Just a few items on my wish list for the Orange Bowl...

[demlion]

1. Offense, Defense and Special teams show up AT THE BEGINNING OF THE GAME, not halfway through the second quarter.
2. NO stupid, cheapshot 15 yard penalties.
3. A 7 point lead for PSU, followed by a long, methodical drive toward the tying TD by ND, followed by an 80+ yd PICK 6 by PSU for a 14-0 lead.
4. At least one Kotelnicki successful trick play to keep 'em guessing.

 

[Obliviax]

yep.

PSU has started slow all season. Secondly, in big games, we haven't played well in terms of penalties. We had 65 yards against SMU and 98 against Boise. We also had a turnover in each game.

I'd like to see us run, run, run. If successful, that will cause ND to bring down their Safeties and we can begin to pass. ND hasn't had to respect a team that can run like us and then pass on them. GA can run but nobody respected their passing game when the first-team guy got hurt.

But to your point, we haven't played our A game yet. We've got two playoff games under our belt plus major games against tOSU and Oregon. It is time for us to take the next step and play a flawless game against a very good opponent for four quarters.

 

[LemonEars]

yep.

PSU has started slow all season. Secondly, in big games, we haven't played well in terms of penalties. We had 65 yards against SMU and 98 against Boise. We also had a turnover in each game.

I'd like to see us run, run, run. If successful, that will cause ND to bring down their Safeties and we can begin to pass. ND hasn't had to respect a team that can run like us and then pass on them. GA can run but nobody respected their passing game when the first-team guy got hurt.

But to your point, we haven't played our A game yet. We've got two playoff games under our belt plus major games against tOSU and Oregon. It is time for us to take the next step and play a flawless game against a very good opponent for four quarters.

It's hard to play a solid flawless game when 75% of your practice time is spent rehearsing countless gimmick plays over and over again.

 

[Obliviax]

It's hard to play a solid flawless game when 75% of your practice time is spent rehearsing countless gimmick plays over and over again.

Yes...and no. The defense has to account for them as well.

AK's plan, all along, is to use multiple formations but run the same plays. So the idea is smart players should be able to memorize the formations and motions while still executing a simple play. His analogy was DQ Blizzards. They are the same basic ingredients and processes, but all end up tasting differently.

Of note, there were a lot of posts showing Boise clapping and simulating the snap counts and not being flagged. Videos I saw showed linebackers clapping their hands on multiple plays. Allar complained to the refs, at least once, versus SMU as well. That is, supposedly, the reason for the false starts on the PSU offensive side. I am sure the staff is lobbying the powers that be to call these infractions when they haven't been called in the last two games.

 

[demlion]

It's hard to play a solid flawless game when 75% of your practice time is spent rehearsing countless gimmick plays over and over again.

That seems like it could be true, but who provided you the evidence regarding 75% of our practice time being spent on tricks?

 

[LemonEars]

That seems like it could be true, but who provided you the evidence regarding 75% of our practice time being spent on tricks?

Nobody outside the coaches and players know what happens on the practice field. 75% was my estimate based on the seemingly countless gadget plays that they run. To their credit they seem to run them flawlessly. Most other teams seem to have an arsenal of 20-30 standard plays that they must run over and over in practice. We have to be giving short shrift to these standard plays as compared to other teams.

 

[demlion]

Yeah, I assumed noone would know that.

 

[Wesauking Lion]

No trick plays. Good teams snuff that out and it is a wasted play.
If it is working, keep doing it until it doesnt.
We have been cleaning up the penalties since game one. Stupid penalties are going to bite us in these close games

 

[Jerry]

1. Offense, Defense and Special teams show up AT THE BEGINNING OF THE GAME, not halfway through the second quarter.
2. NO stupid, cheapshot 15 yard penalties.
3. A 7 point lead for PSU, followed by a long, methodical drive toward the tying TD by ND, followed by an 80+ yd PICK 6 by PSU for a 14-0 lead.
4. At least one Kotelnicki successful trick play to keep 'em guessing.

