Thoughts from the couch….

[psuro]

1. Well, not much more that can be said than has probably not already been said. Really disappointing effort.
2. Losing on both sides of the LOS is really disheartening.
3. Michigan had the ball for 42 minutes and PSU 18. Can’t really expect an offense to do anything if they are on the sideline for 3/4 of the game.
4, Really put this on the feet of Diaz and Yurcich. And also the DL and OL coaches. It’s like they didn’t even prepare for the running game offensively or defensively.
5, Disagree with the decision on 4th and short- should have punted to try to pin them deep. But, the way Michigan was playing it would not have mattered - but it was still the best option, IMHO.
6. They played tight offensively. When they were actually on the field.
7, Not a whole lot to add - just disappointing.

FTG

 

[CDLionFL]

#5, I don't think you go wrong with either opinion you have. It seemed like a bit of a desperate play to go for it when we're only down 7 and halfway thru the 3rd quarter. But at the same time, it's on the 39 and if Amor doesn't get the right bounce or some special teamer drops the ball in the end zone, you're only netting 19 yards of field position so why not take a shot and jumpstart your team. In the end, if you can't fill gaps and can't tackle, it doesn't make much of a difference.

 

[WSTLion87]

Totally agree with #5... Punt and pin them deep. It's only 24-17 and halfway through the 3rd quarter. Then they do not make it and the defense comes out onto the field deflated.

Not mentioning any names but I don't like the body language of some of our players when we get down by a few scores.

 

[dcf4psu]

#4: Put it at the feet of the head coach!

 

[Steelpenn]

#5, I don't think you go wrong with either opinion you have. It seemed like a bit of a desperate play to go for it when we're only down 7 and halfway thru the 3rd quarter. But at the same time, it's on the 39 and if Amor doesn't get the right bounce or some special teamer drops the ball in the end zone, you're only netting 19 yards of field position so why not take a shot and jumpstart your team. In the end, if you can't fill gaps and can't tackle, it doesn't make much of a difference.

I agree, it’s kind of a area of the field a lot of coaches go for it no matter what point of the game it is.

 

[PSUAXE70]

1. Well, not much more that can be said than has probably not already been said. Really disappointing effort.
2. Losing on both sides of the LOS is really disheartening.
3. Michigan had the ball for 42 minutes and PSU 18. Can’t really expect an offense to do anything if they are on the sideline for 3/4 of the game.
4, Really put this on the feet of Diaz and Yurcich. And also the OL and OL coaches. It’s like they didn’t even prepare for the running game offensively or defensively.
5, Diesagree with the decision on 4th and short- should have punted to try to pin them deep. But, the way Michigan was playing it would not have mattered - but it was still the best option, IMHO.
6. They played tight offensively. When they were actually on the field.
7, Not a whole lot to add - just disappointing.

FTG

2. Michigan is the offensive team I thought Penn State was going into the game. They have a very good offensive line and two excellent backs. It turns out we don’t.
5. When we give up 400 yards rushing, a 4th down call is probably insignificant.
7. This was a difficult game to watch. Once Michigan established the run, it was clear how the game would end.

 

[Nohow]

Totally agree with #5... Punt and pin them deep. It's only 24-17 and halfway through the 3rd quarter. Then they do not make it and the defense comes out onto the field deflated.

Not mentioning any names but I don't like the body language of some of our players when we get down by a few scores.

Mention names.

 

[TheBigUglies]

Where are the freakin' fundamentals?? We can't block or tackle anymore. The play calling is horrible. Is Franklin handcuffing Diaz and Yurcich? Its same old same old with Franklin. Complain about facilities and staff and money you need to compete but it is all bullshiite and coaching is mediocre at best. Great recruiter, marketing hypes the program to make it look like its great, but the product on the field can not compete with the winning teams. I feel bad for all these great athletes we have because they are not being set up for success by this coaching staff.

 

[TheBigUglies]

Totally agree with #5... Punt and pin them deep. It's only 24-17 and halfway through the 3rd quarter. Then they do not make it and the defense comes out onto the field deflated.

Not mentioning any names but I don't like the body language of some of our players when we get down by a few scores.

That is a reflection of the coaching staff.

