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Next year, better or worse?

Nitwit

Nitwit

Well-Known Member
Jul 18, 2001
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Pennsylvania
Offense
QB same or better
TE worse
OL better
RB worse
Receivers same or worse

Defense
DL better
LB same or worse
DB worse

Special teams
Punting worse
Place kicking better
Kickoffs same

Overall I’m ok with this. Most games are won or lost at the line of scrimmage. Maybe we step back a bit after losing Saquon, Hamilton, and Gesecki, but an improved offensive and defensive line goes a long way, and our DBs, with Reid back and some of the young players could still be very good. Johnson is looking like the next great receiver and we have some depth there. The kicking game is an unknown at this point but we need to find a reliable place kicker and punter too, although our record in the red zone has been very good. Can Sanders be the next great back? Can we fill in at LB with quality starters? Can we find a good pass catching tight end? The wildcard here might be Stevens and how we use him.

Overall the depth of quality players keeps increasing with successive recruiting classes, but we really do lose some fantastic skill people after this season. It’s like the circle of life in college football, and makes it a fun sport to watch. What say you, Football brainiacs?
 
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Nitwit said:
Offense
QB same or better
TE worse
OL better
RB worse
Receivers same or worse

Defense
DL better
LB same or worse
DB worse

Special teams
Punting worse
Place kicking better
Kickoffs same

Overall I’m ok with this. Most games are won or lost at the line of scrimmage. Maybe we step back a bit after losing Saquon and Gesecki, but an improved offensive and defensive line goes a long way, and our DBs, with Reid back and some of the young players could still be very good. Johnson is looking like the next great receiver and we have some depth there. The kicking game is an unknown at this point but we need to find a reliable place kicker and punter too, although our record in the red zone has been very good. Can Sanders be the next great back? Can we fill in at LB with quality starters? Can we find a good pass catching tight end? The wildcard here might be Stevens and how we use him.

Overall the depth of quality players keeps increasing with successive recruiting classes, but we really do lose some fantastic skill people after this season. It’s like the circle of life in college football, and makes it a fun sport to watch. What say you, Football brainiacs?
Click to expand...
The future is bright but I think we take a step back for next year. Not realistic to expect to replace the offensive fire power of Barkley Hamilton and Gesicki MSU and Michigan are loaded with returning starters and Ohio State is Ohio State.
 
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The team will be a little bit worse, I expect. Losing some big-time playmakers on offense and in the defensive backfield. However, like you said, an improved offensive and defensive line could go a long way and even turn us into a better team. Plus, McSorley will be a year better and that'll be huge.

Look at the schedule, too: Ohio State and Michigan State are at home with a bye week in between. Iowa and Wisconsin are on the schedule, but also at home. At Michigan might be the toughest game on paper with the new QB they're bringing in and a lot of returning starters, right?

I haven't given next year too much thought until this thread, but come to think of it, yeah, Penn State could certainly have another 10-win season.
 
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First, being worse in college football does not mean your record will be worse. It matters when, how and who you lose games to. Further, it matters who you play, when you play them and of course where you play them. Wiscy, Iowa, Sparty and OSU at home next year, big difference then going there.

Second, Oklahoma is a team many thought would be worse this year. They lost 2 top Rbs, and a superstar WR. They are fine.

Lastly, our punting will be fine so there's that mistake. Our DBs could very well be better with experience of Castro Fields and Wade after this year, Reid (who was our best CB) returning, and Amani starting with all of his experience and length. You also have no idea what freshman like Shorter and Parsons can step up right away and what guys who haven't played yet are capable of. Bet we never thought Barkley would be Barkley his freshman year or Marcus Allen would play so soon and be so good for so long. Tons of talent that we have not had before who redshirted this year or were true freshman or were just unable to crack the lineup due to other more experienced players. I expect minimum 9 wins but up to 11 in reg season.
 
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If, as is suggested in the original post, both the o- line and d-line improve, then the team as a whole should improve.
 
There are some good LB's to replace, but I am not counting on LB (as a unit) being worse next year. I will be fascinated to watch the young LB's in action, and hoping they can get it done.
 
