Penn State Has Great Talent !

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

Since Pitt will be playing Penn State in 2016, I am posting to hear what others think about Penn State Bowl Game and the PSU Team in 2016. I know others may be upset I am posting on Penn State on the Lair and differ from my views and so be it. I post here to learn and share on the Lair not to lecture!

PSU-UGA Bowl Game Analysis:
I thought the Penn State Nittany Lions show off much talent.They had a No Quit Attitude in there Final Game with much adversity of having to lose their Starting QB in Hackenberg early and McSorley got better has he played more. Penn State looked like they were going to be blown out, but never gave up, and came close much as Pitt did against Miami? I know Georgia had more experienced players, but this was good display of younger PSU players that Franklin finally played more like I urged all year long, unlike during the season and bodes well from PSU & Franklin & Staff going into 2016.

PSU Offense 2016:
The Penn State Wideout's are very good in Lewis, Hamilton and Godwin and will be tough to cover next year, in my opinion. The Running Back Barkley is clearly as I predicted before any Penn Staters here or on BWI to be a terrific Back and will just get better, again in my opinion. McSorley will add his running abilities combined with Barkley and Sanders, and will open up the passing game when needed. Penn State only needs an average OL and that should be coming and when it gets real good, they should have a terrific dynamic Offense. All under a New OC known to use a Running QB that can open up the pass with great Running Backs and be accurate enough on some key 3rd Downs and Plays. They only need a Tight End and better OL to be very good on Offense! This will make the Defense better that got worn down after Half Time in all games they lost this year, except against NW & Georgia! The only lingering concern is still the OL and whether they get better from better coaching in 2016 when it they got worse in 2015 compared to 2014?

PSU Defense 2016:
Penn State Defense was impressive again this year, and against a talented Georgia Team. Once the Lion's Offense gets running and scoring with Ball Control and Big Scoring abilities, they will get the rest needed to keep it up all game. They showed this ability by playing even better after Half Time and in the 4th Quarter! Something missing the last 2 years! They played more underclassman and one can see the speed and size they have coming back next year on both the O & D! They will have the Horses to replace anyone on the Defense and the PSU DC is very good and future Head Coach someday.

PSU Special Teams:
The Special Teams need much more work and kind of reminds me of Harris/Chryst Special Teams that cost Pitt 2 to 3 games every year they coached! This is quite fixable like Narduzzi proved this year at Pitt after 3 years of Chryst's failures on Special Teams. This year along with the last 2 Recruiting Classes should have the bodies to correct Special Teams with better coaching.

Hack Attack Gone:
As stated early in the week in a post, I had Dinner with a few Penn State Fans, and I was surprised to hear them blame this year 7-5 and now 7-6, not on Franklin, but Hackenberg? I am in the minority on the Lair, but I still see a great QB abilities with Hack? The tell tell sign will be to see if Houston's O'Brien takes Hackenberg in the NFL Draft? Hack is most likely not a First Round Pick but if O'Brien grabs him in the 3rd or 4th Rounds, this is an indication my PSU Friends may be wrong and I am right? On the other hand, if O'Brien passes and Hack slips to the 5th or 6th Round, they may be right, and I am wrong? But I would want the Steelers to take him if he drops that low? I truly believe he just needs some great QB Coaching but again, I have no problem if others teach me otherwise and tell me why? Some do say he has Tony Morrelli problems not being able to see and hit downfield even with a great arm? I just respectfully disagree, Hack is far smarter than Morelli, and admit I could be wrong. Yet, Hack would be better than anyone on the Steelers Back Up QB right now, in my view?

PSU QB McSorley:
On the other hand, McSorley may be exactly what Franklin wants and needs to show off his Talent? In the same sense I saw Chad Voytik do the same at Pitt in 2014 when he often scored over 30 points with Pitt WRs, TEs, & RBs and Chad's special scrambling! I see the same toughness in McSorley and Voytik and a Great OC can make that happen in 2016 at PSU!

PSU Coaching:
Franklin & Staff was much better this game than any other in 2016. They made Half Time Adjustments with a Rookie Untested QB, and the Defense did good enough to stop and confuse Georgia's QB and Team after the Half. Even Franklin's Sideline demeanor and Time Management was good in the Second Half and kept his Players motivated all game long. Franklin has a New OC in 2016 and has said, he has a Plan and is ready to take the next step upwards in 2016, and this was good start in this New Year!

Pitt-Penn State 2016 Game:
Until Pitt acquires a New OC I cannot make any early prediction in the Pitt-Penn State Game? All I know is Pitt is growing its talent and will be doing better this year, but the game is very early. Talent at Pitt will need to grow early on and that is tough to do. Penn State will have Great Talent in 2016 and that can be seen in starts and smarts I saw in this game. Whether they can Coach up the OL and Talent against Narduzzi, Ruhle, Harbaugh, Meyer, Ferentz, and Dantonio is the unknown, but they will have the Talent.

