Looking at this year's line up...just a few questions to be honest (LONG)

[LaJolla Lion]

But they are some pretty BIG ones. Guys will be in pads in less than a month so I figured we can start talking about 2016.

QB - Trace or Tommy. Trace will get the nod and he appears to win football games. Hopefully that translates into his college career. A pretty good 1-2 option as both can use their feet and hopefully both stay healthy to let Jake Z grow up for a year. New offense for all so there will be some bumps in the road. Question marks postion.

RB - Barkley, A Rob, Sanders, and Allen. No way around this....just a very talented deep group. Barkley is pretty damn big this year and there is some nice depth behind him this year. He will be able to take a break and PSU should still be able to produce on the ground. No questions. Top 5 talent at RB.

WR - Godwin, Hamilton, Blacknall (forgot initially) Polk, Thompkins, J Johnson, and Charles. Another deep and talented group. Polk and Thomkins provide some speed while Godwin is just a flat out stud. He may not be the fastest, but I'm not sure many are tougher than he is. Hamilton is also very steady. It will be interesting to see what the twin towers bring to the table this year. Both were highly recruited and both will see the field this year. No questions.

TE - Mike G, Bowers, Holland, Dalton - Boom or bust is the best way to describe this position. It is certainly one spot that is a question mark. Mike G is a freak of an athlete at 6-6 and can run. This year is his make or break year and I do expect much more production from him this year. Bowers also has some explosiveness, but this position is certainly one that can really accelerate the growth of this offense this year. Question marks postion.

OL - Nelson, Bates, Gaia, Mahon/DD, Beh/Palmer - Experience is there, but this OL has yet to perform consistently. Depth has been an issue here, but at least you're starting to see a 2 deep full of players on ship. We have to hope Limegrover and Moorhead really make an impact here. It's time to s**t or get off the pot and let the young kids take their lumps. HUGE QUESTION MARKS HERE.

DE - Sickels, Schwann, Brown, Buchholz, Miller, and Simmons (Joseph maybe?). Sickels needs to take that big step up this year and assert himself as a big time player. Schwann believe it or not has testing numbers that are freakish, but nothing has translated on the field. Brown, Miller, Buchholz, Simmons, and Joseph will all have the opportunity to earn PT. The depth is very young and very raw and you aren't going to see lightening strike twice with another Nassib. This unit will have to all pitch in to make an impact. HUGE QUESTION MARKS HERE.

DT - White, Cothren, Givens, Windsor, Cothran, Thrift, and possibly Chavis. No returning starters and comign out of the spring it looks like the most effect DT may be an undersized Givens. This position will have to really step up and make plays. Depth is a little better than we anticpated, but is it quality? HUGE QUESTION MARKS HERE.

LB's - NWW, Bell, Cabinda, Cooper, Bowen, Toney, Brown, Thomas (maybe Farmer again?) - Starting 3 are very solid and proven. This unit just lacks real depth and is very green beyond the starters. Cooper and Bowen will see some time, but Toney and Brown are both a full year away and not typical LB's. I know Toney stated he wants to be a DE, but he is under 200 lbs and the depth chart alone kind of dictates he starts out at LB. Question marks postion most due to depth, starters are very solid if they can stay healthy.

CB's - Reid, Haley, Campbell, Taylor, Amani O, Johnson, McPherson - Again the starters look to be very solid and even the reserves have seen some time. PSU for the last 10-15 years was not very strong at CB, but this is one of the better units they have had. No questions.

Safety - Allen, Golden, Apke, Monroe, Miller, Petrishen, and Farmer maybe. Solid set of safties, but no AA's in the bunch. Some young guys could push for PT, but it's a solid group that actually has a bit of depth. Allen needs to play under control and he will take a step forward this year IMO. No questions. Some may disagree here...get that, but it's not a bad unit overall.

K/P, need Babir and Gilliken to upgrade this position. Huge upgrade if they can perfrom. Question marks for sure.

Bottom line this season will revolve around both lines. No way around it.

 

[Tweedbear]

It always revolves around the lines

 

[LaJolla Lion]

It always revolves around the lines

Yeah, but for once PSU really does have some legit skill position weapons. It's been a while since PSU has had the skill position talent they have this year.

 

[VaNtyLion]

Still think there's a lot of PTSD as it pertains to the OL from the 10 sack Temple game.