 

[WSTLion87]

Mention names.

Okay perhaps it is just me but Singleton really did not look enthused out there especially after he dropped the pass. Again it could be just me...

 

[ManxomeLion]

Where are the freakin' fundamentals?? We can't block or tackle anymore. The play calling is horrible. Is Franklin handcuffing Diaz and Yurcich? Its same old same old with Franklin. Complain about facilities and staff and money you need to compete but it is all bullshiite and coaching is mediocre at best. Great recruiter, marketing hypes the program to make it look like its great, but the product on the field can not compete with the winning teams. I feel bad for all these great athletes we have because they are not being set up for success by this coaching staff.

Personally I've come to the conclusion that if certain fundamentals don't contribute to explosive plays, Franklin doesn't emphasize them. The poor tackling technique for one isn't an aberration, it's a perennial trademark of PSU defenses under Franklin (with multiple defensive coordinators)

 

[razpsu]

1. Well, not much more that can be said than has probably not already been said. Really disappointing effort.
2. Losing on both sides of the LOS is really disheartening.
3. Michigan had the ball for 42 minutes and PSU 18. Can’t really expect an offense to do anything if they are on the sideline for 3/4 of the game.
4, Really put this on the feet of Diaz and Yurcich. And also the OL and OL coaches. It’s like they didn’t even prepare for the running game offensively or defensively.
5, Diesagree with the decision on 4th and short- should have punted to try to pin them deep. But, the way Michigan was playing it would not have mattered - but it was still the best option, IMHO.
6. They played tight offensively. When they were actually on the field.
7, Not a whole lot to add - just disappointing.

FTG

Number 5. Absolutely. Who knows what could have happened! Instead he put all his chips in the middle when it was his first bet of the night!!

 

[razpsu]

Okay perhaps it is just me but Singleton really did not look enthused out there especially after he dropped the pass. Again it could be just me...

Yep. I was like whoooaaa. My daughter said is he looking at allar in disbelief or what. I told her I don’t know but that was some look. Perhaps it is welcome to the big leagues nick.

 

[BiochemPSU]

I don’t get the Diaz hate. Guy has been here for six games. Didn’t recruit any of these guys. Held Michigan to 3 red zone FGs in the first half and had his unit score as many TDs as the offense with a 6th year QB and a returning offensive coordinator.

 

[Blair10]

Totally agree with #5... Punt and pin them deep. It's only 24-17 and halfway through the 3rd quarter. Then they do not make it and the defense comes out onto the field deflated.

Not mentioning any names but I don't like the body language of some of our players when we get down by a few scores.

I really like your logic with respect to yet another bonehead 4th down decision by Coach Franklin. It was a one score game at that point. Make the other team go the distance and possibly make a mistake.

 

[PSU87]

I don’t get the Diaz hate. Guy has been here for six games. Didn’t recruit any of these guys. Held Michigan to 3 red zone FGs in the first half and had his unit score as many TDs as the offense with a 6th year QB and a returning offensive coordinator.

Michigan. Didn't. Punt.

I don't hate him, but I ain't taking him to lunch either....

 

[MacNit]

1. Well, not much more that can be said than has probably not already been said. Really disappointing effort.
2. Losing on both sides of the LOS is really disheartening.
3. Michigan had the ball for 42 minutes and PSU 18. Can’t really expect an offense to do anything if they are on the sideline for 3/4 of the game.
4, Really put this on the feet of Diaz and Yurcich. And also the OL and OL coaches. It’s like they didn’t even prepare for the running game offensively or defensively.
5, Diesagree with the decision on 4th and short- should have punted to try to pin them deep. But, the way Michigan was playing it would not have mattered - but it was still the best option, IMHO.
6. They played tight offensively. When they were actually on the field.
7, Not a whole lot to add - just disappointing.

FTG

It’s much simpler than that. Penn State, under Franklin, is not physically or mentally tough enough.

New Head Coach is needed asap.

 

[Omar81]

I really like your logic with respect to yet another bonehead 4th down decision by Coach Franklin. It was a one score game at that point. Make the other team go the distance and possibly make a mistake.

Franklin has proven to be the zen master of boneheaded 4th down decisions. It’s almost like he’s averaging one a game.

