Penn State-NORTHWESTERN Game Day Result!

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

Penn State-NORTHWESTERN Game Day Result 23-21:
Once again, Penn State vast Talent edge over Northwestern was bested by superior Northwestern Coaching and that was with NW Freshmen QB being hurt at time in this game. No question now that Jimmy Franks is Talker when playing against better Coaches and is a Stalker for easier Opponents. I thought a Freshmen QB would be tough to win against superior talent by the 9th game of any team, but Northwestern Fitzgerald proved me wrong to and many other Posters on this Board. I will no longer over estimate Jimmy Franklin & his Staff again! He now has to prove he can win against Good Teams and until ge does he cannot beat Ranked Opponents! OSU, Michigan, MSU and even Pitt can beat this over talking Coach even with his superb recruiting that Recruits are falling for to their regret only after they arrive at PSU.
I only came close to NW score! Grade F- for Game Day and Preseason Predictions!
Game Day Prediction
Everyone thinks Penn State cannot beat a Top Winning team, but last week they put it all together on QB, Running, Passing and Defense. Only the Special Teams stink. NW and PSU both have Offenses that are unreliable, but Penn State has been getting better lately. I am going with that trend that the Nittany Lions are getting better after 20+ games of Franklin’s Coaching. I am going further by staying with my Preseason Prediction that Penn State can win big by 20 points or more? Penn state has way more talent than Illinois and beat them 39-0 and Northwestern has even less. If Franklin loses to Northwestern away, no question his coaching is not just suspect but actually poor. Penn state should beat the Wildcats easily anywhere? The experts are calling for a closer game but not me!
47 PENN STATE Northwestern 17
Preseason Prediction August 2015
@Northwestern:
Penn State Defense just overwhelms Wildcat Freshmen QB and game is a slaughter.
PENN STATE 45 Northwestern 14 (8-2)
Game Day Result:
21 Penn State (7-3, 4-2) NORTHWESTERN 23

Last Game Last 2 Years:
2015 @Northwestern (7-2, 3-2) L 21 23
2014 Northwestern (5-7) L 6 29

Epilogue:
Just look at the Talent Comparison & Penn State Fans will not be loving Jimmy Franklin for long! Recruits going there are making a big mistake too! It is going to be tough for Franklin to beat OSU, Michigan and MSU this year without being blow outs and in most coming years as well. Coaching matters not just Recruiting! OSU, Michigan and MSU has it, Penn State does not on the same level. Congratulations, TTOWN2 Prediction A+ 21-20 NW !!!....alright alright!!!

Recruiting Rankings Last Five Years: Favors PSU
2011:
#88 NWU
#35 PSU

2012:
#61 NWU
#51 PSU

2013:
#53 NWU
#43 PSU

2014:
#68 NWU
#24 PSU

2015:
#55 NWU
#15 PSU

2016 CURRENT:
#39 NWU
#8 PSU

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

How Did Penn State Lose To Northwestern Lets Us Count The Ways, LINK!

EVANSTON, Ill. — Penn State messed up so many times, in so many creative ways, that it's difficult to pinpoint what was at the center of the Lions' last-second 23-21 Big Ten loss to Northwestern Saturday at Ryan Field.

"We had opportunities to win the game and end the game on our terms,'' PSU coach James Franklin said afterward.

"We made too many mistakes.''

You may choose to throw shade at the Lions' run defense, the lousy kick return coverage, that wretched start by the PSU offense or go after Franklin's use of timeouts on the Northwestern 10-play, 32-yard drive that culminated in a 35-yard field goal by Wildcat kicker Jack Mitchell with nine seconds left.

You would not be alone.

PSU allowed 227 rushing yards, 186 of them to Justin Jackson in a career-best effort.

The Lions' special teams permitted a 96-yard kickoff return touchdown by Northwestern's Solomon Vault late in the second quarter, one play after a seven-yard touchdown run by Saquon Barkley had cut the Wildcats' lead in half.

Penn State's offense mustered all of one first down (by penalty) and 16 yards during five first-quarter possessions. I'm going to choose to call that effort "sleepy".

And Franklin called three timeouts in nine seconds of game action on Northwestern's game-winning drive that ate up 2:29 of clock. The problem was the first timeout was called with 22 seconds to play, the last with 13, and after Mitchell's kick there was only time for a kick return and a play or two.

Issues, issues and more issues.

But there's more to the two-point loss.

The Lions (7-3, 4-2) fell short on the road, again, and they are staggering into their bye week because the defense allowed a backup quarterback to beat them — Zack Oliver replaced an injured Clayton Thorson in the first quarter with the game scoreless — and because two Northwestern role players stepped up on three occasions in the final three minutes.

