Indiana Game - My Comments

[PSUMichFan]

The Team needed some of my wife’s coffee before the game. They appeared to be flat out of the start and lack the killer high intense emotion typically seen at the beginning of the game. As the announcers mentioned at the end of the game Penn State survived!

Allen is my favorite back this year so far. According to Sports Info Solutions, Allen has a better first-down rate than Singleton (31.4 percent to 23.9 percent), has broken more tackles (11-6), has forced more missed tackles (10-3) and has produced a better points-earned-per-play rate (.269 to .069). And that's with Singleton holding a 7-3 advantage in touchdown runs. Not sure why we lack the explosiveness compared to last year’s running game, but I like we are able to sustain drives using our running game this year. Loved the kickoff return from Singleton! I am an old fart but would love to see a reverse or a power sweep to one side.

A few times during the game Allar threw the ball to Singleton out of the backfield for a loss when no one downfield appeared to be open to him. Singleton was well covered at that point and was wondering Allar should have just throw the ball away instead of taking a loss by Singleton catching the pass?

Kudos to Indiana’s receivers and quarterback. The receivers made some nice catches and their QB had a decent game. We got burned on that blitz but mistakes happen. Manny didn’t look too happy during the game. I think we take a step backwards when he leaves.

I enjoyed the replay showing how well our receivers were covered by Indiana since Penn State’s receiving core and offense are being scrutinized for lack of performance these days. I have to admit our receiver’s looked slow on that replay.

I don’t understand calling for a fair catch on the short Kick off, especially by someone with good hands? We could have started on at least the 35/40 yard line both times.

Kicking Game was decent. Nice 50 yard Field goal with plenty to spare. Punting game was also good enough. I would love to see a 70 yard punt out of the end zone like Indiana had. I was expecting good field position having them backed up that far, but look what an amazing punt can do.

During the game we had a third down and a mile to go for the first and I notice a large the gap between the center and the guard prior to the snap. Indiana ran right through that gap and just about tackled Allar before the ball got there. I wish I had a deeper understanding on why the offense lined up like that.

I still think we win at Maryland and the team will start fixing the offense. We will lose to Michigan (27-10 my prediction) and win the rest. 10-2 final season record. Maybe get Notre Dame or USC in a bowl game.

 

[Midnighter]

The Team needed some of my wife’s coffee before the game. They appeared to be flat out of the start and lack the killer high intense emotion typically seen at the beginning of the game. As the announcers mentioned at the end of the game Penn State survived!

Allen is my favorite back this year so far. According to Sports Info Solutions, Allen has a better first-down rate than Singleton (31.4 percent to 23.9 percent), has broken more tackles (11-6), has forced more missed tackles (10-3) and has produced a better points-earned-per-play rate (.269 to .069). And that's with Singleton holding a 7-3 advantage in touchdown runs. Not sure why we lack the explosiveness compared to last year’s running game, but I like we are able to sustain drives using our running game this year. Loved the kickoff return from Singleton! I am an old fart but would love to see a reverse or a power sweep to one side.

A few times during the game Allar threw the ball to Singleton out of the backfield for a loss when no one downfield appeared to be open to him. Singleton was well covered at that point and was wondering Allar should have just throw the ball away instead of taking a loss by Singleton catching the pass?

Kudos to Indiana’s receivers and quarterback. The receivers made some nice catches and their QB had a decent game. We got burned on that blitz but mistakes happen. Manny didn’t look too happy during the game. I think we take a step backwards when he leaves.

I enjoyed the replay showing how well our receivers were covered by Indiana since Penn State’s receiving core and offense are being scrutinized for lack of performance these days. I have to admit our receiver’s looked slow on that replay.

I don’t understand calling for a fair catch on the short Kick off, especially by someone with good hands? We could have started on at least the 35/40 yard line both times.

Kicking Game was decent. Nice 50 yard Field goal with plenty to spare. Punting game was also good enough. I would love to see a 70 yard punt out of the end zone like Indiana had. I was expecting good field position having them backed up that far, but look what an amazing punt can do.

During the game we had a third down and a mile to go for the first and I notice a large the gap between the center and the guard prior to the snap. Indiana ran right through that gap and just about tackled Allar before the ball got there. I wish I had a deeper understanding on why the offense lined up like that.

