Winning the close ones.

[tboyer]

Third win by less than a TD in a game without a PSU turnover. Second game won with a fourth quarter goalline stand.

That is what it will take to win next week. That feels like another 7 point or 3 point kind of game.

Sparty is a much tougher team at home and they have the usual nasty O-line -- only allowed 10 sacks in 7 games -- 4 to Ohio State. It will be hard to get to Luwerke just like it was hard to get to Patterson.

Defensively, MSU gave up 320 rushing yards to Ohio State but they've defended the run well against everyone else. And they're no easier to throw on -- top 20 for yards per attempt. They're a better team than their record -- dropped a 3 point game to ASU early season, got blown out by Ohio State and then had the misfortune of having to play a hot Wisconsin team a week later.

So I think it's reasonable to expect this is the toughest challenge of the year, a step up from Michigan which was a step up from Iowa.

But you know this PSU team is going to go out there and play hard and smart and give themselves a chance.

 

[djr4rebs]

Mentally, the fan base struggles with this one more than the coaches or players will.

This game may very well be close and another dog fight, but that's been the identity of this team. It's who they are.

 

[PennSt8er]

The upside to this PSU team is palpable, if it can find its mojo for four quarters. It’s pretty astonishing it escaped that game with no apparent major injuries. If the ground game can just be more reliable, watch out.

 

[LionJim]

Mentally, the fan base struggles with this one more than the coaches or players will.

Excellent observation.

 

[Ian]

Mentally, the fan base struggles with this one more than the coaches or players will.

This game may very well be close and another dog fight, but that's been the identity of this team. It's who they are.

This team reminds me so much of the 1985 team. Winning ugly with defense and special teams... no mistakes on offense. Clifford is a modern version of Shaffer.

 

[Madsol]

Third win by less than a TD in a game without a PSU turnover. Second game won with a fourth quarter goalline stand.

That is what it will take to win next week. That feels like another 7 point or 3 point kind of game.

Sparty is a much tougher team at home and they have the usual nasty O-line -- only allowed 10 sacks in 7 games -- 4 to Ohio State. It will be hard to get to Luwerke just like it was hard to get to Patterson.

Defensively, MSU gave up 320 rushing yards to Ohio State but they've defended the run well against everyone else. And they're no easier to throw on -- top 20 for yards per attempt. They're a better team than their record -- dropped a 3 point game to ASU early season, got blown out by Ohio State and then had the misfortune of having to play a hot Wisconsin team a week later.

So I think it's reasonable to expect this is the toughest challenge of the year, a step up from Michigan which was a step up from Iowa.

But you know this PSU team is going to go out there and play hard and smart and give themselves a chance.

We have won only 1 game by less than a TD; vs. Iowa.

 

[djr4rebs]

This team reminds me so much of the 1985 team. Winning ugly with defense and special teams... no mistakes on offense. Clifford is a modern version of Shaffer.

We seem to protect the ball a little better (Clifford has just 2 INTs; Shaffer had 10), but don't force as many turnovers. Have you ever seen a game where we jarred the ball loose only for Michigan to have a WR nearby not once but twice? Granted, the one was called back (they scored maybe 3 plays later), but talk about not getting the bounce.

 

[NittanyIllinois]

This team reminds me so much of the 1985 team. Winning ugly with defense and special teams... no mistakes on offense. Clifford is a modern version of Shaffer.

The analogy isn't a bad one, but Clifford is a far superior QB to Shaffer. He needs another option on the perimeter; if somebody like Shorter or George really emerges, we'll have the ingredients necessary to put up ~300 passing yards per game.

The Iowa game reinforced that tough, gritty reputation more so than last night (where a clear drop in the end zone saved our behind more than anything else) did, but I do have to credit the guys for fighting hard until the final whistle. I'm thrilled to be 2-0 through this 4-game stretch, and couldn't care less about the final scores. If we beat Michigan State 2-0 on Saturday, I'd take it. Frankly, this was the game I had pegged as the most difficult of this 4-game stretch.

 

[Madsol]

The analogy isn't a bad one, but Clifford is a far superior QB to Shaffer. He needs another option on the perimeter; if somebody like Shorter or George really emerges, we'll have the ingredients necessary to put up ~300 passing yards per game.

