Deety
Head Coach
Thanks to the good folks on the following boards for letting us know what Penn State fans think about the upcoming game:
Fight On State
John's Penn State Football
What do you feel is your team's biggest strength and weakness, and how will they affect your strategy?
PSU89: I think PSU's strength is their run defense.
LionDynasty: Our biggest strength? Depends. No matter what I say some JoePa basher disguised as a PSU fan will counter me, but I think our running game with Tony Hunt as well as the sheer talent of our LBs are our strengths.
dookpsu13: I agree with Hunt and the LB's, but on top of that the PURE SPEED that we have. OSU's WR's won't be able to run by our CB's easily.
Basicbluespsu: OSU game thoughts? I tend to agree with LD! I think our running game with Hunt and even DWill, and an occasional Hahn will be our strengths in the OSU game, and I like a forecast of lots of SNOW in next weeks game, as in SNOWED under. He can lay some wood on the defense and open things up for Hunt. He is out of Joe's dog house and I expect him to play a highly motivated game.
Indynittany: Our biggest strength is really in our linebackers. Our biggest weakness would seem to be our immaturity. I think we'll try to protect our young QB and secondary by playing a vanilla offense and a soft zone defense.
DWheels4411: Our strength is the running game and short passing game.
What is your assessment of OSU's performance right now?
PSU89: Rushing offense is coming along. Pass game looked below average yesterday. Special teams are inconsistent.
LionDynasty: I think OSU has the potential to make a run at a national title this year. They struggled early today but got it together in the second half, which is a sign of a good team. Troy Smith is currently my Heisman frontrunner, and the defense, while not as talented as last years, has certainly reloaded to a level capable of great things.
dookpsu13: I think they are great team. I think there are only 3 games they COULD lose. PSU, IOWA, and UM. I think they ATLEAST go 2-1 if not 3-0.
Indynittany: Very impressive against UT. Congratulations. Otherwise, I think Smith is much better than he was at this time last year. I also think your defense has done at least as well as you could expect. At the beginning of the year, I thought that we might be a little under appreciated and the OSU had a lot to prove to justify their lofty ranking. However, it is clear at this point that OSU is living up to the hype and that we're not a very mature team yet.
psu83: OSU has thus far played at a significantly higher level that Penn State. OSU looks polished and very sharp on offense. Smith is not the same QB that came into Happy Valley last year. He has improved in leaps and bounds since that game. The OSU defense has delivered so far, but I am not sure they have really been tested to this point.
DWheels4411: OSU is a legit number 1 team no doubt. However, you have to wonder if they can go undefeated with an OK run defense. Somebody will exploit it because of their passing attack and I think it will either be PSU, Iowa, or Michigan. If Hunt can have a big day on the ground, Morelli will be able to settle in a bit and complete some passes.
What do you feel would need to happen for your team to win?
PSU89: Penn State needs to play mistake free football to beat OSU.
LionDynasty: For us to win, OSU would have to play a similar first half as today and we would need to exploit that with lots of points. We will also need a spark or two on a turnover or big special teams play. We would also need to click on all cylinders. Morelli needs to be at his best and the OLine needs to have their best game yet.
dookpsu13: I think we need to play our game. The difference on Defense between AKRON/YSU and ND games was astounding. I know ND has a slightly better offense than those 2 :) , but the way the Defense played was alot different too. They MADE the plays in the 2 wins. ND they didn't (which had nothing to do with talent.) The offense has driven the ball pretty well in all 3 games, yet struggles to close. They NEED to work this out, and capitalize when they drive (as OSU won't allow as many opportunities. And NO TURNOVERS - like everybody else PSU has a good win% when winning the turnover batter (even during the down years) PSU has been ending 'streaks' since last year started. bowless, big ten opener, road game in big ten, Minny, @ MSU. There are 2 streaks that loom: 1) not winning at the shoe 2) scUM. All STREAKS MUST COME TO AN END sometime.
Basicbluespsu: We need to have a consistent running game and eat up some clock to keep your O off the field, and to keep our D rested. I think Bradley will make it hard for your O to run against us. ND really did not run the ball well against us, they just had big plays at the right time. Quinn picked us apart because we were playing soft on D, too much zone and not enough blitz. Your receivers are capable of having alot of success against out young secondary. We need to keep Smith from getting out side. Have our Defensive ends contain, and get a good push up the middle to bottle him in, and get some hands in his face. Pressure will hopefully cause some bad decisions on his part. If he has a great game, obviously we are in trouble. Morelli needs to be consistent, not spectacular. He needs to play smart error free ball, and he needs to step up and be a good leader when things get tough, and there will be tough times no doubt. Our special teams need to come up big, our kicking game needs to come up big, and our O cant keep making the silly blunders that they have been making. We need to put it all together, and hopefully you guys are a little off, but I doubt that will be the case.