Need to step back and consider a lot of fairly sound reasoning to anticipate a better OL this year.

1 - The OL improved last year. As astounding as it is to comprehend, the OL performed fairly well as the season went along. After that opener, PSU gave up just over 2 sacks per game and averaged just under 5 ypc on the ground (and this is while starting 10 different combos due to injuries to some key personnel and with Barkley hampered in the first 1/3rd of the season with the ankle sprain and missing a lot of action.


2 - More depth and more options to plug holes this year on the OL than we've had in 5-6 years.

3 - Better system to make up for OL vulnerabilities. The spread offense with a mobile QB can overcome a lot of deficiences on a suspect (if one believes that is what we have) OL.

 

[LaJolla Lion]

Still think there's a lot of PTSD as it pertains to the OL from the 10 sack Temple game.

Need to step back and consider a lot of fairly sound reasoning to anticipate a better OL this year.

1 - The OL improved last year. As astounding as it is to comprehend, the OL performed fairly well as the season went along. After that opener, PSU gave up just over 2 sacks per game and averaged just under 5 ypc on the ground (and this is while starting 10 different combos due to injuries to some key personnel and with Barkley hampered in the first 1/3rd of the season with the ankle sprain and missing a lot of action.


2 - More depth and more options to plug holes this year on the OL than we've had in 5-6 years.

3 - Better system to make up for OL vulnerabilities. The spread offense with a mobile QB can overcome a lot of deficiences on a suspect (if one believes that is what we have) OL.

I tend to agree, but I think we need to see it translate this year on the field. I cannot imagine any PSU fan not being excited to see what this offense can do.

 

[Rip_E_2_Joe_PA]

I think you inadvertently left Blacknall off the WR list.
I also think you missed 2 perhaps 3 starters along the OL.
I don't the the DE's are a question at all.
I expect everyone to be surprised by the performance of the LB group.

I am giving Dwight Galt my preseasons coach of impact award for 2016. I hope I can give him the post season award too. IMO ... Manny Bowen and Koa Farmer along with Givens, Ellison Jordan..OL...Dl RB...etc will be much improved players in no small part due to Mr Galt.

 

[LaJolla Lion]

I think you inadvertently left Blacknall off the WR list.
I also think you missed 2 perhaps 3 starters along the OL.
I don't the the DE's are a question at all.
I expect everyone to be surprised by the performance of the LB group.

I am giving Dwight Galt my preseasons coach of impact award for 2016. I hope I can give him the post season award too. IMO ... Manny Bowen and Koa Farmer along with Givens, Ellison Jordan..OL...Dl RB...etc will be much improved players in no small part due to Mr Galt.

I did forget Blacknall on accident. Which 2-3 starters along the OL were missed? I think some young guys could play, but they aren't starting in a 6 weeks. Which DE has proven a thing, Sickels I guess as he is the only returning starter. Brown played some and flashed for a few plays. Schwann played some last year, but he certainly didn't stand out.

 

[nitlion93]

But they are some pretty BIG ones. Guys will be in pads in less than a month so I figured we can start talking about 2016.

QB - Trace or Tommy. Trace will get the nod and he appears to win football games. Hopefully that translates into his college career. A pretty good 1-2 option as both can use their feet and hopefully both stay healthy to let Jake Z grow up for a year. New offense for all so there will be some bumps in the road. Question marks postion.

RB - Barkley, A Rob, Sanders, and Allen. No way around this....just a very talented deep group. Barkley is pretty damn big this year and there is some nice depth behind him this year. He will be able to take a break and PSU should still be able to produce on the ground. No questions. Top 5 talent at RB.

WR - Godwin, Hamilton, Polk, Thompkins, J Johnson, and Charles. Another deep and talented group. Polk and Thomkins provide some speed while Godwin is just a flat out stud. He may not be the fastest, but I'm not sure many are tougher than he is. Hamilton is also very steady. It will be interesting to see what the twin towers bring to the table this year. Both were highly recruited and both will see the field this year. No questions.

TE - Mike G, Bowers, Holland, Dalton - Boom or bust is the best way to describe this position. It is certainly one spot that is a question mark. Mike G is a freak of an athlete at 6-6 and can run. This year is his make or break year and I do expect much more production from him this year. Bowers also has some explosiveness, but this position is certainly one that can really accelerate the growth of this offense this year. Question marks postion.