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ericstratton-rushchairman said:
Maybe I am in the minority here but Sanders does not look even look like a serviceable RB much less top tier. Maybe Journey will show us something but I am worried about Miles. I hope I am wrong.
Click to expand...
Miles Sanders in two years: 50 carries, 360 yards (7.2 ypa). You can't ask for anything more than that. Of course he doesn't look like Barkley out there, but he'll continue to get better with first-team (and more) reps.

Ricky Slade (redshirt year???) and Journey Brown appear to be the "home run" threats who can use elusiveness to their advantage.
 
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SaquonCappelletti said:
Miles Sanders in two years: 50 carries, 360 yards (7.2 ypa). You can't ask for anything more than that. Of course he doesn't look like Barkley out there, but he'll continue to get better with first-team (and more) reps.

Ricky Slade (redshirt year???) and Journey Brown appear to be the "home run" threats who can use elusiveness to their advantage.
Click to expand...
Might be interesting to see what Sanders does when he is "the man" at RB.....getting into the flow of the game with regular carries and taking all of the number 1 snaps in practice

A huge advantage next year is that Trace will be a senior.....having a senior quarterback who is a returning starter is a big deal in college football

if the O and D lines are better than this year we just might be on to something
 
Judge Smails said:
'Member when we used to be terrible at 3rd down conversions? I 'member.
Click to expand...

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Nitwit said:
Offense
QB same or better
TE worse
OL better
RB worse
Receivers same or worse

Defense
DL better
LB same or worse
DB worse

Special teams
Punting worse
Place kicking better
Kickoffs same

Overall I’m ok with this. Most games are won or lost at the line of scrimmage. Maybe we step back a bit after losing Saquon, Hamilton, and Gesecki, but an improved offensive and defensive line goes a long way, and our DBs, with Reid back and some of the young players could still be very good. Johnson is looking like the next great receiver and we have some depth there. The kicking game is an unknown at this point but we need to find a reliable place kicker and punter too, although our record in the red zone has been very good. Can Sanders be the next great back? Can we fill in at LB with quality starters? Can we find a good pass catching tight end? The wildcard here might be Stevens and how we use him.

Overall the depth of quality players keeps increasing with successive recruiting classes, but we really do lose some fantastic skill people after this season. It’s like the circle of life in college football, and makes it a fun sport to watch. What say you, Football brainiacs?
Click to expand...

I think we take a step back some because of lack of experience at some positions, but the unknown is very exciting - especially with all the talent CJF has brought in recently. Can’t wait to watch!
 
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Nitwit said:
Offense
QB same or better
TE worse
OL better
RB worse
Receivers same or worse

Defense
DL better
LB same or worse
DB worse

Special teams
Punting worse
Place kicking better
Kickoffs same

Overall I’m ok with this. Most games are won or lost at the line of scrimmage. Maybe we step back a bit after losing Saquon, Hamilton, and Gesecki, but an improved offensive and defensive line goes a long way, and our DBs, with Reid back and some of the young players could still be very good. Johnson is looking like the next great receiver and we have some depth there. The kicking game is an unknown at this point but we need to find a reliable place kicker and punter too, although our record in the red zone has been very good. Can Sanders be the next great back? Can we fill in at LB with quality starters? Can we find a good pass catching tight end? The wildcard here might be Stevens and how we use him.

Overall the depth of quality players keeps increasing with successive recruiting classes, but we really do lose some fantastic skill people after this season. It’s like the circle of life in college football, and makes it a fun sport to watch. What say you, Football brainiacs?
Click to expand...

On DB, John Reid is without a doubt, the best DB on the team. We have tons of depth at the other CB spot. I'd say are corners will be better and Safeties slightly worse due to Allen's departure. DBs probably the same in the end.
 
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If you have a GREAT qb, that goes a long way in college football. McSorley has been a ~155 efficiency qb the last two years. If he can make a jump to 170-180+ next year, with his running mixed in, we are going to be a very tough out.
 
