This week’s questions were provided by Zombie Nation.
1. We all know Penn State is going to beat Akron. But what is it about this year’s Penn State team that really scares the crap outta you? Basically, explain what will cause you to throw the tortilla chips across the room more than once this Saturday?
Like everyone else, I have concerns about the secondary, but I am not starting to get a little concerned about the depth of the defensive line. I have no doubt the Larry Johnson has developed some fine players, but they lost two players who left early and now Brandon Ware is hurt. I don’t think that will be a big deal if everyone else can stay healthy, but I have that concern.
I can’t decide what would be worse — ten yards off the Akron wideouts or Daryll Clark split wide. Either one is problematic, I guess Clark as a WR is more so. I doubt we’ll see it though.
2. Hopefully, the backups will see plenty of playing time this weekend. Which second-stringer(s) are you most interested in seeing take the field against a living, breathing opponent? What kind of role do you want to see them play this year? (Note: if you say Kevin Newsome, you have to talk about at least one other player, too)
I am always interested in seeing the backup QBs, so I’ll stick with Newsome and add Mike McGloin in there too. I was going to say Ware, but he’s out for a month. I definetely want to see how LB Bani Gbadyu does and whether he is likely to work his way into Josh Hull‘s position.
3. So Penn State’s non-conference schedule sucks in terms of straight up opponent quality. That aside, tell us why or why not this opening slate will help or hurt this team later in the season.
I don’t think the schedule hurts the actual team too much, but had all the non-con games been back-to-back, I would change my tune, but having Eastern Illinois in October means they won’t have four consecutive walkovers. Akron appears to be an ideal first game, because they are quite experienced on offense and can throw the ball well. That will give the secondary an early test that they need. Temple should hang in there more this year and actually cross the goal line. I have pretty low expectations for Syracuse visit and the Eastern Illinois game is just inexcusable scheduling. They might as well have brought in an good Ivy League team.
The schedule hurts the perception of the program more than anything else.
4. What will it mean for this team to have Joe Paterno back on the sidelines again, right up in their facemasks, for ALL the games?
I think the players will realize they had it pretty easy last year, but more than anything, I think the officials will realize they had it really easy last year.
Quick Hits
1. Over/Under: Penn State’s offense gains 500 total yards.
Over
1a. Over/Under: Penn State’s defense gives 350 total yards.
Under (barely)
2. True/False: The student section will NOT fill out, even by the end of the game.
It will fill out because it is game #1 of the season. It will take a while though.
3. Are you going to the game?
Yes, we decided to go Monday and are really looking forward to it. It may be the only game we attend this season after no games last year.
COMING FRIDAY!
Chat at noon! I’m going to have an open forum to discuss Penn State football every Friday (or Thursday) at lunch.
The Roundtable
Happy Hour Valley
The Nittany Line
We Want the Lion
Zombie Nation
Nittany Whiteout
Penn State, Nittany Lions, Akron Zips