receivers, we are loaded at tailback, and we return one of the top D's in the country.

All we need is mediocre out of the OL and we can beat 10 out the 12 teams on the schedule.

 

[NittanyAmerica]

If the offensive line could just get to mediocre status we could have a great season. Our QB could be the #1 pick in the draft, we have 6 four star wide receivers, we are loaded at tailback, and we return one of the top D's in the country.

All we need is mediocre out of the OL and we can beat 10 out the 12 teams on the schedule.

We need better then mediocre and this team has it.

N i t t a n y A m e r i c a

 

[PSU87]

If the offensive line could just get to mediocre status we could have a great season. Our QB could be the #1 pick in the draft, we have 6 four star wide receivers, we are loaded at tailback, and we return one of the top D's in the country.

All we need is mediocre out of the OL and we can beat 10 out the 12 teams on the schedule.

Agree completely. With even mediocre performance by the oline last year I think we win the Michigan, Maryland and Illinois games.
10-2 with mediocre line play this year.

 

[zwick99]

"Speaking from an offensive line standpoint, it's a night and day difference. I'm so excited about what our offensive line is gonna be able to do this year. More importantly, I'm excited about what our offense and our team is gonna be able to. We are 100 percent better. "

That sounds promising.

Sounds good but better hope the game does not come down to a FG.

 

[zwick99]

Agree completely. With even mediocre performance by the oline last year I think we win the Michigan, Maryland and Illinois games.
10-2 with mediocre line play this year.

Without a scholarship kicker PSU could easily have lost the RU, BC, and Indiana games.

 

[CampbellLION]

Without a scholarship kicker PSU could easily have lost the RU, BC, and Indiana games.

Valid point, but if the O-line was better last year those games wouldn't have come down to one or two field goals.

 

[PSU87]

Without a scholarship kicker PSU could easily have lost the RU, BC, and Indiana games.

With better line play we may not have to rely on the kicker as much

 

[bjf1984]

"Speaking from an offensive line standpoint, it's a night and day difference. I'm so excited about what our offensive line is gonna be able to do this year. More importantly, I'm excited about what our offense and our team is gonna be able to. We are 100 percent better. "

That sounds promising.

I'd feel a lot better if he said they were 1,000% better Just sayin'

 

[LionJim]

For what it's worth all the ESPN bloggers have us going 9-3 or 10-2.

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

"Speaking from an offensive line standpoint, it's a night and day difference. I'm so excited about what our offensive line is gonna be able to do this year. More importantly, I'm excited about what our offense and our team is gonna be able to. We are 100 percent better. "

That sounds promising.

 

[Obliviax]

Well...he is the marketing guy, so we need to take that into consideration.

I am very concerned about Paris Palmer at LT. If he performs well, we'll be OK.

 

[PennState1997]

My keys to the season
1) Left Tackle - Paris Palmer replacing Smith. I expect the rest of the line to improve but concerned here.
2) Lynch and the TE's - need to block when called upon to give Hack time
3) Punting - please give us better field position. Our opponents were starting in excellent field position frequently and we were pinned back inside the 20 all too often. IMO...That Shoop defense was even better than what we saw given where the opponents were starting.
4) Hack's situational awareness - Blocking will breakdown and he had a tendency to hold onto the ball a tad too long before moving in the pocket or throwing it away.
5) Wartman in coverage - That was the nice thing about Hull. He could cover and run alongside anyone and had a great sense for the ball. We have heavy hitters up the middle. Can they cover downfield if we face a spread offense?
6) Wideouts getting separation - Godwin, Blacknall etc. are all talented but they need to get open quickly for Hack

 

[bmejnes]

The OL has been practicing each week against our DL.. That alone should give them great reps on practicing their craft. If they are positive about the current year, I can only assume they have made strides and had some success against their own teammates!

We will know in about 25+ hours....

 

[kgilbert78]

Well, I hope he's right. But talk is cheap. Performance is what counts.

To be fair, I'd settle for so-so out of the O-line this year. We just haven't been able to recruit enough players until now and it will take some time for this aspect of the team to develop.

 

[Ranger Dan]

If the offensive line could just get to mediocre status

Nelson said 100% better, he didn't promise mediocre.

 

[dawgduice]

Well, I seem to recall "local" media expressing REAL concerns about the OL last year before the season. I do not see that this year. Yes, there are concerns but the talk seems to be more of "they will be better but by how much"?
So, yes I am encouraged. If we are only 20-25% better that should be enough.

 

[dwiz]

All we need is mediocre out of the OL and we can beat 10 out the 12 teams on the schedule.

We can beat all the teams on our schedule this year. Hell, we beat the "national champs" last year.

 

[tboyer]

They were the worst O-line in the B1G last year, probably near the bottom of any Power 5 team.

If 100 percent better makes them the 6th or 7th best O-line in the B1G, that might be enough for the offense to really shine this year.

 

[PSU-Knocker]

I'd feel a lot better if he said they were 1,000% better Just sayin'

Wouldn't that be hyperbolic? Just typing.

