Thoughts after the PSU - Marshall Game

[CVLion]

They need to work on throwing shoulders. Their demonstrative celebrations after ordinary plays need work too.

Thank goodness for the old Paterno adage about a team improving the most between their first and second game.

Hopefully Temple will be in for a shoulders-and-showoffs-palooza by next Saturday.

 

[CVLion]

Playing a lower tier opponent can be a no win situation. See Michigan and Rutgers. The math is always the same. 50% winners and 50% losers.
For whatever one wishes to take away from this game, it was as positive a performance as one could have wished for. All 3 phases clicking and on to the next victim. A veteran team, well prepared and establishing dominance as it should vs an over matched opponent.

For me, that was THE takeaway.

To your point, there were so many ways that glaring problems could have surfaced in this game. Didn’t happen, and that’s great.

By no means does that mean there aren’t vulnerabilities and areas to be worked on. But they hit the ground running, and man did it feel good to watch.

 

[troutrus]

Didn’t get to see much, but was encouraged by how handily we beat the spread. If that trend continues, it may affect my betting strategy should I decide to partake.

 

[NittanyLionRoar]

One thing this staff does nicely is play to the players’ strengths and hide their weaknesses. Caleb Bacon said as much in his post game comments.

 

[Big_O]

They need to work on throwing shoulders. Their demonstrative celebrations after ordinary plays need work too.

Yes, I was especially disappointed by the lack of over the top celebrations and taunting of the other team’s players over meaningless plays. I mean, what happened to letting the boys run wild and free? Just too business like. ;-)

 

[Catch1lion]

The only thing that I didn’t like in this game is that I noticed that almost all of our offensive linemen weren’t wearing knee braces, which I think should be a requisite.

I used Open Evidence AI to ask the question do knee braces reduce knee injuries. The evidence does not clearly support that prophylatic knee braces reduce knee injuries in offensive lineman specifically. Overall data across multiple studies is inconsistent, and the landmark randomized trial at West Point showed benefit mostly in the defensive linemen, no change in the OL numbers. A few studies have noted an increase in injuries.
Some team physicians continue to brace linemen, but this is based on biomechanical plausibility and institutional preference rather than definitive clinical evidence.
Definitely no strong data to support prophylactic knee bracing.
I asked a follow up question on previous knee injury and the benefits of bracing. Other than the psychological benefit there is not a marked increase in prevention of another knee injury.

 

[BobPSU92]

I thought prophylactics always reduce risk.

 

[Catch1lion]

I was out and about with my son and only got to see garbage time. Then we went out again and I was listening to the postgame. Jack Ham brought up the 2-0 TO margin and only 4 penalties against. You will win a ton of games playing that clean.

Good start

Ham would have to love Bacon.

 

[BobPSU92]

Bacon, don’t be coy.

 

[CVLion]

I thought prophylactics always reduce risk.

It seems in reality, they’re often a moot point. On the football field too.

 

[Catch1lion]

I thought prophylactics always reduce risk.

You mean the one you lifted off dad, and sat on it while stored in your wallet for years just in case ?

 

[Marshall2323]

For me, that was THE takeaway.

To your point, there were so many ways that glaring problems could have surfaced in this game. Didn’t happen, and that’s great.

By no means does that mean there aren’t vulnerabilities and areas to be worked on. But they hit the ground running, and man did it feel good to watch.

Absolutely a positive performance. What that means in conference play? TBD. But you can only defeat the opponent you are currently engaging. The positive play and the apparent weakness of Michigan reinforce the belief that this can be a 10-2 11-1 team.

 

[NEPA Lion]

Ham would have to love Bacon.

Disappointed our student section didn't have a catchy Bacon sign.

 

[CVLion]

Disappointed our student section didn't have a catchy Bacon sign.

Give them time. They’re just getting to know these players as well.

 

[psuro]

Step 1 of Matt Campbell's plan to deliver an undefeated and unscored upon Penn State football team has been accomplished.

He is properly serving his BWI overlords.

 

[KingLando]

Absolutely a positive performance. What that means in conference play? TBD. But you can only defeat the opponent you are currently engaging. The positive play and the apparent weakness of Michigan reinforce the belief that this can be a 10-2 11-1 team.

Hey look...you're alive

 

[TheWizardofCamelot]

The only negative I could even remotely think about was the run game - but it was very obvious that BG was absolutely selling out to stop the run. I can't put my finger on it, but Martin just looks different with the ball in his hands vs the other two RBs. More natural? shiftier? Better footwork? JPJ has the short burst quickness and Hansen looks like a battering ram - so I think all 3 could add something throughout the season. Pass pro was excellent though.