I still think we win at Maryland and the team will start fixing the offense. We will lose to Michigan (27-10 my prediction) and win the rest. 10-2 final season record. Maybe get Notre Dame or USC in a bowl game.

Thanks for this! USC or ND in a bowl would be great; one projection I saw had us vs. Louisville in the Orange Bowl.

 

[RochLion]

The Team needed some of my wife’s coffee before the game. They appeared to be flat out of the start and lack the killer high intense emotion typically seen at the beginning of the game. As the announcers mentioned at the end of the game Penn State survived!

Allen is my favorite back this year so far. According to Sports Info Solutions, Allen has a better first-down rate than Singleton (31.4 percent to 23.9 percent), has broken more tackles (11-6), has forced more missed tackles (10-3) and has produced a better points-earned-per-play rate (.269 to .069). And that's with Singleton holding a 7-3 advantage in touchdown runs. Not sure why we lack the explosiveness compared to last year’s running game, but I like we are able to sustain drives using our running game this year. Loved the kickoff return from Singleton! I am an old fart but would love to see a reverse or a power sweep to one side.

A few times during the game Allar threw the ball to Singleton out of the backfield for a loss when no one downfield appeared to be open to him. Singleton was well covered at that point and was wondering Allar should have just throw the ball away instead of taking a loss by Singleton catching the pass?

Kudos to Indiana’s receivers and quarterback. The receivers made some nice catches and their QB had a decent game. We got burned on that blitz but mistakes happen. Manny didn’t look too happy during the game. I think we take a step backwards when he leaves.

I enjoyed the replay showing how well our receivers were covered by Indiana since Penn State’s receiving core and offense are being scrutinized for lack of performance these days. I have to admit our receiver’s looked slow on that replay.

I don’t understand calling for a fair catch on the short Kick off, especially by someone with good hands? We could have started on at least the 35/40 yard line both times.

Kicking Game was decent. Nice 50 yard Field goal with plenty to spare. Punting game was also good enough. I would love to see a 70 yard punt out of the end zone like Indiana had. I was expecting good field position having them backed up that far, but look what an amazing punt can do.

During the game we had a third down and a mile to go for the first and I notice a large the gap between the center and the guard prior to the snap. Indiana ran right through that gap and just about tackled Allar before the ball got there. I wish I had a deeper understanding on why the offense lined up like that.

I still think we win at Maryland and the team will start fixing the offense. We will lose to Michigan (27-10 my prediction) and win the rest. 10-2 final season record. Maybe get Notre Dame or USC in a bowl game.

I agree with Allen being my favorite back this year. Start of the 2nd half it seemed like the Oline was getting more push also. Was there a change in the OLine. I thought I heard JB Nelson was a difference maker but not sure if he came in during the 2nd half or was there for the majority. Either way both backs were weaving thru traffic better in the 2nd half.

 

[Midnighter]

I agree with Allen being my favorite back this year. Start of the 2nd half it seemed like the Oline was getting more push also. Was there a change in the OLine. I thought I heard JB Nelson was a difference maker but not sure if he came in during the 2nd half or was there for the majority. Either way both backs were weaving thru traffic better in the 2nd half.

Unpopular Hot Take - Neither back has been very impressive this year despite having pretty solid YPCs. Just no room to run. Maybe having Allar chuck it a bit more will put defenses on notice....

 

[LB99]

The Team needed some of my wife’s coffee before the game. They appeared to be flat out of the start and lack the killer high intense emotion typically seen at the beginning of the game. As the announcers mentioned at the end of the game Penn State survived!

Allen is my favorite back this year so far. According to Sports Info Solutions, Allen has a better first-down rate than Singleton (31.4 percent to 23.9 percent), has broken more tackles (11-6), has forced more missed tackles (10-3) and has produced a better points-earned-per-play rate (.269 to .069). And that's with Singleton holding a 7-3 advantage in touchdown runs. Not sure why we lack the explosiveness compared to last year’s running game, but I like we are able to sustain drives using our running game this year. Loved the kickoff return from Singleton! I am an old fart but would love to see a reverse or a power sweep to one side.

A few times during the game Allar threw the ball to Singleton out of the backfield for a loss when no one downfield appeared to be open to him. Singleton was well covered at that point and was wondering Allar should have just throw the ball away instead of taking a loss by Singleton catching the pass?

