Arkansas run game vs our DEF - what do you expect?

[blion72]

Assuming that Arkansas sticks to a run heavy game, what are you thinking re our response?

1. We contain them at least to or better than our season average, which would be really fantastic.
2. We contain them about how we handled Auburn and Wisconsin two good running teams that we did defend pretty well considering their power.
3. More like the Illinois game which was our worst run defense of the season.
4. They get the bowl record and go over 400 yds - which seems to be what they are targeting

I am thinking somewhere between #2 and #3. Cannot see the bowl record, even with half the defense not playing.

 

[Lionville]

#3

 

[Big_O]

Best case scenario is #3 due to the number of defensive starter opt outs. Otherwise I would be more hopeful.

 

[BW Lion]

PSU gets really tired in the 2nd half and Ark runs at will.

 

[ManxomeLion]

We could be so lucky if it works out like Illinois, who scored all of 10 points in regulation.
I don't see how replacing 5-6 starters on defense as well as the defensive coordinator is going to be anything but painful.
The only hope IMHO is that a healthy and fresh Clifford along with revamped online can score enough points and ideally keep PSUs defense fresh.

 

[step.eng69]

Anything but painful.
The only hope IMHO is that a healthy and fresh Clifford along with revamped online can score enough points and ideally keep PSUs defense fresh.

 

[VaDave4PSU]

You can cry about the yardage, but Illinois only scored 10 in regulation.

If Arkansas only scores 10 in 4q, I'd be ecstatic.

I don't expect a great defensive performance. DL is down 4 true starters with Luketa going from DE to Mike. LB down 2, with the only returning guy supposedly moving in the box. Secondary losing its leader and our best defensive player.

Offense is going to have to score a lot of points to win. And that is without Dotson. Tall task. Arkansas 3-3-5 is going to invite the running game unless they shift.

The good news is Ark is missing the WR who makes the play action lethal and the only true pass rusher they had.

 

[Ceasar]

Arkansas will get their yards. The key for PSU, IMO, is going to be red zone defense and turnovers. Hold them to FGs instead of TDs and get a few turnovers and 35 points can become 20-24 and we have a chance to win. We will miss Brisker and Ebikitie, not sure the other losses are that meaningful, though I admit on a hot day it could take a toll on depth.

 

[CDLionFL]

PSU's worst tackler isn't playing so that has to be an improvement, right?

 

[VaDave4PSU]

PSU's worst tackler isn't playing so that has to be an improvement, right?

Do you remember Dixon and Luketa chasing people in '20?

Smith is remembered more for his misses, whiffs, and shoulder blocks, but at least he was in the right zip code, minus the Illinois game.

 

[PSUJam]

Assuming that Arkansas sticks to a run heavy game, what are you thinking re our response?

1. We contain them at least to or better than our season average, which would be really fantastic.
2. We contain them about how we handled Auburn and Wisconsin two good running teams that we did defend pretty well considering their power.
3. More like the Illinois game which was our worst run defense of the season.
4. They get the bowl record and go over 400 yds - which seems to be what they are targeting

I am thinking somewhere between #2 and #3. Cannot see the bowl record, even with half the defense not playing.

I say sell out against the run, play man and hope.

 

[Lmdm]

I hope I’m wrong but it’s going to be ugly for all the reasons mentioned previously

 

[Ten Years After]

We could be so lucky if it works out like Illinois, who scored all of 10 points in regulation.
I don't see how replacing 5-6 starters on defense as well as the defensive coordinator is going to be anything but painful.
The only hope IMHO is that a healthy and fresh Clifford along with revamped online can score enough points and ideally keep PSUs defense fresh.

Agreed about the defense. The losses I fear are far too deep. The D is what kept us in games and now it's been wholly gutted. If Clifford plays well and the O-line steps up, maybe that helps. I'll count on improved O-line play when I see it though.

 

[VaDave4PSU]

Agreed about the defense. The losses I fear are far too deep. The D is what kept us in games and now it's been wholly gutted. If Clifford plays well and the O-line steps up, maybe that helps. I'll count on improved O-line play when I see it though.

And that doesn't take into consideration the loss of Mustipher and Issac. This unit could be great next year or they could struggle. However, they have their hands full Saturday trying to jive in less than a month.

 

[leinbacker]

Remember that Mich. State game in the late 90s, when they got 2 backs over 200 yards?

 

[ApexLion]

Remember that Mich. State game in the late 90s, when they got 2 backs over 200 yards?

Those guys are probably pretty old now but they could get 100 each vs our DL.

 

[MacNit]

Assuming that Arkansas sticks to a run heavy game, what are you thinking re our response?

1. We contain them at least to or better than our season average, which would be really fantastic.
2. We contain them about how we handled Auburn and Wisconsin two good running teams that we did defend pretty well considering their power.
3. More like the Illinois game which was our worst run defense of the season.
4. They get the bowl record and go over 400 yds - which seems to be what they are targeting

I am thinking somewhere between #2 and #3. Cannot see the bowl record, even with half the defense not playing.

Shocked that the count spread is still so close…I am thinking the Hogs by about 10-11 points.