Penn State 2006 Preview
Just about 2 weeks from the beginning of the 2006 college football season, and every single sports media outlet has a preview of what to expect. Now, I know the only people that read this blog are me, and well, me...nevertheless, I thought I would offer my thoughts on the upcoming season, focusing primarily on the Nittany Lions.
So much has been made of the fact that the Nits haven't strung together winning seasons since 1998-99, and have followed their only winning season in the 21st century (2002, 9-4) with 2 of the most miserable seasons imagineable. Folks wonder, and maybe rightly so, if the 2006 squad will break the trend and have a successful campaign. Most prognosticators seem to think a drop off from the 11-1 season is inevitable (it is), but also think the drop won't be too severe (it won't). Let's kick off the preview. Oh, and if you want some good inside info, FightonState.com has it (w/a subscription). Fox Sports has a decent one, too.
Offense:
Undoubtedly, the offense was a pleasant surprise last season. In 2004, the lack of a decent receiving corps meant a constant 8 man in the box front that stacked up against an offensive line that wasn't very good. In the 6-4 loss to Iowa, Coach Kirk Ferentz decided he'd rather take a safety and kick to the Penn State offense than risk having the Lions' D score--which it was capable of doing.
2005 saw an infusion of speed, energy, and after the Northwestern game, confidence. All of a sudden, the Lions had speed on the edge that stretched defenses. A former walk-on DB led the team in receptions and touchdowns, and an undersized freshmen became a dependable over-the-middle target for Michael Robinson. Combine that with a 1,000 yard rusher and a solid front 5, and you have the makings of a potent attack.
The 2006 version of the Lions' offense will look a little different without the Big Ten's Offensive Player of the Year. But, they have the potential to be something special. A closer look:
Quarterback: Anthony Morelli finally gets a chance to start. A rocket arm, quick release, and 2 years tutilege in Galen Hall's system are all big time positives. He doesn't bring the same running threat that MRob did, but according to most of the team, he can run when needed. If he gets off to a good early start vs Akron, look for him to have a strong campaign. He better, since he has to face Notre Dame and Ohio State in the first month of the season. Backups are Paul Ciancolo, Kevin Suhey, and Daryll Clark.
Running Back: Tony Hunt returns for his senior season. A 1,000 yard rusher last year, Hunt hurt his ankle in the Orange Bowl on the first series. If the offensive line can perform well, Hunt should better last year's totals, as he should get more touches per game. Austin Scott is the backup if he doesn't redshirt (he's hurt as of right now). If he does redshirt, Rodney Kinlaw or newcomer Evan Royster may have a shot at the top reserve. Key to Morelli's success is a capable running game. Oh, and I still like a headline from last year: "Hunt to start at tailback for Penn State". A guy can dream, right?
Tight End: It seems that Penn State tight ends are all cut from the same cloth. Except for Kyle Brady and Matt Kranchik, PSU tight ends seem to be bone-crushing blockers who catch an occasional pass. Look for more of the same this year, as Patrick Hall steps into the starting role. He had 2 catches last year, both for touchdowns. At 250+ pounds, he is a decent blocker. Backups include Jordan Lyons and a host of others.
Wide Receivers: This could be one of the best units in the Big Ten. Derrick Williams is back from his season ending injury vs Michigan, and Deion Butler and Jordan Norwood all return. Additionally, reports say that true freshman Chris Bell and redshirt freshman James McDonald are really turning heads in practice. Might the Nits employ a 5-WR set this year???? This unit has speed, good route-runners, and confidence to make the big catch in the clutch.
Offensive Line: This is the big enigma. If the unit comes together, plays well, and gets better every week, then Penn State could be scary good on the offensive side of the ball. If they play like the lines of the 2003 and 2004 season, Anthony Morelli will get a good look at the late autumn skies as he's peeled from the staduim turf. Levi Brown anchors the line...and I mean anchor. At 324 pounds, Brown has the responsibility to keep Morelli's blind side clear. A preseason All-Big Ten selection, Brown must lead a unit that has a combined 35 starts between them....with Brown accounting for 34.