The Iowa game reinforced that tough, gritty reputation more so than last night (where a clear drop in the end zone saved our behind more than anything else) did, but I do have to credit the guys for fighting hard until the final whistle. I'm thrilled to be 2-0 through this 4-game stretch, and couldn't care less about the final scores. If we beat Michigan State 2-0 on Saturday, I'd take it. Frankly, this was the game I had pegged as the most difficult of this 4-game stretch.

Can't diminish the importance of the drop for Michigan. But after that we had first down at our 3 yard line and Michigan had all 3 time outs left. Despite everyone in the stadium knowing we were going to run the ball, we ran it 3 straight plays and picked up the first down to ice it. That's 2 weeks in a row. Hoping that builds real confidence in this team's ability to close out a game.

 

[CDLionFL]

If the guys in the windbreakers on the sidelines don’t wise up with the clock management and not abandoning the run (and/or #21), they’re gonna snatch defeat from victory like in past years.

 

[tboyer]

This team reminds me so much of the 1985 team. Winning ugly with defense and special teams... no mistakes on offense. Clifford is a modern version of Shaffer.

I hesitate to mention 1986 -- that team had a lot more experience, but that team could win the white knuckle games. I remember being in disbelief after the Maryland and Notre Dame games that they had actually won.

Clifford has some parallels to Shaffer -- both really tough SOBs from Ohio -- but Clifford runs and throws quite a bit better than Shaffer did (Shaffer didn't have Dwight Galt).

Seems to me we're overdue to see some more improvement on offense -- either opening up the passing game a little more and using other receivers, or a more explosive running game. We at least got a glimpse of the latter with Slade's big run. They're going to have to add to their repertoire to win next week I think.

 

[marshall23]

Generally speaking as you enter the 8th game of a 12 game season, a team's DNA is pretty much formed. There is no way to improve on an 8-0 record. However, its hard to deny that in the 3 real games PSU has played they have looked brilliant for stretches and then almost inexplicably gone AWOL.
Playing with fire will likely get them burned at some point....and perhaps when they and we least expect it.
Rahne is brilliant as we take a 21-0 lead and then he starts watching reruns of Everybody Loves Raymond in the booth? The defense is stout and then in the final 2 quarters plus, Michigan pushes it around (something they have not been able to do to anyone all year). That's why I didn't understand how some could be predicting a blowout. Michigan has elite athletes too.
Searching for answers will be like ancients explaining the phenomenon of thunder. Its what this team is.....I'm hoping for a miracle (a complete 4 quarter game) against a solid opponent. Perhaps the uneven play is the result of a young roster and lack of experience in "going for the juggler?"
I am so happy to be among the dwindling #s of undefeated teams in the entire nation, and surely that is not the sole provenance of luck.
Based on the first 8 games, other than Rutgers......its best we keep our seatbelts buckled.

 

[bison13]

We have won only 1 game by less than a TD; vs. Iowa.

True but I think OP means 1 posession or less

 

[Madsol]

True but I think OP means 1 posession or less

Perhaps, but that's not what he said. He says A LOT and oftentimes is wrong so I was just pointing it out.

 

[Connorpozlee]

I hesitate to mention 1986 -- that team had a lot more experience, but that team could win the white knuckle games. I remember being in disbelief after the Maryland and Notre Dame games that they had actually won.

Clifford has some parallels to Shaffer -- both really tough SOBs from Ohio -- but Clifford runs and throws quite a bit better than Shaffer did (Shaffer didn't have Dwight Galt).

Seems to me we're overdue to see some more improvement on offense -- either opening up the passing game a little more and using other receivers, or a more explosive running game. We at least got a glimpse of the latter with Slade's big run. They're going to have to add to their repertoire to win next week I think.

I can’t even imagine what this board would have been like in ‘86. The complaining and hand wringing would have been out of control.

 

[PSU87]

I can’t even imagine what this board would have been like in ‘86. The complaining and hand wringing would have been out of control.

In '85 yes. In '86 not so much. You just knew that defense was always going to make the play. I was never nervous through that whole season. Even when Maryland was lining up for the game tying two point conversion, you knew in the back of your mind...we got this.

Granted I was a student then, so my circle of friends wasn't old grumpy people like it is now

Now in the Fiesta Bowl, when Miami had 1st and goal from the six....