Kudos to Indiana’s receivers and quarterback. The receivers made some nice catches and their QB had a decent game. We got burned on that blitz but mistakes happen. Manny didn’t look too happy during the game. I think we take a step backwards when he leaves.

I enjoyed the replay showing how well our receivers were covered by Indiana since Penn State’s receiving core and offense are being scrutinized for lack of performance these days. I have to admit our receiver’s looked slow on that replay.

I don’t understand calling for a fair catch on the short Kick off, especially by someone with good hands? We could have started on at least the 35/40 yard line both times.

Kicking Game was decent. Nice 50 yard Field goal with plenty to spare. Punting game was also good enough. I would love to see a 70 yard punt out of the end zone like Indiana had. I was expecting good field position having them backed up that far, but look what an amazing punt can do.

During the game we had a third down and a mile to go for the first and I notice a large the gap between the center and the guard prior to the snap. Indiana ran right through that gap and just about tackled Allar before the ball got there. I wish I had a deeper understanding on why the offense lined up like that.

I still think we win at Maryland and the team will start fixing the offense. We will lose to Michigan (27-10 my prediction) and win the rest. 10-2 final season record. Maybe get Notre Dame or USC in a bowl game.

Good write up. On a side note, USC has the potential to lose out and finish 7-5. They have Washington, Oregon, and UCLA left on the schedule and their defense is awful.

 

[PSUFTG2]

Indiana 2023 is a bad Indiana team (ie, even worse than what one would normally expect out of Indiana - which is bad enough)

PSU was lucky to come away with a win. That is how poorly PSU played.

That is really all that needs to be said. IMO.

On the plus side, 10 of PSU's 2023 opponents are, truly, nearly as bad as Indiana.

 

[Corner Room Breakfast]

My one positive out of the game is any freshmen who hasn't played up to now is good to go the rest of the season.

 

[DCLion11]

I agree with Allen being my favorite back this year. Start of the 2nd half it seemed like the Oline was getting more push also. Was there a change in the OLine. I thought I heard JB Nelson was a difference maker but not sure if he came in during the 2nd half or was there for the majority. Either way both backs were weaving thru traffic better in the 2nd half.

The offense just seems to move the ball better with Allen in. He’s not as explosive but the offense seems better with him in it. I also kind of wish Potts got in the game a little more. I like what I have seen from him when he has had opportunities.

 

[Calabrin]

Re: WRs being covered

This is a largely false and irresponsible narrative that’s been pushed by commentators the last couple of weeks.

Receivers being “open” doesn’t mean “undefended”. It just means there’s a window where the QB can get them the ball.

It’s not that Drew isn’t throwing the ball because everyone is covered. He isn’t throwing the ball, because… he isn’t throwing the ball. He’s been too conservative on his release. He’s not allowing his receivers to make plays because he’s too scared of making a mistake, or because he’s simply not seeing the windows. But they are there. The replays confirm this.

 

[NewEra 2014]

The Team needed some of my wife’s coffee before the game. They appeared to be flat out of the start and lack the killer high intense emotion typically seen at the beginning of the game. As the announcers mentioned at the end of the game Penn State survived!

Allen is my favorite back this year so far. According to Sports Info Solutions, Allen has a better first-down rate than Singleton (31.4 percent to 23.9 percent), has broken more tackles (11-6), has forced more missed tackles (10-3) and has produced a better points-earned-per-play rate (.269 to .069). And that's with Singleton holding a 7-3 advantage in touchdown runs. Not sure why we lack the explosiveness compared to last year’s running game, but I like we are able to sustain drives using our running game this year. Loved the kickoff return from Singleton! I am an old fart but would love to see a reverse or a power sweep to one side.

A few times during the game Allar threw the ball to Singleton out of the backfield for a loss when no one downfield appeared to be open to him. Singleton was well covered at that point and was wondering Allar should have just throw the ball away instead of taking a loss by Singleton catching the pass?

Kudos to Indiana’s receivers and quarterback. The receivers made some nice catches and their QB had a decent game. We got burned on that blitz but mistakes happen. Manny didn’t look too happy during the game. I think we take a step backwards when he leaves.

