This gives me hope. The running backs will be kill in the first couple games, as Clifford is going to have to acclimate to an entirely new system again. It's fair to assume that will take a bit of time, but hopefully not much time. If the running game can take some pressure off, that's a huge plus.
@roaminglion Last year our RB’s were very young after Cain got hurt. Only one drive the whole year we were a 100% on offense and it was an easy TD and I mean easy. I believe ole cliff is going to surprise a lot people this year.
Clifford at best is an average quarterback at this level. Teams have won National Championships with average QB’s. I am hopeful.
@sky I think your assessment is correct. My hope is that Yurcich is able to amplify his strengths and minimize his weaknesses. I'm also hopeful the backs and receivers make him look better than he is.
I'm on the fence about Clifford, really no idea what he is or isn't anymore. I mean, he's had a new coordinator every single year he was here and last year was a ch*tshow for a lot of reasons. The one truly full season he was QB, we went 12-2, which was his first year playing. If he grows like a lot of 3rd year QBs do, he really could be very good and not merely average.
@roaminglion He’ll have some stud WR’s possible the best WR’s in the country.
I truly believe we'll be happy with Clifford this year. Our new OC seems to have a way with getting the best out of QB's.
Well, he took a lot of hits last year, made a lot of poor throws, ran the ball WAY TOO MUCH and missed a lot of opportunities. BUT.....he finished 4-0 when he ( and the rest of the team) could have just thrown the towel in and called it the season! I am hanging my hat on this and thinking maybe, just maybe that win in the Big House gave them all of some new life and they continue this win streak starting with Wisconsin!
You all can check me on this, but the last time Penn State started out the season ranked and playing a ranked team was in 1999. That ended in a 41-7 thrashing of Arizona! Let's hope for a similar outcome vs Wisconsin!!
GO STATE!!
The bottom line is it is put up or shut up time for Mr. Clifford...He is a veteran QB with lots of playmakers around him...As long as the O-Line does their part (which is what concerns me) the offense should be a juggernaut with the skill position talent on this ballclub...We will know after the first 3 games what this team is or isn't...My prediction is they are gonna be undefeated heading into the shoe for the big showdown...As always time will tell...
If Yurcich schemes to the strength of the players and makes halftime adjustments and is willing to play the best position players, I think this team rolls big this year. One caveat; Pry has got to have the D in gear by game 1; I think this year is gonna be a Pry stays or goes show.
Maybe I'm expecting to much, but I think we'll see Yurcich make any adjustments he needs in real time. I don't believe he's the type that needs to wait until halftime. I am worried about Pry. IMHO, he's the weak link that really needs to step up his scheming and become less predictable.
I see your point, Southern, but I just think Pry is too predictable and if I can see it, so can real coaches!
When it comes to designing a defense there are certain caveats that are non negotiable...#1 is Thou shall not get beat deep when it is 3rd and long...#2 Thou shall not have the middle of the football field uncovered and last but not least it all begins with Thou shall stop the run...I want to also note that I have never seen such poor tackling by a Penn State defense I have the last 3 years or so...It seems to get worse with each passing year...Football boils down to blocking and tackling and Penn State hasn't been particular good at either the last few years and in my opinion that really needs to change or they will never become the elite program that they should be...When was the last time Penn State had a road grater offensive line? or a dominant defensive front? a great tackling team? Defense is about attitude and want to and gimmicks and parlor tricks with scheming and blitzing can't overcome certain deficiencies and I am not a big fan of Pry...I will say one thing in his defense and that is the defense has been on the field too long in most of these games because the offense can't sustain drives to give em a break and that is due to piss poor play calling and the inability of the O-Line to manhandle a defense front to get those 3rd and 3 and 3rd and 2 for first downs...I believe this is a make or break year for this program and this coaching staff...This is the year with the talent they have to put together a run at a national title...no more excuses...
@The Funeral Director
You are 100% correct about poor tackling. Years ago I was talking to an NFL defensive coordinator that told me that PSU players were known to excel at fundamental skills like tackling. The fact that our defense can’t tackle the old fashioned way is a reflection on the coaching staff.
@The Funeral Director
You are 100% correct about poor tackling. Years ago I was talking to an NFL defensive coordinator that told me that PSU players were known to excel at fundamental skills like tackling. The fact that our defense can’t tackle the old fashioned way is a reflection on the coaching staff.
This is correct IMO.
Even in today's high school ball I don't see the level of fundamentals or skill at tackling that I remember from years ago. We were taught to lead with the shoulder, head to the side or square in the chest, wrap up and flat out drive through the ball carrier; playing DB the same expectation; if you couldn't do that someone else was taking your spot. It really was tackling and not trying to just hit someone hoping they would fall down or arm tackling like you see a lot of today.
Y’all are making my point. These stud QB’s and WR’s are just to good for the defense in all levels of football. The passing attack even in high school is great that’s why there’s more freshman coming in and starting when they use to have to wait a year or 2. Alabama has NFL talent all over the field and their defense and they get burn up. Auburn almost put up 50 on ‘em 2 years ago and beat ‘em because of it. The game has changed the last 20 years because of so many great QB’s and WR’s the defense is struggling to keep up.
If the defense ain't tackling, the stud QB’s and WR’s are going to have a field day!
Remember the Fiesta Bowl win over Miami? Shane Conlan's quote after the game said it all: “I don’t think Vinny should be blamed for this. I’ve been talking all week about how hard our secondary hits. Those receivers have never been hit that hard by those little guys. They did not want to catch the ball.” That is what we need to get back to if we want to be an elite team!
Not only that, Southern, it was under a coach who believed in teaching the fundamentals of the game.
The thing I am liking about Yurcich is he seems to have what Moorhead had.... a willingness to adapt what he does based on his personel. Yurcich has had success for years, with different styles depending on his players. Ciarrocca's best success came with specific players, doesn't seem he's really able to adapt his style accordingly. That's great when you have the players, but no so much when you don't.
I have high hopes.
I agree 100% with you on this Roam...The great coaches adapt to their personnel and create situations where the player can succeed rather than forcing a player that is ill suited adjust to your scheme...You can't expect to hammer a round peg through a square hole...I am very hopeful as well...I really believe this team has a shot to win this thing...We will know early on if we are right...LOL
