Penn State Snowflakes: The Offense

Submitted by LSAClassOf2000 on

This will be the repository for your thoughts on the offense and general hot takes regarding the offense for our game against Penn State.

Also, people have asked about it, so if you have rebranding ideas and want to call these threads, something else, I am listening. 

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reshp1

September 24th, 2016 at 7:07 PM ^

Speight a bit erratic still, but wearing an elbow pad and maybe shoulder brace too so the hit from last week might still be effecting him. He did throw some nice throws too. Next week will be a big test for him. I think our running game is going to get bottled up by Wisconsin. Also, Karan Higdon looked legit. Best vision of the backs today, imo.

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LSAClassOf2000

September 24th, 2016 at 7:08 PM ^

One of the things that makes me kind of excited about the Wisconsin game is the nice adjustments to the ground game. I do not expect 326 yards and 6.7 yards per carry against Wisconsin, but I am intrigued to see what they can do against them. That was a nice performance - 6 rushing TD from five different RBs. 

Joined: 01/07/2011

MGoPoints: 130623

bleeker

September 24th, 2016 at 7:11 PM ^

Speight went 21/34 (61%) for 189 yds. 5.6 yds per attempt. 1 TD, zero TO. Used his legs to pick up a key first down. I like him so far. Hit 9 different receivers too.

Joined: 11/27/2009

MGoPoints: 471

coldnjl

September 24th, 2016 at 7:12 PM ^

He was outstanding today moving within the pocket. He made several completions today due to his pocket presence. Counterpoint...poor footwork that led to him missing several open receivers

Joined: 12/31/2009

MGoPoints: 13934

taistreetsmyhero

September 24th, 2016 at 7:26 PM ^

because he couldn't step up into his throws. a couple completions were also poorly located because of this too. not much more i would expect him to do there, but he definitely wasn't sharp under pressure (other than making plays with his feet)

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ABOUBENADHEM

September 24th, 2016 at 7:18 PM ^

Nice win and all that, but Speight has a chronic tendency to miss on and/or short throw many of the shorter passes in the flat. Almost seems like he's trying to take too much off the throw. He needs to get that fixed.

Joined: 11/17/2015

MGoPoints: 2768

maize-blue

September 24th, 2016 at 7:21 PM ^

Run game looked better. Penn State's D is not too good though. Regardless, I'll take it. They will need some kind of run game against Wisc. and MSU. They won't have to rush for 250+ yards, but something to keep the opposing defense honest.

Joined: 01/10/2013

MGoPoints: 44662

The Fan in Fargo

September 24th, 2016 at 8:02 PM ^

I believe they won't need the cat despite all of the candy cane doubt and lack of confidence around this site. However, if they do insert and fully activate the best there is, things will be booming! Stallions Jehu and Jourdan can take his spot on special teams fine enough. Use him just on offense and defense. Boom goes the dynamite. They aren't going to kick to him now any damn way.

Joined: 09/04/2016

MGoPoints: 1877

George Pickett

September 24th, 2016 at 7:23 PM ^

Speight has to play better.  It sounds strange after a 39-point win, but that level of inaccuracy will not beat good teams.

Joined: 03/27/2016

MGoPoints: 9928

taistreetsmyhero

September 24th, 2016 at 7:24 PM ^

that he can consistently make good throws. he was all over the place today.

i can't understate how much he's impressed in terms of his pocket presence, but that only goes so far. our offense isn't going to have such an easy time on the ground next week, and we better be able to get first downs through the air on a consistent basis. that combined with the rash of drops thus far this season has me pretty worried about next week.

Joined: 08/08/2012

MGoPoints: 39396

Hotel Putingrad

September 24th, 2016 at 7:37 PM ^

it was one thing when Rudock would miss the deep throws. But Speight misses all kinds of throws. We can probably still beat everybody until OSU, but to keep that game close, he will have to improve a great deal.

Joined: 12/10/2014

MGoPoints: 211999

Rasmus

September 25th, 2016 at 7:43 AM ^

I think that is happening -- steady improvement each game. Plenty of "teaching moments" but he's getting there. No idea if it will be enough, but I tend to think yes. The surest way to lose to a good team is to commit turnovers, and the things that are causing these shaky throws are all things that can be learned. I don't see a lot of things that need to be unlearned -- it's more that his footwork has not caught up to his decision making -- if that makes sense. He will learn to mind his footwork -- early on, he's been focused on decision making -- the next step is to execute.

Joined: 07/02/2009

MGoPoints: 2412

Phoenix

September 24th, 2016 at 7:53 PM ^

Was Higdon the #2 RB this game? I was unfortunately on he road while the game was on so couldn't watch it, but saw him accumulating stats earlier than other RBs while stalking the box score.



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MGoPoints: 185

BLHoke

September 24th, 2016 at 7:56 PM ^

Jalen Hurts was 16-24 for 164 yards & 1 TD today in a 48-0 win over Kent St... I wonder if their fan base is chewing off their fingernails while being racked with nerves, picking apart his every performance??? He was good enough to beat Ole Miss, likely their toughest test all year... I think with the talent and coaching, Speight is more than enough to navigate their schedule.



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UMinSF

September 24th, 2016 at 9:33 PM ^

That was a completely dominating performance today, in every phase of the game.  It's amazing to me that so many people focus on the faults. Guess there's lots of current/former coaches here.

Speight looked fantastic in the pocket today, shedding rushers like Big Ben. Yes, several of his passes were not on target, but we had zero turnovers - that's critical.

I disagree with those who think we can't win big games with the QB we have, as he is. As long as he makes plays at critical times and avoids mistakes, we have a chance against anyone. If our D plays up to its capability, we'll be in every game.

 

 

Joined: 04/06/2009

MGoPoints: 18204

gbdub

September 24th, 2016 at 7:57 PM ^

Speight made better decisions today, but still looked a beat slow. And his accuracy is still off - I think he really did get banged up last week. If he can get dialed in again, Wisconsin is very beatable. If not, hold onto your sphincters.

Wisconsin's front 7 is very good, but their secondary looked pretty meh against MSU - I think Colorado was better in the back 5. A similar edge attacking game could be profitable, especially if we unleash Peppers and Chesson and Speight get back in sync.



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