1. Nice that in this final run for the season, the squad came out and really hammered another opponent. This game was over halfway through the second quarter, for all intents and purposes. Much easier, from a fan perspective, then having nail biters.
2. I would love to be able to watch the competition in practive between Singleton and Allen. They must be so close, in order for the staff to pick one or the other to start. That said, I also feel Singleton ran with much more aggressiveness and purpose this game. Lowered his shoulders more and took it to the defenders. Anyone else notice that they tend to run Allen to the left and Singleton to the right (more often than not, but not all the time). Yurcich's full house backfield is now a favorit of mine. Sometimes you just have to pound it out.
3. Not sure what happened with Amor. I don't think he was seen again after the roughing the punter call. But, Barchetta came in and did an admirable job. And, can still preseve his redshirt.
4. Kudos to Trautwein for having the OL ready. This defense is better than Indiana's but the offense, in the running game, did not miss a step. 450 yards in the last two games is pretty damn good. Starters out or playing banged up, shuffling players around and having a freshman start - and they still controlled the LOS. I have been on Trautwein and thought he should have been let go, but he has put together a good line this year. Only one sack in the last two games.
5. Defense- what can you say? What a great, great game by them. Especially the line. The Maryland Offensive Line is better than Indiana's but they just controlled from the opneing series. Did Durant start at tackle? He made the first bg play on the first series. As much as we talk about Singleton, Allen, Allar and Carter, do not overlook the freshman Durant as a positive contributor. Holding a Big Ten team to a total of 134 yards is really a major accomplishment. It was good to see Zuriah Fisher on the field at the end. Making a good recovery from his injury. Taulia had been sacked 14 times in the previous games, but got sacked 7 times by PSU. And keep in mind, Maryland played the Big Bad Wolverines and they did not sack him like PSU did (because they don't have the vaunted Don Brown anymore I guess). It was not until near the end of the third quarter that Maryland had more offensive yards than penalty yards. That said, I don't think they got any penalties in the first half. A shut out against any Big Ten opponent should not be overlooked. Kobe King has really showed up in the last few games. Also - how about that closing speed by Carter against Taulia - not sure who would be faster, him or Parsons (or Arrington), but he really closed the game on their QB on a designed roll out in the second quarter.
6. For Maryland, their #54 and their defensive #1 (Barham, who PSU wanted), played well. Especially #54. Additinoally, Hemby is going to be good for them. Seems like a solid player.
7. At least we did not have to listen to Gus Johnson talking about the World Famous Ohio State. But this announcing crew - did they do their homework? They got the players names wrong or misidentifeid the players. I will agree with them that it was impressive crowd considering the weather. Of the 5 biggest CFB stadiums, I belive Penn State is the furthest from a major metropolitan area (Harrisburg and Altoona don't count). And yet, fans still make the trek.
8. None of the quarterbacks impressed me on Saturday. It seemed like a few passes were high - even some of the shotgun snaps. Not sure if it was weather related. I did think that CJF would go to Allar after the TV camera showed him talking to Allar before end of first half. Clifford did seem to pick it up after that discussion - not sure if he saw it or not. I also think both secondaries really played tight coverage. I will give Maryland's defensive secondary credit also for their coverage. With JPJ out (although he shows up in the participation sheet), I think we got a great game from the other members of the secondary.
9. On Singletons two TD runs, the TEs did yeoman's work in blocking. Warren, who had not been heard from much in the last few games, really stayed on his block on Singleton's first run.
10. Kudos to Pinegar. I still had my doubts, but he made the kicks when he had to.
11. I did not like the three unsportsmanlike penalties. The two on the players were just stupid and at sometime, it's gonna create a problem. The team had the game in had, so there is no need for chirping. This is not enough of a rivalry to seriously dislike that team. It's just a game you have to play. Conversely, I was OK with CJF's unsportsmanlike, once he explained it. Kind of like a basketball coach getting a technical on himself rather than a member of the team getting one. He was right - they were holding Strange all game and it was not called once. I am impressed he can do 15 push ups. I could not. I am sure that will be the focus of some of his critics though. Perhaps someone can even twist it so they can take a benign issue like this and think that CJF was making it all about him? And then be offended by it.
12. OK once again - Manny Diaz's hair. Just wow. I hope Diaz sticks around, but if he leaves, I hope his hair sticks around. That said, I did hear that at least one program has called. But not sure if it would be worth the jump for Diaz. It's in a P5, but not a major program.
13. I can't believe anyone would not love Tank Smith. Kid just pounds. With Lee out (and perhaps not coming back), your third stringer is a walk on who is 5'7" and 226 lbs. Nice. Like trying to tackle a fire hydrant. I hope that this non scholarship kid gets to score a TD - I don't think he has one this year.
14. So, a solid win, with a strong running game, a QB who was a good game manager, execptional defense, and solid kicking game. Somewhere up in the heavens a smart aleck kid from Brooklyn is smiling and sipping his bourbon. Because that is the way he liked doing it.