Indynittany: I think we're going to have play an aggressive defense designed to pressure Smith, just like last year. On offense, I think Tony Hunt is going to have to have a big day in order for the pass to be effective. Morelli is going to have to play the game of his life.
psu83: Penn State has not looked sharp on offense to this point. Morelli has shown the ability to make big time throws, but his inexperience is still evident. Our bevy of wide receivers should give the OSU defense alot to think about. Our O-line needs to have a very good game to keep this one close. To win, I think we need to be able to consistently run the ball with Hunt to open things up for AJ Wallace, Williams, or Butler to make a big play. We will need some big plays on special teams to score some points. The key to the game will be the PSU defense vs the OSU offense. Can the PSU defense get off the field, and get enough pressure on Smith to make a game of it? The 3-4 has been less than impressive to this point in the season. I just see Smith picking our inexperienced secondary apart, a-la Brady Quinn. The middle of our D looks very vulnerable to TE or RB drag patterns. The PSU D needs to get some turnovers to stay in this game. We have the athletes to run with OSU, but PSU has yet to turn in a solid performance in the "Shoe". Our kicking game is struggling right now with inconsistent play. Our QB and secondary are green. We have a lack of depth on the dline. Our coaching staff laid an egg against ND.
psuKinger: Our quarterback looks like his confidence has been crushed. He DID NOT bounce back from the loss to Notre Dame. And our coaching staff can't/won't gameplan for a big road game. Penn State has not won a major road game in enemy territory since we beat Miami in 1999. Penn State is working it's way out of the Dark Ages. I think we're becoming very tough at home. We've won 10 in a row there. But we are far from a formidable opponent on the road. For further proof, just look at 4 out of our last 5 road games: 1. Notre Dame - Lost. Terrible gameplan. Not agressive at all. Looked flat. Shot ourselves in the foot the whole game. 2. Michigan State - allowed a lesser-talented Spartan team to stay in the game for almost all 60 minutes. 3. Illinois - We crushed them. Congratulations to us for doing what everyone else does to Illinois these days. 4. Michigan - Lost. Only loss of the season. 5. Northwestern - needed late-game heroics to put away the Wildcats... We can't play on the road. OSU is most likely going to beat us like a drum. We're a terrible road team.
OysterPSU: I think this is OSU's year. Unless something radically changes in our D, we're going to get smoked. If they'd turn the D loose and play all out like Louisville did to Miami, then I'd give us a chance. But playing a defensive set where Tim Shaw is pushed right off the TV screen and the secondary is no where to be seen until after the WR catches the ball doesn't instill much confidence.
DWheels4411: Penn State has to get a solid ground attack going and take pressure off of Morelli. If they are going to put this game on Morelli's shoulders, we won't win the game. I felt like we did that at ND when it was 20-0 and we just started chucking it deep. As good as Hunt is, he isn't the X-factor in this game. Derrick Williams is the guy to watch. A non-factor at ND, Williams will be taking direct snaps, running, and PSU will do everything they can to get the ball to him.
What's your prediction of the final score?
PSU89: Score: OSU 31 - Penn State 17.
LionDynasty: Do I think PSU can pull off a win, absolutely. But, if I was placing a big bet on the final score, I would say OSU 31 PSU 24. I don't expect another ND like whooping, the team will be too motivated for that.
dookpsu13: I think it will be 17-14.
Basicbluespsu: I'm hoping for a good close game that PSU wins on a late field goal, and hopefully the zebra's call a good game....is that too much to ask for. Oh yeah, hope no injuries incurred by either team!! We Are...
Indynittany: I think we are due to win in the Shoe. Even though this would seem like an unlikely time to do so, PSU is due to put together the kind of game it is capable of playing. I know that OSU wants to exact revenge for last year, but if PSU can challenge them from the start, I think we could pull off the upset because, deep down, OSU thinks this game is going to be an easy W. I predict a shocker in favor of PSU 23-21.
psu83: OSU should be favored by 10 or more points. I think they cover easily and win this one going away 27-10.
psuKinger: Currently, I think OSU is going to paste us. I'd give us a 5% chance of victory. If we were at home? I'd give us a 30% or 40% chance at knocking off the Buckeyes. On the road? 5%. 10% at best.
OysterPSU: I'm guessing along the lines of 42-14, one of those TD's being garbage time at the end.
DWheels4411: Finally, I think this game comes down to the wire. Penn State plays really well and gets a key turnover. Penn State wins 20-17.