 

[BiochemPSU]

Michigan. Didn't. Punt.

I don't hate him, but I ain't taking him to lunch either....

Not a great stat for the defense, and I am not saying they played like the 85 bears or that Diaz is the next nick saban of defense. But just using that stat in a vacuum doesn’t accurately explain what happened to the defense in this game. Our defense was absolutely cut off at the knees by our offense that first half and yet they kept the score within 2 at halftime. In the end, The defense scored as many TDs as the offense who had a Sixth year QB who had one first down the entire first half. Yeah, the defense got swamped in the second half, but those guys got run into the ground because of what happened the first half, and that is on our pathetic offense.

 

[Nitwit]

Not a great stat for the defense, and I am not saying they played like the 85 bears or that Diaz is the next nick saban of defense. But just using that stat in a vacuum doesn’t accurately explain what happened to the defense in this game. Our defense was absolutely cut off at the knees by our offense that first half and yet they kept the score within 2 at halftime. In the end, The defense scored as many TDs as the offense who had a Sixth year QB who had one first down the entire first half. Yeah, the defense got swamped in the second half, but those guys got run into the ground because of what happened the first half, and that is on our pathetic offense.

The defense has played lights out all year and you’re criticizing Diaz? I don’t get it. Maybe we played a better team today.

 

[NB4PSU]

#5, I don't think you go wrong with either opinion you have. It seemed like a bit of a desperate play to go for it when we're only down 7 and halfway thru the 3rd quarter. But at the same time, it's on the 39 and if Amor doesn't get the right bounce or some special teamer drops the ball in the end zone, you're only netting 19 yards of field position so why not take a shot and jumpstart your team. In the end, if you can't fill gaps and can't tackle, it doesn't make much of a difference.

Agree with taking the shot... the play choice..... not so much.

 

[LealandLoyal]

It was not 4th and short; it was 4th and 6. JoePa said “punt unless it’s only a yard or less or late in the game and you must go for it. Field position is the key to success.

1. Well, not much more that can be said than has probably not already been said. Really disappointing effort.
2. Losing on both sides of the LOS is really disheartening.
3. Michigan had the ball for 42 minutes and PSU 18. Can’t really expect an offense to do anything if they are on the sideline for 3/4 of the game.
4, Really put this on the feet of Diaz and Yurcich. And also the OL and OL coaches. It’s like they didn’t even prepare for the running game offensively or defensively.
5, Diesagree with the decision on 4th and short- should have punted to try to pin them deep. But, the way Michigan was playing it would not have mattered - but it was still the best option, IMHO.
6. They played tight offensively. When they were actually on the field.
7, Not a whole lot to add - just disappointing.

FTG

It was 4th and 6, not short. Punt. Play field position. Easy call down by one score when you have a great punter. Bonehead calls on 4th down by CJF keep happening. Sad.

 

[Connorpozlee]

Where are the freakin' fundamentals?? We can't block or tackle anymore. The play calling is horrible. Is Franklin handcuffing Diaz and Yurcich? Its same old same old with Franklin. Complain about facilities and staff and money you need to compete but it is all bullshiite and coaching is mediocre at best. Great recruiter, marketing hypes the program to make it look like its great, but the product on the field can not compete with the winning teams. I feel bad for all these great athletes we have because they are not being set up for success by this coaching staff.

Great recruiter? The results on the field say otherwise.

 

[psuro]

It was not 4th and short; it was 4th and 6. JoePa said “punt unless it’s only a yard or less or Larson the game and you must go for it. Field position

It was 4th and 6, not short. Punt. Play field position. Easy call down by one score when you have a great punter. Bonehead calls on 4th down by CJF keep happening. Sad.

True = not short, it was 6 yards. As someon else said, what if the ball had gone into the EZ, then it would have only been an 18 yard net. Given the way Michigan was playing, that would have just made them call one or two more offensive plays, but they probably would have still marched the ball down the field.

 

[PSUinSTL]

True = not short, it was 6 yards. As someon else said, what if the ball had gone into the EZ, then it would have only been an 18 yard net. Given the way Michigan was playing, that would have just made them call one or two more offensive plays, but they probably would have still marched the ball down the field.