OL - Nelson, Bates, Gaia, Mahon/DD, Beh/Palmer - Experience is there, but this OL has yet to perform consistently. Depth has been an issue here, but at least you're starting to see a 2 deep full of player on ship. We have to hope Limegrover and Moorhead really make an impact here. It's time to s**t or get off the pot and let the young kids take their lumps. HUGE QUESTION MARKS HERE.

DE - Sickels, Schwann, Brown, Buchholz, Miller, and Simmons (Joseph maybe?). Sickels needs to take that big step up this year and assert himself as a big time player. Schwann believe it or not has testing numbers that are freakish, but nothing has translated on the field. Brown, Miller, Buchholz, Simmons, and Joseph will all have the opportunity to earn PT. The depth is very young and very raw and you aren't going to see lightening strike twice with another Nassib. This unit will have to all pitch in to make an impact. HUGE QUESTION MARKS HERE.

DT - White, Cothren, Givens, Windsor, Cothran, Thrift, and possibly Chavis. No returning starters and comign out of the spring it looks like the most effect DT may be an undersized Givens. This position will have to really step up and make plays. Depth is a little better than we anticpated, but is it quality? HUGE QUESTION MARKS HERE.

LB's - NWW, Bell, Cabinda, Cooper, Bowen, Toney, Brown, Thomas (maybe Farmer again?) - Starting 3 are very solid and proven. This unit just lacks real depth and is very green beyond the starters. Cooper and Bowen will see some time, but Toney and Brown are both a full year away and not typical LB's. I know Toney stated he wants to be a DE, but he is under 200 lbs and the depth chart alone kind of dictates he starts out at LB. Question marks postion most due to depth, starters are very solid if they can stay healthy.

CB's - Reid, Haley, Campbell, Taylor, Amani O, Johnson, McPherson - Again the starters look to be very solid and even the reserves have seen some time. PSU for the last 10-15 years was not very strong at CB, but this is one of the better units they have had. No questions.

Safety - Allen, Golden, Apke, Monroe, Miller, Petrishen, and Farmer maybe. Solid set of safties, but no AA's in the bunch. Some young guys could push for PT, but it's a solid group that actually has a bit of depth. Allen needs to play under control and he will take a step forward this year IMO. No questions. Some may disagree here...get that, but it's not a bad unit overall.

K/P, need Babir and Gilliken to upgrade this position. Huge upgrade if they can perfrom. Question marks for sure.

Bottom line this season will revolve around both lines. No way around it.

Good analysis. You should add Saeed Blacknall to the list of WRs; he may have the largest impact and a breakout season. I also hope that the improved offensive coaches and system that utilize a mobile QB make up for the un certainties at the QB and OL position.

 

[ClarkstonMark]

Coupel comments.
1. I think RB has question marks, like who will man the FB position?
2. Toney isn't big enough for LB or DE this year, so he will be on the scout team, and enver see the depth chart this year.
3. Marcus Allen could be an AA this year. actually, he will be an AA this year.

 

[LaJolla Lion]

Coupel comments.
1. I think RB has question marks, like who will man the FB position?
2. Toney isn't big enough for LB or DE this year, so he will be on the scout team, and enver see the depth chart this year.
3. Marcus Allen could be an AA this year. actually, he will be an AA this year.

How many snaps do you anticipate a FB playing in this offense?

 

[ClarkstonMark]

How many snaps do you anticipate a FB playing in this offense?

Haha no idea, I was just kidding

 

[Nittany_9]

I fully expect as the season opens to see 8 men in the box and opposing teams looking to stop the run and force Trace to prove he can throw it. Hopefully the new offense will keep defenses more honest and not allow them to cheat.....and he can make some of those quick throws accurately.

 

[jimarnp]

But they are some pretty BIG ones. Guys will be in pads in less than a month so I figured we can start talking about 2016.

QB - Trace or Tommy. Trace will get the nod and he appears to win football games. Hopefully that translates into his college career. A pretty good 1-2 option as both can use their feet and hopefully both stay healthy to let Jake Z grow up for a year. New offense for all so there will be some bumps in the road. Question marks postion.