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Judge Smails said:
If you have a GREAT qb, that goes a long way in college football. McSorley has been a ~155 efficiency qb the last two years. If he can make a jump to 170-180+ next year, with his running mixed in, we are going to be a very tough out.
Click to expand...


Just a quarter teaspoon of poise in plays behind the LOS and a pinch of refined short pass control and 170/180+ is within his grasp.
 
Nitwit said:
Offense
QB same or better
TE worse
OL better
RB worse
Receivers same or worse

Defense
DL better
LB same or worse
DB worse

Special teams
Punting worse
Place kicking better
Kickoffs same

Overall I’m ok with this. Most games are won or lost at the line of scrimmage. Maybe we step back a bit after losing Saquon, Hamilton, and Gesecki, but an improved offensive and defensive line goes a long way, and our DBs, with Reid back and some of the young players could still be very good. Johnson is looking like the next great receiver and we have some depth there. The kicking game is an unknown at this point but we need to find a reliable place kicker and punter too, although our record in the red zone has been very good. Can Sanders be the next great back? Can we fill in at LB with quality starters? Can we find a good pass catching tight end? The wildcard here might be Stevens and how we use him.

Overall the depth of quality players keeps increasing with successive recruiting classes, but we really do lose some fantastic skill people after this season. It’s like the circle of life in college football, and makes it a fun sport to watch. What say you, Football brainiacs?
Click to expand...

Sanders may not be Barkley right now, but with the OL improvements, it's unlikely there will be any real noticeable decrease in production at RB. I'd actually argue the running game as a whole will be better....perhaps significantly.

Biggest holes to fill on the team:

Offense - Tight End
Defense - LB
 
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Will miss Barkley the most in the passing game as he was a real weapon there. Sanders doesn't appear to have the pass catching skills that Barkley has. This will be a good spot for the Stevens package.
 
ericstratton-rushchairman said:
Maybe I am in the minority here but Sanders does not look even look like a serviceable RB much less top tier. Maybe Journey will show us something but I am worried about Miles. I hope I am wrong.
Click to expand...

I dont think I will go as far as you but I did expect more from him last night.
He had the opportunity to take the lead and he didn't do it.
 
Judge Smails said:
If you have a GREAT qb, that goes a long way in college football. McSorley has been a ~155 efficiency qb the last two years. If he can make a jump to 170-180+ next year, with his running mixed in, we are going to be a very tough out.
Click to expand...

Exactly , BUT if you lose McSorley for most of the season like Michigan lost its starting QB (Speight who was the QB that beat PSU 49-10) this season let see your record or Sparty's if they lose Lewerke for next year.

Most PSU fans say the 49-10 loss at Michigan was because you had no healthy line backers same goes for Michigan losing their starting QB.

A healthy McSorley is the best QB in the Big 10 but if you lose him watch out!
 
Ah, winter, time to settle in. The season of reflection. Their is a season for everything. Settle down by the fire, warm your hearts, assess where you have been, and your future travel plans. With the homework done, fill your glasses, and inhale the bouquet; time to savor your favorite blend. Trust your vintner; he'll know how to harvest the grapes and lend them to your palate for the seasons to come. He has told us there is a time for everything. There is a song in there somewhere. I am enjoying the season and the rewards of the year. Success with honor lives boldly; it says so on the label. There is a bright light shining ahead. It will be fine.
 
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LurkerLazarus said:
Does anybody think that there's any chance at all that Slade redshirts? I don't see it, myself. He looks to me like a kid who could make an instant impact in spots. Having options other than Sanders will make Sanders better.
Click to expand...
I agree.
 
QB - same
WR - slightly worse
RB - Worse
TE - Worse
OL - Better

DE - Better
DT - Worse
LB - Worse
CB - slightly better
S - Worse

P - same
K - Better

Probably looking at nine wins next year unless our DTs and LBs outperform expectations.
 
RBs obviously will take a step back but every team losing a Saquon Barkley would. There is talent here but I am not sure how RB dependent this offense is, sometimes the RB reps seemed forced and out of the flow of the offense with Moorhead trying to get Barkley more touches. Very understandable.

