The road to 10-2 season...

[VaNtyLion]

I think optimism is warranted for this year but also believe that 8-4 or 9-3 may be a little more realistic...and I'd still be perfectly satisfied with that to be honest. Each game on the schedule is winnable but over the course of a season there will be some steps forward and backward.

Two games will almost certainly be losses (on paper) right now:
@Ohio State
@Michigan State

This basically means to get to 10-2 we have zero margin for error the rest of the season....which, being realistic, is not likely to pan out for a team that is still building.

I really see 10-2 hinging on two games: Rutgers and Maryland. PSU will likely be favored in both, and facing opponents that treat PSU like it's their Super Bowl. Both of these games fall at a point of the season where momentum can carry the team for stretches. In the case of Rutgers, a win likely means we're 6-0 going into the game at the Shoe. With Maryland, (assuming we drop the OSU game) it's a chance to right the ship for the stretch run and be 9-1 going into Senior Day vs. Michigan.

 

[Achowalogan]

I expect to win every game every year..just ask my wife. No sense playing if you don't expect to win.

 

[tboyer]

Offensive line is the only serious weakness, so the only question about the team is whether the OL can be better than last year after losing Donovan Smith.

Hope for the best of course but I would not expect the OL to be a lot better. They're still going to be awfully young and LT is a question mark instead of a rock. The BW game was an indication of what's in store for the OL.

That said, all other units of the team will be deeper, special teams should finally have enough players with speed, and running back will be markedly improved (which of course makes the OL's job easier).

I think 8-4 is about right. It would take some very creative coaching to come up with an offense without an offensive line, and Franklin -- for all his many strengths -- does not strike me as an offensive coaching guru in the way that O'Brien was. Not that I mind. Franklin is going to build his teams on a rock solid defense, in the true Penn State tradition.

Clearly 2016 is the year Penn State arrives again as a contender in the B1G. By 2017 they will have a shot at national prominence if they keep recruiting at this pace. Not before then.

 

[lionlurker]

Offensive Line. Keep repeating that. Offensive Line.

If there's no improvement, then this team wins 8 games, tops, and maybe only 7. If they are even average, then 10 wins is at least a possibility.

We really cannot understate how bad they were last year. I'm sure that most of the good MAC teams had O-lines much much better than ours.

 

[VaNtyLion]

Offensive line is the only serious weakness, so the only question about the team is whether the OL can be better than last year after losing Donovan Smith.

Hope for the best of course but I would not expect the OL to be a lot better. They're still going to be awfully young and LT is a question mark instead of a rock. The BW game was an indication of what's in store for the OL.

That said, all other units of the team will be deeper, special teams should finally have enough players with speed, and running back will be markedly improved (which of course makes the OL's job easier).

I think 8-4 is about right. It would take some very creative coaching to come up with an offense without an offensive line, and Franklin -- for all his many strengths -- does not strike me as an offensive coaching guru in the way that O'Brien was. Not that I mind. Franklin is going to build his teams on a rock solid defense, in the true Penn State tradition.

Clearly 2016 is the year Penn State arrives again as a contender in the B1G. By 2017 they will have a shot at national prominence if they keep recruiting at this pace. Not before then.

This will be a big year for Donovan. The guy was a punching bag last year but really handcuffed by the OL situation, loss of ARob, and maybe more so because BOB had set a pretty good standard as an offensive guru. I can see the OL being improved (really saw the first signs of that in the bowl prep) even with the departure of Smith but love the stable of RBs this year a lot more to work with the type of OL we have.

 

[PSUSignore]

If there's no improvement, then this team wins 8 games, tops, and maybe only 7.

If the line doesn't improve at all over last year, I'd consider a 7-8 win season to be optimistic. That would mean Hack is running for his life on every play again, and likely another .500 type season. The good news is the line should be better than last year. How much they have improved remains to be seen but it's certainly the biggest question mark going into the season and will likely have the biggest impact on our record this year. Like the OP, I think 10-2 is best case, with 8-9 wins being likely.

 

[Michael.Felli]

The only good news I can see, at the moment, is that everyone is tied for wins and losses at 0-0.

 

[lionlurker]

No, the really good news is that we can PRAY for improvement for our offensive line.

 

[bmw199]

Definitely praying for offensive line improvement. At this moment though the sky is the limit. If Hack is as good as they say this will be the time to prove it. I believe he is.

I expect the running game to be vastly improved with multiple 300 yard team rushing games. That will help a lot. If not then its gonna get ugly and recruiting will also take a huge hit. Need to win games to get stars*****.

 

[royboy]

Hack has the skill and experience to run a lot of hurry-up, with quick snaps and early throws.

That can lessen the pressure on the OL; talent and experience at the receiver and running back positions also helps.

