Have penn state the under dog in 4 games so far. I'm still anticipating a 7-5 season until this team gels and matures. I will sit on 7-5.
You're right about our QB and former QB, Southern. I'd also like to add that a lot of our success hinges on coaching not losing the close ones. Hopefully, Rahne benefits by last year's experiences in the OC role and James keeps his eyes out of the in the big games!
I really do feel the reason we've lost the close ones over the past few years is because both our defensive and offensive lines have been a little soft.
Not due to coaching, but do the numbers and injuries. This year I feel we have the potential to absorb injuries and still have the depth we need, it's no longer going to be an issue and I believe both of our lines will be a strength going forward.
No one will ever convince me that we wouldn't have beat Ohio State in 2017 had Ryan Bates not gotten hurt. That single injury changed the game, Bosa was a non-factor when Bates went down and all of a sudden Bosa became superman. Bucholtz was also injured and our pass rush disappeared.
No depth back then, but I feel we have it now and can handle those things and still play at a high level. Depth too, we now have numbers on the DL to rotate and stay fresh without losing much between the starters and reserves. Everyone has talent
I agree Roam coaching was one of the reasons we were in the games. We’re losing players early to the NFL and we’re finally to the point we’re able to plug guys in and not losing much except experience.
Just to clarify, I'm not saying coaching wasn't a factor... just that I think a good amount of our close losses the past couple years were due to depth. I'd say there were some coaching snafu's, but more often than not I saw our guys just wearing down towards the end of games and the OL being overpowered at times.
I think, to an extent, many of our players non-skill players were coached up and overachieved. There was talent behind them, but it was so young and raw. We now have a real good mix going and I think we'll surprise a lot of people this year.
I love our defense, and think it's going to be super strong. I'd take a great defense and young offense any day of the week over a great offense and young defense. Even if our offense struggles in the beginning, they won't have the pressure on them to outscore the other team. I see more balance coming to this team