How unknown?

Quick, does anybody outside of Evanston know who Nate Hall and Christian Salem are?

Well, they made the plays. Penn State couldn't make one when it counted.

Start with Hall, a backup linebacker who was on the field during PSU's offensive drive that began with 3:19 to go.

Remember how Franklin stressed the importance of executing his "four-minute" offense in the final quarter this year? You know, the late stretch when an offense can pick up a first down or two and run out the clock to protect a small lead?

PSU couldn't against Maryland and Illinois last season.

"We had opportunities to win the game and end the game on our terms.'' -- James Franklin

And the Lions' offense failed the test against Northwestern (7-2, 3-2).

Leading 21-20, PSU took possession at its 6.

By this point, PSU standout Saquon Barkley had carried 22 times for 112 yards and two touchdowns, both scores coming on runs out of the Wildcat formation (direct snap).

The Lions returned to the Wildcat on first down and Barkley picked up six.

Now it was second and four. A first down and Northwestern is likely finished.

Here, Barkley took a handoff from Christian Hackenberg and picked up three.

He could have had more if not for a tackle by the 230-pound Hall, who just tripped him up. There was lots of open space for Barkley if he had stayed upright.

"(Hall) made a great play,'' Hackenberg said.

"I know Saquon made the first guy miss.''

Another big play by Hall was coming.

On third and one, PSU returned to the Wildcat and it was Barkley again. This time, Northwestern anticipate the play and jammed scrimmage. Hall surfaced to spill Barkley for a one-yard loss.

"It hurts, it hurts,'' Penn State right tackle Brendan Mahon said of the Lions' failed possession prior to the Northwestern field goal.

"We didn't (make it) this time around.''

The Lions had to punt, and eventually Mitchell drilled his kick down the middle.

But it was the effort of the Wildcats' holder, Salem, that made Mitchell's heroics possible. The snap from Northwestern's Chris Fitzpatrick was a bit off, forcing Salem to work to corral it and get the football down it time for Mitchell's attempt.

He did.

"We just weren't able to finish it,'' Hackenberg said.

It was Northwestern, behind its backup quarterback, its backup linebacker and its holder, that did all of the finishing on Saturday.

Link:
http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefo..._state_manage_to_l.html#incart_2box_topmobile

 

[TIGER-PAUL]

I had this one wrong. Thought NW was overrated and State was improving. Wrong.

 

[Panther Parrothead]

I had this one wrong. Thought NW was overrated and State was improving. Wrong.

Actually, you're probably right. The Nits have gotten better. But bad coaching decisions at the most inopportune time can sabotage what is otherwise an improving team.

 

[str6116]

"Quick, does anybody outside of Evanston know who Nate Hall and Christian Salem are?"

This line just embodies the whole Penn State arrogance. I get the frustration though, PSU has the talent, but now has 2 losses to less talented teams. Talent won't win every game for you.

Talent definitely beat Pitt yesterday though. Must be nice to have a backup (going into this year, at least) QB capable of a 6 TD performance on the road against a decent P5 school, along with a backup RB who made the absence of Prosise seem negligible.

 

[Pittx9]

I had this one wrong. Thought NW was overrated and State was improving. Wrong.

Northwestern is overrated. PSU is not improving though, they're a team with talent that has bad coaching and can't seem to put it all together.

 

[TD_6082]

Where is all this talent?

 

[Pittx9]

Where is all this talent?

PSU has Barkely and a good set of receivers. I think Nassib is very overrated, but Zettel is a beast. Make no mistake about it, the fact they have looked bad in many games this season is pretty much embarrassing. They should be a good team, they really aren't though.

 

[TD_6082]

Their recievers are good? Do you like their O-line too?

PSU's overall talent and depth stink. That isnt going to change overnight. Let's see where they are at 2 or 3 years down the road.
BTW, NW isn't that bad. They murdered Duke in Durham.

 

[Slick Manager of Champs]

Where is all this talent?

TD_Nitter, knew you would blame the talent and not your wonder coach Franklin.

 

[Pittx9]

Their recievers are good? Do you like their O-line too?

PSU's overall talent and depth stink. That isnt going to change overnight. Let's see where they are at 2 or 3 years down the road.
BTW, NW isn't that bad. They murdered Duke in Durham.

No, Northwestern is not that bad. But they certainly are not some great team. I don't like their O-Line, but people saying how bad their O-Line is are making excuses for how bad Hackenberg is. He hangs on to the ball way too long, he panics easily, and he can't make some of the simplest throws. And yes, their receivers are impressive. Watch the Maryland game, Hackenberg was horrendous, his receivers bailed him out almost every single reception.

