Feeling a lot better after Illinois 2024 than Illinois 2023

[Jerry]

Last season was supposed to be special...the year we finally broke through. But there were red flags early, though many didn't want to see them. For example, we played Illinois in September and won by 17 behind a dominant defensive performance, but neither the running game nor the OL impressed. In fact, it was then that a lot of people began to wonder what happened to the Nick Singleton of 2022.

Last night, that Nick Singleton showed up again and brought his friend Kaytron with him. It's been a while since I've seen the OL fire off the ball that way against a decent conference team. I know Wormley went to the tent at one point and one other O-lineman did as well...think it was Nelson. Hope those guys are OK.

So we established the run, controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides, shut down their run, shut down their entire offense except for one early drive. You'll win a lot of games that way. This against a ranked 4-0 team.

I thought Drew was decent but not great. He missed a few throws. However, he didn't have to be the star. As Franklin said afterward, the running game was working and it would have been "stupid" to go away from it. Sooner or later, however, there will come a game where Drew has to live up to his billing. I hope he's up to the challenge. His odds are definitely better with a credible running game.

Flies in the ointment: the kicking game...felt bad for the kid...a few feet to the left on that last 40-yarder and we're probably not even having this conversation. Dumb penalties...it boils down to lack of discipline..,loved Franklin's comment at the half: we have to fix the penalties...the legitimate ones...not the bullshit ones. Haha! He was of course referring to the idiotic call against Rojas who was guilty of...playing football.

Also, not to nit-pick, but I'm not sure about the gimmicks with Warren and Beau in the shotgun. For one thing, everyone in the stadium knows what's coming from that look. I don't know, it might be just a little too cute. Warren is an All-American TE and Drew is a potential All-American QB...so why not let them play their positions.

Oh well, don't want to overlook UCLA next week, but as many predicted, a playoff spot for both teams may ride on the USC game at their place the following Saturday. And USC is very good. They almost beat Michigan at the Big House and really they should have won that game.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves: UCLA...UCLA...UCLA...

 

[ram2020]

I don't know what it is with the wildcat type play that is just a staple with Franklin. He can't get enough of it. Stevens, levis, KJ ran it, now Warren and Beau. It's not that it's bad or never works, I just would maybe run it with Singleton and Allen mostly, both in the backfield. I've said it all year and will continue to say it, why must Allar be on the field when Beau is in? It makes it 11 vs. 10. Put someone in that can block, or catch.

 

[AWS1022]

I don't know what it is with the wildcat type play that is just a staple with Franklin. He can't get enough of it. Stevens, levis, KJ ran it, now Warren and Beau. It's not that it's bad or never works, I just would maybe run it with Singleton and Allen mostly, both in the backfield. I've said it all year and will continue to say it, why must Allar be on the field when Beau is in? It makes it 11 vs. 10. Put someone in that can block, or catch.

But Warren can pass out of it unlike Singleton or Allen. It may end up winning a big game for us.

 

[ram2020]

But Warren can’t pass out of it unlike Singleton or Allen. It may end up winning a big game for us.

The teams that matter will be well versed in it, it's become a very prominent part of our offense now.

 

[AWS1022]

The teams that matter will be well versed in it, it's become a very prominent part of our offense now.

But he can run out of it, hand it off, or pass out of it…how’s that any different than Allar? Aren’t those same teams well versed in defending those three options?

 

[knickslions]

How many times did Warren line up in wildcat this game? 4 or 5? They scored two tds and got a first down in three of them

 

[Jerry]

I don't know what it is with the wildcat type play that is just a staple with Franklin. He can't get enough of it. Stevens, levis, KJ ran it, now Warren and Beau. It's not that it's bad or never works, I just would maybe run it with Singleton and Allen mostly, both in the backfield. I've said it all year and will continue to say it, why must Allar be on the field when Beau is in? It makes it 11 vs. 10. Put someone in that can block, or catch.

Granted, it was quite the unexpected novelty to have Warren doing the honors in that spot. How could you not enjoy the 260-pound hurtling-missile act where he launched himself for the TD. It clearly caught Illinois by surprise, which helped make it effective.

