I missed the first half of the game so watching replay. the snow did not seem to impact MSU as much as PSU. Thorne under less pressure and able to run much better than Clifford. SC says he is back at 100%. SC running is still key for this offense to be effective.
watching MSU-PSU replay
- Thread starter blion72
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The weather was the same for both teams. PSU had their chances but once again couldn’t make the key plays Missed FG and PAT Giving up a late TD on 4th and 15. Punning MSU Down at its one yard line and letting them go 99 yards to go up 14-0 and on and on. Paterno often said there are 4 or 5 plays that usually determine the outcome of close games. PSU lost several close games this year because the other team made those plays and PSU did not.
MSU 50% on third downs and 75% on fourth. Killers.
Thorne was rarely under pressure. He could wait for a receiver to get open. Clifford never had that luxury. He never ever had time to look beyond his first receiving option. You can’t win without an offensive line.
Especially since 1 of those 4th down conversions should have been stopped for a loss with a resulting turnover on downs. However, Smith refused to wrap up (again) and allowed the guy to bounce off to get the first down. MSU scored a TD a few plays later.
That’s 7 points MSU would not have had if Smith had simply tackled properly or if the coaching staff had corrected the issue that’s been going on all year. Neither did and PSU lost.
Those type plays have much more of an impact on the outcome of games but they get ignored for this coaching fixation on “explosive plays”.
Lee has some of the worst vision i have ever seen and is often unsure of holes, and a very indecisive runner. That said, on the play you reference, I fault the play calling and offensive line much more. This was Barkley era man in your face in the backfield right when you get the hand off. How about qb under center and tell the freaking back what gap the play is going and let him run downhill? The shotgun run snaps with this offensive line are futile. Why we can't figure this out after 8 years is mind boggling.
The problem with Clifford running is he has no acceleration. He takes forever to get moving. And by the time a defense of lineman usually has hold of him. The other issue is his pocket awareness. There are plenty of times where he starts to run because he thinks the pocket is collapsing around him. It may be a result of having a crappy offense of line, but many times all he needs to do is just move around in the pocket rather than trying to takeoff. I think part of our problem is we don’t have a very good quarterback coach. Or we don’t have one at all.
We get a pick 6 and still manage to lose. Two plays sum it up. We can't convert a 4th and 1 at their 15 and they convert a 4th and 15 for a TD.
They, Clifford and all, may say he was 100% but his running ability (which makes this offense work) was missing the last 5 games.
Our OL did a horrible job on Sat. it was an epic fail. They didn't open holes when needed C'mon 2 4th and 1's? Although I still cant figure out why our coaching staff hasn't followed the lead of EVERY OTHER FREAKING SCHOOL and put Clifford under center and push. Its 1 freaking yard for Christ sake.
I like Franklin but there is something wrong. Starting with 2016 we have lost far more games with a lead than probably 20 years of Pre-Franklin football at PSU.
They did early in the year. I remember being shocked to see it. I'm not sure why they went away from it, but I would bet explosive play Franklin had something to do with it.They, Clifford and all, may say he was 100% but his running ability (which makes this offense work) was missing the last 5 games.
Our OL did a horrible job on Sat. it was an epic fail. They didn't open holes when needed C'mon 2 4th and 1's? Although I still cant figure out why our coaching staff hasn't followed the lead of EVERY OTHER FREAKING SCHOOL and put Clifford under center and push. Its 1 freaking yard for Christ sake.
So because the coaching staff is fixated on "explosive plays", they failed to teach a linebacker proper tackling technique?
I think the offensive line has played poorly all year, but the RBs have made a bad situation worse. Cite me any run by any RB this season which showed any burst. As my old high school coach said, you don't *****-foot around on 4th and 1.
actually Smith came in like a lightning bolt to lite up Thorne. On a dry field he would have killed him. On a snowy field, it was easy too avoid him. it looked like he wanted to make the highlight reel, but all he needed was to slow down and break down - even if he did not tackle Thorne he could have caused Thorn to adjust and there were other guys arriving. every play does not have to be Lavar leap tackles. there was no reason for Thorne to get these yards.
as i said before, Thorne was somehow effective running in the snow, and Clifford who is allegedly the batter runner had negative yards for the day.
Just my observation but it seemed like PSU players had a much harder time keeping their footing. Poor cleat selection compared to MSU? Anyone else see this? Am I wrong here?
I was listening to Steve and Jack's pregame show and Steve said they brought 3 types of cleats/shoes and the players pick whichever ones they want to use.
That makes sense and I thought that's typically what happens.
Perhaps I was watching the game mad just having the feeling they were going to piss away another win.
Hell,44 year old Tom Brady who's best 40 was a 5.6 in his prime does it. Should be a no brainer with the much more athletic Clifford. As you say everybody else does it.They, Clifford and all, may say he was 100% but his running ability (which makes this offense work) was missing the last 5 games.
Our OL did a horrible job on Sat. it was an epic fail. They didn't open holes when needed C'mon 2 4th and 1's? Although I still cant figure out why our coaching staff hasn't followed the lead of EVERY OTHER FREAKING SCHOOL and put Clifford under center and push. Its 1 freaking yard for Christ sake.
Whatever Bill O. did with Brady and McGloin (who was also excellent on sneaks) was genius and I wish someone (Franklin) would contact him and ask what his secret is.
I agree with you. I mentioned during the game that it looked like the Penn St players were playing on rollerskates. Seems they couldn’t stop/chg direction or were afraid to try
Clifford obviously learned his lack of acceleration while running by watching the RBs on the team. I agree that his pocket awareness is poor v
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