 

[ouirpsu]

I hesitate to mention 1986 -- that team had a lot more experience, but that team could win the white knuckle games. I remember being in disbelief after the Maryland and Notre Dame games that they had actually won.

Clifford has some parallels to Shaffer -- both really tough SOBs from Ohio -- but Clifford runs and throws quite a bit better than Shaffer did (Shaffer didn't have Dwight Galt).

Seems to me we're overdue to see some more improvement on offense -- either opening up the passing game a little more and using other receivers, or a more explosive running game. We at least got a glimpse of the latter with Slade's big run. They're going to have to add to their repertoire to win next week I think.

In '85 yes. In '86 not so much. You just knew that defense was always going to make the play. I was never nervous through that whole season. Even when Maryland was lining up for the game tying two point conversion, you knew in the back of your mind...we got this.

Granted I was a student then, so my circle of friends wasn't old grumpy people like it is now

Now in the Fiesta Bowl, when Miami had 1st and goal from the six....

Not an excuse, but Michigan had the ball almost twice as long as we did, which has to tire out the defense no matter how much we sub. Also, Patterson's mobility saved him time and again. Other than Fields, I don't think we face another QB like that. Maybe Indiana, but I'm too lazy to look it up.

 

[artsandletters]

Third win by less than a TD in a game without a PSU turnover. Second game won with a fourth quarter goalline stand.

That is what it will take to win next week. That feels like another 7 point or 3 point kind of game.

Sparty is a much tougher team at home and they have the usual nasty O-line -- only allowed 10 sacks in 7 games -- 4 to Ohio State. It will be hard to get to Luwerke just like it was hard to get to Patterson.

Defensively, MSU gave up 320 rushing yards to Ohio State but they've defended the run well against everyone else. And they're no easier to throw on -- top 20 for yards per attempt. They're a better team than their record -- dropped a 3 point game to ASU early season, got blown out by Ohio State and then had the misfortune of having to play a hot Wisconsin team a week later.

So I think it's reasonable to expect this is the toughest challenge of the year, a step up from Michigan which was a step up from Iowa.

But you know this PSU team is going to go out there and play hard and smart and give themselves a chance.

Luckily PS has a QB that can run the ball effectively. Doesn’t Clifford lead the team in rushing yds, tboyer?

 

[PSUfiji]

Despite everyone in the stadium knowing we were going to run the ball, we ran it 3 straight plays and picked up the first down to ice it.

Shoutout to CJ Thorpe for doing everything within his power to help insure that Hamler made the game-icing 1st down. He ended the play out in front of the line surge, literally pulling Hamler forward across the yard-marker for the first down. Let's face it, Hamler doesn't have THAT much strength to plow through the Michigan defenders on his own - in my opinion. Thorpe also made key blocks on other running plays, including a touchdown scamper on short yardage. Way to go, CJ!

 

[Nitwit97]

This team reminds me so much of the 1985 team. Winning ugly with defense and special teams... no mistakes on offense. Clifford is a modern version of Shaffer.

he even wears the right number. Something about a PSU QB that wears 14. Just looks right.

 

[Connorpozlee]

In '85 yes. In '86 not so much. You just knew that defense was always going to make the play. I was never nervous through that whole season. Even when Maryland was lining up for the game tying two point conversion, you knew in the back of your mind...we got this.

Granted I was a student then, so my circle of friends wasn't old grumpy people like it is now

Now in the Fiesta Bowl, when Miami had 1st and goal from the six....

John Shaffer’s play would have had people admitting themselves into mental health hospitals.

 

[Nitt1300]

Winning the close ones is usually the difference between undefeated and not. Being good, tough, and sometimes lucky is the formula- always has been.

 

[marshall23]

Winning the close ones is usually the difference between undefeated and not. Being good, tough, and sometimes lucky is the formula- always has been.

Agreed. However, consistent execution and putting away teams when you build a lead are also part of "the formula." Allowing teams to "hang around" may result in the "lucky" you reference spending the night with the opponent at some point.

 

[seminnylion]

The analogy isn't a bad one, but Clifford is a far superior QB to Shaffer. He needs another option on the perimeter; if somebody like Shorter or George really emerges, we'll have the ingredients necessary to put up ~300 passing yards per game.