15. Oh, and lest you guys think I have not paid attention.....Center Judge Amada Sauer....
FTG
2. I would love to be able to watch the competition in practive between Singleton and Allen. They must be so close, in order for the staff to pick one or the other to start. That said, I also feel Singleton ran with much more aggressiveness and purpose this game. Lowered his shoulders more and took it to the defenders. Anyone else notice that they tend to run Allen to the left and Singleton to the right (more often than not, but not all the time). Yurcich's full house backfield is now a favorit of mine. Sometimes you just have to pound it out.
3. Not sure what happened with Amor. I don't think he was seen again after the roughing the punter call. But, Barchetta came in and did an admirable job. And, can still preseve his redshirt.
4. Kudos to Trautwein for having the OL ready. This defense is better than Indiana's but the offense, in the running game, did not miss a step. 450 yards in the last two games is pretty damn good. Starters out or playing banged up, shuffling players around and having a freshman start - and they still controlled the LOS. I have been on Trautwein and thought he should have been let go, but he has put together a good line this year. Only one sack in the last two games.
5. Defense- what can you say? What a great, great game by them. Especially the line. The Maryland Offensive Line is better than Indiana's but they just controlled from the opneing series. Did Durant start at tackle? He made the first bg play on the first series. As much as we talk about Singleton, Allen, Allar and Carter, do not overlook the freshman Durant as a positive contributor. Holding a Big Ten team to a total of 134 yards is really a major accomplishment. It was good to see Zuriah Fisher on the field at the end. Making a good recovery from his injury. Taulia had been sacked 14 times in the previous games, but got sacked 7 times by PSU. And keep in mind, Maryland played the Big Bad Wolverines and they did not sack him like PSU did (because they don't have the vaunted Don Brown anymore I guess). It was not until near the end of the third quarter that Maryland had more offensive yards than penalty yards. That said, I don't think they got any penalties in the first half. A shut out against any Big Ten opponent should not be overlooked. Kobe King has really showed up in the last few games. Also - how about that closing speed by Carter against Taulia - not sure who would be faster, him or Parsons (or Arrington), but he really closed the game on their QB on a designed roll out in the second quarter.
6. For Maryland, their #54 and their defensive #1 (Barham, who PSU wanted), played well. Especially #54. Additinoally, Hemby is going to be good for them. Seems like a solid player.
7. At least we did not have to listen to Gus Johnson talking about the World Famous Ohio State. But this announcing crew - did they do their homework? They got the players names wrong or misidentifeid the players. I will agree with them that it was impressive crowd considering the weather. Of the 5 biggest CFB stadiums, I belive Penn State is the furthest from a major metropolitan area (Harrisburg and Altoona don't count). And yet, fans still make the trek.
8. None of the quarterbacks impressed me on Saturday. It seemed like a few passes were high - even some of the shotgun snaps. Not sure if it was weather related. I did think that CJF would go to Allar after the TV camera showed him talking to Allar before end of first half. Clifford did seem to pick it up after that discussion - not sure if he saw it or not. I also think both secondaries really played tight coverage. I will give Maryland's defensive secondary credit also for their coverage. With JPJ out (although he shows up in the participation sheet), I think we got a great game from the other members of the secondary.
9. On Singletons two TD runs, the TEs did yeoman's work in blocking. Warren, who had not been heard from much in the last few games, really stayed on his block on Singleton's first run.
10. Kudos to Pinegar. I still had my doubts, but he made the kicks when he had to.
11. I did not like the three unsportsmanlike penalties. The two on the players were just stupid and at sometime, it's gonna create a problem. The team had the game in had, so there is no need for chirping. This is not enough of a rivalry to seriously dislike that team. It's just a game you have to play. Conversely, I was OK with CJF's unsportsmanlike, once he explained it. Kind of like a basketball coach getting a technical on himself rather than a member of the team getting one. He was right - they were holding Strange all game and it was not called once. I am impressed he can do 15 push ups. I could not. I am sure that will be the focus of some of his critics though. Perhaps someone can even twist it so they can take a benign issue like this and think that CJF was making it all about him? And then be offended by it.
12. OK once again - Manny Diaz's hair. Just wow. I hope Diaz sticks around, but if he leaves, I hope his hair sticks around. That said, I did hear that at least one program has called. But not sure if it would be worth the jump for Diaz. It's in a P5, but not a major program.
13. I can't believe anyone would not love Tank Smith. Kid just pounds. With Lee out (and perhaps not coming back), your third stringer is a walk on who is 5'7" and 226 lbs. Nice. Like trying to tackle a fire hydrant. I hope that this non scholarship kid gets to score a TD - I don't think he has one this year.
14. So, a solid win, with a strong running game, a QB who was a good game manager, execptional defense, and solid kicking game. Somewhere up in the heavens a smart aleck kid from Brooklyn is smiling and sipping his bourbon. Because that is the way he liked doing it.
15. Oh, and lest you guys think I have not paid attention.....Center Judge Amada Sauer....
FTG
