I think we can all agree 2020 was a "train wreck" for the LIONS. Between players opting out, injuries, the BIG10 comish making premature decisions to cancel the season and then a long wait to get the season moving, Penn State really didn't adjust to the adversity they faced....not to mention their overall gameday plan and OC play calling.
With that said, the 2021 season is about to get underway (Spring practice/training) and they are apprx 30 Saturdays away from Kickoff. How do they feed off the 4-0 run to start the 2021 season on the right foot?
Personally, when I look at it, I am down to the QB. If you look at all the QB's PSU had over the last 25 years - that had great seasons - Clifford is not their league. I know you could argue that those QB's had much better skill players and O-lines - but overall, I don't feel Clifford stacks up to any of them and this my concern with 2021. Now in all fairness to Clifford, maybe it was his coaching and OC play calling that made him look average at best...and hope this is the case.
I am all about Clifford starting this year. In fact, I think they need to cut to the chase and just name him immediately. It very well may lift his confidence level and put some fire in is belly. If he can beat Wisconsin to start 2021, then I really believe the Lion's can do some great things in 2021. I hate to say it, but I think the Wisconsin game may be the biggest game of Franklin and Clifford's career. You hate to single out one game in a season, but this "bad boy" is the first game of the year, coming off of a disaster 2020 season and is an in conference game....against a historically a good program.
My prediction is simply this. If they takedown Wisconsin to start, they go to the Shoe 7-0! And it all lies on the new OC to develop Clifford over the next 29 weeks!
GO STATE!
Anybody know why the B1G powers that be came up with the 2021 schedule that has most teams opening up with a conference opponent, but Maryland, Purdue, Rutgers & Michigan get non-conference tune-ups?
I’d bet Wisconsin is going to get an azz full of Lee the first game and we beat up on the Badgers. I agree with you on Clifford but he has proven he can win 11 games as the starter. I believe our WR’s this year could be the best we’ve ever had I believe they’re going to be that good time will tell brother.
Anybody know why the B1G powers that be came up with the 2021 schedule that has most teams opening up with a conference opponent, but Maryland, Purdue, Rutgers & Michigan get non-conference tune-ups?
I think it's about time after all these years of watching those doormat type of games. There will be many eyes glued to the TV to watch week 1. Wisconsin has a good chance of winning the B1G championship in 21. Stop with covid excuses.
Doesn't get any easier against Ball state. My understanding is many of those players from 2020 are returning from a MAC championship. Looking from a standpoint in their conference, they are loaded.
As usual, you didn't provide any input on the question that was raised. You just went off on your typical unrelated rant.
Anybody know why the B1G powers that be came up with the 2021 schedule that has most teams opening up with a conference opponent, but Maryland, Purdue, Rutgers & Michigan get non-conference tune-ups?
Who schedules the teams? I forgot who does the scheduling.
I’d bet Wisconsin is going to get an azz full of Lee the first game and we beat up on the Badgers. I agree with you on Clifford but he has proven he can win 11 games as the starter. I believe our WR’s this year could be the best we’ve ever had I believe they’re going to be that good time will tell brother.
I'd bet Cain will be the man if he's healthy.
@roaminglion. I believe we’ll be back to normal at RB this year Roam being very good.
What I like is the fact that we have some depth at RB, WR and TE. There are several players capable of being outstanding over the next two years. Dotson is going to beast this year and I am with you on Cain. Lee is good too, but I think Cain is ahead of him. The new OC has to be foaming at the mouth with all of the talent that is returning. Again, I realize PSU finishing out 2020 on a 4 game win streak isn't much to brag about based on who they played. BUT, let's call that run the OOC games they normally start with and now they are ready to get into the meat of their schedule....starting with Wisconsin 10 months later!!!
10 months is a long time when you are dealing with young kids who are still developing and finding their way. I am hanging my hat on the fact that they started out 0-5 and DID NOT quit! That win over Michigan in the BIG HOUSE was huge....and I don't care how bad Michigan was last year. That started the run and very well may have been the turning point these kids needed.
GO STATE!
I’d bet Wisconsin is going to get an azz full of Lee the first game and we beat up on the Badgers. I agree with you on Clifford but he has proven he can win 11 games as the starter. I believe our WR’s this year could be the best we’ve ever had I believe they’re going to be that good time will tell brother.
😳 Holy smokes Southern. Best WRs PSU has ever had? Kenny Jackson, OJ McDuffie, Bobby Engram, Joe Jurevicious, Allen Robinson, Chris Godwin, DaeSean Hamilton, Derrick Williams, KJ Hamler. That’s a pretty big statement. I like the WRs, but they have a ways to go to make the list above. With that said, Dotson and Washington showed up big time last season.
OK, make a note of this. This is how I will tell if the new OC was a great hire....just in my dumb opinion. If Penn State throws a long pass down field to Dotson on the very first play of their possession against Wisconsin, then I am ALL IN with the new OC!! If Clifford runs the ball on the very first play, then I am out!!
I am with Southern to some degree. I think Dotson can make your list of all time greats, not sure anyone behind him can. If the OC has faith in Clifford and Dotson, then I say throw the bomb to start off 2021!!! And then keep the bombs coming!!
GO STATE!
@lionbacker99. I honestly believe the TE #86, Washington and Dotson being on the field at the same time will be the best 2 WR’s we’ve ever had and the TE won’t be far behind he’s another stud. We are loaded and I mean loaded at WR’s.
I mean guys that can catch the football, move the chains and score TD’s
I like your optimism. I hope you are right. I’d love to see it. You are right, the TE, Strange, as well as the other freshman TE, Johnson are both very good. They can catch AND block.
@mtnittanylion Ah, but what say you, if Clifford hands off to a real fullback? (not holding my breath)
OK, make a note of this. This is how I will tell if the new OC was a great hire....just in my dumb opinion. If Penn State throws a long pass down field to Dotson on the very first play of their possession against Wisconsin, then I am ALL IN with the new OC!! If Clifford runs the ball on the very first play, then I am out!!
I am with Southern to some degree. I think Dotson can make your list of all time greats, not sure anyone behind him can. If the OC has faith in Clifford and Dotson, then I say throw the bomb to start off 2021!!! And then keep the bombs coming!!
GO STATE!
Agreed on the long pass. I'd like to add, if he puts Cliff under center in the first 3rd & inches situation and hands off to a real FB, he's ok in my book.
Anything, and I mean anything but a QB keeper and I will be ok! It got really tiresome last season watching Clifford and Levis when they had all of that raw talent needing experience. I still like the LONG BALL, they don't do it enough and it is probably due to the lack of faith in the QB's. Hopefully this new OC will take some risks, he can't do worse than last season, so maybe we will get to see some offense that we all are wanting to see!!
