September 30th, 2018 at 1:43 AM ^
Even Harbaugh, with his insistence sometimes on running up the middle with 5000 defensive players in the box, wouldn't have done something THAT stupid (and this is coming from a Harbaugh slappy)
September 30th, 2018 at 7:16 PM ^
On the play in question, the problem wasn't a loaded box.
The problem is Ohio State baited Penn State into thinking that the middle was wide open (showing three defenders on the edge, presumably to discourage McSorley rolling out that way). The PSU OL was completely confused when the DE looped inside (similar to the stunt that has given Michigan's OL fits over the last couple of years). The OT (#71) on that DE (#2), didn't take over the man on the OB and pass off the end, and didn't even try to get a piece of #2, so he came in unblocked, who didn't miss the RB. The same thing would have happened if a QB draw had been called. Had it been a dropback pass, the same end would have been in McSorley's face.
September 30th, 2018 at 1:44 AM ^
Hot take: Penn state wins that game with Nordin as their kicker. They were too chicken shit to try any fgs longer than like 25 yards. Nordin would have been bombing them through on the possessions that they came up with nothing on tonight
September 30th, 2018 at 2:45 AM ^
OMG! 1. That's hilarious. 2. Franklin is such a baby. 3. It gets better every time I watch it.
September 30th, 2018 at 7:31 AM ^
I'm happy PSU didn't win...
September 30th, 2018 at 7:19 PM ^
I am unhappier tOSU won.
September 30th, 2018 at 9:26 AM ^
Franklin also had some comical mments after the game about how Penn State is such a great program but not quite elite yet, and he assures the fans that he is the man to take them to the same elite level OSU is.
My take away from the game is that neither PSU's nor MSU's offense is as unstoppable as they have looked at times. McSorely is a threat with his feet when the play breaks down, but neither QB looked all that great passing when they were pressured. Plenty of QBs with a clean pocket and all day to pass can make some great throws.
September 30th, 2018 at 11:11 AM ^
To be fair the same could be said about OSU after last night. PSU just couldn’t/didn’t adapt when they went to screens.
i am sure M has the same issues but will actually have to see some “all day with a clean pocket” (sigh) to be sure.
September 30th, 2018 at 11:26 AM ^
Going for it on that 4th down was the right decision. All the rest, though, including that play call on 4th down... ugh.
Still, PSU and OSU look like they're on another level compared to the rest of the conference.
September 30th, 2018 at 12:09 PM ^
I hate James Franklin with every ounce of my being. He has surpassed Meyer and Dantonio in that regard—which should tell you a lot. But at this point to call him lucky or try to disrespect what they have done is merely an exercise in trying to make ourselves feel better. This is not a zero sum game—Franklin and Harbaugh can be good.
We just need some signature wins to convince the general public we’re elite again. In last 18 mos we have been bridesmaid but never a bride. If we can finish strong against the gauntlet this year the narrative starts to change. We just need to show consistent killer instinct and relentless focus.
September 30th, 2018 at 7:23 PM ^
Please: no more talk of brides and weddings during football season.
September 30th, 2018 at 9:31 PM ^
I could not believe that last play call...why not an option or play action with McSorley rolling out? It’s like Franklin tried to out smart himself and crapped his pants in the process. He truly is an Idiot.