 

[TD_6082]

Hack is no doubt a problem. He us definately holding the program back. Next year he should be somebody else's problem and get paid well for it.

 

[Pittx9]

Hack is no doubt a problem. He us definately holding the program back. Next year he should be somebody else's problem and get paid well for it.

I don't think he is anywhere near a pro prospect, but I'll say it again. If he goes to Houston he could become good. Bill O'Brien is a miracle worker with quarterbacks. If he doesn't come to Penn State, Matt McGloin goes down as the worst PSU QB ever and is probably right now a grad asst. at Penn State. Instead, under O'Briens mastery he got the kid into the NFL.

 

[TD_6082]

His arm alone makes him an intriguing pro prospect. He may very well be the next Ryan Mallet and be a bust, but he should still go in the first two or three rounds.

 

[Pittx9]

His arm alone makes him an intriguing pro prospect. He may very well be the next Ryan Mallet and be a bust, but he should still go in the first two or three rounds.

Agree he will get drafted in about the range you mentioned. But going along with what I said about him having success if he plays for O'Brien in the NFL, other than that I think he will be a bust. I just think he was a way overhyped HS prospect. He does have the size and arm strength to get serious looks from scouts though.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

If he is not a First round Pick, the Steelers may grab him in the Third Round ,if Houston does not do it, and O'Brien is not fired! I disagree with many here, Hack has the Arm and Scramble, and Size to be a Great QB but he needs serious coaching, and he can't get that at Penn State! Hack made a big mistake going to Penn State, another example of a Recruit not being Smart on his choices|?

 

[Pittx9]

If he is not a First round Pick, the Steelers may grab him in the Third Round ,if Houston does not do it, and O'Brien is not fired! I disagree with many here, Hack has the Arm and Scramble, and Size to be a Great QB but he needs serious coaching, and he can't get that at Penn State! Hack made a big mistake going to Penn State, another example of a Recruit not being Smart on his choices|?

Oh my god. Please no! Please, please, please no!!!! He has the arm yes, and could end up being good, even though I'm still skeptical. But as a Steelers fan, I would never want to see that kid in black and gold.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

Oh my god. Please no! Please, please, please no!!!! He has the arm yes, and could end up being good, even though I'm still skeptical. But as a Steelers fan, I would never want to see that kid in black and gold.

Big Ben in his last few years, no reliable back up in Vick, Jones or Groski, and you can pick up Hack in 3rd or 4th Round, it is just a hunch, but a great QB Coach make
hack better, just a thought not gospel!

 

[Pittx9]

Big Ben in his last few years, no reliable back up in Vick, Jones or Groski, and you can pick up Hack in 3rd or 4th Round, it is just a hunch, but a great QB Coach make
hack better, just a thought not gospel!

Yeah I think Jones was a pretty bad draft pick and Hack could be good. I just personally don't want him. Agree with your points though.

 

[daminals76]

That would be a nightmare if the Steelers took Sackenberg! That kid is awful and won't ever amount to anything in the NFL or college.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

That would be a nightmare if the Steelers took Sackenberg! That kid is awful and won't ever amount to anything in the NFL or college.

I respectfully disagree, but without offense, I think he needs a good QB Coach, and that is OK if others differ! We shall see?

 

[daminals76]

I respectfully disagree, but without offense, I think he needs a good QB Coach, and that is OK if others differ! We shall see?

Decision making, just isn't there.

The accuracy just isn't there, look at his comp%. That is the biggest red flag.

 

[USN_Panther]

Decision making, just isn't there.

The accuracy just isn't there, look at his comp%. That is the biggest red flag.

He has no football IQ. Morelli Jr.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

Many may be correct here if they read this Article Link? If true, Hackenberg may need another year at Penn State?

Christian Hackenberg looks more like project than prospect
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...kenberg-looks-more-like-project-than-prospect

EVANSTON, Ill. -- It was exciting to get a chance to see Penn State QB Christian Hackenberg up close Saturday in the Nittany Lions' game at Northwestern. However, I came away very unimpressed with the junior signal-caller in PSU's 23-21 loss.

Overall, he looked like more of a project than a prospect.


It's impressive to see how the ball jumps out of his hand in warm-ups. He's a big, physical player with a live arm. That's what makes him so intriguing.


But then the game started. He was really bad in the first half. He got things going and made some throws in the second half, but his accuracy, touch and awareness are all question marks. His ball placement and decision making are not very good. He completed 21 of 40 passes for 205 yards, no touchdowns and an interception Saturday.