I enjoyed the replay showing how well our receivers were covered by Indiana since Penn State’s receiving core and offense are being scrutinized for lack of performance these days. I have to admit our receiver’s looked slow on that replay.

I don’t understand calling for a fair catch on the short Kick off, especially by someone with good hands? We could have started on at least the 35/40 yard line both times.

Kicking Game was decent. Nice 50 yard Field goal with plenty to spare. Punting game was also good enough. I would love to see a 70 yard punt out of the end zone like Indiana had. I was expecting good field position having them backed up that far, but look what an amazing punt can do.

During the game we had a third down and a mile to go for the first and I notice a large the gap between the center and the guard prior to the snap. Indiana ran right through that gap and just about tackled Allar before the ball got there. I wish I had a deeper understanding on why the offense lined up like that.

I still think we win at Maryland and the team will start fixing the offense. We will lose to Michigan (27-10 my prediction) and win the rest. 10-2 final season record. Maybe get Notre Dame or USC in a bowl game.

Re: WRs being covered

This is a largely false and irresponsible narrative that’s been pushed by commentators the last couple of weeks.

Receivers being “open” doesn’t mean “undefended”. It just means there’s a window where the QB can get them the ball.

It’s not that Drew isn’t throwing the ball because everyone is covered. He isn’t throwing the ball, because… he isn’t throwing the ball. He’s been too conservative on his release. He’s not allowing his receivers to make plays because he’s too scared of making a mistake, or because he’s simply not seeing the windows. But they are there. The replays confirm this.

I agree. I was cringing every time announcers talked about Allar not having an interception like it was a good thing. Sometimes a QB needs to make risky throws to win games, and sometimes those throws get picked off. No need to get reckless, but Allar should be allowed to take more risks downfield if we are to compete with good teams.

 

[ILLINOISLION]

Good write up. On a side note, USC has the potential to lose out and finish 7-5. They have Washington, Oregon, and UCLA left on the schedule and their defense is awful.

USC’s D is worse than awful…..! They easily could be 4-5 right now instead of 7-2 and I agree they could very possibly lose out.

Would be cool, though, if they could knock off Wash and Oregon for us!

 

[leinbacker]

The offense just seems to move the ball better with Allen in. He’s not as explosive but the offense seems better with him in it. I also kind of wish Potts got in the game a little more. I like what I have seen from him when he has had opportunities.

there was a series in the second half where they had two backs, one being the lead blocker. Don’t remember if it was Allen and Singleton. But they ran it back to back and was successful. Of course we then never saw it again.

 

[LBUfanatic]

Re: WRs being covered

This is a largely false and irresponsible narrative that’s been pushed by commentators the last couple of weeks.

Receivers being “open” doesn’t mean “undefended”. It just means there’s a window where the QB can get them the ball.

It’s not that Drew isn’t throwing the ball because everyone is covered. He isn’t throwing the ball, because… he isn’t throwing the ball. He’s been too conservative on his release. He’s not allowing his receivers to make plays because he’s too scared of making a mistake, or because he’s simply not seeing the windows. But they are there. The replays confirm this.

Absolutely agree 1000 percent! The film does not lie. With his arm talent, Allar can make a lot of throws into tight windows if he is willing to do so (think Indiana game last year). I don’t profess to know why he doesn’t have that confidence right now, but it is definitely holding back the offense.

 

[ApexLion]

Good write up. On a side note, USC has the potential to lose out and finish 7-5. They have Washington, Oregon, and UCLA left on the schedule and their defense is awful.

Washington is the one to watch.

They have a killer schedule but if they keep winning they would have to be considered 1 or 2. Tough bunch of games coming up: USC, Oregon State, Utah, and bitter rival Washington State.

 

[CyphaPSU]

It’s not that Drew isn’t throwing the ball because everyone is covered. He isn’t throwing the ball, because… he isn’t throwing the ball. He’s been too conservative on his release. He’s not allowing his receivers to make plays because he’s too scared of making a mistake, or because he’s simply not seeing the windows. But they are there. The replays confirm this.

It is quite interesting how Drew threw for his biggest explosive TD right after he threw his first interception. Maybe it was only momentary and he returns back to his previous ways this week, but maybe...just maybe...he got a weight off his should and perhaps feels a bit more free back there to play with a bit of risk.