The Iowa game reinforced that tough, gritty reputation more so than last night (where a clear drop in the end zone saved our behind more than anything else) did, but I do have to credit the guys for fighting hard until the final whistle. I'm thrilled to be 2-0 through this 4-game stretch, and couldn't care less about the final scores. If we beat Michigan State 2-0 on Saturday, I'd take it. Frankly, this was the game I had pegged as the most difficult of this 4-game stretch.

Agree Clifford is waaaay more skilled than Shaffer

 

[Nitt1300]

Agreed. However, consistent execution and putting away teams when you build a lead are also part of "the formula." Allowing teams to "hang around" may result in the "lucky" you reference spending the night with the opponent at some point.

I would have preferred a better third quarter myself- but I'll take the end result.

 

[marshall23]

Agree Clifford is waaaay more skilled than Shaffer

and Jim Thorpe too.......different eras, totally different game.

 

[marshall23]

I would have preferred a better third quarter myself- but I'll take the end result.

I kind of felt we were out played for about 2 1/2 quarters. All of this at home in front of 110,000 screaming supporters.
Of course I'll take the win. Perhaps its just me.....but I felt more relief than jubilation at the end of the game.

 

[BillDiehlNorstar]

If the guys in the windbreakers on the sidelines don’t wise up with the clock management and not abandoning the run (and/or #21), they’re gonna snatch defeat from victory like in past years.

Agreed. We have to have a running game. D was out there almost 2/3 of the game last night.

 

[Harrisburg Dave]

Clifford is a modern version of Shaffer.

Well there is that passing thing and running thing. And athleticism thing. But other than that...

 

[tboyer]

Luckily PS has a QB that can run the ball effectively. Doesn’t Clifford lead the team in rushing yds, tboyer?

QB leading the team in rushing is not what any team should want but that is a result of the TB rotation. He of course does not run like Trace but he's done really well. Maybe better than Trace at avoiding the big hits that could take him out if of a game. The fake pitch is a nice play. I will admit he's quicker than I thought. As he further develops pocket IQ he could be really elusive. We just couldn't ask for any more of a first year QB. biggest reason why PSU is 7-0.

 

[bdgan]

Not an excuse, but Michigan had the ball almost twice as long as we did, which has to tire out the defense no matter how much we sub.

Too many 3 and outs by the offense.

 

[lein]

If we can get an early 3 TD lead on Sparty, they, unlike Michigan, will fold.

 

[ftlpsu]

Look the good news from all of this is that everyone knows what happened last night. The players and coaches especially and who it really matters for. Which will most likely translate to more laser focus and preparation this week in order to beat MSU.

If we had a more stylish score like 42-14...potentially we wouldn't think anything is wrong and perhaps going in with little concern or corrections.

 

[canuckhal]

This will be the third really physical game in 3 weeks. The bye week is timely.

 

[RickinDayton]

Not an excuse, but Michigan had the ball almost twice as long as we did, which has to tire out the defense no matter how much we sub. Also, Patterson's mobility saved him time and again. Other than Fields, I don't think we face another QB like that. Maybe Indiana, but I'm too lazy to look it up.

I believe the Minny QB, Tanner Morgan. Lewerke from MSU has escapability.

 

[ouirpsu]

I believe the Minny QB, Tanner Morgan. Lewerke from MSU has escapability.

I watched a little of the MN-Rutgers game, and didn't see the QB do much in terms of running. But it was Rutgers after all, so...

Lewerke may be mobile, but I wouldn't put him in the same category as Paterson.

 

[PSUfiji]

Shoutout to CJ Thorpe for doing everything within his power to help insure that Hamler made the game-icing 1st down. He ended the play out in front of the line surge, literally pulling Hamler forward across the yard-marker for the first down. Let's face it, Hamler doesn't have THAT much strength to plow through the Michigan defenders on his own - in my opinion. Thorpe also made key blocks on other running plays, including a touchdown scamper on short yardage. Way to go, CJ!

Impact Play: Little Big Man

On the final meaningful snap of the game, the smallest player on the field ran through a sea of big bodies.
Without the great blocking, hard running, and a little aid late from C.J. Thorpe, Penn State may have been forced to punt.

https://www.blackshoediaries.com/20...IMn_Pvc3sEZP8HkijfmEdweXT19W5ODKGGvehroC_cdFI