That front seven is what I'm really excited about - some serious size and I like the speed that Rojas and Bacon add. It actually oddly reminded me of the old Tom Bradley defenses up front. Excited to play a team with a passing game to see how our secondary rises to the occasion.

REALLY excited about the passing game though. That WR group looks legit and Rocco can sling it. TEs had to pass pro all day so we couldn't really get them involved. But I like where things could be headed.

 

[NittanyLionRoar]

Disappointed our student section didn't have a catchy Bacon sign.

That was the low point of the game.

 

[NittanyLionRoar]

JPJ has the short burst quickness and Hansen looks like a battering ram

Who is JPJ? Certainly not James Peoples. Nope. Definitely not Donovan Peoples-Jones, who played at Michigan. Not at all.

It’s James Peoples. Just James Peoples.

Lots of new players, but now that they’re playing, time to get their names right.

 

[Wilbury]

The only negative I could even remotely think about was the run game - but it was very obvious that BG was absolutely selling out to stop the run. I can't put my finger on it, but Martin just looks different with the ball in his hands vs the other two RBs. More natural? shiftier? Better footwork? JPJ has the short burst quickness and Hansen looks like a battering ram - so I think all 3 could add something throughout the season. Pass pro was excellent though.

That front seven is what I'm really excited about - some serious size and I like the speed that Rojas and Bacon add. It actually oddly reminded me of the old Tom Bradley defenses up front. Excited to play a team with a passing game to see how our secondary rises to the occasion.

REALLY excited about the passing game though. That WR group looks legit and Rocco can sling it. TEs had to pass pro all day so we couldn't really get them involved. But I like where things could be headed.

BG?

 

[Lil Nicky Scarfo]

You mean the one you lifted off dad, and sat on it while stored in your wallet for years just in case ?

by proxy for @BobPSU92

 

[Lil Nicky Scarfo]

Bacon, don’t be coy.

Hanburger, don’t be Chris

 

[olelion]

Defense looked good to me. Seemed to always be more than 1 defender at the person with the ball. Offensively, the running backs concerned me. There was one replay where they showed a pretty big hole, the RB hit it, but he wasn’t fast enough to it to exploit it. Of the four, I like Martin the best.

Over the past few years, the PSU M.O.had been attack the QB(my opinion) but they seemed to get gashed in the run game. It was different yesterday with those big tackles. Very sound

 

[Bvillebaron]

Defense
Was worried about us generating pass rush with front four, not as much a worry after todays game. DTs got some pressure, but the DEs were very disruptive: Bacon, Granville, Kemajou, Ezeogu were in the backfield a lot. Very impresssed with Bacon. Rojas and Ebel and Cam Smith they were all over the field.Josiah Zayas was a very good at blitzing....he really timed it well on some plays. Overall very solid. Were aggressive but did not give up a big play. We have a ton of DBs. Collins, Dixon, Toure, and Marcus Neal were all over the WRs. Very good tackling in the game. As good as I have seen from PSU in a number of years.

Offense
Smart coaching, Marshall took away the run so we max protected and hit WRs. Good start by Sorrell, great game for Koby Howard. Did not see much from the TEs but really was not needed today. OL was great in pass protection but was less impressive in run blocking....a lot due to Marshall bringing so many bodies. RBs were fine.....but not exceptional in my opinion. Not sure how I would rank from this game.....would like to see more of 25 and 26. Very interested to see how we do against a stout team like Wisconsin. We did not give up much penetration from Marshall, but we did not move them as much as I had expected.

Becht and Manske were both good. Becht was solid, made good decisions pretty much same with Manske.

Special Team:
Kicker should be good all year....was good today.

Punting was good and the short punts were excellent.

Zay is a dynamic punt returner. Want to see him more in the offense as he is quick and explosive.


Very solid game. Would like to see more domination from the running game....but it feels like a petty complaint with the way the team played. Very few penalties, no turnovers, good tackling, good clock management........... really well played game.

Yes a very impressive performance. I loved the aggressive offensive play calling from the get go. Although it may be different if he is faced with a pass rush, but Becht did a great job of staying in the pocket and looking around until a receiver came open. Pleasantly surprised with the defense pitching a shut out given all the new starters. As several other posters noted, #10 Bacon looked good but # 8 is a real baller too. Rojas started a little slow but showed his talent later in the game. Have to be careful about over reacting to season openers but it was as good as it gets yesterday.

 

[Rocco3]

It's part of a system that prevents other teams from stealing plays and the numbers change for every game.

Why are my posts showing up as though Anon1648262989 posted them??? When I'm PSU4U.