Outlook For Pitt, WVU & Penn State Later:
All three Programs should take steps upwards even against some very good coaches and teams in 2016? All 3 Programs & Coaches should beat some Ranked Teams, unlike in 2015 and going Pitt 8-5, PSU 7-6, & WVU 8-5 or 7-6! All Three Schedules were very much even too in 2015, in my opinion!

All comments that agree or disagree and critics welcomed!

 

[oldpanther]

Since Pitt will be playing Penn State in 2016, I am posting to hear what others think about Penn State Bowl Game and the PSU Team in 2016. I know others may be upset I am posting on Penn State on the Lair and differ from my views and so be it. I post here to learn and share on the Lair not to lecture!

PSU-UGA Bowl Game Analysis:
I thought the Penn State Nittany Lions show off much talent.They had a No Quit Attitude in there Final Game with much adversity of having to lose their Starting QB in Hackenberg early and McSorley got better has he played more. Penn State looked like they were going to be blown out, but never gave up, and came close much as Pitt did against Miami? I know Georgia had more experienced players, but this was good display of younger PSU players that Franklin finally played more like I urged all year long, unlike during the season and bodes well from PSU & Franklin & Staff going into 2016.

PSU Offense 2016:
The Penn State Wideout's are very good in Lewis, Hamilton and Godwin and will be tough to cover next year, in my opinion. The Running Back Barkley is clearly as I predicted before any Penn Staters here or on BWI to be a terrific Back and will just get better, again in my opinion. McSorley will add his running abilities combined with Barkley and Sanders, and will open up the passing game when needed. Penn State only needs an average OL and that should be coming and when it gets real good, they should have a terrific dynamic Offense. All under a New OC known to use a Running QB that can open up the pass with great Running Backs and be accurate enough on some key 3rd Downs and Plays. They only need a Tight End and better OL to be very good on Offense! This will make the Defense better that got worn down after Half Time in all games they lost this year, except against NW & Georgia! The only lingering concern is still the OL and whether they get better from better coaching in 2016 when it they got worse in 2015 compared to 2014?

PSU Defense 2016:
Penn State Defense was impressive again this year, and against a talented Georgia Team. Once the Lion's Offense gets running and scoring with Ball Control and Big Scoring abilities, they will get the rest needed to keep it up all game. They showed this ability by playing even better after Half Time and in the 4th Quarter! Something missing the last 2 years! They played more underclassman and one can see the speed and size they have coming back next year on both the O & D! They will have the Horses to replace anyone on the Defense and the PSU DC is very good and future Head Coach someday.

PSU Special Teams:
The Special Teams need much more work and kind of reminds me of Harris/Chryst Special Teams that cost Pitt 2 to 3 games every year they coached! This is quite fixable like Narduzzi proved this year at Pitt after 3 years of Chryst's failures on Special Teams. This year along with the last 2 Recruiting Classes should have the bodies to correct Special Teams with better coaching.

Hack Attack Gone:
As stated early in the week in a post, I had Dinner with a few Penn State Fans, and I was surprised to hear them blame this year 7-5 and now 7-6, not on Franklin, but Hackenberg? I am in the minority on the Lair, but I still see a great QB abilities with Hack? The tell tell sign will be to see if Houston's O'Brien takes Hackenberg in the NFL Draft? Hack is most likely not a First Round Pick but if O'Brien grabs him in the 3rd or 4th Rounds, this is an indication my PSU Friends may be wrong and I am right? On the other hand, if O'Brien passes and Hack slips to the 5th or 6th Round, they may be right, and I am wrong? But I would want the Steelers to take him if he drops that low? I truly believe he just needs some great QB Coaching but again, I have no problem if others teach me otherwise and tell me why? Some do say he has Tony Morrelli problems not being able to see and hit downfield even with a great arm? I just respectfully disagree, Hack is far smarter than Morelli, and admit I could be wrong. Yet, Hack would be better than anyone on the Steelers Back Up QB right now, in my view?

PSU QB McSorley:
On the other hand, McSorley may be exactly what Franklin wants and needs to show off his Talent? In the same sense I saw Chad Voytik do the same at Pitt in 2014 when he often scored over 30 points with Pitt WRs, TEs, & RBs and Chad's special scrambling! I see the same toughness in McSorley and Voytik and a Great OC can make that happen in 2016 at PSU!

PSU Coaching:
Franklin & Staff was much better this game than any other in 2016. They made Half Time Adjustments with a Rookie Untested QB, and the Defense did good enough to stop and confuse Georgia's QB and Team after the Half. Even Franklin's Sideline demeanor and Time Management was good in the Second Half and kept his Players motivated all game long. Franklin has a New OC in 2016 and has said, he has a Plan and is ready to take the next step upwards in 2016, and this was good start in this New Year!

Pitt-Penn State 2016 Game:
Until Pitt acquires a New OC I cannot make any early prediction in the Pitt-Penn State Game? All I know is Pitt is growing its talent and will be doing better this year, but the game is very early. Talent at Pitt will need to grow early on and that is tough to do. Penn State will have Great Talent in 2016 and that can be seen in starts and smarts I saw in this game. Whether they can Coach up the OL and Talent against Narduzzi, Ruhle, Harbaugh, Meyer, Ferentz, and Dantonio is the unknown, but they will have the Talent.

