Sure, we had hoped for more success. Year 1 was better than average, after all, as was Year 2. But the expected solidification and game by game progress was missing.
Still, the D played great in Y. 1, but lost their edge in Y. 2, for whatever reason. Maybe coaching. Maybe Youth. Maybe they were burned out from shouldering the burden for so long.
Most troubling, the O never got their wheels under them, despite a 5 star QB who lit it up in OBs final year.
Nor did STs.
Graduating players not sticking around: Totally understandable. They've had enough frustration and "change." Most have their degrees. More new coaches. Unhappy fan base. "Other" negative vibes from the past. Best of luck to them. They are true Penn Staters.
PA bred coaching staff: Adds to a traditional base that is happy to be in HV. Brings Stability, assuming they do their jobs well. Overall a good thing.
Pry: He provides consistency and some young blood, proving that a good job can get you ahead without having to job shop which can be a very distasteful, dirty game. Just look at those who tried it. You can wonder if they sold their souls.....
Moorhead: More of the same, good things all. After a few months od pure chaos, how he steps to center stage, well, slightly right of center but still in the limelight. His skills are much needed. Hoping the new O staff meshes. I think they want to and they will. It will take so much heat off CJF, too.
Limegrover: Speaking of limelight, this guy has really outstanding academic credentials ( U of Chicago, NW) who is now taking better care of himself. My read is that he was truly swamped by his workload at MN but gave it all and was totally loyal to his HC to the end. All impressive credentials. Wish him the best and hope he takes root with the HV fan base. He deserves it. Watch for OL players to notice change for the better as the year wears on.
The Team: My read was...they became a bit of D vs O. with O being the 2nd class citizens. I look for that to change, for the better. If Lime can bring respect - and results - and Pry can maintain the D in the Top 35 or so this coming season, and the STs can improve, we will be on to something pretty good. and finally see the trend heading back up, rather than battling to keep their heads above water. No fun.
CJF: I think the guy has learned a few things from his first two years here. And his staff fallout/rebuilding will let him enjoy Life a bit more. No one can doubt his energy and effort. But he doesn't have to do it all. Working with a guy like that is hard - on those around him, and on himself and his family. I want to see him smiling more, and a bit more relaxed as the year wears on. That will be good for everybody.
Go Penn State.
Still, the D played great in Y. 1, but lost their edge in Y. 2, for whatever reason. Maybe coaching. Maybe Youth. Maybe they were burned out from shouldering the burden for so long.
Most troubling, the O never got their wheels under them, despite a 5 star QB who lit it up in OBs final year.
Nor did STs.
Graduating players not sticking around: Totally understandable. They've had enough frustration and "change." Most have their degrees. More new coaches. Unhappy fan base. "Other" negative vibes from the past. Best of luck to them. They are true Penn Staters.
PA bred coaching staff: Adds to a traditional base that is happy to be in HV. Brings Stability, assuming they do their jobs well. Overall a good thing.
Pry: He provides consistency and some young blood, proving that a good job can get you ahead without having to job shop which can be a very distasteful, dirty game. Just look at those who tried it. You can wonder if they sold their souls.....
Moorhead: More of the same, good things all. After a few months od pure chaos, how he steps to center stage, well, slightly right of center but still in the limelight. His skills are much needed. Hoping the new O staff meshes. I think they want to and they will. It will take so much heat off CJF, too.
Limegrover: Speaking of limelight, this guy has really outstanding academic credentials ( U of Chicago, NW) who is now taking better care of himself. My read is that he was truly swamped by his workload at MN but gave it all and was totally loyal to his HC to the end. All impressive credentials. Wish him the best and hope he takes root with the HV fan base. He deserves it. Watch for OL players to notice change for the better as the year wears on.
The Team: My read was...they became a bit of D vs O. with O being the 2nd class citizens. I look for that to change, for the better. If Lime can bring respect - and results - and Pry can maintain the D in the Top 35 or so this coming season, and the STs can improve, we will be on to something pretty good. and finally see the trend heading back up, rather than battling to keep their heads above water. No fun.
CJF: I think the guy has learned a few things from his first two years here. And his staff fallout/rebuilding will let him enjoy Life a bit more. No one can doubt his energy and effort. But he doesn't have to do it all. Working with a guy like that is hard - on those around him, and on himself and his family. I want to see him smiling more, and a bit more relaxed as the year wears on. That will be good for everybody.
Go Penn State.
