So, I'm new to this board, but I've been following PSU football since 1968.
I see photos of the weight room and lift records, see that our guys 2015-2018 are so much stronger and faster than they were in the early 2000s. I get that, and realize that strength and speed are important for winning football games.
But when your team consistently loses leads in the 4th quarter against top competition, one has to wonder if these guys are in shape. 6 times in the last 19 games. USC, App State, MSU x 2, OSU x 2.
The losses (except maybe today) showed poor pass rush and tackling. Arm tackling happens when your tired. Poor pass rush is a result of being tired.
Say what you will about Paterno's teams, but they didnt lose 4th quarter leads so consistently.
I knew a couple kids on the 2005-8 teams. The players all (including OL/DL) did timed 600 yd runs to evaluate conditioning. And I remember hearing LaVar Arrington talk about the team doing 3-5 mile runs.
I'm not saying lack of conditioning is the main problem. Game day coaching is clearly an issue as well. But I'd like to know how well conditioned our guys are compared to other CFB teams, and to older PSU teams.
I see photos of the weight room and lift records, see that our guys 2015-2018 are so much stronger and faster than they were in the early 2000s. I get that, and realize that strength and speed are important for winning football games.
But when your team consistently loses leads in the 4th quarter against top competition, one has to wonder if these guys are in shape. 6 times in the last 19 games. USC, App State, MSU x 2, OSU x 2.
The losses (except maybe today) showed poor pass rush and tackling. Arm tackling happens when your tired. Poor pass rush is a result of being tired.
Say what you will about Paterno's teams, but they didnt lose 4th quarter leads so consistently.
I knew a couple kids on the 2005-8 teams. The players all (including OL/DL) did timed 600 yd runs to evaluate conditioning. And I remember hearing LaVar Arrington talk about the team doing 3-5 mile runs.
I'm not saying lack of conditioning is the main problem. Game day coaching is clearly an issue as well. But I'd like to know how well conditioned our guys are compared to other CFB teams, and to older PSU teams.
