Interesting Stat From Minnesota Game

[rudedude]

Courtesy of Mark Brennan column on what went wrong:

Penn State gained 291 yards on 33 first-down plays, good for an 8.8-yard average. An offense has to do an awful lot WRONG to offset that sort of production, and the Nittany Lions did

 

[NittanyLion15]

Courtesy of Mark Brennan column on what went wrong:

Penn State gained 291 yards on 33 first-down plays, good for an 8.8-yard average. An offense has to do an awful lot WRONG to offset that sort of production, and the Nittany Lions did

It doesn't matter what your offense does on first down, if your defense is allowing a quarterback to put up numbers like this:

It's over.

 

[Zone-Blitz]

It doesn't matter what your offense does on first down, if your defense is allowing a quarterback to put up numbers like this:

It's over.

Those stats are insane. Hopefully our future secondary ( wilson, ellis, porter jr) can stick with opposing wideouts a little better.

 

[rudedude]

It doesn't matter what your offense does on first down, if your defense is allowing a quarterback to put up numbers like this:

It's over.

And yet, we were a bad call away from pulling it out. Go figure.

 

[junior1]

It doesn't matter what your offense does on first down, if your defense is allowing a quarterback to put up numbers like this:

It's over.

The frustration of many is simply that this same issue has been a problem every year. Either our coaches believe this is acceptable, we have bad schemes, bad coaching, or less talented players.

 

[Cosmos]

And yet, we were a bad call away from pulling it out. Go figure.

A bad call and a gifted touchdown due to an incompetent back judge. Thank you.

 

[j-buff]

We had 560 yards of offense just horrible execution when it mattered

 

[NittanyLion15]

And yet, we were a bad call away from pulling it out. Go figure.

Well, when it comes down to the final possession and it's a 1 possession game, you could certainly argue that one call either way could have decided the ball game....

The GLARING statistic that got somewhat overlooked all season because we didn't give up many TDs, was the amount of pass yardage we consistently gave up to any offense that had a pulse. Where the team was bailed out time and time again was the D's ability to bend but not break keeping offenses off the scoreboard.

Indiana's passing attack is ranked #15 in the country.

Buffalo - #123
Pittsburgh - #54
Maryland - #104
Purdue #19 (didn't have QB)
Iowa - #54
Michigan - #78
Michigan State - #65
Minnesota - #60

If I didn't know any better, I'd say Terry Smith's job might be on the line this weekend.

 

[delcoLion]

Well, when it comes down to the final possession and it's a 1 possession game, you could certainly argue that one call either way could have decided the ball game....

The GLARING statistic that got somewhat overlooked all season because we didn't give up many TDs, was the amount of pass yardage we consistently gave up to any offense that had a pulse. Where the team was bailed out time and time again was the D's ability to bend but not break keeping offenses off the scoreboard.

Indiana's passing attack is ranked #15 in the country.

Buffalo - #123
Pittsburgh - #54
Maryland - #104
Purdue #19 (didn't have QB)
Iowa - #54
Michigan - #78
Michigan State - #65
Minnesota - #60

If I didn't know any better, I'd say Terry Smith's job might be on the line this weekend.

Interesting stats but I don’t think Smiith, only, should be on the hot seat. Every unit on defense have to play together to produce good team defense, obviously. In our case, there is no QB pressure, some of the fellas here have pointed out that the blitz schemes are bad, all of that puts too much pressure on the deep secondary.

Everybody gets on Rahne’s back but the defense needs a major overhaul. I think that’s a fair comment. Over the last 4 seasons they have coughed up the lead in critical games, costing PSU a playoff spot.

 

[BrewLion]

Well, when it comes down to the final possession and it's a 1 possession game, you could certainly argue that one call either way could have decided the ball game....

The GLARING statistic that got somewhat overlooked all season because we didn't give up many TDs, was the amount of pass yardage we consistently gave up to any offense that had a pulse. Where the team was bailed out time and time again was the D's ability to bend but not break keeping offenses off the scoreboard.

Indiana's passing attack is ranked #15 in the country.