But our opponents have scouted what the offense does when Beau's behind center...and now the same will be the case with Warren. I don't think you're going to beat teams like Ohio State with gimmicks.

 

[PurposePitch]

But he can run out of it, hand it off, or pass out of it…how’s that any different than Allar? Aren’t those same teams well versed in defending those three options?

Uh, because Allar can throw a 40-yard out on a line after checking off his primary receiver and looking off the safety.

Warren, on the other hand, can float a dump off (as far as we know).

Allar can audible out based on the opposing defense. Warren can jump really high.

That's how it's different.

 

[AWS1022]

Uh, because Allar can throw a 40-yard out on a line after checking off his primary receiver and looking off the safety.

Warren, on the other hand, can float a dump off (as far as we know).

Allar can audible out based on the opposing defense. Warren can jump really high.

That's how it's different.

I wasn’t talking about their abilities at QB, I was talking about how better teams can defend it and I’m not sure how knowing it’s happening means they will be able to defend it…they know Whalen Allar is back there we’re either going to pass or hand off…and maybe Allar will run. That’s the same as when Warren is back there.

 

[SR108]

Last season was supposed to be special...the year we finally broke through. But there were red flags early, though many didn't want to see them. For example, we played Illinois in September and won by 17 behind a dominant defensive performance, but neither the running game nor the OL impressed. In fact, it was then that a lot of people began to wonder what happened to the Nick Singleton of 2022.

Last night, that Nick Singleton showed up again and brought his friend Kaytron with him. It's been a while since I've seen the OL fire off the ball that way against a decent conference team. I know Wormley went to the tent at one point and one other O-lineman did as well...think it was Nelson. Hope those guys are OK.

So we established the run, controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides, shut down their run, shut down their entire offense except for one early drive. You'll win a lot of games that way. This against a ranked 4-0 team.

I thought Drew was decent but not great. He missed a few throws. However, he didn't have to be the star. As Franklin said afterward, the running game was working and it would have been "stupid" to go away from it. Sooner or later, however, there will come a game where Drew has to live up to his billing. I hope he's up to the challenge. His odds are definitely better with a credible running game.

Flies in the ointment: the kicking game...felt bad for the kid...a few feet to the left on that last 40-yarder and we're probably not even having this conversation. Dumb penalties...it boils down to lack of discipline..,loved Franklin's comment at the half: we have to fix the penalties...the legitimate ones...not the bullshit ones. Haha! He was of course referring to the idiotic call against Rojas who was guilty of...playing football.

Also, not to nit-pick, but I'm not sure about the gimmicks with Warren and Beau in the shotgun. For one thing, everyone in the stadium knows what's coming from that look. I don't know, it might be just a little too cute. Warren is an All-American TE and Drew is a potential All-American QB...so why not let them play their positions.

Oh well, don't want to overlook UCLA next week, but as many predicted, a playoff spot for both teams may ride on the USC game at their place the following Saturday. And USC is very good. They almost beat Michigan at the Big House and really they should have won that game.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves: UCLA...UCLA...UCLA...

Drew is fine, if we clean up the stupid penalties, the only real weakness I still see is the inability of our WR’s to beat good man to man coverage.

 

[SR108]

The teams that matter will be well versed in it, it's become a very prominent part of our offense now.

That’s the point, teams have to spend a lot of time preparing for it.

 

[ram2020]

That’s the point, teams have to spend a lot of time preparing for it.

Not a lot.

 

[PSU210]

Drew is fine, if we clean up the stupid penalties, the only real weakness I still see is the inability of our WR’s to beat good man to man coverage.

Excellent point...that is the bottom line to me. OL is good and getting better, backs are really good, TE best in the country BUT if wideouts still can't separate, you'll face a loaded box. If you spread the field it is still 6 on 5.

 

[tboyer]

I don't know what it is with the wildcat type play that is just a staple with Franklin.

In this case it may be a big thing for them for 1 reason -- Warren is a big talent. He runs the option beautifully, probably throws the ball really well. Someone - maybe coach K? -- deserves credit for spending practice time to see what Warren can do and then figuring out how to get it into the office,

I was also really impressed to hear Allar talk about it in his postgame TV interview. Genuinely supportive and excited about what Warren can do.

