OT Penn State: how good are they?

[Briney Dave]

Joe-Pa this week: we know the Lions are good but how good? :

what are your thoughts on how the Bucks are going to stack up and the final score.
AS per usual I will be driving most of the day chasing stuff for my student projects but will be glued to a radio at the very least

 

[fliynhi]

Thats a good question. Considering their competition, it's hard to say. The only real team they've played was Iowa and we know how that one ended. I do have some hope for the Buckeyes, as I believe our D is better than Iowa's. However, I am concerned because, other than USC, I think Penn State has the best defense we've seen so far this season. As usual, it will come down to the turnover battle. If TP and the offense can just control the ball, I think we will come away with a win. The problem is, our O hasn't been able to do much of that this season. In the end, as much as I hate to say it, I think Penn State will win by a touchdown. :-(

 

[porky]

I dunno Dave, it’s gonna be a tight one all the way around. I think flyinhi is right, it’s gonna come down to turnovers, the team that commits the least will win.
Northwestern exposed some weaknesses last week with a quick, short passing game; that hopefully we’ll be able to exploit.
Let’s just hope Pryor doesn’t try to do too much and just takes what the defense gives him.

 

[Briney Dave]

I was thinking the same thing: Penn's LB are too good for TP to stare a reciever down on.

From what I have seen: TP is all about being a "move in step" sort of guy. I would like to see him start under center so that he is physically counting as he steps. Less room to over think and it frees him up to be himself.

What I would like to see is to open with a couple series where they ask TP to read one two then tuck and run
Don't hold the ball, don't force the ball, don't throw the ball away: Run

This would take the pressure off the linemen, just one two three and then run block. Very easy to do yet highly effective:

This does two things: TP feels more of the game and it gets the secondary backers nosey

then you give him a few deep chances but with the throw it away if its not there rule not to run unless its wide open

boot leg and play action is the way to go with those first two series. Open series three with a shot gun formation but run a draw out of it. It lets the coachs see how the backers are reacting to the formation. Then dial up a couple deeper routes and air it out

The kid needs timing and confidence, the coaches have to put him into position to get both right away

 

[porky]

And that there might be THE biggest key to the game, for us anyway, is for the coaches to put the players in a position to be successful!
It would be nice to get a quick strike and score first and take a little bit of pressure off. And also to score and the first possession of the second half would set the tone.

 

[Briney Dave]

well well well
starting under center, roll outs boot legs and draws: only two reads and if its not there: tuck and run

Even if we had not crushed or even won I would think that both the calling and TP's play were a big step in the right direction for where he is right now

ND Michigan and Iowa all loose what a great weekend

 

[Buckeye1]

I would have rather seen Iowa undefeated going into next weekend. Good for the big ten and better for OSU when they beat them!

 

[fliynhi]

I have never been happier being WRONG! If we play this way for the next three games, including bowl game, we should be 3-0. Our defense is strong enough to play with anyone in the country. Add to that, mistake free offense with some good play calling and smart play. Oh boy, watch out!

 

[A.VOID]

I thought I saw some good improvements from TP during the 2nd quarter of the NMS game. This game he really came out.

Only knocks: Two balls sailed on him, and he tried to thread the needle to Posey when the TE was wide open in front of him.

Defense looked fabulous, although I always get annoyed when we have that zone where the TE sits and catches 10 yard passes.

Let's win out and get some recognition against the Pac-10 in the Rose Bowl. They obviously have plenty of issues. This could be a good bowl victory year.