Buffalo - #123
Pittsburgh - #54
Maryland - #104
Purdue #19 (didn't have QB)
Iowa - #54
Michigan - #78
Michigan State - #65
Minnesota - #60

If I didn't know any better, I'd say Terry Smith's job might be on the line this weekend.

Gut check time. Defense has their work cut out for them this week. Hope they respond. 10-2 looks a lot better than 9-3 limping and limping into bowl season. Who knows a resounding answer at home against Indiana and just maybe they can make it a game in Columbus.

 

[psuno1]

The frustration of many is simply that this same issue has been a problem every year. Either our coaches believe this is acceptable, we have bad schemes, bad coaching, or less talented players.

All three

 

[NoVa Lion]

Courtesy of Mark Brennan column on what went wrong:

Penn State gained 291 yards on 33 first-down plays, good for an 8.8-yard average. An offense has to do an awful lot WRONG to offset that sort of production, and the Nittany Lions did

How to lie with statistics 101. Let's break it down further. 260 of those yards were gained on 11 plays, which means on the remaining 22 first downs we gained a total of 31 yards. Just saying.

 

[DonP74]

To be serious, it's the scheme.

All three

 

[Nitt1300]

We had 560 yards of offense just horrible execution when it mattered

Yet the geniuses here want to blame the coaches.

 

[NittPicker]

How to lie with statistics 101. Let's break it down further. 260 of those yards were gained on 11 plays, which means on the remaining 22 first downs we gained a total of 31 yards. Just saying.

The stat was solid since it included the entire sample size of 33. Ignoring 33% of the sample is the real statistical lie. Of course there is a deeper analysis to be had but the sample size is what it is. Maybe a stats whiz can post a graph to show us how it looks on paper.

 

[PSU.:.]

Once again another BIG QB has a career day against PSU defense.

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

Yet the geniuses here want to blame the coaches.

Coaches called the plays in the RZ. They’re not the entire problem, but they’re not without criticism.

 

[NoVa Lion]

The stat was solid since it included the entire sample size of 33. Ignoring 33% of the sample is the real statistical lie. Of course there is a deeper analysis to be had but the sample size is what it is. Maybe a stats whiz can post a graph to show us how it looks on paper.

The stat was accurate but misleading without looking at the details, which is what I did.

 

[rudedude]

The stat was solid since it included the entire sample size of 33. Ignoring 33% of the sample is the real statistical lie. Of course there is a deeper analysis to be had but the sample size is what it is. Maybe a stats whiz can post a graph to show us how it looks on paper.

So 2/3 of the time we did great on first down. Still a high percentage.

 

[NoVa Lion]

So 2/3 of the time we did great on first down. Still a high percentage.

No, 1/3 of the time. 2/3 of the time we gained less than 1.5 yards per play.

 

[psu2016]

Yet the geniuses here want to blame the coaches.

Couldn't I just as easily say other geniuses want to blame the players even though they gained 560 yards?

Clifford missed a few open guys and we got shafted on two no-calls that resulted in INTs. But Rahne had a lot to do with this too. The fade route to Hamler was simply inexcusable and it's the coaches who insist on putting Slade out there week after week only to watch him get blown up on a blitz and blow a 2-pt. conversation.

 

[Media Fan]

Yet the geniuses here want to blame the coaches.

If you acknowledge that our team had a poor start, who is responsible for that.
I am not a fan of “ shared responsibility,” but without having inside knowledge, I have to say players and coaches are responsible— there is nobody else to look to.
If you acknowledge we had a poor start.

 

[ram2020]

Couldn't I just as easily say other geniuses want to blame the players even though they gained 560 yards?

Clifford missed a few open guys and we got shafted on two no-calls that resulted in INTs. But Rahne had a lot to do with this too. The fade route to Hamler was simply inexcusable and it's the coaches who insist on putting Slade out there week after week only to watch him get blown up on a blitz and blow a 2-pt. conversation.

I can't stand slade from time to time, but that was not his fault when the linebacker came through the line unchallenged. Sure, Ricky, all 5ft 8 of him could have been more aggressive and tougher in that spot, but no way that linebacker should be able to shoot that gap like that. Thorpe missed that block big time, he went outside and let the linebacker come right into the pocket.