 

[tboyer]

Drew is fine, if we clean up the stupid penalties, the only real weakness I still see is the inability of our WR’s to beat good man to man coverage.

Evans keeps beating people deep. Drew keeps underthrowing him, but good things still happen. Last night they got a PI, but if Drew got it 3 yards further downfield it was a TD.

Evans has blazing speed and that's something they didn't have at wideout last year.

 

[RickinDayton]

Last season was supposed to be special...the year we finally broke through. But there were red flags early, though many didn't want to see them. For example, we played Illinois in September and won by 17 behind a dominant defensive performance, but neither the running game nor the OL impressed. In fact, it was then that a lot of people began to wonder what happened to the Nick Singleton of 2022.

Last night, that Nick Singleton showed up again and brought his friend Kaytron with him. It's been a while since I've seen the OL fire off the ball that way against a decent conference team. I know Wormley went to the tent at one point and one other O-lineman did as well...think it was Nelson. Hope those guys are OK.

So we established the run, controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides, shut down their run, shut down their entire offense except for one early drive. You'll win a lot of games that way. This against a ranked 4-0 team.

I thought Drew was decent but not great. He missed a few throws. However, he didn't have to be the star. As Franklin said afterward, the running game was working and it would have been "stupid" to go away from it. Sooner or later, however, there will come a game where Drew has to live up to his billing. I hope he's up to the challenge. His odds are definitely better with a credible running game.

Flies in the ointment: the kicking game...felt bad for the kid...a few feet to the left on that last 40-yarder and we're probably not even having this conversation. Dumb penalties...it boils down to lack of discipline..,loved Franklin's comment at the half: we have to fix the penalties...the legitimate ones...not the bullshit ones. Haha! He was of course referring to the idiotic call against Rojas who was guilty of...playing football.

Also, not to nit-pick, but I'm not sure about the gimmicks with Warren and Beau in the shotgun. For one thing, everyone in the stadium knows what's coming from that look. I don't know, it might be just a little too cute. Warren is an All-American TE and Drew is a potential All-American QB...so why not let them play their positions.

Oh well, don't want to overlook UCLA next week, but as many predicted, a playoff spot for both teams may ride on the USC game at their place the following Saturday. And USC is very good. They almost beat Michigan at the Big House and really they should have won that game.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves: UCLA...UCLA...UCLA...

I agree about using Warren in that role. Gimmicky and not necessary.
Kicking situation must be resolved. The transfer from Tulsa needs an in-game tryout against UCLA.
Barnes needs to be told to get the penalties minimized quick, especially Carter. Carter is too concerned with "splash plays" and needs to understand his penalties are hurting the effort and can become critical against USC, OSU, and probably Indiana.

 

[RickinDayton]

Evans keeps beating people deep. Drew keeps underthrowing him, but good things still happen. Last night they got a PI, but if Drew got it 3 yards further downfield it was a TD.

Evans has blazing speed and that's something they didn't have at wideout last year.

CJF mentioned the week before last he has instructed Drew to underthrow those long balls. OK against lesser teams, not good advice against playoff caliber teams.

 

[AWS1022]

CJF mentioned the week before last he has instructed Drew to underthrow those long balls. OK against lesser teams, not good advice against playoff caliber teams.

So even his advice that is working is bad because it might not work down the road….got it.

 

[Delcolion915]

Last season was supposed to be special...the year we finally broke through. But there were red flags early, though many didn't want to see them. For example, we played Illinois in September and won by 17 behind a dominant defensive performance, but neither the running game nor the OL impressed. In fact, it was then that a lot of people began to wonder what happened to the Nick Singleton of 2022.

Last night, that Nick Singleton showed up again and brought his friend Kaytron with him. It's been a while since I've seen the OL fire off the ball that way against a decent conference team. I know Wormley went to the tent at one point and one other O-lineman did as well...think it was Nelson. Hope those guys are OK.

So we established the run, controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides, shut down their run, shut down their entire offense except for one early drive. You'll win a lot of games that way. This against a ranked 4-0 team.

I thought Drew was decent but not great. He missed a few throws. However, he didn't have to be the star. As Franklin said afterward, the running game was working and it would have been "stupid" to go away from it. Sooner or later, however, there will come a game where Drew has to live up to his billing. I hope he's up to the challenge. His odds are definitely better with a credible running game.