Fight On State
John's Penn State Football
What do you feel is your team's biggest strength and weakness, and how will they affect your strategy?
PSU89: I think PSU's strength is their run defense.
LionDynasty: Our biggest strength? Depends. No matter what I say some JoePa basher disguised as a PSU fan will counter me, but I think our running game with Tony Hunt as well as the sheer talent of our LBs are our strengths.
dookpsu13: I agree with Hunt and the LB's, but on top of that the PURE SPEED that we have. OSU's WR's won't be able to run by our CB's easily.
Basicbluespsu: OSU game thoughts? I tend to agree with LD! I think our running game with Hunt and even DWill, and an occasional Hahn will be our strengths in the OSU game, and I like a forecast of lots of SNOW in next weeks game, as in SNOWED under. He can lay some wood on the defense and open things up for Hunt. He is out of Joe's dog house and I expect him to play a highly motivated game.
Indynittany: Our biggest strength is really in our linebackers. Our biggest weakness would seem to be our immaturity. I think we'll try to protect our young QB and secondary by playing a vanilla offense and a soft zone defense.
DWheels4411: Our strength is the running game and short passing game.
What is your assessment of OSU's performance right now?
PSU89: Rushing offense is coming along. Pass game looked below average yesterday. Special teams are inconsistent.
LionDynasty: I think OSU has the potential to make a run at a national title this year. They struggled early today but got it together in the second half, which is a sign of a good team. Troy Smith is currently my Heisman frontrunner, and the defense, while not as talented as last years, has certainly reloaded to a level capable of great things.
dookpsu13: I think they are great team. I think there are only 3 games they COULD lose. PSU, IOWA, and UM. I think they ATLEAST go 2-1 if not 3-0.
Indynittany: Very impressive against UT. Congratulations. Otherwise, I think Smith is much better than he was at this time last year. I also think your defense has done at least as well as you could expect. At the beginning of the year, I thought that we might be a little under appreciated and the OSU had a lot to prove to justify their lofty ranking. However, it is clear at this point that OSU is living up to the hype and that we're not a very mature team yet.
psu83: OSU has thus far played at a significantly higher level that Penn State. OSU looks polished and very sharp on offense. Smith is not the same QB that came into Happy Valley last year. He has improved in leaps and bounds since that game. The OSU defense has delivered so far, but I am not sure they have really been tested to this point.
DWheels4411: OSU is a legit number 1 team no doubt. However, you have to wonder if they can go undefeated with an OK run defense. Somebody will exploit it because of their passing attack and I think it will either be PSU, Iowa, or Michigan. If Hunt can have a big day on the ground, Morelli will be able to settle in a bit and complete some passes.
What do you feel would need to happen for your team to win?
PSU89: Penn State needs to play mistake free football to beat OSU.
LionDynasty: For us to win, OSU would have to play a similar first half as today and we would need to exploit that with lots of points. We will also need a spark or two on a turnover or big special teams play. We would also need to click on all cylinders. Morelli needs to be at his best and the OLine needs to have their best game yet.
dookpsu13: I think we need to play our game. The difference on Defense between AKRON/YSU and ND games was astounding. I know ND has a slightly better offense than those 2 :) , but the way the Defense played was alot different too. They MADE the plays in the 2 wins. ND they didn't (which had nothing to do with talent.) The offense has driven the ball pretty well in all 3 games, yet struggles to close. They NEED to work this out, and capitalize when they drive (as OSU won't allow as many opportunities. And NO TURNOVERS - like everybody else PSU has a good win% when winning the turnover batter (even during the down years) PSU has been ending 'streaks' since last year started. bowless, big ten opener, road game in big ten, Minny, @ MSU. There are 2 streaks that loom: 1) not winning at the shoe 2) scUM. All STREAKS MUST COME TO AN END sometime.
Basicbluespsu: We need to have a consistent running game and eat up some clock to keep your O off the field, and to keep our D rested. I think Bradley will make it hard for your O to run against us. ND really did not run the ball well against us, they just had big plays at the right time. Quinn picked us apart because we were playing soft on D, too much zone and not enough blitz. Your receivers are capable of having alot of success against out young secondary. We need to keep Smith from getting out side. Have our Defensive ends contain, and get a good push up the middle to bottle him in, and get some hands in his face. Pressure will hopefully cause some bad decisions on his part. If he has a great game, obviously we are in trouble. Morelli needs to be consistent, not spectacular. He needs to play smart error free ball, and he needs to step up and be a good leader when things get tough, and there will be tough times no doubt. Our special teams need to come up big, our kicking game needs to come up big, and our O cant keep making the silly blunders that they have been making. We need to put it all together, and hopefully you guys are a little off, but I doubt that will be the case.