 

[flameshockey26]

You can only read into his comment so much, but it is encouraging to hear that they are performing better. He could easily have said something about replacing Smith is a hard job and made it sound tactful but also insinuating that they weren't much better, but he didn't. Therefore I am expecting/hoping to see at least a slightly improved line, and if not at least a game plan to work around it.

 

[dawgduice]

BC was the only team that we played that could run on us, why? They had as all senior line, not very talented (two were drafted in the 6th round) but "experienced". I think that counts for something.

 

[PennStateNate]

We Will see.. Hope Andrew is right, but does anyone expect him to say, No we stink.

 

[bjf1984]

Wouldn't that be hyperbolic? Just typing.

Actually, most offensive linemen are more Parabolic......sometimes Elliptical.

 

[tboyer]

Good post.

My keys to the season

2) Lynch and the TE's - need to block when called upon to give Hack time

Yes to blocking. Depth at TB means a better chance that one or two of them will be able to block.
But breakaway speed at TB can also take a little of the edge off a pass rush. the opposing DEs didn't have to worry about contain responsibilities much last year because Hack didn't run and the TBs didn't scare anybody.
Better screens and swing passes out of the backfield to backs with breakaway speed would also help.
PSU didn't have a back with good hands after Zwinak got injured.

3) Punting - please give us better field position.

Franklin says Pasquierello will be better this year. Last year was his first exposure to American football.

4) Hack's situational awareness - Blocking will breakdown and he had a tendency to hold onto the ball a tad too long before moving in the pocket or throwing it away.
If he is in more 3rd and 3s instead of 3rd and 9s, that will make all the difference.
But hopefully Hack and Donovan are on the same page. The play calls should give Hack options. Last year it was so chaotic with the line that nothing worked. This year they need to have a better idea that SOME THINGS will work in what situations. Last year they didn't know that because for most of the season, NOTHING worked. They were trying to make an offense out of quick passes to the sideline, which isn't enough to run a college offense.

5) Wartman in coverage - That was the nice thing about Hull. He could cover and run alongside anyone and had a great sense for the ball. We have heavy hitters up the middle. Can they cover downfield if we face a spread offense?
They may get more help from safeties this year in coverage.

6) Wideouts getting separation - Godwin, Blacknall etc. are all talented but they need to get open quickly for Hack
Well the big tall wideouts don't get separation as easily but they also don't get knocked off their routes as easily. Let's hope Thompkins and Polk can stretch the field and run the corners ragged.

 

[HazletonLion]

In 81 we lost Munchak, Farrell, Romano, & Vyto Kab,next year we win the NC.
A lot of skeptics do not understand the development of offensive linemen,strength,
calls,and systems. We will be better than average this year. Quit reading national sports
rags,and listening to half ass radio comentators.

 

[T J]

Well...he is the marketing guy, so we need to take that into consideration.

I am very concerned about Paris Palmer at LT. If he performs well, we'll be OK.

Obi wrote: "Well...he is the marketing guy, so we need to take that into consideration."​

Just a reminder Obli...

Jeff Nelson is the Associate AD, Strategic Communications

======

OP Subject line:
"Encouraging Quote from Andrew Nelson"​

Andrew Nelson is our starting Right Tackle.

"... so we need to take that into consideration."

 

[T J]

Nelson said 100% better, he didn't promise mediocre.

Haha.. Good catch Ranger Dan!

 

[bdgan]

I am very concerned about Paris Palmer at LT. If he performs well, we'll be OK.

2) Lynch and the TE's - need to block when called upon to give Hack time

Yes to blocking. Depth at TB means a better chance that one or two of them will be able to block.
But breakaway speed at TB can also take a little of the edge off a pass rush. the opposing DEs didn't have to worry about contain responsibilities much last year because Hack didn't run and the TBs didn't scare anybody.
Better screens and swing passes out of the backfield to backs with breakaway speed would also help.
PSU didn't have a back with good hands after Zwinak got injured.

3) Punting - please give us better field position.

Franklin says Pasquierello will be better this year. Last year was his first exposure to American football.

4) Hack's situational awareness - Blocking will breakdown and he had a tendency to hold onto the ball a tad too long before moving in the pocket or throwing it away.
If he is in more 3rd and 3s instead of 3rd and 9s, that will make all the difference.
But hopefully Hack and Donovan are on the same page. The play calls should give Hack options. Last year it was so chaotic with the line that nothing worked. This year they need to have a better idea that SOME THINGS will work in what situations. Last year they didn't know that because for most of the season, NOTHING worked. They were trying to make an offense out of quick passes to the sideline, which isn't enough to run a college offense.

5) Wartman in coverage - That was the nice thing about Hull. He could cover and run alongside anyone and had a great sense for the ball. We have heavy hitters up the middle. Can they cover downfield if we face a spread offense?
They may get more help from safeties this year in coverage.

6) Wideouts getting separation - Godwin, Blacknall etc. are all talented but they need to get open quickly for Hack
Well the big tall wideouts don't get separation as easily but they also don't get knocked off their routes as easily. Let's hope Thompkins and Polk can stretch the field and run the corners ragged.