Flies in the ointment: the kicking game...felt bad for the kid...a few feet to the left on that last 40-yarder and we're probably not even having this conversation. Dumb penalties...it boils down to lack of discipline..,loved Franklin's comment at the half: we have to fix the penalties...the legitimate ones...not the bullshit ones. Haha! He was of course referring to the idiotic call against Rojas who was guilty of...playing football.
Oh well, don't want to overlook UCLA next week, but as many predicted, a playoff spot for both teams may ride on the USC game at their place the following Saturday. And USC is very good. They almost beat Michigan at the Big House and really they should have won that game.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves: UCLA...UCLA...UCLA...

Sorry but it's not quite "a few feet to the left and we are not having this conversation".

This is not a "conversation". This is we need a new kicker right now and that kid has kicked his final field goal at PSU. 3-9, missed every important kick in his career, and barely makes extra points.

 

[LandoComando]

Evans keeps beating people deep. Drew keeps underthrowing him, but good things still happen. Last night they got a PI, but if Drew got it 3 yards further downfield it was a TD.

Evans has blazing speed and that's something they didn't have at wideout last year.

Per others here, Franklin allegedly said in his press conference that they ask Allar to underthrow those.

My guess is they said don't ever overthrow it and it's turned into the underthrow. Allar's the most efficient deep ball passer in college football per a stat they showed yesterday

 

[bcspsu]

Per others here, Franklin allegedly said in his press conference that they ask Allar to underthrow those.

My guess is they said don't ever overthrow it and it's turned into the underthrow. Allar's the most efficient deep ball passer in college football per a stat they showed yesterday

My problem with him last night is that after getting off to a good start, his fundamentals and foot work broke down completely. Even on the pass that led to the pass interference penalty, he threw without planting his feet. The qb coach needs to work on this. A qb of his talent shouldn’t miss throws like the one to Dinkins in the second quarter, those have to be automatic completions.

 

[Jerry]

Sorry but it's not quite "a few feet to the left and we are not having this conversation".

This is not a "conversation". This is we need a new kicker right now and that kid has kicked his final field goal at PSU. 3-9, missed every important kick in his career, and barely makes extra points.

Fair point. If we've got a better kicker, he should play, no question. I have no sentimental attachment to Sander.

On the other hand, he won the job against the available competition in camp. In other words, the coaches decided that he was better than the alternatives.

Keep in mind also that some services had him ranked as the #1 kicking recruit a few years ago. Also that he hit a couple FGs, one from 43 yards out, during the contested win against Bowling Green a couple weeks ago.

That said, fine, let's have another competition for the job. But I question whether there's an easy or automatic fix on hand. If there were, that guy would be starting already.

At the end of the day, it could be worse. I mean, it's not like he cost us the game. Still, if you're gonna make the playoffs, you need a kicker who can reliably make 40-yard field goals. Sander was not that guy yesterday.

 

[Delcolion915]

Fair point. If we've got a better kicker, he should play, no question. I have no sentimental attachment to Sander.

On the other hand, he won the job against the available competition in camp. In other words, the coaches decided that he was better than the alternatives.

Keep in mind also that some services had him ranked as the #1 kicking recruit a few years ago. Also that he hit a couple FGs, one from 43 yards out, during the contested win against Bowling Green a couple weeks ago.

That said, fine, let's have another competition for the job. But I question whether there's an easy or automatic fix on hand. If there were, that guy would be starting already.

At the end of the day, it could be worse. I mean, it's not like he cost us the game. Still, if you're gonna make the playoffs, you need a kicker who can reliably make 40-yard field goals. Sander was not that guy yesterday.

Field goal kicking PRACTICE is irrelevant. The job description is entirely based on what you do in games on The field. He does not have the makeup to compete in games mentally. Which is fine. Some have it, and some don't. However, with that said, Franklin did the correct thing and replaced him last year and...wait for it.... nobody knew then EITHER what the next man up would do.

What we DO know, after 3 years now, is that Sahaydak cannot perform the job of field goal kicker at this level. Period. It's not one miss a few feet to the left, it's 3 for 9 and a half dozen extra points that barely got inside the uprights.