I'll say 9-3.

 

[Mister Magoo]

The only good news I can see, at the moment, is that everyone is tied for wins and losses at 0-0.

After 2 terrible recruiting classes impacted by the scandal and NCAA sanctions. 2012 and 2013 are the veterans on this team. The tremendous improvements in he Classes of 2014 and 2015 won't help any eh?

 

[olelion]

After 2 terrible recruiting classes impacted by the scandal and NCAA sanctions. 2012 and 2013 are the veterans on this team. The tremendous improvements in he Classes of 2014 and 2015 won't help any eh?

6-6, the offensive line is abominable

 

[BBrown]

This will be a big year for Donovan. The guy was a punching bag last year but really handcuffed by the OL situation, loss of ARob, and maybe more so because BOB had set a pretty good standard as an offensive guru. I can see the OL being improved (really saw the first signs of that in the bowl prep) even with the departure of Smith but love the stable of RBs this year a lot more to work with the type of OL we have.

Agree. With actual RB's more experienced WR's and TE's plus a healthy TE that alone should help the OL.
I'm not looking for them to be a good OL (yet) but even average would be a huge plus.

 

[BBrown]

If the line doesn't improve at all over last year, I'd consider a 7-8 win season to be optimistic. That would mean Hack is running for his life on every play again, and likely another .500 type season. The good news is the line should be better than last year. How much they have improved remains to be seen but it's certainly the biggest question mark going into the season and will likely have the biggest impact on our record this year. Like the OP, I think 10-2 is best case, with 8-9 wins being likely.

I have less worries about the OL then I do about ST.
To me that is the biggest question mark. Our punting was horrific last year. We need a consistent punting game and a return game that at least has us getting positive yards and maybe even a score or 2. Not costing us 2 games.

 

[PSU-Knocker]

I can't see the offensive line not being better. Certainly they will be stronger and they will be buttressed by the addition of the signees brought in last year. We will have to be unlucky, with things like injuries, not to be better.
Although our line will be younger than most other teams, they will have the benefit of getting a lot of experience last year. All of this has to help.

However, I still expect eight regular season victories.

 

[bmw199]

There is no reason we shouldn't be 6-0 heading into Columbus.

 

[fairgambit]

Hack has the skill and experience to run a lot of hurry-up, with quick snaps and early throws.

That can lessen the pressure on the OL; talent and experience at the receiver and running back positions also helps.

I'll say 9-3.

That's my prediction as well. I will be pleasantly surprised with 10, and joyous at 11 or more. I will be disappointed with 8 or less.

 

[Michael.Felli]

6-6, the offensive line is abominable

Attenzione! One can't use logic when analyzing Penn State Football. Just post we are goint to finish 12-0 and compete for the MNC. You'll find more love here that way.

 

[Mister Magoo]

Attenzione! One can't use logic when analyzing Penn State Football. Just post we are goint to finish 12-0 and compete for the MNC. You'll find more love here that way.

Can't discuss Penn State Football with someone who can't get into it any more because JVP has passed away.

 

[tboyer]

Really the wild card for the team is not OL but running back.

The offensive line will still be awfully green and not very athletic at some spots.

But if the young tailbacks can play -- and show the kind of explosiveness they showed at the BW game -- that totally changes the kind of defense PSU will face.

Rutgers for example -- their whole defensive front 7 could pin their ears back and attack the backfield last year because PSU didn't have running backs who worried them -- if they missed a tackle on a running back, or missed an assignment, PSU didn't have the speed to make them pay.

This year it's conceivable PSU will have backs who can go the distance if they get around the corner. That means the opposing DEs need to play totally differently because if they lose contain, PSU gets a first down or more. And that could take a lot of pressure off Hack.

If PSU has a back or two with hands -- and reports are they do -- that makes another big difference. Little swing passes to a back with breakaway speed can cause real problems for a blitzing defense -- if anybody remembers 1994, Mike Archie was in some ways the unsung hero of the team. When defenses managed to contain Carter and Engram, often it was Archie who broke them down.

 

[Alphabets]

I say 8-4. Our line is still terrible comparatively speaking. Each day Temple and San Diego State talk worries me more and more as well. They are not going to be as big of pushovers as some believe. Should we win? yes. But, we should have beat Ohio and Virginia in 2012 as well. Anything can happen. This team is coming along nicely, but quality, experienced depth is still an issue.

 

[mikemauti42]

I feel like this year has a good chance to catch a lot of people off guard much like the 2005 season. Expectations were low going into the year due to a poor 2004, but the beginning of the schedule was set up to be fairly easy prior to a home game against Ohio State. Penn State had some talent coming in, but no one predicted an 11-1 season or even close.