RB - Barkley, A Rob, Sanders, and Allen. No way around this....just a very talented deep group. Barkley is pretty damn big this year and there is some nice depth behind him this year. He will be able to take a break and PSU should still be able to produce on the ground. No questions. Top 5 talent at RB.

WR - Godwin, Hamilton, Blacknall (forgot initially) Polk, Thompkins, J Johnson, and Charles. Another deep and talented group. Polk and Thomkins provide some speed while Godwin is just a flat out stud. He may not be the fastest, but I'm not sure many are tougher than he is. Hamilton is also very steady. It will be interesting to see what the twin towers bring to the table this year. Both were highly recruited and both will see the field this year. No questions.

TE - Mike G, Bowers, Holland, Dalton - Boom or bust is the best way to describe this position. It is certainly one spot that is a question mark. Mike G is a freak of an athlete at 6-6 and can run. This year is his make or break year and I do expect much more production from him this year. Bowers also has some explosiveness, but this position is certainly one that can really accelerate the growth of this offense this year. Question marks postion.

OL - Nelson, Bates, Gaia, Mahon/DD, Beh/Palmer - Experience is there, but this OL has yet to perform consistently. Depth has been an issue here, but at least you're starting to see a 2 deep full of players on ship. We have to hope Limegrover and Moorhead really make an impact here. It's time to s**t or get off the pot and let the young kids take their lumps. HUGE QUESTION MARKS HERE.

DE - Sickels, Schwann, Brown, Buchholz, Miller, and Simmons (Joseph maybe?). Sickels needs to take that big step up this year and assert himself as a big time player. Schwann believe it or not has testing numbers that are freakish, but nothing has translated on the field. Brown, Miller, Buchholz, Simmons, and Joseph will all have the opportunity to earn PT. The depth is very young and very raw and you aren't going to see lightening strike twice with another Nassib. This unit will have to all pitch in to make an impact. HUGE QUESTION MARKS HERE.

DT - White, Cothren, Givens, Windsor, Cothran, Thrift, and possibly Chavis. No returning starters and comign out of the spring it looks like the most effect DT may be an undersized Givens. This position will have to really step up and make plays. Depth is a little better than we anticpated, but is it quality? HUGE QUESTION MARKS HERE.

LB's - NWW, Bell, Cabinda, Cooper, Bowen, Toney, Brown, Thomas (maybe Farmer again?) - Starting 3 are very solid and proven. This unit just lacks real depth and is very green beyond the starters. Cooper and Bowen will see some time, but Toney and Brown are both a full year away and not typical LB's. I know Toney stated he wants to be a DE, but he is under 200 lbs and the depth chart alone kind of dictates he starts out at LB. Question marks postion most due to depth, starters are very solid if they can stay healthy.

CB's - Reid, Haley, Campbell, Taylor, Amani O, Johnson, McPherson - Again the starters look to be very solid and even the reserves have seen some time. PSU for the last 10-15 years was not very strong at CB, but this is one of the better units they have had. No questions.

Safety - Allen, Golden, Apke, Monroe, Miller, Petrishen, and Farmer maybe. Solid set of safties, but no AA's in the bunch. Some young guys could push for PT, but it's a solid group that actually has a bit of depth. Allen needs to play under control and he will take a step forward this year IMO. No questions. Some may disagree here...get that, but it's not a bad unit overall.

K/P, need Babir and Gilliken to upgrade this position. Huge upgrade if they can perfrom. Question marks for sure.

Bottom line this season will revolve around both lines. No way around it.

Agree. Good assessment. ---Unlike the previous couple of years, most of our question
mark areas are trending up. I would not be shocked if QB, TE,OL, and K all produce solid to good results. I did not have that optimism last year

 

[81b&w]

I fully expect as the season opens to see 8 men in the box

With our offense spread out we'd kill an 8 in the box with quick hitters to the receivers. We're not gonna have a statue at QB this year

 

[bmw199]

I am really psyched for the offense this year. One of my questions is how much will they use Barkley (late in games that are decided)? Will they go for gaudy stats that make him a household name and put him on important lists at the end of the year (ala LJ) or look to limit carriers to only games of importance, with such talent behind him.

 

[LaJolla Lion]

I am really psyched for the offense this year. One of my questions is how much will they use Barkley (late in games that are decided)? Will they go for gaudy stats that make him a household name and put him on important lists at the end of the year (ala LJ) or look to limit carriers to only games of importance, with such talent behind him.