 

[Ughhh]

How to lie with statistics 101. Let's break it down further. 260 of those yards were gained on 11 plays, which means on the remaining 22 first downs we gained a total of 31 yards. Just saying.

Which part of gaining 20+ yards per play on 1/3 of our first down plays are you hanging your hat on with this argument?

I have never seen a game where the OL dominated like ours did and the skill players/coaches managed 13 points each half.

 

[psu2016]

I can't stand slade from time to time, but that was not his fault when the linebacker came through the line unchallenged. Sure, Ricky, all 5ft 8 of him could have been more aggressive and tougher in that spot, but no way that linebacker should be able to shoot that gap like that. Thorpe missed that block big time, he went outside and let the linebacker come right into the pocket.

Fair enough, I didn't watch the replay yet. But I stick by my main point that it is illogical to excuse Rahne on the basis of gaining a bunch of yards but not the players.

 

[novaclassof90]

Occasionally it would be nice to see one of our DBs get up into the WR at the snap and really press him. We are just so passive at the line of scrimmage with WRs and then we drop into the soft zone so much. Easy for a QB to pick us up in either traditional offense or RPO. That quick slant was there all day because of the free releases from WRs. Take two steps, plant the outside foot, and run the slant. Wide open, PSU never adjusted.

 

[Grass]

I can't stand slade from time to time, but that was not his fault when the linebacker came through the line unchallenged. Sure, Ricky, all 5ft 8 of him could have been more aggressive and tougher in that spot, but no way that linebacker should be able to shoot that gap like that. Thorpe missed that block big time, he went outside and let the linebacker come right into the pocket.

Slade is back there to pick up the LB. Regardless of Thorpe missing the LB the RB is there to pick that up. There are plenty of RB in college football that block a blitzing LB. The RB stays in for pass "protection" for that very reason.

 

[ram2020]

Slade is back there to pick up the LB. Regardless of Thorpe missing the LB the RB is there to pick that up. There are plenty of RB in college football that block a blitzing LB. The RB stays in for pass "protection" for that very reason.

Okay, fair enough. If that linebacker was truly Slade's sole responsibility than again, not to defend slade, but he is certainly the wrong guy for the job all day every day. A 240 pound linebacker running full speed at clifford with his only obstacle a 5 ft 8 RB, is idiotic protection on a play that needs to go downfield.

 

[Grass]

Okay, fair enough. If that linebacker was truly Slade's sole responsibility than again, not to defend slade, but he is certainly the wrong guy for the job all day every day. A 240 pound linebacker running full speed at clifford with his only obstacle a 5 ft 8 RB, is idiotic protection on a play that needs to go downfield.

I agree 100% especially when he has shown an inability to pass protect. It's not like he is expected to knock the LB on his ass. All he needs to do is slow him down. I also agree that Thorpe could have done a much better job of picking the LB up. I think he ended up not hitting anyone on that play. This is what drives me crazy. It seems like other teams don't struggle picking up the PSU blitzes, but PSU struggles mightily when the table are turned.

 

[rudedude]

No, 1/3 of the time. 2/3 of the time we gained less than 1.5 yards per play.

I misread

 

[Lyons212]

Couldn't I just as easily say other geniuses want to blame the players even though they gained 560 yards?

Clifford missed a few open guys and we got shafted on two no-calls that resulted in INTs. But Rahne had a lot to do with this too. The fade route to Hamler was simply inexcusable and it's the coaches who insist on putting Slade out there week after week only to watch him get blown up on a blitz and blow a 2-pt. conversation.

All 3 INTs could have been Minnesota PI. Problem is all 3 INTs were the result of a poorly thrown ball by Clifford or wrong decision.
1. Pass underthrown to Shorter, lead him it is a TD or he drops it
2. Threw into double coverage, apparently Dotson was wide open and probably goes for 6.
3. Tried to hit Dotson, overthrew. Hamler had his man beat, lead him and it is a game winning TD

With Pry, not getting any pass rush, Minnesota max protects only sends out 2 or 3 receivers, why not stop blitzing and have 7 or 8 defenders in coverage? Came out way to aggressively to start the game and gave up 2 big TDs.