WR equally awesome. Lots of talent. How are we gonna replace Godwin??? How will we replace Hamilton?? Juwon Johnson is about to become a household name.

TEs in passing game down, blocking game improved.

Offensive line, coming together at Fiesta, showed their ability which will only improve next year with more depth and added experience. This unit will finally be a strength.

QB better, another year experienced, running same scheme and another year as team leader.

Overall offense better, why??? Trace McSorley, and Ricky Rahne. They just seem to click. Loved how they distributed the ball. This offense is all about the QB we have Trace!!!!!

Defense

Secondary. Corners better. AO was our best corner during the season. Reid returns and he is our best corner. Excellent depth with Fields, Wade and beyond. Safeties we haven’t seen much of but we have some very athletic guys back there. Just a prediction on safties...worst in run support and better in passing game. Allen and Apke weren’t very good in the passing game but were outstanding in run support.

Defensive line. Better and could be significantly better. More depth. Guys like Simmons and Matos putting some more size on to go with the experience. Not to mention freshman who may jump in from this talented class. DT will be solid, Buckholz will be there some, Givens, true DT like Hansard will be helpful. DE will be better and DT will be at least equal. These guys always seem to step up.

Linebacker. TBD. Without knowing who, what and where I can’t judge this group. Is Cam Brown, Ellis Brooks, Koa Farmer a solid group??? Will that even be the group. Until we see where these guys end up and spring ball i can’t judge this group.

Overall defense. I am gonna say better in pass defense and same to a little worst in run game until I see safties and linebacker group that is my opinion. It isn’t like the linebackers played that well this year and it will be a huge drop off.

Special teams better. Coverages will keep getting better with our athletes. Blake is back for his junior year and should keep improving. I feel for Tyler Davis but we can’t get any worst place kicking in 2018 from 2017.

Overall I think we are in position to have a better record in 2018, maybe not a better team overall. The team has McSorley, athletes, a swagger, favorable schedule with tough games at home where they think they are unbeatable. It will cover up some of the gaps until they get them filled in.
 
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DBs - at the end of the year I think we will find they are better. Reid is definitely our top guy if he is back to full form. Marcus will be tough to replace in run support.

LBs - not sold that they will be worse. Smith was a late year addition. Too late imo as Bowen never impressed. Cabinda seemed like a smart guy in the middle but always slow to close space. Our lb seemed nonexistent in pass support coverage imo. They may not be better but I like the odds of them being much more athletic.
 
Nitwit said:
Offense
QB same or better
TE worse
OL better
RB worse
Receivers same or worse

Defense
DL better
LB same or worse
DB worse

Special teams
Punting worse
Place kicking better
Kickoffs same

Overall I’m ok with this. Most games are won or lost at the line of scrimmage. Maybe we step back a bit after losing Saquon, Hamilton, and Gesecki, but an improved offensive and defensive line goes a long way, and our DBs, with Reid back and some of the young players could still be very good. Johnson is looking like the next great receiver and we have some depth there. The kicking game is an unknown at this point but we need to find a reliable place kicker and punter too, although our record in the red zone has been very good. Can Sanders be the next great back? Can we fill in at LB with quality starters? Can we find a good pass catching tight end? The wildcard here might be Stevens and how we use him.

Overall the depth of quality players keeps increasing with successive recruiting classes, but we really do lose some fantastic skill people after this season. It’s like the circle of life in college football, and makes it a fun sport to watch. What say you, Football brainiacs?
Click to expand...
DBs will not be worse. They should be better.
 
I still think 2019 is the year they can make a deep run even without Trace here. Whether that's Stevens or Clifford I think the team around the QB will be stronger.

Not everyone is sold on Sanders. Personally, I think he's a KR and change of pace back next year. Hoping someone else steps up or he proves me wrong.

We go at least 9-3 next year but it won't be as easy as this year IMO. Having Ohio State, Iowa, Wisconsin & Michigan State at home will obviously help.
 
The question for me is depth. PSU lost games with key injuries to a few players and didn't have depth to overcome those injuries. Injuries will occur, but if depth is better, team should be okay.

Will have a better idea after Spring practice.
 
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