That all sounds good, though you may be getting overly particular on point 3.

My own wish list: win the line of scrimmage...make plays...good game from Drew...make plays...no breakdowns on special teams...capitalize in the red zone...don't gift them points on turnovers...make plays...no stupid penalties (every unsportsmanlike conduct penalty counts as stupid)...make plays.

Also, did I mention make plays? It sounds trite but this sort of game usually comes down to guys making big plays...the tough catch, the great throw, the critical stop...at key moments.

 

[demlion]

That all sounds good, though you may be getting overly particular on point 3.

My own wish list: win the line of scrimmage...make plays...good game from Drew...make plays...no breakdowns on special teams...capitalize in the red zone...don't gift them points on turnovers...make plays...no stupid penalties (every unsportsmanlike conduct penalty counts as stupid)...make plays.

Also, did I mention make plays? It sounds trite but this sort of game usually comes down to guys making big plays...the tough catch, the great throw, the critical stop...at key moments.

A long pick 6 is the most heartbreaking play in football.

 

[Jerry]

A long pick 6 is the most heartbreaking play in football.

It's interesting but actually it would appear that a blocked punt is the most statistically predictive of a win. I read where teams that block a punt win 90% of the time.

I'd be thrilled to have either against Notre Dame. Both would be heavenly.

Notre Dame had two 90-plus yard pick-6's against USC, both of them late in the game. Mindboggling.

 

[FightingIrish44]

It's interesting but actually it would appear that a blocked punt is the most statistically predictive of a win. I read where teams that block a punt win 90% of the time.

I'd be thrilled to have either against Notre Dame. Both would be heavenly.

Notre Dame had two 90-plus yard pick-6's against USC, both of them late in the game. Mindboggling.

That’s an interesting stat. Perhaps it was just my nerves during the Georgia game, but I felt like ND’s punter was taking too long to get the ball off. Perhaps PSU comes after them. ND incurred two running into the kicker penalties against Georgia on Drive 1, so they’re pretty aggressive.

The second pick six against USC was more of the QB just throwing the ball up for grabs because it was fourth down and they were down 14 points. That was still very unusual to have two 98+ yard pick sixes within about two minutes though.

 

[pennstatepelly]

I just want a win to be honest. Couldn’t care much less on how they go about it. At this point, style points are meaningless. Though, my heart can only take so much.

 

[Jerry]

That’s an interesting stat. Perhaps it was just my nerves during the Georgia game, but I felt like ND’s punter was taking too long to get the ball off. Perhaps PSU comes after them. ND incurred two running into the kicker penalties against Georgia on Drive 1, so they’re pretty aggressive.

The second pick six against USC was more of the QB just throwing the ball up for grabs because it was fourth down and they were down 14 points. That was still very unusual to have two 98+ yard pick sixes within about two minutes though.

Honestly, I think you guys got away with one on that first penalty. Looked like roughing to me, which would have effectively meant a turnover.

That's the problem with shooting for a punt block. If you don't get hands on the ball, you often end up getting hands on the kicker.

 

[FightingIrish44]

Honestly, I think you guys got away with one on that first penalty. Looked like roughing to me, which would have effectively meant a turnover.

That's the problem with shooting for a punt block. If you don't get hands on the ball, you often end up getting hands on the kicker.

I think it was a roughing penalty as well but I’m not sure what the rulebook says. It was poor execution from the rusher for sure.

 

[PurposePitch]

That’s an interesting stat. Perhaps it was just my nerves during the Georgia game, but I felt like ND’s punter was taking too long to get the ball off.

You ain't seen nothing yet, if you haven't watched PSU's punter closely. That guy gets the ball ... stares at it for a couple seconds, puts it down and picks up his phone, texts someone "I'm about to puntz ... lolz", puts his phone away and then runs a few steps directly into his shield and then punts the ball directly up one of his protectors' backsides.