Outlook For Pitt, WVU & Penn State Later:
All three Programs should take steps upwards even against some very good coaches and teams in 2016? All 3 Programs & Coaches should beat some Ranked Teams, unlike in 2015 and going Pitt 8-5, PSU 7-6, & WVU 8-5 or 7-6! All Three Schedules were very much even too in 2015, in my opinion!

All comments that agree or disagree and critics welcomed!

Court Marshall is in order, reduction to Private, 6 months in the Brig and reduction in pay and might add hard labor. Sandusky is going to be your cell mate, suggest you sleep with one eye open Private.

 

[9nationalchampionships]

Cap. Until Jimmy proves he can manage a game the proof is there to show he can't. Pitt will be favored and win. Cult mass suicide will follow ala branch dividiends.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

Court Marshall is in order, reduction to Private, 6 months in the Brig and reduction in pay and might add hard labor. Sandusky is going to be your cell mate, suggest you sleep with one eye open Private.

LOL, watch out I may be be another Billy Mitchell that portended Japan rise and attack on Pearl Harbor years before it happen?

Of course there was a White Paper in the Pentagon that did research that if Japan ever invaded Indonesia to grab BP, Shell & Standard Oil's Wells, America and Britain would attack Japan. Maybe Billy peak seeing it?

But Japan's Samurai Bushido Code of using Sneak Attacks to beat Competitors like they did against Russia at Port Arthur, only woke up a Sleeping Giant after Pearl Harbor, so America never needed to attack Japan first?

In all honesty, Penn State has the talent and it is there, but whether Franklin can put it all together to beat Harbaugh, Meyer, Dantonios and now Ash, Durkin, Narduzzi, Ruhle and Ferentz is still a question, but not PSU Talent!

Franklin lost to a Program with Interim Coaches like Narduzzi lost to Miami in very similar ways! This means Pitt has talent too, and we will have to wait to see the New OC???

I see the Pitt, WVU, and Penn State Programs re-awakening like in the 1970s and the last 5 yaesr better left to "Auld Lang Syne", better days ahead for all 3 Programs in my view!

The WVU Fans will wait and see in about 10 minutes, Penn State Fans know it by recruiting, and Pitt has the coaching, only the few PSU CULTists are too dumb to see it and they are mostly from Philly Area and hate all Sports Teams including their own, and Smarter Posters on the Lair, they hate even more!

Aye Aye Sir, Private Aviator Basic Reilly!
The Royal Canadian Air Force!

 

[NittanyJP]

Captain, that's a pretty fair assessment. Folks down on hack are short sighted. He is a round peg in a square hole. Franklin wants a qb that is at least a threat to run..that was not hacks game. Our oline is pourous but Franklin, in my opinion, did the right thing in red shirting a ton of talented oline players. Should begin to give us depth next year. We have had shuffle players on the oline all over the place the last two seasons. Barkley and the wrs, especially Godwin are very good.

We lose three special players on the dl which we will not be able to replace next year. Our lb, especially if white comes back healthy will be excellent.

Special teams, especially punting have been a disaster. Hopefully we get help immediately next year with our incoming punter recruit and place kicker recruit (although we may lose him).

I will say this, the game in Pittsburgh should be fun and should be a close game. Either fan base calling it a route either way are off base. Both teams will have question marks on both sides of the ball..should be fun until mid sept..

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

Cap. Until Jimmy proves he can manage a game the proof is there to show he can't. Pitt will be favored and win. Cult mass suicide will follow ala branch dividiends.

I don't disagree with you at all, but I saw drips and drabs in the NW and UGA Games, but the talent is there at PSU too!

Franklin challenge is winning 10 Games the next 3 years with that talent, to get an extension, and Big Ten Programs and Coaches are actually recruiting equal or more Talent and Pitt is improving too!

Tall task that remain to be seen, but Talent at PSU is there too, just not in the stands among fans,a s you pointed out in another topic?

The biggest naysayers about Franklin reside at Penn State!

 

[cruzer]

Pretty good assessment Captain. Penn State has talent, particularly at the skill positions and Dline. Their WR's a very good. Run well and make some nice catches. They also block well. Barkley is the real deal. Don't know about their QB for next year. Biggest hole is their Oline which has real problems.

Defensively, they are pretty solid. Their front seven is tough to run against. DB's play reasonably tight coverage.

Our game next year against PSU is going to tough. If their new QB turns out to be effective, they could be good. Certainly not a walk over game. It will take a really great effort from Pitt (particularly defensively) to come out with a W.