 

[LandoComando]

My problem with him last night is that after getting off to a good start, his fundamentals and foot work broke down completely. Even on the pass that led to the pass interference penalty, he threw without planting his feet. The qb coach needs to work on this. A qb of his talent shouldn’t miss throws like the one to Dinkins in the second quarter, those have to be automatic completions.

Honestly, I didn't have any issue with his play--he throws off his backfoot (or while backpedaling) a lot but so do a lot of QBs.
The best QB ever are going to miss easy throws occasionally--even Brady and Mahomes

 

[Jerry]

Field goal kicking PRACTICE is irrelevant. The job description is entirely based on what you do in games on The field. He does not have the makeup to compete in games mentally. Which is fine. Some have it, and some don't. However, with that said, Franklin did the correct thing and replaced him last year and...wait for it.... nobody knew then EITHER what the next man up would do.

What we DO know, after 3 years now, is that Sahaydak cannot perform the job of field goal kicker at this level. Period. It's not one miss a few feet to the left, it's 3 for 9 and a half dozen extra points that barely got inside the uprights.

Well it's not entirely irrelevant. It's what Franklin and company used to judge who should kick in the games.

Your point is valid, but the fact is, if he makes the last kick, we're likely not having this conversation. But he didn't and we are.

It will be interesting to see how this plays out. As you say, the largest part of klcking is mental. Once your failures start to play on your mind, you may be a lost cause at that position.

At the end of the day, I want the guy best able to help us win games. I have to agree with you that it may not be Sander at this point. If that's the case, I still feel bad for him. Not bad enough to stick with him if there's a better option though.

 

[LandoComando]

And, just real quick on Drew. Last year, he completed just 59.9% of his passes. This year, even excluding Kent State he has 64.7% against WVU, 65% against BGSU and 71.4% last night. He's never going to be Drew Brees but if he can hang in there around 65-70% we're in great shape. As much as I think Drew wishes he could play in an offense that allows him to throw 40 times a game he's doing exactly what is being asked of him and doing it well.

 

[lazydave841]

Per others here, Franklin allegedly said in his press conference that they ask Allar to underthrow those.

My guess is they said don't ever overthrow it and it's turned into the underthrow. Allar's the most efficient deep ball passer in college football per a stat they showed yesterday

It's crazy how open Evans and Wallace get on those deep routes. And we have just scratched the surface with those. Evans is FAST.

A qb of his talent shouldn’t miss throws like the one to Dinkins in the second quarter, those have to be automatic completions.

Upon rewatch, a perfect throw probably gets Dinkins decapitated. He still took a shot, but I think that pass, along with the deep balls to Evans, are a second late. Just a smidgen faster and they are excellent throws.

 

[LandoComando]

Upon rewatch, a perfect throw probably gets Dinkins decapitated. He still took a shot, but I think that pass, along with the deep balls to Evans, are a second late. Just a smidgen faster and they are excellent throws.

I do think Allar correctly threw the ball behind Dinkins there because he didn't want to lead him into the safety. Dinkins probably needs to read the defense and sit down there like Warren did later in the game.

 

[RickinDayton]

Fair point. If we've got a better kicker, he should play, no question. I have no sentimental attachment to Sander.

On the other hand, he won the job against the available competition in camp. In other words, the coaches decided that he was better than the alternatives.

Keep in mind also that some services had him ranked as the #1 kicking recruit a few years ago. Also that he hit a couple FGs, one from 43 yards out, during the contested win against Bowling Green a couple weeks ago.

That said, fine, let's have another competition for the job. But I question whether there's an easy or automatic fix on hand. If there were, that guy would be starting already.

At the end of the day, it could be worse. I mean, it's not like he cost us the game. Still, if you're gonna make the playoffs, you need a kicker who can reliably make 40-yard field goals. Sander was not that guy yesterday.

PSU needs to find out in a game now with Meyer against UCLA. If he fails then it's back to Sander. There is no "call up" kicker available. All I suggest is that the competition be in a game, not simply practice. Kicking in practice does not equate to game pressure.