Indynittany: I think we're going to have play an aggressive defense designed to pressure Smith, just like last year. On offense, I think Tony Hunt is going to have to have a big day in order for the pass to be effective. Morelli is going to have to play the game of his life.
psu83: Penn State has not looked sharp on offense to this point. Morelli has shown the ability to make big time throws, but his inexperience is still evident. Our bevy of wide receivers should give the OSU defense alot to think about. Our O-line needs to have a very good game to keep this one close. To win, I think we need to be able to consistently run the ball with Hunt to open things up for AJ Wallace, Williams, or Butler to make a big play. We will need some big plays on special teams to score some points. The key to the game will be the PSU defense vs the OSU offense. Can the PSU defense get off the field, and get enough pressure on Smith to make a game of it? The 3-4 has been less than impressive to this point in the season. I just see Smith picking our inexperienced secondary apart, a-la Brady Quinn. The middle of our D looks very vulnerable to TE or RB drag patterns. The PSU D needs to get some turnovers to stay in this game. We have the athletes to run with OSU, but PSU has yet to turn in a solid performance in the "Shoe". Our kicking game is struggling right now with inconsistent play. Our QB and secondary are green. We have a lack of depth on the dline. Our coaching staff laid an egg against ND.
psuKinger: Our quarterback looks like his confidence has been crushed. He DID NOT bounce back from the loss to Notre Dame. And our coaching staff can't/won't gameplan for a big road game. Penn State has not won a major road game in enemy territory since we beat Miami in 1999. Penn State is working it's way out of the Dark Ages. I think we're becoming very tough at home. We've won 10 in a row there. But we are far from a formidable opponent on the road. For further proof, just look at 4 out of our last 5 road games: 1. Notre Dame - Lost. Terrible gameplan. Not agressive at all. Looked flat. Shot ourselves in the foot the whole game. 2. Michigan State - allowed a lesser-talented Spartan team to stay in the game for almost all 60 minutes. 3. Illinois - We crushed them. Congratulations to us for doing what everyone else does to Illinois these days. 4. Michigan - Lost. Only loss of the season. 5. Northwestern - needed late-game heroics to put away the Wildcats... We can't play on the road. OSU is most likely going to beat us like a drum. We're a terrible road team.
OysterPSU: I think this is OSU's year. Unless something radically changes in our D, we're going to get smoked. If they'd turn the D loose and play all out like Louisville did to Miami, then I'd give us a chance. But playing a defensive set where Tim Shaw is pushed right off the TV screen and the secondary is no where to be seen until after the WR catches the ball doesn't instill much confidence.
DWheels4411: Penn State has to get a solid ground attack going and take pressure off of Morelli. If they are going to put this game on Morelli's shoulders, we won't win the game. I felt like we did that at ND when it was 20-0 and we just started chucking it deep. As good as Hunt is, he isn't the X-factor in this game. Derrick Williams is the guy to watch. A non-factor at ND, Williams will be taking direct snaps, running, and PSU will do everything they can to get the ball to him.
What's your prediction of the final score?
PSU89: Score: OSU 31 - Penn State 17.
LionDynasty: Do I think PSU can pull off a win, absolutely. But, if I was placing a big bet on the final score, I would say OSU 31 PSU 24. I don't expect another ND like whooping, the team will be too motivated for that.
dookpsu13: I think it will be 17-14.
Basicbluespsu: I'm hoping for a good close game that PSU wins on a late field goal, and hopefully the zebra's call a good game....is that too much to ask for. Oh yeah, hope no injuries incurred by either team!! We Are...
Indynittany: I think we are due to win in the Shoe. Even though this would seem like an unlikely time to do so, PSU is due to put together the kind of game it is capable of playing. I know that OSU wants to exact revenge for last year, but if PSU can challenge them from the start, I think we could pull off the upset because, deep down, OSU thinks this game is going to be an easy W. I predict a shocker in favor of PSU 23-21.
psu83: OSU should be favored by 10 or more points. I think they cover easily and win this one going away 27-10.
psuKinger: Currently, I think OSU is going to paste us. I'd give us a 5% chance of victory. If we were at home? I'd give us a 30% or 40% chance at knocking off the Buckeyes. On the road? 5%. 10% at best.
OysterPSU: I'm guessing along the lines of 42-14, one of those TD's being garbage time at the end.
DWheels4411: Finally, I think this game comes down to the wire. Penn State plays really well and gets a key turnover. Penn State wins 20-17.