Next to none I would imagine.

 

[81b&w]

I am really psyched for the offense this year. One of my questions is how much will they use Barkley (late in games that are decided)? Will they go for gaudy stats that make him a household name and put him on important lists at the end of the year (ala LJ) or look to limit carriers to only games of importance, with such talent behind him.

that's a tough one and I could make arguments both ways. Barkley seems to run stronger as the game goes on and with our increased tempo defenses should gas quicker. Franklin doesn't come off to me as an individual numbers type coach though either?

 

[81b&w]

It sure wouldn't hurt our team exposure with a Heisman candidate name either

 

[Franklin_Restores_TheTradition]

I am really psyched for the offense this year. One of my questions is how much will they use Barkley (late in games that are decided)? Will they go for gaudy stats that make him a household name and put him on important lists at the end of the year (ala LJ) or look to limit carriers to only games of importance, with such talent behind him.

You're confused, LJ did not play late in games that were already decided to pad his stats - he did not have a lot of carries. He had one of the highest YPC averages that season for RBs with more than 100 carries and his YPC is tops for the 2000 yard club I believe. I think he only averaged mid-20s carries per game.

 

[bmw199]

You're confused, LJ did not play late in games that were already decided to pad his stats - he did not have a lot of carries. He had one of the highest YPC averages that season for RBs with more than 100 carries and his YPC is tops for the 2000 yard club I believe. I think he only averaged mid-20s carries per game.

Granted I was a teenager, but I was at some of those games. We were up and he was still in. He had multiple 300 yard games that year then didn't break 100 in the 4 losses. I'll look a the box scores later, but I'm pretty sure he ripped of some big ones in the 3rd and 4th quarter off a few games that we weren't going to lose.

 

[BBrown]

I think you inadvertently left Blacknall off the WR list.
I also think you missed 2 perhaps 3 starters along the OL.
I don't the the DE's are a question at all.
I expect everyone to be surprised by the performance of the LB group.

I am giving Dwight Galt my preseasons coach of impact award for 2016. I hope I can give him the post season award too. IMO ... Manny Bowen and Koa Farmer along with Givens, Ellison Jordan..OL...Dl RB...etc will be much improved players in no small part due to Mr Galt.

Agree all those guys look bigger and stronger and I don't know what Shane Simmons has been doing but I think I need to follow his lead.
I'm hoping the preseason impact and post season impact coach will be a tie between Moorehead and Limegrower.

 

[Obliviax]

my thoughts, FWIW. McSorley will start as he has decent experience. If he plays well, the job is his.

Hearing a lot of "oh mys" regarding Sanders. Am told that he has exceeded the high expectations in terms of athleticism. (no pads yet)

I don't think the line will be a big problem this year. This offense is line-friendly and it will be more about knowing your assignments than physicality. The offense will be solid. I expect to that we will average 35 PPG or more. I see a run oriented attack with short passing to compliment it. I don't see a ton of deep balls but we will have to of the best RBs in the nation along with one of the best stables or WRs in the nation. Can't believe I am saying that about a PSU football team!

The only real challenge is the DL. I think we are fine at DE barring injuries. Same at LB, for now, barring injuries (for a crew that has had a lot of injuries, that's a big if).

I am not sure we can win against some of the better teams in the B1G, but I don't see anyone who is really elite. tOSU has lost a ton of talent but has a ton on the bench. UM has a ton of talent but has some question marks as well. MSU lost a ton. I think someone can sneak up and steal it (Iowa, NW....PSU?).

The key game to the season, as many have said, it Pitt. Win at Pitt and we've got a lot of confidence and momentum. We lose to Pitt and we will struggle to win 7 games.

 

[BBrown]

Coupel comments.
1. I think RB has question marks, like who will man the FB position?
2. Toney isn't big enough for LB or DE this year, so he will be on the scout team, and enver see the depth chart this year.
3. Marcus Allen could be an AA this year. actually, he will be an AA this year.

I think the FB Position will be gone unless its occasionally played by a TE.
I'm expecting more Split Back type setups, when a FB would normally be used.