It was the one play. Psychological aspect that did the team in. Granted the d didn’t stop um all day but it was that point that the game was over. JF signaled to the world he had no faith in defense. Had we punted - UM would likely have marched down the field Bur they may have also fumbled or threw interception. Or we may have stopped them cause they were pinned deep. The point is. 4th and 6th. We have struggled offensively all day it was stupid to go for it.

 

[psuno1]

It’s much simpler than that. Penn State, under Franklin, is not physically or mentally tough enough.

New Head Coach is needed asap.

Soft as charmin just like Franklin in the clutch or in big games.

 

[Karl_Havok]

I really like your logic with respect to yet another bonehead 4th down decision by Coach Franklin. It was a one score game at that point. Make the other team go the distance and possibly make a mistake.

I didn’t watch the post game presser but did Franklin discuss this decision? I listened to something yesterday morning (The Bill Simmons podcast) and they went over these calls in the NFL and they articulated it in a way that I couldn’t and it finally made sense to me why I hate when Franklin talks about going for these 4th downs.

It’s essentially the analytics of it. Coaches will talk about how the analytics dictate that they go for it on 4th down. However they don’t always use those analytics to determine everything (so it’s pick and choose). Basically it’s a way to shift the blame for a bad call to a bunch of numbers on a printout. They can shrug their shoulders and say “the nerds in the nerdery have numbers so don’t blame me.”

 

[Hugh Laurie]

1) Clearly we're not big and strong enough in the trenches.
2) We lack a deep threat with blazing speed.
3) The offensive play calling is unimaginative and predictable with to many long developing pass routes.
4) We're young at certain positions notably RB.
5) We lack speed at the LB position.
6) Allar is not the answer right now
6) Despite the aforementioned deficiencies, we're 5-1 with a chance to be 10-2 and get to a New Years day bowl.

 

[CDLionFL]

I didn’t watch the post game presser but did Franklin discuss this decision? I listened to something yesterday morning (The Bill Simmons podcast) and they went over these calls in the NFL and they articulated it in a way that I couldn’t and it finally made sense to me why I hate when Franklin talks about going for these 4th downs.

It’s essentially the analytics of it. Coaches will talk about how the analytics dictate that they go for it on 4th down. However they don’t always use those analytics to determine everything (so it’s pick and choose). Basically it’s a way to shift the blame for a bad call to a bunch of numbers on a printout. They can shrug their shoulders and say “the nerds in the nerdery have numbers so don’t blame me.”

Like in baseball, those who constantly cite analytics to justify their decisions demonstrate they have very little feel for the game situation and their players.

 

[psuro]

1) Clearly we're not big and strong enough in the trenches.
2) We lack a deep threat with blazing speed.
3) The offensive play calling is unimaginative and predictable with to many long developing pass routes.
4) We're young at certain positions notably RB.
5) We lack speed at the LB position.
6) Allar is not the answer right now
6) Despite the aforementioned deficiencies, we're 5-1 with a chance to be 10-2 and get to a New Years day bowl.

All good points and I think at the end of it, 10-2 is probably not out the realm of possibility. I know the naysayers will respond with

1. We will lose every game
2. We will lose all the recruits
3. So on.....and so on....and I get why they feel this way.

I did not really expect us to beat Michigan - I am disappointed in the way we lost.

 

[PSUFBFAN]

It was the one play. Psychological aspect that did the team in. Granted the d didn’t stop um all day but it was that point that the game was over. JF signaled to the world he had no faith in defense. Had we punted - UM would likely have marched down the field Bur they may have also fumbled or threw interception. Or we may have stopped them cause they were pinned deep. The point is. 4th and 6th. We have struggled offensively all day it was stupid to go for it.

"JF signaled to the world he had no faith in defense."

Meaningless - I am pretty sure by that point in the game, the defense had no faith in themselves. They knew they couldn't stop Michigan at any point in that game and they proved it to themselves and everybody watching.

 

[Georgia Peach]

Where are the freakin' fundamentals?? We can't block or tackle anymore. The play calling is horrible. Is Franklin handcuffing Diaz and Yurcich? Its same old same old with Franklin. Complain about facilities and staff and money you need to compete but it is all bullshiite and coaching is mediocre at best. Great recruiter, marketing hypes the program to make it look like its great, but the product on the field can not compete with the winning teams. I feel bad for all these great athletes we have because they are not being set up for success by this coaching staff.

