Talk about this week's game here.
Week 7: Northwestern at Penn State (3:30 PM, FS1) Game Thread
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Sheriff Coffee
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This ends up being a very important game for PSU. NW isn't as bad as they've been in years past; they played Oregon fairly well and beat UCLA. Not only does PSU need to win, they need to win convincingly and with physicality. After NW, we go to Iowa, have a bye, then play two undefeated teams in tOSU and Indiana. Nobody is going to feel sorry for us. We've got to get our feet back under us with a convincing win, then go into Iowa and win that game. That gives us a week to reset and then play tOSU and Indiana back-to-back.
After losing to UCLA, a loss in this game is certainly possible.
The biggest issue on the field now is the defense minus Rojas. We can't defend an athletic, mobile QB with our LBs. We also can't defend a short passing game. The NW QB is Preston Stone (just had to look that up). He had 5 carries for 12 yards vs UCLA. For the season, 23 carries, 14 yards. Passing is 83-135, 918 yards. Not a threat on the ground so this should help and nothing special passing. Overall he is not that good, certainly nothing like Nico so this should be to our advantage.
Beyond this, is the mental aspect. And it is HUGE. Have we checked out? Do we care or are we mailing it in? The fact that there is a 1% chance to make the playoffs, does thst keep them motivated? Simply playing for their pride and self respect is that a motivator? Playing for their beleagured coach? I don't know. This is all on James to right the ship when it appears to be sinking. This is uncharted territory that no one figured we would have to navigate but now we have to and specifically Franklin has to.
We have better athletes at every position but as we know the talent we have on this roster does not mean much this season. At least to date.
These are things I would like to see on the field:
I would love to see Tatsch get a lot of snaps. Speca too but whomever is LB #3 needs to see the field. Why not? What are we so afraid of or more specifically what are Franklin and Knowles scared of? Even if Rojas was playing why did we only have 3 LBs capable of playing?
On offense can we please give Denmark and Howard some snaps? Again what is the issue? Do we really only have 3 WRs who are all veteran transfers, the ones who are capable of seeing the field? Again, why is that?
And here's one that is highly likely not to change or happen but I will say it anyway. Can Kaytron carry the load? 20 carries? 15?
We need the offensive line to dominate. Can they? Can we bench Rucci? Who else has played their way to the bench? This seems like a perfect time to change up the OLine. Get the guys in there who actually want to be physical.
We need our stars to show up. Allar was good against UCLA so that is a lost bright spot within that horrific outing. Can he actually have another good game? What about DDS and Durant?
How about the whole DLine actually shows up? How about we actually apply pressure to their QB? How about the DLine actually beat a block and disrupt a a play? A tackle for a loss, is there such a thing? Speaking of tackling, how about we actually tackle? Can we tackle in the open field? How about the secondary actually plays aggressive and covers receivers?
I feel like I am Charlie Brown going for another kick. Have I not learned? Will the ball finally stay held and not be pulled away?
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Sheriff Coffee
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who throws a 2 seamer when they get to throw out the first pitch?
Not worried about or excited about any of their games the rest of the year. Still a fan, will be happy if they win, but not investing any waisted emotion, stress or anxiety.
Sheriff Coffee
Well-known member
Agreed. I am going to the game, so I will have a high interest. But, honestly, watching UCLA was like watching the Browns. If you are not emotionally invested in W's and L's, it is highly entertaining.
I "get" being unprepared for UCLA. NW is now a different matter. We are going to see what kind of balls our kids have. We should be able to put a hat on a hat and just overpower them. If we lose or the game is close, it will tell you that we don't have the right staff and that the kids don't have the leadership that is required.
And the team has checked out and is not focused nor putting forth the effort required.
Sheriff Coffee
Well-known member
We'll see. it was a tough week last week for a lot of different reasons. I am not saying "no" but I am not yet saying "yes".
marylovesthelions
Well-known member
To play a 2 line backer defense, you need quick and fast. Rojas has 4.4 40yd speed and they miss that. IMHO, Knowles will move a big safety closer to the LOS. We do not have enough LB depth to play this defense for 2026 without buying it in the portal.
marylovesthelions
Well-known member
Drew may be an undrafted free agent in the draft.
GregInPitt
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Just another play where the 3 transfer WR's some are defending are not open.
LionDeNittany
Well-known member
Well it only took the coaches 18 games of Allen out performing for him to get the start
Maybe it is time to sit Allar
LionDeNittany
Well-known member
On the firsr series, Kaytron was basically not sTopped.
He got 2 on firsr down and then each of his other two rushes he got more than he needed.
Why can't we just run the ball and get a td?