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2018 Preseason articles....



8. Penn State
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What does Penn State look like without the architect of its explosive offense (Joe Moorhead) and once-in-a-generation running back Saquon Barkley? Probably not all that different. Quarterback Trace McSorley is back, and the Nittany Lions staff has stocked up plenty of talent on the recruiting trail. James Franklin is confident the offensive line has at last been replenished after taking a big hit due to scholarship reductions. The toughest hurdles on the way to a Big Ten title (Ohio State, Michigan State, Wisconsin) all have to go to Happy Valley this fall. -- Murphy
 
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Going by its schedule, Georgia looks like a lock for 12-0 headed the the SEC title game. The 'Dogs don't play anybody that should match up with their talent. Their OOC schedule is Austin Peay, Middle TN, and UMass ... I somehow doubt it will have any impact on their playoff chances.
 
Option Bob said:
Going by its schedule, Georgia looks like a lock for 12-0 headed the the SEC title game. The 'Dogs don't play anybody that should match up with their talent. Their OOC schedule is Austin Peay, Middle TN, and UMass ... I somehow doubt it will have any impact on their playoff chances.
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You left out Georgia Tech but is their non-conference schedule any worse than ours?
Now their conference schedule is definitely weaker than ours...other than Auburn and LSU there's not a whole lot there depending on Florida and S. Carolina
 
Flounders on a KSN podcast said he expects Manny Bowen back on the team, but it may not happen in early August. Bowen does have a redshirt available. Wonder if you bring him back in the early fall, have him get back into shape, practice with the team, have him play in the last 4 games and count that as a redshirt. He's back then in 2019 for a full redshirt senior season.
 
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Judge Smails said:
Flounders on a KSN podcast said he expects Manny Bowen back on the team, but it may not happen in early August. Bowen does have a redshirt available. Wonder if you bring him back in the early fall, have him get back into shape, practice with the team, have him play in the last 4 games and count that as a redshirt. He's back then in 2019 for a full redshirt senior season.
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Just for discussion, I think bringing Bowen back in 2019 might not be such a great idea. With all the young talent James F. has brought in, unless Manny plays like Lee or Bowman, I feel that turning the LB slots over to Faison-Walden, Brooks, Parsons, Luketa, Darien, J. Miller, Katshir, Dixon, and Smith would serve Penn State better.

I admit here that I am likely jaded by Penn State Linebackers Past, but I simply don't feel that either Bowen or Farmer has shown to be all that awesome at linebacker. Perhaps they really are better than the younger guys in the program right now, but I don't recall either player making plays against the pass or the run that call up images of even Cabinda or Mike Hull.

I'm not implying to know more than the staff or anyone on this board; IMO, I'd like to see what all these gifted young LBs can do.
 
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Option Bob said:
Faison-Walden, Brooks, Darien, J. Miller,
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This list of guys have received just about zero hype this offseason. Franklin is pretty transparent that the guys that he mentions and talks about without prompting, there is a good reason for it. I haven't read a single quote about any of those guys being in the mix from Franklin, or much mention from reporters covering the team.

Bowen, Farmer, and Brown haven't lit the world on fire, but they've been receiving playing time for a long time. I have more faith in them than I do someone that hasn't played AND isn't being hyped at all. We've also seen many players make a jump in productivity their senior years after quiet careers up to that point (Nasiib, Schwan, Golden, Apke, etc.)

I'll ride with Bowen (when he gets the green light from JF) until I see actual production from the younger guys.
 
https://247sports.com/college/penn-...f-top-recruiting-class-120054432/#120054432_1


POST-BARKLEY BACKFIELD DOESN'T LACK TALENT
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WHICH YOUNG RECEIVERS WILL STEP UP?

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Juwan Johnson and DeAndre Thompkins — a dangerous slot threat who doubles as an all-conference punt returner — will be counted on mightily, while Brandon Polk may be ready to embrace an elevated role. Beyond them, a group of young receivers provide plenty of intrigue and competition.

Penn State features six receivers who carry four seasons of collegiate eligibility: redshirt freshmen KJ Hamler, Mac Hippenhammer and Cam Sullivan-Brown and true freshmen Jahan Dotson, Daniel George and Justin Shorter.

Hamler was routinely praised as a spring practice standout and Hippenhammer caught a pair of touchdowns in the Blue-White Game, while Shorter is the Nittany Lions' highest-rated offensive recruit since 2005 (Derrick Williams). Whoever steps up to seize substantial reps could carve out a major role in the offensive attack for the next few years.
 
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Judge Smails said:
https://www.elevenwarriors.com/coll...-offensive-statistical-leaders-in-the-big-ten


Today, we take a stab at which Big Ten athletes will lead the conference in the three major offensive statistical categories: passing, rushing and receiving yards.

We start with the gunslingers, which on this list, features a Buckeye.

PASSING: DWAYNE HASKINS, OHIO STATE
A Buckeye quarterback has not led the conference in passing yards since 1995 when Bobby Hoying threw for 3,269, but this could very well be the year Ohio State re-claims the top spot in passing yards.

Of course, Ohio State is a run-first team with a two-headed monster at running back, but when you look around the conference, the teams that were near the top last year lost plenty of offensive talent.

Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley led the league in passing yards last season, but also had Saquon Barkley setting up the play-action pass and also catching passes out of the backfield. Barkley, along with DaeSean Hamilton, are gone to the NFL, and McSorley will be forced to do more with less in 2018.

All of this brings us to Haskins, who is a pass-first signal caller with perhaps the biggest arm in the Big Ten. Flanked by a pair of elite running backs and a veteran wide receiver unit, Haskins has a chance to beat defensive backs downfield on play-action passes with his big arm, much like Cardale Jones did in 2014. If Haskins stays healthy, there is a very good chance he can lead the Big Ten in passing, as Ohio State's offense figures to look different than in years past.


BucksHave7 28 JUL 2018, 4:11 PM
The prediction is correct. Haskins is way better though at throwing the ball w much better receivers.


BornAndBredABuck 28 JUL 2018, 7:43 PM
McSorley's stats were greatly helped by 1) defenses gearing up to stop Saquon Barkley at all costs, 2) easy tosses to the aforementioned Barkley, and 3) having Mike Gesicki and DaeSean Hamilton going up to win an extremely high percentage of passes that were basically flung up for grabs by your hero.
It's not being a Buckeye homer to express doubt that he'll be able to come anywhere near his numbers from last season without those three around to help inflate them.


BucksHave7 23 HOURS AGO

To think that McShorty is going to have the same production without arguably the greatest blocking and pass catching RB in the last 10 years in the B10 is funny.
What about no Moorhead? Another huge loss (when was last time a B10 OC was hired directly into an SEC HC role).
Basically for about 10 reasons, PSU is worse on offense this year than last year. While the rest of the B10East all got better and for once PSU plays Wisky this year.

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A Buckeye complaining about scheduling?!?! Now that’s funny!
 
Interesting photo. Zoom in and get your first look at guys like Shorter, George, and Slade in uniform.

 
Judge Smails said:
Flounders on a KSN podcast said he expects Manny Bowen back on the team, but it may not happen in early August. Bowen does have a redshirt available. Wonder if you bring him back in the early fall, have him get back into shape, practice with the team, have him play in the last 4 games and count that as a redshirt. He's back then in 2019 for a full redshirt senior season.
Click to expand...
He’s back.
 
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JF says that because of the new redshirt rules, anticipates playing freshman in the first two home games. If they look great, they will continue to play. If not, he will save them for injury situations or 2 games near the end of the season and bowl game.
 
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These freaking reporters...you have JF with a limited number of questions he'll answer, and Cory Giger asks a general question about sports gambling. Come on. There are all of these questions you could ask about how players are looking, what the depth chart might look like at certain positions, who is looking good coming off work outs. Jesus, get better at your jobs.
 
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Judge Smails said:
https://www.elevenwarriors.com/coll...-offensive-statistical-leaders-in-the-big-ten


Today, we take a stab at which Big Ten athletes will lead the conference in the three major offensive statistical categories: passing, rushing and receiving yards.

We start with the gunslingers, which on this list, features a Buckeye.

PASSING: DWAYNE HASKINS, OHIO STATE
A Buckeye quarterback has not led the conference in passing yards since 1995 when Bobby Hoying threw for 3,269, but this could very well be the year Ohio State re-claims the top spot in passing yards.

Of course, Ohio State is a run-first team with a two-headed monster at running back, but when you look around the conference, the teams that were near the top last year lost plenty of offensive talent.

Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley led the league in passing yards last season, but also had Saquon Barkley setting up the play-action pass and also catching passes out of the backfield. Barkley, along with DaeSean Hamilton, are gone to the NFL, and McSorley will be forced to do more with less in 2018.

All of this brings us to Haskins, who is a pass-first signal caller with perhaps the biggest arm in the Big Ten. Flanked by a pair of elite running backs and a veteran wide receiver unit, Haskins has a chance to beat defensive backs downfield on play-action passes with his big arm, much like Cardale Jones did in 2014. If Haskins stays healthy, there is a very good chance he can lead the Big Ten in passing, as Ohio State's offense figures to look different than in years past.


BucksHave7 28 JUL 2018, 4:11 PM
The prediction is correct. Haskins is way better though at throwing the ball w much better receivers.


BornAndBredABuck 28 JUL 2018, 7:43 PM
McSorley's stats were greatly helped by 1) defenses gearing up to stop Saquon Barkley at all costs, 2) easy tosses to the aforementioned Barkley, and 3) having Mike Gesicki and DaeSean Hamilton going up to win an extremely high percentage of passes that were basically flung up for grabs by your hero.
It's not being a Buckeye homer to express doubt that he'll be able to come anywhere near his numbers from last season without those three around to help inflate them.


BucksHave7 23 HOURS AGO

To think that McShorty is going to have the same production without arguably the greatest blocking and pass catching RB in the last 10 years in the B10 is funny.
What about no Moorhead? Another huge loss (when was last time a B10 OC was hired directly into an SEC HC role).
Basically for about 10 reasons, PSU is worse on offense this year than last year. While the rest of the B10East all got better and for once PSU plays Wisky this year.