Cruzer

 

[chethejet]

Don't confuse recruiting rankings with talent. Two different things. PSU will have young physical talent on D. But the D line loses to much early on. The OL may be improved but from what level, They are bad, The QB was a bad fit and Franklin never gave him an offense that fit his strengths. Not sold on the offense due to the QB. Who knows what that will look like next year. In short OSU has talent PSU doesn't have that kind of talent. Pitt will be better next year and they are better this year than the Nits. Franklin is not a very good coach.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

"NittanyJP, post: 703950, member: 6428"]Captain, that's a pretty fair assessment. Folks down on hack are short sighted.
I once agreed, but as soon as he went down, Penn State Offense with a unproven New QB went up, just like when Chad took over for Savage in Detroit Bowl! I am not as sure as I was these last 3 years when I admired Hack's Attack but was Sacked finally knocked out in his last game as a Nottany Lion?

He is a round peg in a square hole. Franklin wants a qb that is at least a threat to run..that was not hacks game.
Good point, Hack was O'Brien's Boy Wonder the guy the Cultists chased away at Penn State wanting the Ghost Clouds of Paterno to return somehow?

Now Franklin has his McSorely to run and gun, lets hope he stays healthy and not get too "SORELY" except in the Pitt Game?

Our oline is pourous but Franklin, in my opinion, did the right thing in red shirting a ton of talented oline players.
Don't take Offense, I agree to disagree and with hindsight proving me right, in my opinion! I posted all of last year, after seeing after 5 games how bad the PSU Offense was under Franklin & Staff, he should have done what Paterno did in his first year in 1967 after losing some games....Dump the Senior's and Juniors and play the Freshmen and Sophomores! In 1968 and 1969 Paterno went undefeated.

Now Penn State had a lighted Schedule in those days and Franklin would not have gone undefeated this year, but his Players would be ready for a 10 Win Season this year! Just an opinion and not gospel by any means.

If Franklin had played more talent from his 2014 and 2015 classes way back last year, mixed in with less Upperclassman, Penn State would be better by now, in its 13th game this year and Franklin's 26th game by now?

I saw hints of more talent within the freshmen and sophomores mixed with a few Jrs and fewer Srs!!! Now they have to still learn as a Team in 2016?

Should begin to give us depth next year. We have had shuffle players on the oline all over the place the last two seasons.
Why shuffle has been that still cannot block even today, when Freshmen and Sophomores can learn to grow together for 2016 and beyond? PSU OL is still a question mark, is it not?

Barkley and the wrs, especially Godwin are very good.
Amen, I posted that too because it is true!

We lose three special players on the dl which we will not be able to replace next year.
I agree to disagree again, I bet if Narduzzi was the Coach he would find the Playesr on PSU that can do the job on DL too? Andrew Johnson is a Monster! I think PSU DC will too!

But I do agree, that will take some time to teach and the challenge is the Temple, Pitt, Michigan, OSU, Iowa, and MSU OLs?

Our lb, especially if white comes back healthy will be excellent.
Well, Only doing 2000-2004 did PSU have some bad Linebackers and that was because Capone played in the middle and must have been related to Paterno's Relative somehow?

I think Capone still holds the Tecords for Tackles in Penn State History, too bad they were mostly 6 yards downfield from the line the scrimmage???? Lee, Conner and Poluszny changed all that in 2005!

I agree, PSU LBs will be even better in 2016!

Special teams, especially punting have been a disaster.
Never saw a fatter kicker in my life except maybe Tom Dempsey (Photo Below) in his later years, and (GOD BLESS TOM) he only had half a foot and no hand?

It is called a No Carb Diet, and you have the Cows at PSU right next to the Stadium to feed him Protein! Just some banter you can give some back tyo, no offense taken!

Hopefully we get help immediately next year with our incoming punter recruit and place kicker recruit (although we may lose him).
You better hope Quinn Nordin does not De-Commit to Michigan? As Stated, Harbaugh does not take Prisoners and Franklin is up against a Harbaugh like Tomlin is and costing the Steelers a Playoffs berth?

Franklin is going to find Harbaugh and Meyer, HARD to Beat even with Great Talent at PSU?

One thing to remember from the UGA Bowl Game, UGA did not have a FG Kicker (Got Hurt), or the score would have been much higher!

I will say this, the game in Pittsburgh should be fun and should be a close game. Either fan base calling it a route either way are off base. Both teams will have question marks on both sides of the ball..should be fun until mid sept..
Good analysis but until I see Pitt new OC, I cannot see it until later! Just know both Programs are on the upswing and WVU too!

Thank you for your insight, analysis and comments, and post anytime, we talk football here on the Lair among all Fans except Pnnyliar, no one talks garbage found in dumpsters but him?

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

"cruzer, post: 704094, member: 460"]Pretty good assessment Captain. Penn State has talent, particularly at the skill positions and Dline. Their WR's a very good. Run well and make some nice catches. They also block well. Barkley is the real deal. Don't know about their QB for next year. Biggest hole is their Oline which has real problems.
Coming from you one of the better CFB Analysts on the Lair, I appreciate your insights as always.

I love this New Board, and I am going to go back and see the Post I put up way last year talking about Barkley being a Great Back way before anyone!

