Sees PSU as the most complete team this year. Thinks PSU breaking in a new quarterback will be softened by the quality of PSU's offensive line, PSU running backs, and the fact that the PSU defense is playing so well under Diaz.
You could argue DiNardo is just trying to build up PSU for a fall but you can say that about every positive preseason prediction. It is very hard psychologically for a team to deal with expectations. It's a lot easier to win games when you're underrated. But I do think it's worth noting because DiNardo is one of the people who talks to a lot of coaches and knows the personnel in the B1G. He knows how much talent Franklin has assembled and he knows Michigan and Ohio State are breaking in a lot of new personnel.
I keep coming back to what I see as a really positive factor. Last time PSU had expectations this high, they had a young coach with the title of offensive coordinator who was completely over his head. This time they have a guy who has been scheming offense at the top echelons of college football for over 10 years. It doesn't guarantee anything but I'm sure of one thing -- because of Mike Yurcich, the offense will be prepared, it will make good use of the personnel and it will have plays that attack the soft spots of every defense they see.
You could argue DiNardo is just trying to build up PSU for a fall but you can say that about every positive preseason prediction. It is very hard psychologically for a team to deal with expectations. It's a lot easier to win games when you're underrated. But I do think it's worth noting because DiNardo is one of the people who talks to a lot of coaches and knows the personnel in the B1G. He knows how much talent Franklin has assembled and he knows Michigan and Ohio State are breaking in a lot of new personnel.
I keep coming back to what I see as a really positive factor. Last time PSU had expectations this high, they had a young coach with the title of offensive coordinator who was completely over his head. This time they have a guy who has been scheming offense at the top echelons of college football for over 10 years. It doesn't guarantee anything but I'm sure of one thing -- because of Mike Yurcich, the offense will be prepared, it will make good use of the personnel and it will have plays that attack the soft spots of every defense they see.
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