Nittanyville

[Scuzz]

Dotson returns for final chapter as he leads dynamic WR/TE group into the new year

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There are more than a few potential playmakers on this offense, especially from the wide receiver spot, though none are more worthy of that title than senior Jahan Dotson. He’s looking to go out with a bang in his final collegiate season before hanging up his cleats in State College and moving on to the pros.

Outside of Dotson, the group is very young and athletic, but the lack of experience as a whole could prove detrimental in time.



Wide Receivers
Starters: Jahan Dotson - Sr., Parker Washington - So.

Dotson is already one of the most prolific receivers in Penn State football history and will surely be an integral part of any success the Nittany Lions see this year. His frame stands at just 5-foot-11, but his speed, route running ability, glue-like hands, and senior-level experience makes him a leader and one of the best players on the team.

Alongside Dotson, to start the year, will be Parker Washington, a 5-foot-10 sophomore who also boasts sticky hands. The coaching staff believes he could be Dotson 2.0 in another year or two as the same style receiver.

Slot: KeAndre Lambert-Smith - So.

As the nephew of NFL great Kam Chancellor, KeAndre Lambert-Smith has NFL-type genetics already in his blood. He’s an explosive athlete with decent hands and really good ability to shield defenders and create yardage after the catch.

Reserves: Cam Sullivan-Brown - Sr(RS)., Daniel George - Jr(RS)., Jaden Dottin - Fr(RS)., Marquis Wilson - Jr., Justin Weller - Sr(RS)., Liam Clifford - Fr.

The backup group of receivers will be led by Cam Sullivan-Brown and Daniel George, however Marquis Wilson should also see reps.

While Justin Weller and Liam Clifford probably aren’t going to see much action, the redshirt freshman Jaden Dottin is a player who carries plenty of hype and will absolutely get his chance to shine as a 6-foot-3 endzone threat.



Tight Ends
Starter: Brenton Strange - So(RS).

Brenton Strange will get the nod as the number one tight end on the depth chart. The 6-foot-3 sophomore is a great receiving threat with good hands and speed and could even find himself playing out wide on occasion. He’s another guy on the roster with pro potential.

Reserves: Theo Johnson - So., Tyler Warren - So., Khalil Dinkins - Fr.

The group of reserves is an overall strong unit. Teaming up with Strange on two-tight end sets will be Theo Johnson, while Tyler Warren will sprinkle in from time to time. A very real possibility with this young talented group is that we could be looking at a transfer or two by the offseason because playing time at this position is just so limited.

[Scuzz]

Nittany Lions can only hope for average play at best in the trenches

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They say games are won and lost in the trenches. And if that’s the case, then Penn State may be in a bit of trouble this season as it seems to be one of the weaker units of the team.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Nittany Lions are projected to run a 3-4 base defense with three linemen up front.



Offensive Line
Starters: LT Rasheed Walker - Jr(RS)., LG Anthony Whigan - Sr., C Mike Miranda - Sr(RS)., RG Juice Scruggs - Jr(RS)., RT Caedan Wallace - So(RS).

Mike Miranda is pretty much the heart and soul of the O-Line as the best player in the group at center. Rasheed Walker and Anthony Whigan create the left side duo and are the stronger two compared to the right side, which consists of Juice Scruggs and sophomore Caedan Wallace.

The starting unit caters more to a run blocking scheme than pass blocking, so that at least bodes well for the backs. However, quarterback Sean Clifford is going to have to have a quick trigger since the pocket will be expected to collapse more quickly.

Key Reserves: G Eric Wilson - Sr(RS)., T Des Holmes - Sr(RS)., G Olumuyiwa Fashanu - Fr(RS)., G Sal Wormley - Jr.

Seniors Eric Wilson and Des Holmes will be first in line to take the backup snaps as they are the two most experienced players of the group and may even be just as talented as the starters.

Defensive Line
Starters: DT Derrick Tangelo - Sr., DE Nick Tarburton - Jr(RS)., DE Arnold Ebiketie - Sr(RS).

Again, the line is pedestrian at best here, especially against Power Five competition. Arnold Ebiketie, a transfer from Temple, will be the most impactful player of the group and most likely the team’s sack leader. Nick Tarburton has pretty good speed on the edge and Derrick Tangelo is also better suited for the pass rush at 6-foot-2 and just under 300 pounds.

Key Reserves: DE Adisa Isaac - Jr., DE Zuriah Fisher - So., DT P.J. Mustipher - Sr., DT Fred Hansard - Sr(RS).

Let’s start on the inside with P.J. Mustipher. He’s a big boy. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 311 pounds, Mustipher will be used often, especially in run situations. Fred Hansard is also more than capable to step in and get the job done. Tangelo, Mustipher, and Hansard will rotate frequently in order to stay fresh, and talent-wise, they are all similar enough to allow for consistent play from the nose tackle position.

On the edges, Adisa Isaac and Zuriah Fisher will rotate in and out pretty frequently as well. Again, the starting pair of ends are only a smidge better than Isaac and Fisher, so the line play should remain pretty steady throughout the game.

Although this unit as a whole isn’t world class exactly, the consistency between starters and reserves should make for serviceable play throughout the course of the game.

[Scuzz]

Nittany Lions relying on Jaquan Brisker and Ji’Ayir Brown to patrol the defense

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As mentioned in the previous team preview breakdown, the Nittany Lions are projected to run a 3-4 base defense, and today we cover the backend side of that 3-4 scheme – as well as the secondary.