Defensively, they are pretty solid. Their front seven is tough to run against. DB's play reasonably tight coverage.
Agree! They gave all Teams they played a Tough Game until they got tired after Half Times.

Our game next year against PSU is going to tough. If their new QB turns out to be effective, they could be good. Certainly not a walk over game. It will take a really great effort from Pitt (particularly defensively) to come out with a W.
Cruze
I have to wait to see the Pitt New OC too, and Pitt Narduzzi is one year behind Franklin, and Franklin has a jump on Coach Pat & Staff with Recruits!

I see it as a Toss Up right now?

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

chethejet, post: 704184, member: 4178"]Don't confuse recruiting rankings with talent. Two different things.
I agree, PSU has been out recruiting Pitt for Decades, but Pitt has always produced Higher Quality (Not Quantity) Playgoer in the NCAA and NFL and far less First round Bust like Penn State has produced more then any Program? This includes throughout CFB History, the 1967-2010 Paterno Era, and last 15 Years!
At the same time PSU has won more game against Pitt with that PSU more Quantity Talent, to be fair?

PSU will have young physical talent on D. But the D line loses to much early on. The OL may be improved but from what level, They are bad, The QB was a bad fit and Franklin never gave him an offense that fit his strengths. Not sold on the offense due to the QB. Who knows what that will look like next year. In short OSU has talent PSU doesn't have that kind of talent.
All good points and excellent analysis and fair too! Especially when you point out Meyer's OSU's Talent, add in Iowa, Michigan & MSU again in 2016? Tough task for Franklin's Plan but James has Talent too!!!

Pitt will be better next year and they are better this year than the Nits. Franklin is not a very good coach.
Franklin says he needs more time and has a Plan, and New OC, and now 3 Years of Talent at Full NCAA Scholarships Strength, he has to prove it this, or next year too!

Penn State is a Top 15 Program but winning in the Top 50 ain't going to cut it at Penn State for long? They may give him another year after 2016, but 2018 is Judgment Day!

 

[oldpanther]

LOL, watch out I may be be another Billy Mitchell that portended Japan rise and attack on Pearl Harbor years before it happen?

Of course there was a White Paper in the Pentagon that did research that if Japan ever invaded Indonesia to grab BP, Shell & Standard Oil's Wells, America and Britain would attack Japan. Maybe Billy peak seeing it?

But Japan's Samurai Bushido Code of using Sneak Attacks to beat Competitors like they did against Russia at Port Arthur, only woke up a Sleeping Giant after Pearl Harbor, so America never needed to attack Japan first?

In all honesty, Penn State has the talent and it is there, but whether Franklin can put it all together to beat Harbaugh, Meyer, Dantonios and now Ash, Durkin, Narduzzi, Ruhle and Ferentz is still a question, but not PSU Talent!

Franklin lost to a Program with Interim Coaches like Narduzzi lost to Miami in very similar ways! This means Pitt has talent too, and we will have to wait to see the New OC???

I see the Pitt, WVU, and Penn State Programs re-awakening like in the 1970s and the last 5 yaesr better left to "Auld Lang Syne", better days ahead for all 3 Programs in my view!

The WVU Fans will wait and see in about 10 minutes, Penn State Fans know it by recruiting, and Pitt has the coaching, only the few PSU CULTists are too dumb to see it and they are mostly from Philly Area and hate all Sports Teams including their own, and Smarter Posters on the Lair, they hate even more!

Aye Aye Sir, Private Aviator Basic Reilly!
The Royal Canadian Air Force!

Great response, your rank has been restored Captain and no punishment to follow.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

Great response, your rank has been restored Captain and no punishment to follow.

Well, I was getting worried, after all, The youngest of the 12 Military Judges on Billy Mitchell's Court Martial was Major General MacArthur, who later described the order to sit on Mitchell's court-martial for 7 weeks, as "one of the most distasteful orders I ever received."

The court suspended Billy from active duty for five years without pay, which President Coolidge later amended to half-pay, I don't want President Panther Lair Chris Peak giving me Half Post Privileges????

 

[medixman]

I actually think Pitt will win the game next year,one big reason being its the second game of the year.PSU will get better as the year goes on but Pitt has them at the right time!Penn State will have lots of talent but wouldnt turn the corner untill 2017.It will be the 2nd start for their QB and first away game thats huge.They'll also be replacing 3 on the DL,it will take them time to jell,so Pitt ol has a big advantage.
Penn States LBs and secondary will be better next year than this year.Also they'll be loaded at WR with everyone back and two good ones coming off of redshirts!Pitts weakness is their DL and lbackers but I think their secondary neutralizes PSU receivers.Pitt will win in a close one next year.But 2017 and beyond look for PSU talent to take off making it very tough for Pitt to beat them.Franklins got some good ones coming in (4 in today's under armour game)and others redshirting this year.The question is can Franklin coach them into winners???Time will tell I guess.

 

[daminals76]

PSU will have a brand new DL and QB next year.

