Noticeable lack of passion.

[YeOldeCup]

If you watched MSU's offense on the field (in the huddle and in execution) throughout the game, you saw energy, excitement, anticipation -- a sense of purpose; not unlike OSU's sense of purpose in Q4 last week.

We looked more like automatons awaiting the next instruction. No reaction on big (OR badly executed) plays. Franklin looked stoic -- almost plastic. There was zero enthusiasm throughout.

If his teams can only win convincingly at home in front of packed houses under ideal conditions, he is the one with corrections to be made. If there is no sense of "team" and no common commitment to goals, it's an emotionless machine that can never adjust.

Today's team was lifeless. Uninspired. In the end I saw no recognition of what had just transpired.

Someone has to lead the team. Players change. The coach is the constant.

 

[EPC FAN]

If you watched MSU's offense on the field (in the huddle and in execution) throughout the game, you saw energy, excitement, anticipation -- a sense of purpose; not unlike OSU's sense of purpose in Q4 last week.

We looked more like automatons awaiting the next instruction. No reaction on big (OR badly executed) plays. Franklin looked stoic -- almost plastic. There was zero enthusiasm throughout.

If his teams can only win convincingly at home in front of packed houses under ideal conditions, he is the one with corrections to be made. If there is no sense of "team" and no common commitment to goals, it's an emotionless machine that can never adjust.

Today's team was lifeless. Uninspired. In the end I saw no recognition of what had just transpired.

Someone has to lead the team. Players change. The coach is the constant.

Can you remember an offensive lineman playing so hard through the whistle, he got hit with a personal foul? There is not one mean son of a bitch on this line.

 

[okinburg1]

Can you remember an offensive lineman playing so hard through the whistle, he got hit with a personal foul? There is not one mean son of a bitch on this line.

Saw CJ Thorpe a lot in high school. He'll bring that passion next year.

 

[EPC FAN]

Saw CJ Thorpe a lot in high school. He'll bring that passion next year.

That will be one.

 

[Nittany_93]

I suspect they're sufficiently motivated. I DO wonder if Trace and (especially) Barkley are worn down. Wish we'd see more of Stevens and Sanders spotting them. They seem to just disappear in big games.

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

If you watched MSU's offense on the field (in the huddle and in execution) throughout the game, you saw energy, excitement, anticipation -- a sense of purpose; not unlike OSU's sense of purpose in Q4 last week.

We looked more like automatons awaiting the next instruction. No reaction on big (OR badly executed) plays. Franklin looked stoic -- almost plastic. There was zero enthusiasm throughout.

If his teams can only win convincingly at home in front of packed houses under ideal conditions, he is the one with corrections to be made. If there is no sense of "team" and no common commitment to goals, it's an emotionless machine that can never adjust.

Today's team was lifeless. Uninspired. In the end I saw no recognition of what had just transpired.

Someone has to lead the team. Players change. The coach is the constant.

Can’t make excuses but a three hour weather delay probably has a weird effect on these guys. Not like a tennis player or baseball player who is used to it. Way too much time to think and get distracted. Weather was a big equalizer for them and they came out fired up.

 

[EPC FAN]

I suspect they're sufficiently motivated. I DO wonder if Trace and (especially) Barkley are worn down. Wish we'd see more of Stevens and Sanders spotting them. They seem to just disappear in big games.

They disappear in big games??

 

[The Song Remains the Same]

They disappear in big games??

Stevens and Sanders....

 

[Lyons212]

Three emotional games in a row against good opposition will take a lot out of you. Not an excuse but human nature.

 

[YeOldeCup]

Can’t make excuses but a three hour weather delay probably has a weird effect on these guys. Not like a tennis player or baseball player who is used to it. Way too much time to think and get distracted. Weather was a big equalizer for them and they came out fired up.

But you just did make excuses. How is a delay any different for MSU? If weather can be a differentiator, then we have severe preparation (and confidence) problems. We played with no emotion whatsoever, right to the end.

Why did PSU not come out from the delay, and from halftime, fired up?!?

 

[YeOldeCup]

Three emotional games in a row against good opposition will take a lot out of you. Not an excuse but human nature.

Good -- but certainly not great opposition. OSU and MSU both have two losses to teams not called Penn State. That's not how elite college teams measure themselves (Michigan may finish with 4+ losses BTW). What is an "emotional" game? Those against the top 25? We've have no wins (or losses for that matter) against anyone now in contention for the CFP.

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

But you just did make excuses. How is a delay any different for MSU? If weather can be a differentiator, then we have severe preparation (and confidence) problems. We played with no emotion whatsoever, right to the end.

Why did PSU not come out from the delay, and from halftime, fired up?!?

Didn’t say it cost us the game.

 

[okinburg1]

That will be one.

One is better than none

 

[PSUoh90]

Saw CJ Thorpe a lot in high school. He'll bring that passion next year.

I know he’s RSing this year but I haven’t heard much about him since he’s been on campus? I’ve heard good things about Miranda though. Any word on Thorpe?

 

[spartyhater]

M$U playing at home was able to spend the lightning delay in their comfy football building and changed into clean, dry uniforms. PSU had to sit in their uncomfortable visitor locker room all wet and dirty. Not saying that is why PSU lost, but I think it did factor into the loss and lack of passion.

 

[nittany119]

I know he’s RSing this year but I haven’t heard much about him since he’s been on campus? I’ve heard good things about Miranda though. Any word on Thorpe?

How about Menet? Is he playing?

 

[katchthis]

If you watched MSU's offense on the field (in the huddle and in execution) throughout the game, you saw energy, excitement, anticipation -- a sense of purpose; not unlike OSU's sense of purpose in Q4 last week.

We looked more like automatons awaiting the next instruction. No reaction on big (OR badly executed) plays. Franklin looked stoic -- almost plastic. There was zero enthusiasm throughout.

If his teams can only win convincingly at home in front of packed houses under ideal conditions, he is the one with corrections to be made. If there is no sense of "team" and no common commitment to goals, it's an emotionless machine that can never adjust.

Today's team was lifeless. Uninspired. In the end I saw no recognition of what had just transpired.

Someone has to lead the team. Players change. The coach is the constant.

Joe had some teams flat too, and it turned out alright.
IMO, CJF seems pumped and animated when things are going well . He kind of goes into a shell when it's not. I agree he can go into plastic man mode. At least with Joe, you knew what he was thinking. He would get into a players grill, if he felt that would work. Have to know your team and each players personalty to know what buttons to push. I think CJF is still learning. He doesn't have a ton of HC experience. Hopefully, he can figure it out.

 

[PSUoh90]

How about Menet? Is he playing?

Don’t think he’s played at all.

 

[BobPSU92]

I told a few of the offensive linemen that they weren't mean sons of bitches after the Tosu loss. It didn't go well for me, but at least they know I feel, which is most important.