 

[junior1]

Occasionally it would be nice to see one of our DBs get up into the WR at the snap and really press him. We are just so passive at the line of scrimmage with WRs and then we drop into the soft zone so much. Easy for a QB to pick us up in either traditional offense or RPO. That quick slant was there all day because of the free releases from WRs. Take two steps, plant the outside foot, and run the slant. Wide open, PSU never adjusted.

Psu didn’t have to adjust. If they looked at film of minny games, they ran same thing all year. With a bye week they should have been bumping those receivers from play 1.

 

[psu00]

The frustration of many is simply that this same issue has been a problem every year. Either our coaches believe this is acceptable, we have bad schemes, bad coaching, or less talented players.

This ^^^^.

The problem is this happens year after year. Players change but the problem remains. How many times have we said that average QBs end up looking like all Americans against the PSU pass defense?

Those stats are ridiculous. Very bad teams at Maryland, Nebraska, and Illinois all held the Minny passing game to far fewer yards than the PSU defense did. You could double what those teams gave up passing......and PSU still gave up more.

Hell, even lowly Rutgers held them to almost 100 less passing yards than the PSU D.

 

[lilwashnitfan]

The saddest thing about our defensive effort is we should know how to defend against an RPO offense since that is the offense we run!!!

 

[MaconNitt]

All 3 INTs could have been Minnesota PI. Problem is all 3 INTs were the result of a poorly thrown ball by Clifford or wrong decision.
1. Pass underthrown to Shorter, lead him it is a TD or he drops it
2. Threw into double coverage, apparently Dotson was wide open and probably goes for 6.
3. Tried to hit Dotson, overthrew. Hamler had his man beat, lead him and it is a game winning TD

With Pry, not getting any pass rush, Minnesota max protects only sends out 2 or 3 receivers, why not stop blitzing and have 7 or 8 defenders in coverage? Came out way to aggressively to start the game and gave up 2 big TDs.

I disagree with #2. Dotson could have been tackled by the turf monster at the 11 yard line

 

[anon_1eeb2b426hv3y]

Those stats are insane. Hopefully our future secondary ( wilson, ellis, porter jr) can stick with opposing wideouts a little better.

So many career games by QBs the last handful v PSU. Ugh...

 

[PennState_one]

And yet, we were a bad call away from pulling it out. Go figure.

Yep, they have such a terrible coaching staff. If PSU were as bad as some of the posters on this board claim, they should have gotten beat by 30. This team knows how to fight even if they're having a bad day...

 

[Carl Spackler]

Since watching game from the mid 60's and attending from late 60's to 2010 now back to the TV I've watched our defense allow average team's to up up amazing passing numbers. It's like a disease or a curse. Obviously that is tongue in cheek but it is a multi generational and multi coach phenomena.

I despise seeing our defensive back standing five to ten yards off of the receiver and then getting beat short or deep, not always but often enough to make game that should be significant wins far closer than necessary AND too close for the big10 officials traditional, critical point of game interference.

While I'd like to see opposing receivers jammed at the LOS there are problems with that method if you slip or a beat but that is happening anyway. Not much to lose here. Blitzes? I'd agree with above posters who suggest less blitzes coupled with jamming to slow the routes, knock receivers off line and delay they arrival at the position to receive the pass, etc.

I'm not posing as a defensive expert but I have enough life experience to know that when something is not working you don't continue it in hope things will change. At the minimum we need to adjust and mix up our blitzes and man coverage.

 

[LoyalandTrueLion]

Okay, fair enough. If that linebacker was truly Slade's sole responsibility than again, not to defend slade, but he is certainly the wrong guy for the job all day every day. A 240 pound linebacker running full speed at clifford with his only obstacle a 5 ft 8 RB, is idiotic protection on a play that needs to go downfield.

Cut em that is the job.

 

[Pittston-Lion]

Yep, they have such a terrible coaching staff. If PSU were as bad as some of the posters on this board claim, they should have gotten beat by 30. This team knows how to fight even if they're having a bad day...

This staff has recruited at a top ten level the roster composite according to 247 is number ten in the nation. That’s a tremendous accomplishment, and where this staff especially CJF excels. That doesn’t mean his coordinators are great, they out talent every team on the schedule besides OSU (UM comes in at #11 btw), which is half the battle.