 

[FightingIrish44]

You ain't seen nothing yet, if you haven't watched PSU's punter closely. That guy gets the ball ... stares at it for a couple seconds, puts it down and picks up his phone, texts someone "I'm about to puntz ... lolz", puts his phone away and then runs a few steps directly into his shield and then punts the ball directly up one of his protectors' backsides.

If that’s true then we can definitely expect ND to come after him.

Good luck to PSU tomorrow. Our teams are so close to the title. Great season for both teams regardless of who wins tomorrow.

 

[RickinDayton]

You ain't seen nothing yet, if you haven't watched PSU's punter closely. That guy gets the ball ... stares at it for a couple seconds, puts it down and picks up his phone, texts someone "I'm about to puntz ... lolz", puts his phone away and then runs a few steps directly into his shield and then punts the ball directly up one of his protectors' backsides.

Thompson's inability to kick the ball quickly is a disaster waiting to happen, especially given NDs aggressiveness on going for the block. I will not be surprised if one of his punts is blocked.

 

[RickinDayton]

If that’s true then we can definitely expect ND to come after him.

Good luck to PSU tomorrow. Our teams are so close to the title. Great season for both teams regardless of who wins tomorrow.

Agree.

 

[demlion]

It's interesting but actually it would appear that a blocked punt is the most statistically predictive of a win. I read where teams that block a punt win 90% of the time.

I'd be thrilled to have either against Notre Dame. Both would be heavenly.

Notre Dame had two 90-plus yard pick-6's against USC, both of them late in the game. Mindboggling.

I would like to read that source data. The long pick six (80-plus yards) involves a swing of 14 points. Instead of the offense going for a TD (+7), the other team gets 7.

 

[Jerry]

I would like to read that source data. The long pick six (80-plus yards) involves a swing of 14 points. Instead of the offense going for a TD (+7), the other team gets 7.

Link below...for what it's worth:

>>What’s the biggest momentum swinging play in football? A kickoff return for a touchdown? A pick-six? Punching it in from a yard out on fourth down?

All of those are big plays, but South Carolina special teams coordinator Coleman Hutzler says it’s none of the above. The biggest momentum play in football is a blocked punt and he has the stat to prove it.

“It’s a big time momentum changer,” Hutzler said. “You block a punt you have 90 percent chance of winning the game. I think it is (the biggest momentum play in the game). Obviously with turnover ratio the numbers go up and up. I think if you’re plus three it’s somewhere around 90 (percent). But block a punt, immediately you have a 90 percent chance of winning a game. That was meeting one this spring, game breakers. It’s an opportunity to flip the game.”<<

https://247sports.com/college/south-carolina/article/south-carolina-gamecocks-football-punt-block-gamecocks-special-teams-coleman-hutzler--131451541/

 

[PSU20]

That all sounds good, though you may be getting overly particular on point 3.

My own wish list: win the line of scrimmage...make plays...good game from Drew...make plays...no breakdowns on special teams...capitalize in the red zone...don't gift them points on turnovers...make plays...no stupid penalties (every unsportsmanlike conduct penalty counts as stupid)...make plays.

Also, did I mention make plays? It sounds trite but this sort of game usually comes down to guys making big plays...the tough catch, the great throw, the critical stop...at key moments.

Trick plays may work in certain situations, but throwing a 15 yard incompletion on 3rd and 1 against Boise was insane when you have Allen in the backfield who was tearing it up that game, insane.

Remember Tommy Stevens coming in the game for the flat pass time and again. A perfectly great drive vs OSU to start the game was destroyed when we did that a few years back. Stevens was tackled for a 7 yard loss. Only 5 million viewers and the entire OSU defense knew what was coming. Then, the FG was blocked, perfect way to loose the game.

Then throwing the ball from sideline to sideline from the 15 YL on 3rd and 3 for no gain is a great way to go in the hole. Have wonder what Coach K is thinking sometimes.