 

[LaJolla Lion]

It sure wouldn't hurt our team exposure with a Heisman candidate name either

This team will revolve around him and while personal awards are great, W's and him playing the following week trump everything else. Not to mention you have good backs behind him who need carries. People would scream for his head if Barkley is hurt in mop up time.

 

[BBrown]

I fully expect as the season opens to see 8 men in the box and opposing teams looking to stop the run and force Trace to prove he can throw it. Hopefully the new offense will keep defenses more honest and not allow them to cheat.....and he can make some of those quick throws accurately.

Thats why I like that opening game with Kent St. Their defense was ranked and rated pretty good last year so we'll see how far we've come.
They (Kent St.) aren't Temple, from last year, but it will be a good test for our offense.

 

[BBrown]

You're confused, LJ did not play late in games that were already decided to pad his stats - he did not have a lot of carries. He had one of the highest YPC averages that season for RBs with more than 100 carries and his YPC is tops for the 2000 yard club I believe. I think he only averaged mid-20s carries per game.

Correct. The only game I remember him coming back in was the MSU game in '02. When Joe put him back in to eclipse the 2000 yard mark.

 

[Obliviax]

I fully expect as the season opens to see 8 men in the box and opposing teams looking to stop the run and force Trace to prove he can throw it. Hopefully the new offense will keep defenses more honest and not allow them to cheat.....and he can make some of those quick throws accurately.

Agree...but this offense can spread the field. think five olinemen and the QB in the shotgun. If they put 8 in the box, they can't cover the perimeter. 7 or 8 in the box with five wide only leave the D with 4 or 3 to cover 5. One broken tackle on a slant to Hamilton or Barkley and "she gone".

 

[BiochemPSU]

Numbers don't lie:
In 2016 PSU finished 125th out of 127 teams in offensive 3rd down conversion percentage.
That's how not to win football games: offense can't convert and the defense has to defend a short field most of the time.

Has there been enough improvement with the o-line that when you add a running QB to the mix this unit can move into the top 50 in terms of third down conversions on offense? If we have a better punter (I know he is a frosh) than this team will be in the thick of most games.

 

[VaNtyLion]

Numbers don't lie:
In 2016 PSU finished 125th out of 127 teams in offensive 3rd down conversion percentage.

Here are our punting stats for 2016:
RANK TEAM G PUNT YDS OPP PUNT RET YDS PUNTS TB NET YDS
102 Penn St. 13 3182 190 81 5 35.70

That's how not to win football games: offense can't convert and the defense has to defend a short field most of the time.

Has there been enough improvement with the o-line that when you add a running QB to the mix this unit can move into the top 50 in terms of third down conversions on offense? If we have a better punter (I know he is a frosh) who can move those net yards another 3 to 5 yards on average than this team will be in the thick of most games.

I put a lot of this on Hack's inability to make the easy quick out or bubble screen throws on 1st and 2nd down. It seemed like far too often we were behind the sticks because of a lousy short range throw. Any time a D can pin back their ears against an immobile QB on 3rd and long, and bring more guys than an OL can block it's certainly a recipe for disaster. The OL takes the brunt of the blame for that but I'd look more at 1st and 2nd down unforced errors.

Special teams will see a major upgrade this year and that alone can be a pretty big difference maker when we figure to be in quite a few tight games.

 

[LaJolla Lion]

Numbers don't lie:
In 2016 PSU finished 125th out of 127 teams in offensive 3rd down conversion percentage.
That's how not to win football games: offense can't convert and the defense has to defend a short field most of the time.

Has there been enough improvement with the o-line that when you add a running QB to the mix this unit can move into the top 50 in terms of third down conversions on offense? If we have a better punter (I know he is a frosh) than this team will be in the thick of most games.

It's hard to convert 3rd and 15 versus 3rd and 4. I don't expect 39 sacks this year and I think these QB's can pick up some yards with their feet.

 

[81b&w]

I put a lot of this on Hack's inability to make the easy quick out or bubble screen throws on 1st and 2nd down.

Agree. I rewatched parts of the BW game the other day and was again impressed with Traces throws. He has a quick release, leads the receiver well, and throws a nice catchable ball. With his crew of receivers, look out

 

[81b&w]

It's hard to convert 3rd and 15 versus 3rd and 4. I don't expect 39 sacks this year and I think these QB's can pick up some yards with their feet.