The better we recruit, the more holes we seem to have in team construction. Our WR's, interior linemen and LB's are not able to compete at the top levels of the conference. The recruiting services needs to get more sophisticated in evaluating recruiting classes. It's one thing to collect a bunch of 4 stars but it's another to recruit well and for need. PSU has glaring deficiencies that showed yesterday. We've been waiting since Barkley arrived on campus for the kind of OL Michigan and tOSU puts out there and defensive linemen are not type of game influencers we need. Add the LB recruting the last few years and you essentially have half a team.

 

[Georgia Peach]

Great recruiter? The results on the field say otherwise.

Very good recruiter who does not construct or develop a team well. We always seem to have holes that get exposed by better constructed teams. You can't compete with Northwestern type LB's and interior linemen. And not one of our WR's would see the field at tOSU. Franklin collects 4 stars but seems unable to land kids consistently at positions of need. Your best LB should not be a true Freshman at LBU.

 

[OuiRPSU]

Like in baseball, those who constantly cite analytics to justify their decisions demonstrate they have very little feel for the game situation and their players.

Exactly. If every decision is predicated upon analytics, any one of us can be head coach. Right? Just do what the data says to do. How difficult is that?

 

[Bwifan]

I think more than anything reflecting on the game yesterday for me it was with 2 weeks to prepare for this game and those scheme's are what they came up with... I thought at best PSU had a 50/50 shot more Michigan 60/40 to win. I get PSU lost, but to me it was the way they lost. It was like varsity vs. JV....They just looked so unprepared, could do nothing. Just seemed like long developing pass plays that when you don't own the line of scrimmage are going to get your qb crushed. Where were the TE's yesterday? Short controlled passes to them? Helps control the clock and move the sticks. Michigan uses their TEs wonderfully from blocking to play action to control the ball. Just really disappointing in that is what they came up with... Fine I get it Michigan has better lines but you can do things to help offset that advantage to a degree. Really losing confidence in this staff. See how the rest of the year goes but what a horrific performance and planning.

 

[MacNit]

1) Clearly we're not big and strong enough in the trenches.
2) We lack a deep threat with blazing speed.
3) The offensive play calling is unimaginative and predictable with to many long developing pass routes.
4) We're young at certain positions notably RB.
5) We lack speed at the LB position.
6) Allar is not the answer right now
6) Despite the aforementioned deficiencies, we're 5-1 with a chance to be 10-2 and get to a New Years day bowl.

10-2? There is an almost equally good chance of 5-7 / 6-6.

 

[ChiTownLionPSU]

 

[Bwifan]

We will see if it comes to fruition but at least JF seems to know they are not big enough in the trenches. Now he needs to go recruit and develop those players on both sides of the ball. Big 10 gets big boys for the trenches. Michigan does it but can also spread you out with it. The Dline especially on the interior needs to get bigger. They are just too small at DT. PJ is ok at his size but their first 2 teams on the Dline interior all need to be bigger and stronger to clog up the run.

 

[Bkmtnittany1]

10-2? There is an almost equally good chance of 5-7 / 6-6.

I say 8-4...but we actually could lose 5 of the next 6....

 

[Schoolie]

1. Well, not much more that can be said than has probably not already been said. Really disappointing effort.
2. Losing on both sides of the LOS is really disheartening.
3. Michigan had the ball for 42 minutes and PSU 18. Can’t really expect an offense to do anything if they are on the sideline for 3/4 of the game.
4, Really put this on the feet of Diaz and Yurcich. And also the DL and OL coaches. It’s like they didn’t even prepare for the running game offensively or defensively.
5, Disagree with the decision on 4th and short- should have punted to try to pin them deep. But, the way Michigan was playing it would not have mattered - but it was still the best option, IMHO.
6. They played tight offensively. When they were actually on the field.
7, Not a whole lot to add - just disappointing.

FTG

Don't disagree with anything you said, but at this point I'd rather go back to the hard nipple thread. It was much better than yesterday's game.