When a 21 point blowout is disappointing
One hurdle (if even a small one) down, 3 to go. Saturday's 31-10 win over hapless Notre Dame brought a small bit of redemption from last year's debacle....but not much. If Penn State's offense was even remotely decent, the Lions would have hung a 50 spot on the Irish.
Let's not forget that this game was 14-7 at the half.
On to the grades from this weekend...
Quarterback: C
Morelli made mistakes that will cost Penn State games later in the season. The interception wasn't awful...those things happen. But the fumble before the half and the constant high throws are things that need to be addressed. The throw to Bell was nice, but could have been broken up. Morelli needs a tuneup before the conference slate...welcome Buffalo!
Running Backs: B+
Scott took a while to get going, then fumbled on his first decent carry of the game. But, to the coaching staff's credit, they kept him involved in the game. His performance in the second half was reminiscent of Tony Hunt's in the Outback Bowl last year. Kinlaw needs more carries, and Royster needs playing time.
Wide Receivers: B
They didn't have much to work with. I'm still waiting for that one WR to instill fear in the opponent's defenses. Norwood made a nice adjustment on the TD catch, and Bell had a momentum-changing grab. Is DWill even playing WR anymore? When he signed with PSU, I expected him to be the deep threat that constantly found himself behind the secondary. Hmmm.
O Line: B
Pass protection was outstanding, run blocking continues to get better. This unit may not be spectacular, but they are definitely not a weak point yet.
Defense: A++++
For the second week in a row, the Lions have the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week. LB Dan Connor (12 tackles, 1 sack) also picked up the national award. The entire unit was solid. The D line is fast, mean, and relentless...right Jimmy? They are getting better daily, and will be the best in the conference when all is said and done. The LBs are solid. Lee and Sayles complement Connor nicely. The secondary is serviceable...but, I will be more sold on them when they face a QB that goes downfield.
Special Teams: A
Punt return for a TD....65-yard kickoff return...not bad. Except for the one long return they gave up to Zbikowski, the special teams were solid. Kelly continues to impress on kickoffs.
Coaching: B
Hey, they know what is working right now.
Up next, Buffalo. The Bulls were routed by Rutgers in week 1, but destroyed Temple last week. Early line has PSU favored by 34.
For the glory...
Let's not forget that this game was 14-7 at the half.
On to the grades from this weekend...
Quarterback: C
Morelli made mistakes that will cost Penn State games later in the season. The interception wasn't awful...those things happen. But the fumble before the half and the constant high throws are things that need to be addressed. The throw to Bell was nice, but could have been broken up. Morelli needs a tuneup before the conference slate...welcome Buffalo!
Running Backs: B+
Scott took a while to get going, then fumbled on his first decent carry of the game. But, to the coaching staff's credit, they kept him involved in the game. His performance in the second half was reminiscent of Tony Hunt's in the Outback Bowl last year. Kinlaw needs more carries, and Royster needs playing time.
Wide Receivers: B
They didn't have much to work with. I'm still waiting for that one WR to instill fear in the opponent's defenses. Norwood made a nice adjustment on the TD catch, and Bell had a momentum-changing grab. Is DWill even playing WR anymore? When he signed with PSU, I expected him to be the deep threat that constantly found himself behind the secondary. Hmmm.
O Line: B
Pass protection was outstanding, run blocking continues to get better. This unit may not be spectacular, but they are definitely not a weak point yet.
Defense: A++++
For the second week in a row, the Lions have the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week. LB Dan Connor (12 tackles, 1 sack) also picked up the national award. The entire unit was solid. The D line is fast, mean, and relentless...right Jimmy? They are getting better daily, and will be the best in the conference when all is said and done. The LBs are solid. Lee and Sayles complement Connor nicely. The secondary is serviceable...but, I will be more sold on them when they face a QB that goes downfield.
Special Teams: A
Punt return for a TD....65-yard kickoff return...not bad. Except for the one long return they gave up to Zbikowski, the special teams were solid. Kelly continues to impress on kickoffs.
Coaching: B
Hey, they know what is working right now.
Up next, Buffalo. The Bulls were routed by Rutgers in week 1, but destroyed Temple last week. Early line has PSU favored by 34.
For the glory...
posted by HappyValley at 11:11 AM
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