There are a lot of people in the NFL that have evaluated quarterbacks for a long time, and they will tell you that touch and accuracy are two of the toughest areas to improve in. Those things are two of his biggest problems.

Better version of Logan Thomas

There's no denying that Hackenberg looks the part. He might resemble Carson Palmer in stature, but in terms of how he plays, he reminds me of a better version of former Virginia Tech QB Logan Thomas. In fact, the first comparisons that popped into my mind when I watched him play were to Thomas and Derek Anderson, respectively, when they were in college.


The common criticism that you hear is that he doesn't fit Penn State coach James Franklin's offensive system. Well, for half of Saturday's game, he was playing under center. I saw Penn State utilize multiple tight-end sets, a fullback and playaction -- that's all stuff Penn State did when Bill O'Brien was the head coach of the team during Hackenberg's freshman season. It's not as if the Nittany Lions are running a spread offense with zone-reads every other play.


Hackenberg also took a couple of sacks where he held the ball for too long. He had a lot of forced throws and poor decisions from a very clean pocket, one that was much cleaner than he's ever going to see on Sundays. I watched his game against Temple earlier this year, and his offensive line didn't give him much of a chance that day. That wasn't the case vs. Northwestern. The O-line gave him a chance, and Hackenberg was very average.


Discouraging signs for Hackenberg

Penn State had one touchdown pass in game, and it was thrown by a wide receiver. That's discouraging given that Hackenberg has been billed as a potential franchise quarterback. It seemed like every time Penn State was inside the opposition's 10-yard line, it went to the "Wildcat" package and split Hackenberg out wide. That's not a good sign for him.

Hackenberg has the tools and will make some "wow" throws. On the whole, there's more to be concerned about than excited about with him.


Here are notes on a few other players that caught my eye on Saturday.


» Penn State defensive tackle Austin Johnson, a redshirt junior, was phenomenal against the Wildcats. He's an outstanding run defender who can stack blocks. He can make plays laterally, too, and is very productive. There were a dozen or so NFL personnel men at the game, and there was a lot of chatter about Johnson in the press box.


» Nittany Lions defensive end Carl Nassib broke the school single-season sack record on Saturday. He now has 15.5 sacks this season. That's an impressive achievement considering the pass-rushing talent that has come out of Penn State (Tamba Hali, LaVar Arrington and Courtney Brown come to mind), and that he broke the record this early in the season. Nassib is built like Jared Allen was when he was first entering the league. He's 6-foot-7, 272 pounds, and scouts timed him at 4.71 in the 40 in the spring. Those are pretty good measurables. He's a first-year starter, and his Brother is Giants QB Ryan Nassib. Carl flashed some speed to power on Saturday and is a very interesting prospect.


» Three Northwestern seniors had a good day -- DLs Dean Lowry and Deonte Gibson and CB Nick VanHoose. We should see all three of those guys in all-star games. I'm looking forward to watching them on tape.


» The case could be made that Penn State freshman RB Saquon Barkley was the best player on the field Saturday. He's going to be really, really good. MILES SANDERS TAKE NOTE!


Follow Daniel Jeremiah on Twitter at @MoveTheSticks.

 

[Pittx9]

Not that Pitt has produced a good QB in a while, but why would any QB recruit ever consider Penn State? In the past 20 years they've had two types of quarterbacks... really bad ones and highly recruited ones that their coaching staff ruined. Really the only exception was Matt McGloin. He was really, really bad, but then the QB guru O'Brien came in and actually did what a good coach would do and got him to the NFL.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

Not that Pitt has produced a good QB in a while, but why would any QB recruit ever consider Penn State? In the past 20 years they've had two types of quarterbacks... really bad ones and highly recruited ones that their coaching staff ruined. Really the only exception was Matt McGloin. He was really, really bad, but then the QB guru O'Brien came in and actually did what a good coach would do and got him to the NFL.

The way i see it, if an O'Brien could make Hackenberg better in his Freshmen Season than Franklin these last two seasons, then O'Brien or someone like him can do the same for Hackenberg in the NFL?

Although I find the Hackenberg to Tony Morelli comparison interesting and thought provoking, Tony Morelli was a victim of his Father's Ignorance and Arrogance showing little character and ruined his son career in College and the NFL. Morelli Father led Walt Harris on and was underhanded the entire process of recruiting making sheepish and selfish demands. Walt Harris helped Roethlisberger during Walt's Summer Camps and Flacco become NFL Quarterbacks! Morreli's mistake of going to Penn State got what they deserved.