Pitt's experienced and talented OL will dominate the game next year and I expect a relatively easy win.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

"medixman, post: 704622, member: 28301"]I actually think Pitt will win the game next year,one big reason being its the second game of the year.PSU will get better as the year goes on but Pitt has them at the right time!
Good points and we will have to see the how Teams develop over Spring and Summer camps?

Penn State will have lots of talent but wouldnt turn the corner untill 2017.It will be the 2nd start for their QB and first away game thats huge.They'll also be replacing 3 on the DL,it will take them time to jell,so Pitt ol has a big advantage.
Agree, but Pitt needs to develop New Wideouts and DLs & LBs to contain Barkley but Coach Narduzzi knows how to do that & Pitt has to develop better QBs with New OC too? How they execute is not known right now?

Penn States LBs and secondary will be better next year than this year.Also they'll be loaded at WR with everyone back and two good ones coming off of redshirts!
Agree!

Pitts weakness is their DL and lbackers but I think their secondary neutralizes PSU receivers.
Only if they can rush the QB and contain RBS, and cover 3 Great Wideouts! & Tight End and Execute on that speed and coverages? The PSU OL will still be developing so maybe so, if developed PSU hard to stop?

Pitt will win in a close one next year.But 2017 and beyond look for PSU talent to take off making it very tough for Pitt to beat them.
Agree, Pitt will be rebuilding more than PSU in 2017!

Franklins got some good ones coming in (4 in today's under armour game)and others redshirting this year.The question is can Franklin coach them into winners???Time will tell I guess.
I still see Franklin winning 8 to 9 games is the best he may do in 2016, but 10 will be hard to come by too, even in 2017 and 2018? If he does, he has re-established PSU Program as Top 25 and Top 15 Winning Program! Yet, Michigan, OSU, MSU, Iowa, Nebraska, Wisky, and Pitt and maybe Maryland and Rutgers will be there in the next 4 years too? Great Recruiting, Great Coaching, and Great Systems too! But to be the Best one has to play and win against the Best!

Good post and thank you!

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

daminals76, post: 704730, member: 1648"]PSU will have a brand new DL and QB next year.
True, but Pitt will be developing Wideouts too and Defense will need more help on DL & LBs, like Cruzer & Medixman and others point out above? Execution of the Game Plans by the Players is the key unknown too, right now? Way to early?

Pitt's experienced and talented OL will dominate the game next year and I expect a relatively easy win.
Battles are won and lost there, and Pitt should be better than last year? Conner's return will be interesting as well?

Need to see the Pitt New OC and how Recruiting turns out for Pitt these last few weeks?

 

[Jeffburgh]

First of two replies - this one is about Hackenberg.

Yesterday was Hackenberg in a nutshell.

Last game, and he got "injured" and that is quotes for a reason, and didn't finish the game. The game ended and one second later, his team having lost, his college career ending with him so greivously injured he could not finish it, his team mates sullen in defeat around him, one second after the final whistle he is on the field smiling and winking at someone from Georgia.

He is soft headed and not the kind of competitor a QB needs to be. FIRST and foremost a QB has to be tough, a leader, and a fighter. Everything else aside, this is why no NFL team is going to win with this guy. BOB or whoever.

90% of his hype is the half witted media desperately trying to gig up some feel good redemption from the PSU sanctions. Once that meme got attached to him, that became reality to the media.

People act like he is John Elway talented. He isn't. He is Jay Cutler talented. Good arm, good build. Like a handful of QBs in every draft.

If he lands in the right spot he will probably get a chance to start in the NFL. But, again, he will crash and burn.

 

[Jeffburgh]

Second, PSU.

As most noted, they were an incomplete team this year due to the OL, a malcontent over rated starting QB and a half wit HC.

Their main strength was the defense and it started at the DL.

Now, you can potentially see some improvements with the offense with the new OC, maybe a QB who is a better fit, maybe some miracle improvement on the OL.

But, while the defense should remain real good, they lose the foundation on the DL.

As noted, its the second game, so all of those pieces coming together is going to be tough.

The Panthers return a lot, but not having Boyd is difficult and a transition to a new OC is not ideal. This would be an edge if they had the continuity of having Chaney returning. They do have a QB with more experience and assuming Biz does not go pro, the OL should be pretty good. But, again, the OC hire is pretty big here.

Defensively ... A second year in Nard's scheme should make a big difference, but the talent level still is so shallow almost across the board. Just not enough there yet to really be able to ramp things up.

Barkely is stud, but tends to run laterally a lot, which takes away from this strengths. As long as they don't let him get upfield consistently, they can contain him if they tackle. Harder for PSU to hit the deep balls with the new QB.

Overall, a lot of unknowns. They really were similar this year, both teams beat who they should or could for the most part while not being able to beat the better teams.

Pretty much a toss up ...