Will look at the Defense tomorrow.
For the Glory...
So much has been made of the fact that the Nits haven't strung together winning seasons since 1998-99, and have followed their only winning season in the 21st century (2002, 9-4) with 2 of the most miserable seasons imagineable. Folks wonder, and maybe rightly so, if the 2006 squad will break the trend and have a successful campaign. Most prognosticators seem to think a drop off from the 11-1 season is inevitable (it is), but also think the drop won't be too severe (it won't). Let's kick off the preview. Oh, and if you want some good inside info, FightonState.com has it (w/a subscription). Fox Sports has a decent one, too.
Offense:
Undoubtedly, the offense was a pleasant surprise last season. In 2004, the lack of a decent receiving corps meant a constant 8 man in the box front that stacked up against an offensive line that wasn't very good. In the 6-4 loss to Iowa, Coach Kirk Ferentz decided he'd rather take a safety and kick to the Penn State offense than risk having the Lions' D score--which it was capable of doing.
2005 saw an infusion of speed, energy, and after the Northwestern game, confidence. All of a sudden, the Lions had speed on the edge that stretched defenses. A former walk-on DB led the team in receptions and touchdowns, and an undersized freshmen became a dependable over-the-middle target for Michael Robinson. Combine that with a 1,000 yard rusher and a solid front 5, and you have the makings of a potent attack.
The 2006 version of the Lions' offense will look a little different without the Big Ten's Offensive Player of the Year. But, they have the potential to be something special. A closer look:
Quarterback: Anthony Morelli finally gets a chance to start. A rocket arm, quick release, and 2 years tutilege in Galen Hall's system are all big time positives. He doesn't bring the same running threat that MRob did, but according to most of the team, he can run when needed. If he gets off to a good early start vs Akron, look for him to have a strong campaign. He better, since he has to face Notre Dame and Ohio State in the first month of the season. Backups are Paul Ciancolo, Kevin Suhey, and Daryll Clark.
Running Back: Tony Hunt returns for his senior season. A 1,000 yard rusher last year, Hunt hurt his ankle in the Orange Bowl on the first series. If the offensive line can perform well, Hunt should better last year's totals, as he should get more touches per game. Austin Scott is the backup if he doesn't redshirt (he's hurt as of right now). If he does redshirt, Rodney Kinlaw or newcomer Evan Royster may have a shot at the top reserve. Key to Morelli's success is a capable running game. Oh, and I still like a headline from last year: "Hunt to start at tailback for Penn State". A guy can dream, right?
Tight End: It seems that Penn State tight ends are all cut from the same cloth. Except for Kyle Brady and Matt Kranchik, PSU tight ends seem to be bone-crushing blockers who catch an occasional pass. Look for more of the same this year, as Patrick Hall steps into the starting role. He had 2 catches last year, both for touchdowns. At 250+ pounds, he is a decent blocker. Backups include Jordan Lyons and a host of others.
Wide Receivers: This could be one of the best units in the Big Ten. Derrick Williams is back from his season ending injury vs Michigan, and Deion Butler and Jordan Norwood all return. Additionally, reports say that true freshman Chris Bell and redshirt freshman James McDonald are really turning heads in practice. Might the Nits employ a 5-WR set this year???? This unit has speed, good route-runners, and confidence to make the big catch in the clutch.
Offensive Line: This is the big enigma. If the unit comes together, plays well, and gets better every week, then Penn State could be scary good on the offensive side of the ball. If they play like the lines of the 2003 and 2004 season, Anthony Morelli will get a good look at the late autumn skies as he's peeled from the staduim turf. Levi Brown anchors the line...and I mean anchor. At 324 pounds, Brown has the responsibility to keep Morelli's blind side clear. A preseason All-Big Ten selection, Brown must lead a unit that has a combined 35 starts between them....with Brown accounting for 34.
Will look at the Defense tomorrow.
For the Glory...
posted by HappyValley at 6:22 PM
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