Hackenberg's Father instilled loyalty and far more intelligence and Hack stands by his decision going to Penn State during its worse day of sanction. As a Father and Family they stick together and will make the necessary changes to advance Hack Career even if it means staying or leaving Penn State based upon Sports Laweyers or Agents NFL Scouting Evaluations? They have character unlike the Morellis!

Shady McCoy made the switch to Pitt with great success in College and the NFL, unlike Austin that only ended up filing a Lawsuit against Penn State? Miles Sanders should take note of that too?

Terrelle Pryor made mistakes too on his own arrogance and bad behavior that caught up to him, and today has been cut by 8 NFL Teams so far? Pryor is one the most talented Players to come out of Pennsylvania since Dorsett and Revis, but his choices have been one of the worst that has destroyed his talents, career and money making?

Justin King was a Brilliant Running Back just like Shady & Dorsett but Paterno wanted to make Dorsett a Defensive Back just like he made King, but King ended up going in the NFL Draft Third Round, Dorsett chose Pitt and went 2nd in the First Round and broke NCAA and NFL records.

I do credit Paterno playing Justin King at DB as well as a few times at Wideout on a few plays to free up Derrick Williams until they got better Wideouts. Smart move, but Justin King would have been Great Running Back better than he is a Defensive back today!

Smart Recruits & Parents are smart choosing the Programs that can offer them the best chance by looking at the prior recruits ahead of them and Players on the Team where they know they can beat out or are needed right away and will play sooner not later. Foster versus Boyd is a prime comparison!

Dumb ones look at stupid things like Fan Attendance that can't make a Player learn the game, Boosters that offer Jobs, Cars & Tatoos like Pryor, Father's picking bad coaches for their sons like Morelli, and Fans that can't win one game and forget about you as soon as you leave?

The Smart Rcruits that become Top Players make millions like Fitzgerald, Revis, McCoy, Lewis, and Donald have proven even during Pederson's Pitt Mediocre Coaching Era have proved making millions was because they learn and played faster at Pitt and taught by good coaches even on Mediocre Teams, because many of the Dumb Talented Recruits chose some schools based on nonsense like their recruiting public relations put out?

At the same time, at least Walt, Wannstedt, Chryst and Narduzzi knew how to develop Freshmen talent! Graham just knew how to abandon his players and now his actions have caught up to him.

Whitehead stood by his decision all of last year and will be a Freshmen All American this year and now playing on Defense and Offense, someone tell me he made the wrong decision???

 

[chethejet]

Little hard on the nits here. Yes Franklin cost them a chance win the game. But the QB has talent and will be a QB who will have interest in the NFL. How much will depend on the combine and workouts. He will leave as the offense is simply not geared to his pro style pocket drop passer.

The issue the nits have is two fold, they are far behind the top programs as to talent and coaching. The second is the players that are leaving are hands down the best players as to impact and importance. DL loses three and Lucas at safety. Hack is the best QB and whoever takes over will be far short of his ability right away. But the 2016 schedule is still somewhat OK. But in 2017, the schedule is looks to be much harder and anyone expecting some glorious season may want to rethink things. No question the team will have talent and more depth. But so will everyone else including Pitt.

 

[CaptainSidneyReilly]

"chethejet, post: 501542, member: 4178"]Little hard on the nits here. Yes Franklin cost them a chance win the game. But the QB has talent and will be a QB who will have interest in the NFL. How much will depend on the combine and workouts. He will leave as the offense is simply not geared to his pro style pocket drop passer.
Good Post and I agree, this is what I am being told, but I think Franklin's System is harder on Hackenberg than any blog?

The issue the nits have is two fold, they are far behind the top programs as to talent and coaching.
Fair comment right now. If I would have been Franklin I would have benched most of the Srs. & Jrs. and start Sophomores and Freshmen. much as Joe did in 1967!

The second is the players that are leaving are hands down the best players as to impact and importance. DL loses three and Lucas at safety.
Agree on Defense and defer to you knowledge!

Hack is the best QB and whoever takes over will be far short of his ability right away. But the 2016 schedule is still somewhat OK.
Interesting if Hack leaves and that takes time to break in anew QB but Barkley will be much better and make the Lion go as a team in my opinion!

But in 2017, the schedule is looks to be much harder and anyone expecting some glorious season may want to rethink things. No question the team will have talent and more depth. But so will everyone else including Pitt.
Pitt QB will be back but not Conners and Boyd? Pitt will play OKSU too!

 

[raleighpanther]

Hackenberg is not a good QB. He can do some things well, but his weaknesses are profound. I'm not hatin' on the kid, at all. He is what he is. If he is overrated (and he is) it wasn't him who did the overrating. The kid was given expectations that he just couldn't possibly meet given his deficits.