1) I'm also concerned about Paris Palmer. He was too weak when he arrived and he got pushed around pretty good in the B/W game. I struggle to believe he got that much better in such a short time. On the other hand, Franklin hasn't moved other people around so he must have some degree of confidence.

2) I also hope that Lynch improved his blocking. That's not usually a strength for freshmen RBs.

3) I was surprised that the freshman punter wasn't listed on the depth chart. The hurdle wasn't wasn't very high to surpass the two guys we had last year.

4) Hack should be better now that he's a junior. I'm hoping to see McSorely get a few reps. Not just in blow out games either. Hack took a beating last year and I have no problem running McSorely in for a series or two if that continues.

5) Wartman should be OK. I'll be interested to see how well Cabinda plays. I was disappointed that Kline wasn't on the depth chart.

6) The WRs s/b better as sophomores but not as good as they should be as juniors.

 

[PennState1997]

Good post.

It's my understanding that Pasquirello went back to Australia in the off season to train with his rugby coach. He came back and struggled early in camp but has picked it up lately. I hope he does improve. I almost put this as my #1 concern.

2) Lynch and the TE's - need to block when called upon to give Hack time

Yes to blocking. Depth at TB means a better chance that one or two of them will be able to block.
But breakaway speed at TB can also take a little of the edge off a pass rush. the opposing DEs didn't have to worry about contain responsibilities much last year because Hack didn't run and the TBs didn't scare anybody.
Better screens and swing passes out of the backfield to backs with breakaway speed would also help.
PSU didn't have a back with good hands after Zwinak got injured.

3) Punting - please give us better field position.

Franklin says Pasquierello will be better this year. Last year was his first exposure to American football.

4) Hack's situational awareness - Blocking will breakdown and he had a tendency to hold onto the ball a tad too long before moving in the pocket or throwing it away.
If he is in more 3rd and 3s instead of 3rd and 9s, that will make all the difference.
But hopefully Hack and Donovan are on the same page. The play calls should give Hack options. Last year it was so chaotic with the line that nothing worked. This year they need to have a better idea that SOME THINGS will work in what situations. Last year they didn't know that because for most of the season, NOTHING worked. They were trying to make an offense out of quick passes to the sideline, which isn't enough to run a college offense.

5) Wartman in coverage - That was the nice thing about Hull. He could cover and run alongside anyone and had a great sense for the ball. We have heavy hitters up the middle. Can they cover downfield if we face a spread offense?
They may get more help from safeties this year in coverage.

6) Wideouts getting separation - Godwin, Blacknall etc. are all talented but they need to get open quickly for Hack
Well the big tall wideouts don't get separation as easily but they also don't get knocked off their routes as easily. Let's hope Thompkins and Polk can stretch the field and run the corners ragged.

 

[bjf1984]

In 81 we lost Munchak, Farrell, Romano, & Vyto Kab,next year we win the NC.
A lot of skeptics do not understand the development of offensive linemen,strength,
calls,and systems. We will be better than average this year. Quit reading national sports
rags,and listening to half ass radio comentators.

Yes they did.....and they had:

Experienced guys like:
Bill Contz, 5th Year Senior
Dick Maginnis, 4th Year Junior
Mark Battaglia, 5th Year Senior
Pete Speros, 5th Year Senior
and
Ron Heller, 4th Year Junior

THAT was the 1982 starting offensive line.

And about 15 other scholarship offensive linemen pushing those guys.

And - even at that - if you were around back then you will recall that the offensive line had a world of trouble trying to run block the first month or so of the season.
If you weren't around back then, you won't recall the "disconcert" that surrounded that "young" offensive lines inability to open holes for Curt Warner in the early going....and Paterno's admission that they would have to rely on Blackledge early on - since it was a little easier (in his opinion) to get "up to speed" with the pass protection rather than the run blocking.

Look, I'm not saying the 2015 OL won't be improved over the 2014 version.....I'm pretty confident it will be. But we are still in the early stages of a long-term rebuild.

A little patience might be prudent.

 

[EMCLION]

Penn State this year will surprise no one because every team on our schedule knows we are coming with a real fire in the belly. They know it, we know it.

N i t t a n y A m e r i c a

Did we surprise anyone last year?

 

[LionJim]

That's Julie Delpy? What film?

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

That's Julie Delpy? What film?

Might be - thought it was Hope Davis though...

EDIT: I'm wrong - it's Julie Delpy. Not sure of the film - will find out!!

 

[ChiTownLion]

Definitely an encouraging quote. Keeping that in mind, I went over to the UM board to observe their meltdown and came across this quote from one of their offensive linemen that had everyone excited going into the game last night:

“Coach Harbaugh is awesome. And the way coach (Drevno) coaches us, it’s just working. We’ve had days where we’re rolling guys 10 yards off the ball, and that never happened before. It’s not that we couldn’t do it, it’s just we didn’t know how to do it.” - Kyle Kalis

UM fans are rolling their eyes at being fooled all over again. Just trying to keep expectations in check.

 

[jabba2]

For what it's worth all the ESPN bloggers have us going 9-3 or 10-2.

Basically just means 6-2 or 5-3 in the B1G.