Rivals (Balas): "Injured Wolverines (no mention of Fitz) Expected Back for PSU"
Martin, Molk, Shaw and Denard expected to 100% for PSU. For teams on a roll, a bye week may disrupt their rhythm, for our team it could not have come at a better time. PSU will let everyone know this team is not last year's and it will win the games it should.
October 18th, 2010 at 2:00 PM ^
Something tells me that Martin is going to go all Hog Wild on PSU's O-Line when he gets back on the field. Must have been a very frustrating two weeks for him.
October 18th, 2010 at 2:02 PM ^
Agreed, he had played a ton of snaps, so if there is any positive to him being limited it's a solid 2 week break before psu.
October 18th, 2010 at 2:02 PM ^
Getting Shaw back and healthy will be big- he hasn't been healthy in a while.
October 18th, 2010 at 2:06 PM ^
I agree but has there been any new on Toussaint? Would be nice to see what he can do against a Big Ten defense (albeit a weak one).
October 18th, 2010 at 2:38 PM ^
RR said today that he will probably have him practicing this week. He also said that he is progressing with treatment and everything. (paraphrasing, RR is more confident in his return than what I said, I just don't want to put words in his mouth)
Overall, during the press conference, RR seemed confident. Definitely a reassuring sight.
October 18th, 2010 at 2:06 PM ^
Yeah, definitely huge. I love V. Smith and how tough he plays for his size, have to think his PT over Hopkins is a function of him knowing the playbook much better at this point. Having Shaw available and 100% will be huge, as it's clear Smith isn't quite 100% back yet.
October 18th, 2010 at 3:05 PM ^
I love Shaw's blocking and straight line speed, but it seems he often dances behind the line too much if there isn't a huge hole available. In the Iowa game it seemed like RR got on him after a run like this when he kept moving laterally instead of taking the 1-2 yards available and living to fight on another down.
I'm really hoping to see more of Hopkins as well. If its the blocking assignments that are keeping him from getting more playing time, the bye week can maybe help address some of those issues. I like having a larger back to platoon in regularly to beat up the opposing teams front 7, especially since we've been dependent on longer scoring drives in Conference play (aside from the long Denard run against the Hoosiers).
October 18th, 2010 at 2:07 PM ^
I know he's always listed as day to day but this will make it almost a whole month off, I can't see how he isn't able to play unless they're way understating his injury.
October 18th, 2010 at 2:08 PM ^
Toussaint?
October 18th, 2010 at 2:15 PM ^
making pancakes! Thou shalt not pound the pancake once it is on the griddle, unless it is late in the game, the score is favorable, and the refs head is turned.
October 18th, 2010 at 2:16 PM ^
This makes me happy.
Everyone healthy = a hungry team looking to prove the haters wrong.
Penn State is a statement game for these kids and with two weeks off I think they're going to come out fighting. Good to know everyone will be 100%.
This break couldn't have come at a better time in the season.
October 18th, 2010 at 2:26 PM ^
Penn State is now officially a Must-Win. I'm feelin' pretty good about it, but I'll feel much better once it's in the books and we are something called bowl-eligible.
October 18th, 2010 at 2:42 PM ^
it's no longer for JoePa's 500th win...
October 18th, 2010 at 2:32 PM ^
Molk Must Have
Martin Must Have
Robinson Nice to Have (thank you Tate)
Toussaint Nice to Have (deepest position on the team other than QB)
Make no mistake I want Denard back and under center but Tate does give us a very nice plan B in case he's not fully healed. Without our best two linemen I think we'll have our hands full.
October 18th, 2010 at 2:39 PM ^
RB's may be deep. That doesn't mean really talented. Shaw right now is the only consistent guy (maybe Hopkins with more PT), but he is not really a game changer. We have a stable of good RB's, but we need Fitz to come in and show he is the stud we all think he can be.
October 18th, 2010 at 2:43 PM ^
Martin's return is essential, but I thought Khoury did very well filling in for Molk. We're pretty deep in the OL now.
October 18th, 2010 at 2:38 PM ^
At least the next three are the best chances at 3 more wins this year. 8-4 will probably keep RR employed.
October 18th, 2010 at 2:41 PM ^
NO JOB SPECULATING!
October 18th, 2010 at 2:53 PM ^
People are retarded. Yes I am saying that you sir are retarded (and this is coming from bouje)
October 18th, 2010 at 2:41 PM ^
200/200 games came on the road. Time to set another record.
October 18th, 2010 at 3:13 PM ^
in practice. I read somewhere that Shaw's injury came in practice. IIRC Toussaint's injury came in practice as well. Maybe the practice style needs to be adjusted to keepthe starting 2-deep RBs healthy. The same kind of things plagued Minor and Brown all last year.