BTW Lajolla, thanks for a nice football related thread, it's refreshing

 

[Sviatoslav]

Correct. The only game I remember him coming back in was the MSU game in '02. When Joe put him back in to eclipse the 2000 yard mark.

He was a man among boys that game. Ridiculous.

 

[VaNtyLion]

Agree. I rewatched parts of the BW game the other day and was again impressed with Traces throws. He has a quick release, leads the receiver well, and throws a nice catchable ball. With his crew of receivers, look out

I noticed the same thing with McSorely's passes.

Thing people quite often forget about Hack is that even in high school he was extremely average for a comp %, and in his best year under BOB with ARob and those stud TEs he was still under 60%.. Great downfield passer but always struggled with what should have been the easiest throws.

McSorely may not have Hack's arm or size but if he can distribute those balls from the line of scrimmage to 10 yds out we'll be in great shape in staying out of 3rd and long. That just opens up a lot more options with this skill position stable of WRs and RBs.

 

[Franklin_Restores_TheTradition]

Correct. The only game I remember him coming back in was the MSU game in '02. When Joe put him back in to eclipse the 2000 yard mark.

Yea, I just looked it up - HERE IS THE LINK. In 2002, LJ gained 2,087 yards, on 271 carries in 13 games. That's a 7.7 ypc on just under 21 carries per game averages. Complete nonsense that LJ had a lot of carries in slop time. That site also lists most single season yards by college RBs - Barry Sanders still leads with 2,628 but he carried the ball 344 times in 11 games or 31.27 carries per game. Tony Dorsett averaged 31 carries per game in 1976. LJ's 7.7 ypc is what took him over 2,000 not a lot of carries (LJ has the highest ypc average in the 2,000 yard club).

 

[BBrown]

He was a man among boys that game. Ridiculous.

Yea it was pretty bad but I think the IU game was even worse and the was him playing on a field that looked like it should host Beach Volley Ball.

 

[Nitt1300]

Other than seeing how the new scheme works, I'm looking forward to seeing if we have a TE who can catch and a QB who can throw a screen pass anywhere other than into the ground.

I can't afford to pull any more hair out.

 

[Franklin_Restores_TheTradition]

Agree...but this offense can spread the field. think five olinemen and the QB in the shotgun. If they put 8 in the box, they can't cover the perimeter. 7 or 8 in the box with five wide only leave the D with 4 or 3 to cover 5. One broken tackle on a slant to Hamilton or Barkley and "she gone".

Moorhead's "Read-Option Westcoast Spread Attack" is designed to breakdown "attack defenses". Impossible for most defenses to "Load the Box" when you have both WRs (e.g., the guys lined up on the LOS to make 7 on the LOS with 5 OL), and the other three eligible receivers "flanked out". There would literally be uncovered receivers (7 in the box would have 4 covering 5 and 8 in the box would have 3 covering 5 receivers) -- IOW, not possible for a defense to "load the box" against many formations that can be run from Moorhead's version of the Read-Option unless the opposing D-Coordinator is bent on suicide.

 

[mean15]

Correct. The only game I remember him coming back in was the MSU game in '02. When Joe put him back in to eclipse the 2000 yard mark.

If I remember correctly, LJ needed something like 230 yards in the MSU game to hit the 2000 mark. I am pretty sure he got that in the first half. PSU was up big, and Joe put him for just one carry at the beginning of the 2nd half, just so he could take him out again to a standing O. Curtain call.

 

[bmw199]

Yea, I just looked it up - HERE IS THE LINK. In 2002, LJ gained 2,087 yards, on 271 carries in 13 games. That's a 7.7 ypc on just under 21 carries per game averages. Complete nonsense that LJ had a lot of carries in slop time. That site also lists most single season yards by college RBs - Barry Sanders still leads with 2,628 but he carried the ball 344 times in 11 games or 31.27 carries per game. Tony Dorsett averaged 31 carries per game in 1976. LJ's 7.7 ypc is what took him over 2,000 not a lot of carries (LJ has the highest ypc average in the 2,000 yard club).

I never said he got a lot of carriers, I said he was used. When you take one 4th quarter carry for 40 yards you were still in the game. He was that good. Regardless, my question was would Barkley be in the game in the late 3rd or 4th if we're up 20 points, and the mood seems to be no.