UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — When it comes to opening games, especially ones against lesser competition like a middle of the road MAC team, there is much more to be learned about is not working that what is working. Take into consideration Saturday’s Penn State vs. Akron game, won by the Nittany Lions easily. Wideouts Derek Moye and Graham Zug played well and Daryll Clark was the offensive player of the week. However, I could not help but be concerned.
The offensive line is the biggest concern as the Nittany Lions never established the run against Akron. Additionally, Stefan Wisenski, also had several poor snaps to Clark in the shotgun. The extra half-second that Clark spends looking/waiting for the ball is a half-second he doesn’t get to make his reads before his throws.
The secondary, the other big concern, was not tested much yesterday, largely due to a dominant performance by the defensive line. Jack Crawford and Jared Odrick both spent a great deal of time in the Zips backfield. That is a promising sign, as is Akron’s inability to run the ball on Penn State.
The linebackers were without Navarro Bowman for a good part of the game, thought to be because of groin injury. Nate Stupar took his place and played very well, another promising sign. Sean Lee looked good in his first action in over a year and Josh Hull was fine.
Overall, I thought Penn State wasn’t really in sync and needs to get on the same page offensively, despite the impressive numbers. Akron was worse than I expected.
Other notes
- Why were plays to Stephfon Green of the “up the middle” variety. Green is more fast than poweful, so be ought to be running outside.
- Fake punts against Akron? Please.
- K Colin Wanger had a bad day, missing two field goals. Inside the 40, field goal attempts need to be automatic.
- Why was Clark in the game in the fourth quarter? It was in hand at half time, they should have put in Kevin Newsome and Mike McGloin. Those two need some reps for next year after Clark is gone.
- Both captains, Clark and Lee, seemed ambivalent about ringing the victory bell.
- There was a moment of silence for late State College mayor Bill Welch, who died earlier in the day. I was stuck in the bag line to get in the stadium, so I missed the opening pageantry and the Welch announcement. Flags were at half staff.
- We bought two $55, 48 yard line seats (row 69) for $60. I thought I could have got lower, but I’m glad I got the ones I did.
- Wiley and Ashley hosted the tailgate and drove. Thanks guys!
- We also stopped by PSUGirl’s tailgate after the game, thanks Maddy.
- I don’t think we’ll ever have the field goal challenge again since so many lots are no longer available.
- The glass bottle ban was not enforced.
[flickr : Penn State vs. Akron/slideshow]