 

[PSU Soupy 615]

Anon making much posts than PSU4U, keep it up.....

 

[NEPA Lion]

Paterno style swarming Defense. D'Anton's NFL experience shows. I liked Manny and
his blitzes they were Jail Break style, but Lynn's seem just a little different and organized.

 

[JoeLion]

Reflecting back on last years performance during the first three games, this years team played with much more enthusiasm and effort. They looked and played how you would expect them to play against a team of this caliber unlike last years fractured team.

 

[NittanyChris]

It's difficult to make firm judgments given the caliber of competition. That said, some thoughts:
1. Caleb Bacon was impressive. There might have been concerns about the pass rush going into the season; perhaps he could be part of the solution.
2. Cooper Ebel & Tony Rojas were all over the field. This is a testament to both their talent and the fact that our bigger D Lineman were keeping blockers off them.
3. Koby Howard - what more need be said? Incredibly impressive. Becht's goal of 1,000 yds receiving is very attainable.
4. Josiah Zayas is the real deal. A real nose for the ball and a big time playmaker.
5. Defensive tackling was noticeably improved over last season. Much fewer arm tackles and not wrapping up.

 

[[email protected]]

Most wide open receivers I’ve seen for sometime

 

[BobPSU92]

You mean the one you lifted off dad, and sat on it while stored in your wallet for years just in case ?

It’s still in my wallet. Someday…

 

[Alphalion75]

It's difficult to make firm judgments given the caliber of competition. That said, some thoughts:
1. Caleb Bacon was impressive. There might have been concerns about the pass rush going into the season; perhaps he could be part of the solution.
2. Cooper Ebel & Tony Rojas were all over the field. This is a testament to both their talent and the fact that our bigger D Lineman were keeping blockers off them.
3. Koby Howard - what more need be said? Incredibly impressive. Becht's goal of 1,000 yds receiving is very attainable.
4. Josiah Zayas is the real deal. A real nose for the ball and a big time playmaker.
5. Defensive tackling was noticeably improved over last season. Much fewer arm tackles and not wrapping up.

But Zayas can't be the real deal, according to one poster, because he's only a 3 star recruit.

 

[Alphalion75]

A minor thought. The Blue Band's march to the Beav is not very appealing. They have chosen to take a casual, disheveled approach to this march. As a result, so many members are out of step and it just is not a good look. I wish they'd change their approach to this very public display. They can have their casual time in the stands during the game.

 

[Efejle]

Dis you notice: The freshman Zayas started over the senior Zion Tracy.

That would NEVER NEVER happen under the previous regime. As I said, this coach plays the best players and simply gives zero fux about anyone else

 

[CDLionFL]

Is anyone else getting Jerry Jones vibes from Pat Kraft? He's on the field arm in arm with Campbell during the Alma Mater and then he's in the locker room afterwards handing Campbell a game ball. It's giving me the impression that Kraft thinks he's more important than he really is and he wants to play to the camera like Jones does. I can't think of another college AD who makes themselves as prominent as Kraft tries to do.

 

[bdgan]

Dis you notice: The freshman Zayas started over the senior Zion Tracy.

That would NEVER NEVER happen under the previous regime. As I said, this coach plays the best players and simply gives zero fux about anyone else

I heard that Tracy was banged up so they limited his reps.

 

[bdgan]

But Zayas can't be the real deal, according to one poster, because he's only a 3 star recruit.

Hamler, Dotson, and Robinson were all 3* players that turned out really well at PSU. The odds are still better 3* than 4*/5* recruits.

 

[LMTLION]

But Zayas can't be the real deal, according to one poster, because he's only a 3 star recruit.

Campbell has a knack of finding these underrated talents. This guy even flew under the radar of Rutgers in his own state just miles away. But to your point, Koby Howard was a three star as well!

 

[WaffleShopper]

Is anyone else getting Jerry Jones vibes from Pat Kraft? He's on the field arm in arm with Campbell during the Alma Mater and then he's in the locker room afterwards handing Campbell a game ball. It's giving me the impression that Kraft thinks he's more important than he really is and he wants to play to the camera like Jones does. I can't think of another college AD who makes themselves as prominent as Kraft tries to do.

I started getting those vibes the year he came to Penn State when he was front and center for every big win for the wrestling team. I do like how he’s enthusiastic and wants all our teams to win but I agree it’s not a good look.

 

[Binder74]

Yes, I was especially disappointed by the lack of over the top celebrations and taunting of the other team’s players over meaningless plays. I mean, what happened to letting the boys run wild and free? Just too business like. ;-)

They must be following the 'act like you've been there before' philosophy