 

[Jerry]

PSU needs to find out in a game now with Meyer against UCLA. If he fails then it's back to Sander. There is no "call up" kicker available. All I suggest is that the competition be in a game, not simply practice. Kicking in practice does not equate to game pressure.

Hard to disagree with that.

 

[LandoComando]

PSU needs to find out in a game now with Meyer against UCLA. If he fails then it's back to Sander. There is no "call up" kicker available. All I suggest is that the competition be in a game, not simply practice. Kicking in practice does not equate to game pressure.

Am I the only one that thinks it will be Barker?
There's a reason he's kicked both XPs this year that Sander didn't

 

[RickinDayton]

Am I the only one that thinks it will be Barker?
There's a reason he's kicked both XPs this year that Sander didn't

OK, try Barker but this needs to be done in a game like UCLA; not practice.

 

[Jerry]

OK, try Barker but this needs to be done in a game like UCLA; not practice.

Rick, in all honesty it should also be noted that in a game likely to be a blow-out, you may not get the kind of clarity we'd all like to see.

It's in pressure situations and pressure games that the good kickers shine.

 

[LandoComando]

Rick, in all honesty it should also be noted that in a game likely to be a blow-out, you may not get the kind of clarity we'd all like to see.

It's in pressure situations and pressure games that the good kickers shine.

This is a good point. An early game FG attempt wouldn't be the worst thing

 

[Delcolion915]

Rick, in all honesty it should also be noted that in a game likely to be a blow-out, you may not get the kind of clarity we'd all like to see.

It's in pressure situations and pressure games that the good kickers shine.

We already have that clarity with Sahaydak: He can't do it. Next man up this Saturday at noon.

 

[Delcolion915]

Meyer went 17-20 in GAMES for Tulsa. Not practice(apologies for mr Iverson)

Sahaydak has won practice for two straight years but can't perform in actual games. Meyer needs to be given the spot this Saturday and if he misses two, open it up again, but the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result, and that insanity would be putting that kid back out there again.

 

[Delcolion915]

Well it's not entirely irrelevant. It's what Franklin and company used to judge who should kick in the games.

Your point is valid, but the fact is, if he makes the last kick, we're likely not having this conversation. But he didn't and we are.

It will be interesting to see how this plays out. As you say, the largest part of klcking is mental. Once your failures start to play on your mind, you may be a lost cause at that position.

At the end of the day, I want the guy best able to help us win games. I have to agree with you that it may not be Sander at this point. If that's the case, I still feel bad for him. Not bad enough to stick with him if there's a better option though.

You will feel a lot better for him if he gets to be a part of the team from the sidelines instead of costing Penn State a playoff spot.

That's where this is headed if they don't make a change.

 

[Jerry]

Meyer went 17-20 in GAMES for Tulsa. Not practice(apologies for mr Iverson)

Sahaydak has won practice for two straight years but can't perform in actual games. Meyer needs to be given the spot this Saturday and if he misses two, open it up again, but the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result, and that insanity would be putting that kid back out there again.

You're talking me into it.

Keep in mind that I never made a case to keep him in the status of #1 guy. In fact, I said in the OP that we have a problem at the kicking position.

I also confessed to feeling bad for the kid, which I do. I'm just a softie at heart. Never would have made it in the coaching profession.

Then again, it's easier to feel bad for him coming off a 14-point win. If he had missed a kick to lose a game, I'd probably feel worse for the rest of us.

I'm good with a change...but be careful what you ask for...it may not be what you think you're going to get...

 

[ryoder1]

In this case it may be a big thing for them for 1 reason -- Warren is a big talent. He runs the option beautifully, probably throws the ball really well. Someone - maybe coach K? -- deserves credit for spending practice time to see what Warren can do and then figuring out how to get it into the office,

I was also really impressed to hear Allar talk about it in his postgame TV interview. Genuinely supportive and excited about what Warren can do.

Can be a great option at the goal line. He's an athletic battering ram who can run over you, jump over you or pass.

 

[royboy]

Can be a great option at the goal line. He's an athletic battering ram who can run over you, jump over you or pass.

Not a huge fan of the Wildcat (why leave Allar in the game split out wide) in general, but apparently we'll see more of 9 and 44 in various direct snap plays