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At least our coaches don't lie.
 
Rahne said Hamler, Hipp, and CSB looked very good first day of practice. Said Clifford made major strides this offseason in addition to getting faster and stronger. Said Levis is very talented. Said Trace graduated, he's going to have more time

Pry sounding like Bowen won't be playing. "Mentoring" the players, out there "coaching". "Not planning on Manny Bowen right now." Said that could change, but that is the plan now.
 
Pry pissed about all the media talk about the defense not being as good because of losing 8 starters. They have quotes from national magazines saying that the defense will be weak up the middle, can't be as good as last year, etc plastered all over their meeting room. Said they have a good chance to be better, they are very explosive and fast. Parsons is very smart guy, knows spot won't be handed to him, is going the extra mile with his prep, studying film, if he continues on this path he'll have a role. Safeties, Scott has played a ton. Garrett Taylor has shown great prep, Monroe is very explosive and fast and is the sort of athlete that Apke is, Wade is tough and explosive, looks like safety is the right position for him. Doesn't know who will fill the 3 LB positions yet. Happy with CB, top 3 are Reid, Amani, TCF. Young guys Zach McPh and Don Johnson will play. Torrence Brown not ready to play this season.
 
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Trace was asked about Hack's recent NFL tribulations. Interesting that he said he has no contact with Hack.
 
Judge Smails said:
Pry pissed about all the media talk about the defense not being as good because of losing 8 starters. They have quotes from national magazines saying that the defense will be weak up the middle, can't be as good as last year, etc plastered all over their meeting room. Said they have a good chance to be better, they are very explosive and fast. Parsons is very smart guy, knows spot won't be handed to him, is going the extra mile with his prep, studying film, if he continues on this path he'll have a role. Safeties, Scott has played a ton. Garrett Taylor has shown great prep, Monroe is very explosive and fast and is the sort of athlete that Apke is, Wade is tough and explosive, looks like safety is the right position for him. Doesn't know who will fill the 3 LB positions yet. Happy with CB, top 3 are Reid, Amani, TCF. Young guys Zach McPh and Don Johnson will play. Torrence Brown not ready to play this season.
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Brown still not ready? That’s surprising. Good thing we are loaded at DE.
 
Judge Smails said:
Rahne said Hamler, Hipp, and CSB looked very good first day of practice. Said Clifford made major strides this offseason in addition to getting faster and stronger. Said Levis is very talented. Said Trace graduated, he's going to have more time

Pry sounding like Bowen won't be playing. "Mentoring" the players, out there "coaching". "Not planning on Manny Bowen right now." Said that could change, but that is the plan now.
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Is Bowen on scholarship? It seems strange to give him a roster spot and say it is unlikely he will play when he is healthy.
 
BobPSU92 said:
Is Bowen on scholarship? It seems strange to give him a roster spot and say it is unlikely he will play when he is healthy.
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I think he's healthy. Just been away from the team, hasn't gone through 8 months of team workouts. What shape is he in? How has he been lifting? Probably just not ready to compete.
 
Judge Smails said:
View embedded media
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He is good at that.

You get the impression that Franklin is like a kid in a candy store when he surveys all the talent he’s brought in over the past few years. Is there a program in the country who has further upgraded its roster in the past 3 years?

It seems like yesterday he was walking out onto a field with 1 scholarship tackle and now look what he has to work with. No wonder he’s excited.
 
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Judge Smails said:
Pry pissed about all the media talk about the defense not being as good because of losing 8 starters. They have quotes from national magazines saying that the defense will be weak up the middle, can't be as good as last year, etc plastered all over their meeting room. Said they have a good chance to be better, they are very explosive and fast. Parsons is very smart guy, knows spot won't be handed to him, is going the extra mile with his prep, studying film, if he continues on this path he'll have a role. Safeties, Scott has played a ton. Garrett Taylor has shown great prep, Monroe is very explosive and fast and is the sort of athlete that Apke is, Wade is tough and explosive, looks like safety is the right position for him. Doesn't know who will fill the 3 LB positions yet. Happy with CB, top 3 are Reid, Amani, TCF. Young guys Zach McPh and Don Johnson will play. Torrence Brown not ready to play this season.
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Was listening to a couple of preseason podcasts today, and nearly all of the moderators said that PSU would be the worst of the four contenders in the East; only one considered that MSU isn’t as good as advertised. One even said that Pitt could easily be a loss, Trace was overrated and Penn State would go 7-5.
 
NittanyLion15 said:
It still baffles my mind, (in a good way) that we never once suffered a losing season after 2011.
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O'Brien inherited a lot of talent. McGloin at QB, Urschel. Dieffenbach, Smith on OL, Gilliam and James at TE, Robinson at WR, Barnes at DE, Hill at DT, Mauti and Hodges at LB, Amos at CB.

Just think how strong that team would have been if not for Freeh agency. Redd at RB, Fortt at LB, Brown at WR, Fera as PK. IMO they would have had a very good shot at a BiG title.
 
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Not sure if previously posted, but thought it interesting that Journey Brown, Miles Sanders, Ricky Slade, and Juwan Johnson were taking reps at KR.



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