 

[Jerry]

Link below...for what it's worth:

>>What’s the biggest momentum swinging play in football? A kickoff return for a touchdown? A pick-six? Punching it in from a yard out on fourth down?

All of those are big plays, but South Carolina special teams coordinator Coleman Hutzler says it’s none of the above. The biggest momentum play in football is a blocked punt and he has the stat to prove it.

“It’s a big time momentum changer,” Hutzler said. “You block a punt you have 90 percent chance of winning the game. I think it is (the biggest momentum play in the game). Obviously with turnover ratio the numbers go up and up. I think if you’re plus three it’s somewhere around 90 (percent). But block a punt, immediately you have a 90 percent chance of winning a game. That was meeting one this spring, game breakers. It’s an opportunity to flip the game.”<<

https://247sports.com/college/south-carolina/article/south-carolina-gamecocks-football-punt-block-gamecocks-special-teams-coleman-hutzler--131451541/

By the way, I'd rather have the pick-6 myself. Money in the bank.

But the statistical oddity is...and I've seen the 90% number cited more than once...that a punt block is more closely associated with a win. I don't know, that figure could be an urban legend but I have to believe it's based on something concrete.

Recall that we got the pick-6 against Ohio State...and lost. Worked out better against SMU though.

 

[Jerry]

Trick plays may work in certain situations, but throwing a 15 yard incompletion on 3rd and 1 against Boise was insane when you have Allen in the backfield who was tearing it up that game, insane.

Remember Tommy Stevens coming in the game for the flat pass time and again. A perfectly great drive vs OSU to start the game was destroyed when we did that a few years back. Stevens was tackled for a 7 yard loss. Only 5 million viewers and the entire OSU defense knew what was coming. Then, the FG was blocked, perfect way to loose the game.

Then throwing the ball from sideline to sideline from the 15 YL on 3rd and 3 for no gain is a great way to go in the hole. Have wonder what Coach K is thinking sometimes.

The play-calling against Boise State was mystifying.

 

[ryoder1]

Thompson's inability to kick the ball quickly is a disaster waiting to happen, especially given NDs aggressiveness on going for the block. I will not be surprised if one of his punts is blocked.

We can't let that happen. He has to be coached up. A blocked punt could be the difference in a game like this.

 

[ryoder1]

1. Offense, Defense and Special teams show up AT THE BEGINNING OF THE GAME, not halfway through the second quarter.
2. NO stupid, cheapshot 15 yard penalties.
3. A 7 point lead for PSU, followed by a long, methodical drive toward the tying TD by ND, followed by an 80+ yd PICK 6 by PSU for a 14-0 lead.
4. At least one Kotelnicki successful trick play to keep 'em guessing.

1) Run the ball effectively
2) Stop their run game
3) Win the turnover battle

Those 3 happen and we win.

 

[step.eng69]

1. Offense, Defense and Special teams show up AT THE BEGINNING OF THE GAME, not halfway through the second quarter.
2. NO stupid, cheapshot 15 yard penalties.
3. A 7 point lead for PSU, followed by a long, methodical drive toward the tying TD by ND, followed by an 80+ yd PICK 6 by PSU for a 14-0 lead.
4. At least one Kotelnicki successful trick play to keep 'em guessing.

You old goat,
Great to hear from you.
Thomas

 

[The Song Remains the Same]

You ain't seen nothing yet, if you haven't watched PSU's punter closely. That guy gets the ball ... stares at it for a couple seconds, puts it down and picks up his phone, texts someone "I'm about to puntz ... lolz", puts his phone away and then runs a few steps directly into his shield and then punts the ball directly up one of his protectors' backsides.

I said a few days ago this is my biggest concern....

 

[fastlax16]

No walk ons in street clothes within 10 feet of the field.

 

[demlion]

1) Run the ball effectively
2) Stop their run game
3) Win the turnover battle

Those 3 happen and we win.

Yep, and they don't happen if you nap thru the first quarter and commit cheapshot fouls. The reason the last 2 are on my wish list is, I want to break ND, not just win.

