PSU Round Table – Week 2: ‘Bama

The dogs sit around the virtual poker table and discuss 'Bama week

Question #1 Penn State's historical tendency is to "turtle up" on offense for big road games, playing not to lose instead of playing to win. What approach will we take Saturday?

JSchnauzer: We won't turtle up unless the weather is terrible, but Penn State will try to establish the run first and foremost.  I think Royster will have the game of his career on Saturday, but the stat line may not show it.  The OC's will provide a very simple passing scheme for Bolden, but I expect a couple of deep throws by young QB when given the opportunity. I would not be surprised to see Newsome in a wildcat/pistol formation, but I'm afraid we will be telegraphing our plays like the direct snaps to Derrick Williams circa 2006.

Rowlff Dogg: Maybe I’m giddy because my adventure to T-Town begins shortly, but I have a strange feeling that we’re going to see a more open “big road game” gameplan than usual.  Having a “nothing to lose” mentality is a great way to pull an upset and I think that Joe’s got a few tricks up his sleeve.  I’d be disappointed if we didn’t see Bolden or Newsome running some zone-reads to mix it up.  My bottom line is that I’d much rather lose by 30 as a result of taking calculated risks and having them fail than lose by 14 but never feel like we gave it all we had.

The Underdogs: I actually think we will have a chance at some big plays.  Whereas OSU, Iowa, and formerly Michigan played to keep everything in front of them, Saban's D will play aggressive daring Bolden to beat them.  If the receivers can get some separation, I think we have a chance to make some plays.

Question #2 Alabama has lost their last two games to Big Ten teams (to Michigan in the 2000 Orange Bowl and Minnesota in the 2004 Music City Bowl). What will it take for Penn State to make it three in a row? How much will Bama miss the Offensive and Defensive MVPs from the 2010 BCS Championship Game, Mark Ingram and Marcell Dareus?

JSchnauzer: Minnesota actually won a bowl game? I just can't wrap my head around that one. To answer your question, PSU needs to apply steady pressure on the Alabama offensive line by our front seven, have one or two broken plays go in their favor against Alabama's defense or special teams, and the ability to recover after giving away a big play.  Essentially, we just need to look at how Iowa beat Penn State in 2009.

Rowlff Dogg: Defensively, I think Penn State has the ability to keep Alabama from running away with the game.  They will need to create some turnovers though.  Offensively, it will take a well-rounded (read: passing and running) effort from Bolden to keep Bama’s defense honest.  The starting talent differential isn’t too much that a few breaks couldn’t win us the game.  This is the type of game where 1 person needs to step up and put the team on his shoulders.  Who will it be?

The Underdogs: More than Bama fans will care to admit.  Richardson averaged 3.3 yards per carry versus tougher defenses.  There was a reason he was number 2.  While he has the potential to be a great back, I'm far more worried about the work horse that can carry our 'backers for 3-5 yards every play.

Question #3 If I see__________early in the game it will make me happy. If  I see__________early in the game it will make me sad. (Be as expansive as you want.)

JSchnauzer: points on the first drive, wholesale domination by Alabama on our offensive line

Rowlff Dogg: Penn State blowing Alabama off the line of scrimmage; a shell-shocked offensive gameplan

The Underdogs: Silas Redd.  Kid has IT.  Whereas Royster seems to have the heavy Derrick Williams syndrome of mind moving faster than feet are able, and then does so, falling forward on his face in open space.

Question #4 Three 40+ Field Goals; four touchbacks in eight kickoffs; a touchdown on a kickoff return; a new punt protection scheme...Have the Penn State Special Teams turned the corner or is the jury still out?

JSchnauzer: It's turned the corner. There was a much tighter focus on ST in the off-season and it showed. We didn't see this against awful competition last year. Wind helped on the touchbacks, but we just have a lot more weapons and talent this year than last year.

Rowlff Dogg: When playing a Division I-AA team, I expect to dominate.  Therefore by definition, the jury is still out.  However, it was encouraging.  We’ll need to win the Special Teams battle this weekend if we expect to pull out a win.  I’d like to point out that it’s fair to criticize Joe for not using Antony Fera on kickoffs last year.  Some kicks were wind-aided, but you don’t get a leg like that overnight, and 2009’s lousy coverage unit could’ve used deeper kicks.

The Underdogs: Jury is out, but we've got better talent out there.

Apparently Hate Week extends into Prom Night in Dixie

Quick Hits

Pick a side: PSU +11.5 or Bama -11.5?

JSchnauzer: PSU +11.5

Rowlff Dogg: I never bet with my head when it comes to my team.  PSU, take the points.

The Underdogs: Bama/Over.  You're gonna have to score to win, I'm thinking 31-17ish

This game has one of the lowest Totals (44) on the board: Over or Under?

JSchnauzer: Under

Rowlff Dogg: Under.  Both teams in the teens feels about right for a PSU upset.

The Underdogs: Over, see above.

Penn State rushing yards, Over or Under 130?

JSchnauzer: good number.  I'll say over, but just barely.

Rowlff Dogg: Over.  Bolden accounts for 60 himself on a run for the ages.

The Underdogs: Under w/ Bolden, over if we see Newsome for any extended period of time (b/c we'll be running every play).