 

[Saboteur]

PSU has skilled players for sure and their secondary hits hard.
I won't repeat your original analysis as I agree with it.
But I will take up Franklin and Hack and Penn State fans.
Franklin is an open book. He may or may not be good, bad etc..as a coach. As a recruiter he is very good and selling the PSU brand. He has to as he can't sell the records.
Personally I think he is at his best on the sidelines. There he is quiet and in control. But he is young and he is up against 3 of the best coaches in the game, 2 of which have brands better than PSU and 1 in MSU that could care less what others think. But he does have a lunatic fringe to deal with. Personally, the site of Funco Harris nauseates me. His lies and use of his reputation to protect those who didn't "want to ruin anyone's weekend" at the expense of unprotected children is despicable. But there are thousands of Paterno devotees haunting PSU and the insular/incestuous nature of Centre Valley daily life reminds me of the Movie Pleasantville. That will wear on a person.
Paterno kept assistants and history tells us in part why.
My sense is that Franklin does not have the personality to keep quality people long or attract them without the decaying PSU brand to support him.
Franklin did not like Hack. But he had no other option. I like Hack as a QB and think he will do well in the pros. He was far better to PSU than PSU was to him. I have never considered PSU fans to be knowledgeable about football. They are PSU fans...not college football fans. But they are many and they can be contemptible. QBs are lightning rods for how any fans feel about their teams. Hack suffered from that experience and in Franklin doing a poor job of managing Hack. Franklin fired his OC. As HC that is his privilege. But it is also an admission that the HC has failed. A HC won't fire himself, but if he cans too many assistants, then he is crapping where he eats.
Franklin's questionable skill set is as CEO. He has to manage a large program and it seems as if he is doing it all alone. That can't last.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

"Jeffburgh, post: 704808, member: 204"]First of two replies - this one is about Hackenberg. Yesterday was Hackenberg in a nutshell.
Last game, and he got "injured" and that is quotes for a reason, and didn't finish the game. The game ended and one second later, his team having lost, his college career ending with him so greivously injured he could not finish it, his team mates sullen in defeat around him, one second after the final whistle he is on the field smiling and winking at someone from Georgia.
Good Info & Very Fair & Understandable!

He is soft headed and not the kind of competitor a QB needs to be. FIRST and foremost a QB has to be tough, a leader, and a fighter. Everything else aside, this is why no NFL team is going to win with this guy. BOB or whoever.
Well, I don't know for sure, and up to Hack to make it happen, but you view is not wrong either and fair conclusion?

90% of his hype is the half witted media desperately trying to gig up some feel good redemption from the PSU sanctions. Once that meme got attached to him, that became reality to the media.
Agree in part, and excellent point, but it was his Father that really wanted to be a PSU QB and never got offered but made sure Hack grew up a Nittany Lion Fan. Hack was very loyal and never wavered even with Sanctions, and that shows some character as far as I am concern. media did play a big role!

People act like he is John Elway talented. He isn't. He is Jay Cutler talented. Good arm, good build. Like a handful of QBs in every draft.
Boy, you nailed that, I would put Phillip Rivers in the Cutler Category too, Kordell Stewart too, just seem to lose big games and just lack that killer instinct to win. Whenever one saw Montana Marino, Elway, Namath throw an Interception or now Brady, Mannings, Big Ben, Aaron Rogers, few Players got near them until they cooled down, often with anger and grimaces on their faces knowing they made a mistake?

Yet, Hack just accepted his big hits and misses and went back at it, and no QB took so many hits his last 2 years in the NCAA. Maybe it is his fault holding on too long but it all caught up with him even more in his Junior Year? This is why I admit, I don't know, but want to see what O'Brien does in Houston Draft with or wIthout Hack? He is a superb QB Coach and knows if he can make Hack a Pro QC?

If he lands in the right spot he will probably get a chance to start in the NFL. But, again, he will crash and burn.
Any thoughts on Steelers talking him in 4th, 5th & 6th pick?

Superb post and thank you!

 

[Jeffburgh]

"Jeffburgh, post: 704808, member: 204"]First of two replies - this one is about Hackenberg. Yesterday was Hackenberg in a nutshell.
Last game, and he got "injured" and that is quotes for a reason, and didn't finish the game. The game ended and one second later, his team having lost, his college career ending with him so greivously injured he could not finish it, his team mates sullen in defeat around him, one second after the final whistle he is on the field smiling and winking at someone from Georgia.
Good Info & Very Fair & Understandable!

He is soft headed and not the kind of competitor a QB needs to be. FIRST and foremost a QB has to be tough, a leader, and a fighter. Everything else aside, this is why no NFL team is going to win with this guy. BOB or whoever.
Well, I don't know for sure, and up to Hack to make it happen, but you view is not wrong either and fair conclusion?

90% of his hype is the half witted media desperately trying to gig up some feel good redemption from the PSU sanctions. Once that meme got attached to him, that became reality to the media.
Agree in part, and excellent point, but it was his Father that really wanted to be a PSU QB and never got offered but made sure Hack grew up a Nittany Lion Fan. Hack was very loyal and never wavered even with Sanctions, and that shows some character as far as I am concern. media did play a big role!