 

[marshall23]

It's hard to play a solid flawless game when 75% of your practice time is spent rehearsing countless gimmick plays over and over again.

You've never even been near a practice.

 

[IANit]

Trick plays may work in certain situations, but throwing a 15 yard incompletion on 3rd and 1 against Boise was insane when you have Allen in the backfield who was tearing it up that game, insane.

Remember Tommy Stevens coming in the game for the flat pass time and again. A perfectly great drive vs OSU to start the game was destroyed when we did that a few years back. Stevens was tackled for a 7 yard loss. Only 5 million viewers and the entire OSU defense knew what was coming. Then, the FG was blocked, perfect way to loose the game.

Then throwing the ball from sideline to sideline from the 15 YL on 3rd and 3 for no gain is a great way to go in the hole. Have wonder what Coach K is thinking sometimes.

I think Coach K sometimes likes to try for the splashy play when a simpler play will do. He did the same thing against Oregon on the last play, though it was 2nd-and-1. Not a time to be trying jump balls when your receiver group hasn't shown they can consistently win them.

 

[ryoder1]

I think Coach K sometimes likes to try for the splashy play when a simpler play will do. He did the same thing against Oregon on the last play, though it was 2nd-and-1. Not a time to be trying jump balls when your receiver group hasn't shown they can consistently win them.

Klatt picks ND in a close one (surprise!) saying he "trusts" ND to stick with what they do best more so than Penn State. He uses the goal line plays vs OSU where Warren does not get the ball then us going away from running Allen vs Boise as examples of why he does not trust us sticking with what we do best. Said another way he thinks AK could go rogue again with dumb play calls and screw up the game for us.

 

[SR108]

Trick plays may work in certain situations, but throwing a 15 yard incompletion on 3rd and 1 against Boise was insane when you have Allen in the backfield who was tearing it up that game, insane.

Remember Tommy Stevens coming in the game for the flat pass time and again. A perfectly great drive vs OSU to start the game was destroyed when we did that a few years back. Stevens was tackled for a 7 yard loss. Only 5 million viewers and the entire OSU defense knew what was coming. Then, the FG was blocked, perfect way to loose the game.

Then throwing the ball from sideline to sideline from the 15 YL on 3rd and 3 for no gain is a great way to go in the hole. Have wonder what Coach K is thinking sometimes.

I liked throwing the ball downfield against Boise, did not like the drops and the trick plays.

 

[PSU4U]

1. Offense, Defense and Special teams show up AT THE BEGINNING OF THE GAME, not halfway through the second quarter.
2. NO stupid, cheapshot 15 yard penalties.
3. A 7 point lead for PSU, followed by a long, methodical drive toward the tying TD by ND, followed by an 80+ yd PICK 6 by PSU for a 14-0 lead.
4. At least one Kotelnicki successful trick play to keep 'em guessing.

Pound them pound them and pound them. Pound them into the turf pound them out of the stadium pound them into oblivion and then pound them some more never quit pounding them. Make them look like the fakes they are.

 

[ryoder1]

Pound them pound them and pound them. Pound them into the turf pound them out of the stadium pound them into oblivion and then pound them some more never quit pounding them. Make them look like the fakes they are.

We will need to throw to keep them honest but we need success running. A lot opens up if we have success running, mainly our best receiver who happens to be a TE. On D we cannot let Leonard consistently pick up 3rd and 5 and under by running.

 

[johnmpsu]

1. Offense, Defense and Special teams show up AT THE BEGINNING OF THE GAME, not halfway through the second quarter.
2. NO stupid, cheapshot 15 yard penalties.
3. A 7 point lead for PSU, followed by a long, methodical drive toward the tying TD by ND, followed by an 80+ yd PICK 6 by PSU for a 14-0 lead.
4. At least one Kotelnicki successful trick play to keep 'em guessing.

I would add a 1A. Don't even think about going for it on 4th and 3 around the 50 yard line. Punt the damn ball.