I think this year sets up similar. Expectations are very low due to the Oline play last year, but a lot can change in a year. Franklin has mentioned that the biggest growth for a coach on a new team is between years 1 and 2. I think he is fairly confident they have something here that could end with a big jump in wins. The schedule sets up for a very nice run going into the Ohio State game. I think this team will play young at the beginning of the year and need to pull out some tough games to start 6-0. But, I see this team being really formidable by the end of the year and upsetting Michigan State on the road. I predict they will lose to OSU and might slip up 1 other time, but I think many will be surprised by the difference between this years team and last.

 

[BBrown]

I say 8-4. Our line is still terrible comparatively speaking. Each day Temple and San Diego State talk worries me more and more as well. They are not going to be as big of pushovers as some believe. Should we win? yes. But, we should have beat Ohio and Virginia in 2012 as well. Anything can happen. This team is coming along nicely, but quality, experienced depth is still an issue.

I completely get the Temple could be "tough" worry but not SDSU, aren't they replacing 11 starters including (IIRC) their QB. (Again IIRC he's a transfer from Kentucky).
I agree that depth is a concern in some areas but not quality and really you can't use the Ohio and UVA games as any kind of comparison to this team.
JMO.

 

[Alphabets]

I completely get the Temple could be "tough" worry but not SDSU, aren't they replacing 11 starters including (IIRC) their QB. (Again IIRC he's a transfer from Kentucky).
I agree that depth is a concern in some areas but not quality and really you can't use the Ohio and UVA games as any kind of comparison to this team.
JMO.

Not as much of a comparison as it it more of an anything can happen. And I do think a lot of these young guys will be quality in the future, but are they now? Not so sure. If Hack goes down for instance, can we say we have any "quality" backups right now? I hope McSorley is, but no one knows. OSU at the same time, has 3 Heisman candidates at QB. It's just crazy. And that's my whole point. It's going to take years for us to have that type of talent and depth at each position. I don't think we're anywhere near it in 2015. A few injuries at key positions(OL again) and we could be in trouble. Team is still real young. Going to take time.

8-4 is a huge year imo for this team. 10-2 and I'm downright shocked, even with the "easy" schedule as some think it is.

 

[Howie'81]

Definitely praying for offensive line improvement. At this moment though the sky is the limit. If Hack is as good as they say this will be the time to prove it. I believe he is.

I expect the running game to be vastly improved with multiple 300 yard team rushing games. That will help a lot. If not then its gonna get ugly and recruiting will also take a huge hit. Need to win games to get stars*****.

Just don't do it with the rest of the team before the game if the coach wants to.

 

[BBrown]

Not as much of a comparison as it it more of an anything can happen. And I do think a lot of these young guys will be quality in the future, but are they now? Not so sure. If Hack goes down for instance, can we say we have any "quality" backups right now? I hope McSorley is, but no one knows. OSU at the same time, has 3 Heisman candidates at QB. It's just crazy. And that's my whole point. It's going to take years for us to have that type of talent and depth at each position. I don't think we're anywhere near it in 2015. A few injuries at key positions(OL again) and we could be in trouble. Team is still real young. Going to take time.

8-4 is a huge year imo for this team. 10-2 and I'm downright shocked, even with the "easy" schedule as some think it is.

Agree when I was talking quality backups I didn't meant QB. McSorley may be good but we have no idea right now.
Right now I'm in the 8-4, 9-3 camp.

 

[Alphabets]

Agree when I was talking quality backups I didn't meant QB. McSorley may be good but we have no idea right now.
Right now I'm in the 8-4, 9-3 camp.

Yeah, I just used QB as an example. RB, OL, DL, LB, P, K all concern me in regards to depth. Lots of young talent, but injuries at these positions worry me. Losing someone like a Zettel would be a nightmare. And special teams is a total crapshoot. Punting can't get worse, but it needs to get better. It has been a joke for years. And just think how many times Ficken came through in the clutch for us? We need good special teams.

 

[BBrown]

Yeah, I just used QB as an example. RB, OL, DL, LB, P, K all concern me in regards to depth. Lots of young talent, but injuries at these positions worry me. Losing someone like a Zettel would be a nightmare. And special teams is a total crapshoot. Punting can't get worse, but it needs to get better. It has been a joke for years. And just think how many times Ficken came through in the clutch for us? We need good special teams.

Actually I'm ok with the depth at RB and OL. While we may be young and inexperienced we are 10x better in the OL depth dept. than we were last year.
I'd also say the same thing about LB'r. DL yea you have a valid point.
And if you've read my other post in this thread or some others I've made you know I have major, major concerns about Special Teams.