People act like he is John Elway talented. He isn't. He is Jay Cutler talented. Good arm, good build. Like a handful of QBs in every draft.
Boy, you nailed that, I would put Phillip Rivers in the Cutler Category too, Kordell Stewart too, just seem to lose big games and just lack that killer instinct to win. Whenever one saw Montana Marino, Elway, Namath throw an Interception or now Brady, Mannings, Big Ben, Aaron Rogers, few Players got near them until they cooled down, often with anger and grimaces on their faces knowing they made a mistake?

Yet, Hack just accepted his big hits and misses and went back at it, and no QB took so many hits his last 2 years in the NCAA. Maybe it is his fault holding on too long but it all caught up with him even more in his Junior Year? This is why I admit, I don't know, but want to see what O'Brien does in Houston Draft with or wIthout Hack? He is a superb QB Coach and knows if he can make Hack a Pro QC?

If he lands in the right spot he will probably get a chance to start in the NFL. But, again, he will crash and burn.

Superb post and thank you!

Any thoughts on Steelers talking him in 4th, 5th & 6th pick?

As a Steelers fan, I hope to christ not.

Thanks for your good work on the board!

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

"Jeffburgh, post: 704826, member: 204"]Second, PSU. As most noted, they were an incomplete team this year due to the OL, a malcontent over rated starting QB and a half wit HC.
True the last 2 years but O'Brien made it work better for Hack his Freshmen Year, but not Franklin? Clearly, Hack wanted to leave and get away from Franklin just like some Players before him in years before?
Boyd waited to talk to Coach Narduzzi, but Hack announced minutes after the his last game? Does not speak well of Franklin Coaching and one can't hide it!

Their main strength was the defense and it started at the DL.
True!

Now, you can potentially see some improvements with the offense with the new OC, maybe a QB who is a better fit, maybe some miracle improvement on the OL.
Usually does not happen that fast especially with a new OC & New QB but should be improved as season goes along in 2016!

But, while the defense should remain real good, they lose the foundation on the DL.
Maybe and maybe not, got some mighty fine Recruits as Back-Ups and a Great DC so far? But experience matters and you are more right!

As noted, its the second game, so all of those pieces coming together is going to be tough.
Agree, but Pitt has some pieces to put together too with a New OC?

The Panthers return a lot, but not having Boyd is difficult and a transition to a new OC is not ideal. This would be an edge if they had the continuity of having Chaney returning. They do have a QB with more experience and assuming Biz does not go pro, the OL should be pretty good. But, again, the OC hire is pretty big here.
Agree, and why I need to see the New Hire before making any calls? Hope he has some Wideout Coaching in his background!

Defensively ... A second year in Nard's scheme should make a big difference, but the talent level still is so shallow almost across the board. Just not enough there yet to really be able to ramp things up.
Yep, and need more Whiteheads like this year! Hamlin and Hudson could really help? I hope some others enroll early too!

Barkely is stud, but tends to run laterally a lot, which takes away from this strengths. As long as they don't let him get upfield consistently, they can contain him if they tackle. Harder for PSU to hit the deep balls with the new QB.
He will develop better as a Sophomore and with a New OC that has proven he can produce good running games at UConn and Fordham!

Overall, a lot of unknowns. They really were similar this year, both teams beat who they should or could for the most part while not being able to beat the better teams.
Exactly, been saying it all year and needed to see Coach Pat & staff all year to evaluate for the future. Coach pat does bring better game Plans and Half Time Adjustments than any Pitt Coach since Majors & Sherrill? But needs more and better consistent Players Execution and that I feel cost him Iowa, UNC, Miami Games! As well as Talent that lost the ND Game!

Pretty much a toss up ...
My view too right now, and may change to a Toss Up Win or Toss Up Loss, depending on New OC and recruiting?

Great posts, Thanks!

 

[kma0043]

Unfortunately I think PSU will have a more explosive offense next year due to a lot of speed/talent at RB and WR. That kid that came in and played yesterday looked more like a fit for what Franklin wants. Our youth/lack of experience at WR worries me next year, but I do think it's good we play PSU early before their offense gets clicking. Going to be a close/tough game next Sept.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

"kma0043, post: 705555, member: 23111"]Unfortunately I think PSU will have a more explosive offense next year due to a lot of speed/talent at RB and WR. That kid that came in and played yesterday looked more like a fit for what Franklin wants.
Very fair comment but his other QB Recruit this year is undergoing a An arm Operation if I am not mistaken, but they want Running/Throwing QBs, like one sees at UNC, Miami, and Clemson and gave Pitt fits except did not play Clemson! Yet, Miami and UNC also lost to other Programs that stopped such an attack? The PSu Defense is there and if the OL can catch up, they could be formidable but still a struggle every year in the Big Ten and then having to play Ferentz, Chryst, Ash, Durkin and Narduzzi that know Big Ten Programs like Meyer, Dantonio and Harbaugh? Quite a challenge and expectations and demands at PSU quite high!

Our youth/lack of experience at WR worries me next year, but I do think it's good we play PSU early before their offense gets clicking. Going to be a close/tough game next Sept.
Why Coach Pat has got to get the Best New OC he can find in my opinion!