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PSU Playbook - Indiana Review
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PSU Playbook
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Nov 19, 2003 16:25 PST
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Dear Lion Faithful,
ND: This is a much needed great win for the Lions.
They came off with a balanced offensive attack and the
defense, despite the first drive, snuffed out the rest
of Indiana's attacks. Hopefully this is a big boost to
the Lion's confidence heading into Michigan State.
MH: This is a big win, but let's not overreact to it.
Penn State still allowed over 200 yards on the ground
and this is Indiana. The positive news is we beat
Indiana like PSU is suposed to beat Indiana. Hopefully
the taste of victory is something the younger guys
enjoy enough to crave more.
Results:
Score: Penn State 52 Indiana 7
First Downs: Penn State 21 Indiana 25
Total Yards: Penn State 438 Indiana 379
3rd Down Conversion/Attempts: Penn State 5/11 Indiana
10/20
Avg Yards per Play: Penn State 8.1 Indiana 4.3
Stat Star:
ND: I have to go with Zack Mills. He had a great day
going 12 for 19 (63%) for 173 yards and 3 touchdowns.
It was enough for the Lion fans to vote him the
McLanahan's-PSU Playbook Player of the Game on
PSUPlaybook.org!!
MH: Zack had a great day. My stat star though is Tony
Johnson. TJ has been through a lot of tough times this
season. He may have only had three catches for 47
yards, but every one of those catches resulted in a
TD! Congrats TJ on a great day.
What Went Right?:
ND: Well I left this blank on purpose for the
Northwestern game because I was so disappointed in the
team. Against Indiana they came out and played hard.
The passing game was stellar. Maurice Humphrey is
going to be a good wideout and from what we are
hearing he will remain at WR this year and likely will
lead the corp next season as well. He is a much needed
dimension to the air attack. The offensive line
provided good pass protection and opened up some nice
holes for Michael Robinson, who looked solid at
running back. It was good to see Austin Scott get some
reps, although I would have liked to see him get more
experience in the backfield. You have to remember that
this Indiana defense is horrid, especially against the
run. This was a big factor in the PSU offensive line
finding the success they did. I was glad they came out
in the second half running though to build up the
experience and condfidence of the ground game. I was
impressed with Tamba Hali's efforts and feel that the
defensive line is starting to understand their role.
There is still a lot of work that is needed though.
Derek Wake had a heck of a game and boy am I going to
miss Toles!
MH: I understand the mentality behind moving MRob to
tailback, but Austin Scott continues to show he has
the tools and talent to carry the running game. I am
simply concerned that we are exposing our back up QB
to injury in a position that requires great
durability! I was impressed with Michael's abilities
in the backfield. He is strong and determined on the
run. I, like MRob, think Scott is more than capable
though. I was impressed with the air attack. The
coaches really exploited the weaknesses both on
Indiana's ground defense and secondary. The
effectively used the speed of the wideouts to create
separation on some big plays. Also the offensive line
used their size advantage to actually establish a
ground game. I am really going to miss Matt Kranchick,
since he is such a versatile tight end on the pass. He
has also turned into a decent blocker. I am not sure
how many of you caught it, but there was a glimpse of
the future on Saturday. On Austin Scott's first run
BranDon Snow was in at fullback and leveled his
assignment opening up the wing for Scott to gain eight
yards. Should be an exciting future with those two in
the backfield. On another note, I think we all saw
clearly what a little pressure applied from blitzing
can do when used!
What Went Wrong?:
ND: The offensive line continues to have issues on
shifts and pulls. There seems to be a breakdown in
communication and situations where the there almost
seem to be two lines out there. Communication is
essential and that comes from the center. I am hoping
the coaches see the importance of this position and
get things in order for 2004. My vote is for EZ Smith
to get the center spot next year. No harm in lobbying
early. I still wish we would scrap the
Mills-to-wide-receiver play. I can't stand it,
especially since everyone knows we'll never throw to
him.
MH: The defense continues to struggle on the run. Andy
Ryland particularly has issues with his positon and
assignments. The middle linebacker spot has to be
resolved for next season if PSU wants to find any sort
of success. I am a believer that the linebackers
define the success of a defense is lead by the success
of the linebackers. That starts with the middle
linebacker. We need to address the position and make
sure it is solid next season. Nirav, I am with out on
the play that puts Mills at wideout. I have been
complaining about that one all year. I don't follow
the logic on that one.
Play that Changed the Game:
ND: I think Penn State's opening drive was a clear
indicator that this team was not down and out when the
Hoosiers drove down and scored. That was a clear
signal they were determined to win this one!
MH: I think the punt block was a big boost for this
team and allowed them to really enjoy the game as the
seniors closed out their careers at home.
Game Ball:
ND: I am going with the fans and giving Zack Mills my
game ball. He stepped it up and really had an
outstanding day. He has shown he is a great leader and
has shaken off those cobwebs.
MH: The guy on the other end of the passing attack
gets my ball. Maurice Humphrey has emerged into a
great go to guy and is building up excitement around
the coming years. Nice job Mo.
Looking Ahead:
ND: Michigan State is coming off a spanking at the
hands of Wisconsin. They will be fighting for a better
bowl and PSU will be looking to win the Land Grant
Bowl!
MH: MSU is the most consistent inconsistent team in
college football year in and year out. Which team will
show up for this game?
Soapbox Moment:
ND: Our tackling is still weak. Stop going for the
torso and go for the legs. It is pointless to preach
this so late, but let's get it right next year guys!
MH: See what blitzing can do?! I am hoping the
defensive sees this and embraces the blitz as a way to
exploit the speed we have. Please, please, please
blitz...and hit someone!
Until next time…
GO STATE, BEAT SPARTANS!!!
Nirav and Mark
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