 

[Alphabets]

Actually I'm ok with the depth at RB and OL. While we may be young and inexperienced we are 10x better in the OL depth dept. than we were last year.
I'd also say the same thing about LB'r. DL yea you have a valid point.
And if you've read my other post in this thread or some others I've made you know I have major, major concerns about Special Teams.

That's probably what I worry about the most, special teams. Other than the unforeseen like a player like Hack or Zettel going down, special teams may make or break this season. Even though on paper 10-2 seems possible, this is still the B1G and a team with any weaknesses will be exposed. That is why until 2016, overall depth and experience still worries me. Next year is when we start to bear the fruit of these fantastic recruiting classes in 2014, 2015 and the next '16 class.

 

[rutgers22]

I think optimism is warranted for this year but also believe that 8-4 or 9-3 may be a little more realistic...and I'd still be perfectly satisfied with that to be honest. Each game on the schedule is winnable but over the course of a season there will be some steps forward and backward.

Two games will almost certainly be losses (on paper) right now:
@Ohio State
@Michigan State

This basically means to get to 10-2 we have zero margin for error the rest of the season....which, being realistic, is not likely to pan out for a team that is still building.

I really see 10-2 hinging on two games: Rutgers and Maryland. PSU will likely be favored in both, and facing opponents that treat PSU like it's their Super Bowl. Both of these games fall at a point of the season where momentum can carry the team for stretches. In the case of Rutgers, a win likely means we're 6-0 going into the game at the Shoe. With Maryland, (assuming we drop the OSU game) it's a chance to right the ship for the stretch run and be 9-1 going into Senior Day vs. Michigan.

RU is lucky to have actual hated rivals and not this made up rivalry that you guys insist on having with us

Our super bowl is UCONN with syracuse and TEMPLE as close seconds

 

[BBrown]

RU is lucky to have actual hated rivals and not this made up rivalry that you guys insist on having with us

Our super bowl is UCONN with syracuse and TEMPLE as close seconds

Awesome. Then there is no reason for you to be here.

 

[zwick99]

I think optimism is warranted for this year but also believe that 8-4 or 9-3 may be a little more realistic...and I'd still be perfectly satisfied with that to be honest. Each game on the schedule is winnable but over the course of a season there will be some steps forward and backward.

Two games will almost certainly be losses (on paper) right now:
@Ohio State
@Michigan State

This basically means to get to 10-2 we have zero margin for error the rest of the season....which, being realistic, is not likely to pan out for a team that is still building.

I really see 10-2 hinging on two games: Rutgers and Maryland. PSU will likely be favored in both, and facing opponents that treat PSU like it's their Super Bowl. Both of these games fall at a point of the season where momentum can carry the team for stretches. In the case of Rutgers, a win likely means we're 6-0 going into the game at the Shoe. With Maryland, (assuming we drop the OSU game) it's a chance to right the ship for the stretch run and be 9-1 going into Senior Day vs. Michigan.

What is your OL?

 

[lionlurker]

RU is lucky to have actual hated rivals and not this made up rivalry that you guys insist on having with us

Our super bowl is UCONN with syracuse and TEMPLE as close seconds

That is super. Can you all go away, then, and hang out on the Syracuse board?

 

[Yeti47]

I'm not worried. I think we can win them all. O line will develop nicely and have some actual depth there now. Have faith. Put those sunglasses on future is bright.

 

[Louisville JD]

1st round Draft pick in his 3rd year at QB with a deep and talented D, we should have a chance to win every game. Why not surprise on upside!

 

[dawgduice]

I think we "should" win 10. We do have better talent than those teams. Plus 4-5 of the teams we play have first year QBs. Most games are at home. We could not ask for an easier schedule.
The OL will be better and "good enough". Plus, the first 5 games gives the OL a chance to get even better.
The biggest reason I think we win 10 is the depth we now have across the board ( a major plus in the Big). I do NOT see any position where we are not deeper and in most cases better. (exception: field goal kicking).

We may lose some of the 10 but that would mean an upset or just BAD LUCK Plus I do not expect us to "blow out" too many teams.

 

[bmw199]

I think we "should" win 10. We do have better talent than those teams. Plus 4-5 of the teams we play have first year QBs. Most games are at home. We could not ask for an easier schedule.
The OL will be better and "good enough". Plus, the first 5 games gives the OL a chance to get even better.
The biggest reason I think we win 10 is the depth we now have across the board ( a major plus in the Big). I do NOT see any position where we are not deeper and in most cases better. (exception: field goal kicking).

We may lose some of the 10 but that would mean an upset or just BAD LUCK Plus I do not expect us to "blow out" too many teams.

There are two relatively new big ten teams I'd like to see us blow out!!

 

[NittanyAmerica]

INBL

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