Penn State linebackers have a long history of greatness. That’s not the case this year. Like the defensive line, they are pretty average as a group and don’t have any studs or impact players in the unit.

However, things do start to look up with the secondary. It’s possibly the strongest unit on the team this year with plenty of pro potential. Stopping the run may be an issue, but the secondary should be able to hold receivers in check long enough to allow the line to create some pressure… hopefully.



Linebackers
Starters: OLB Jesse Luketa - Sr., MLB Ellis Brooks - Sr(RS)., MLB Max Chismar - Sr(RS)., OLB Brandon Smith - Jr.

If there’s one thing that stands out with the linebacking corps, it would have to be the athleticism. While there is an astronomical gap in talent on the edges in Jesse Luketa and Brandon Smith compared to the inside linebackers, Ellis Brooks possesses elite SEC-like speed from the middle linebacker spot and should be able to contribute in coverage and tracking down ball carriers. However, Max Chismar, who slides in next to Brooks in the 3-4 base defense, is much more suited for a run stopping role.

While Luketa and Smith are better players, don’t expect to see any miracles. This group is pretty average to below average.



Key Reserves: Curtis Jacobs - So., Charlie Katshir - Jr(RS).

There are only two real contributors off the pine in Curtis Jacobs and Charlie Katshir. Both are athletic enough to help out, but don’t necessarily have the instincts to be impact players, yet. Jacobs is still young and will need time to improve.

Defensive Backs
Starters: CB Joey Porter - So(RS)., CB Tariq Castro-Fields - Sr., FS Jaquan Brisker - Sr., SS Ji'Ayir Brown - Sr(RS).

Now that we are previewing the secondary, we finally have some nice things to say about this Penn State defense.

It starts with Jaquan Brisker. He’s one of the best safeties in the nation and the clear leader of the defense. Next to him is Ji’Ayir Brown, another really talented safety, who boasts scary size (6-foot-3, 222 lbs) and good speed.

The corners take a slight hit talent-wise, but they are all more than capable to get the job done. Joey Porter is probably half a step quicker than his counterpart, but Tariq Castro-Fields has the senior experience and has pro scouts’ eyes.

Key Reserves: CB A.J. Lytton - Jr., CB Johnny Dixon - Jr., CB Kalen King - Fr., S Keaton Ellis - Jr.

Keep an eye out for A.J. Lytton, the Florida State transfer, who is expected to rotate in and out quite frequently during the course of the game, and may even jump ahead of Joey Porter in the depth chart at times.

Another guy to keep an eye on is the true freshman, Kalen King. King’s upside is enormous as a cover guy with a quick first step and great speed. Depending on his production throughout the year, King could easily slide in to cover the slot on a normal basis.

[Scuzz]

Week 1 Preview
at #17 Pittsburgh (0-0)

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SCOUTING REPORT: Any time you go up against an in-state opponent, it’s going to be tough. It’s even harder in week one against a ranked opponent with one of the best, if not the best quarterback in the nation in Kenny Pickett.

With Pickett at the helm, the Panthers boast a high-powered offense that will be incredibly difficult to stop.

We’ve got a real challenge here right out of the gate which could set the tone for the season.

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IMPACT PLAYERS:

QB Kenny Pickett, SR(RS)

• 6’3” | 220 LBS | 96 OVR | 76 SPD
• Terrific arm strength and play recognition, but elusive enough to scramble for yards; our defense needs to send pressure early and often.

WR Jordan Addison, SO

• 6’0” | 175 LBS | 88 OVR | 92 SPD
• Great hands and good top end speed; may struggle to run routes precisely though, which could allow our secondary to jump passes.

LB Cam Bright, SR(RS)

• 6’0” | 220 LBS | 92 OVR | 82 SPD
• Solid all around player who jumps the snap very quickly; we may need to call plays opposite of Bright’s direction more often than not.

[Scuzz]

No.22 Penn State hit with dose of reality, demolished in crosstown rivalry game

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PITTSBURGH – Well that went a lot worse than we expected…

Pittsburgh won the toss and elected to receive, but Penn State’s defense looked stout to start the game. After a stuffed run and dropped pass, Jaquan Brisker picked off Kenny Pickett on third down to give the Nittany Lions the ball. However, we gave the ball right back after a three-and-out.

Pickett got the ball back and shook off the pregame jitters. You could tell he was locked in. Pitt practically drove the length of the field – 85 yards – before Pickett froze the defense with a play action, which allowed him to deliver a strike to Jordan Addison for the game’s first points. Pitt quickly took the lead.

After another three-and-out for the Nittany Lions, the Panthers were poised to strike again.

This time it was Lucas Krull on the receiving end of a play action pass. He made an incredible grab over two Penn State defenders for 26 yards which ultimately set up backup running back Vincent Davis for the two-yard TD run.

Both teams traded unsuccessful drives. However, at this point Kenny Pickett hit a streak of eight straight completions since his opening drive interception. I told you he looked locked in.

Panthers up 14-0 to end the first.

We knew Pitt’s offense was potent, but it was the defense that was shockingly stingy at this point. In fact, the defense was so stingy that it took the Nittany Lions midway through the second quarter just to notch the team’s first 1st-down conversion. However, the momentum stopped there for Coach Franklin’s bunch.

With the ball back in Pitt’s possession, Israel Abanikanda displayed a flash of brilliance with a carry up the gut in which he slipped through two defenders and broke free for a 76-yard touchdown to put his team up 21-0.



Another three-and-out, concluded with a botched punt, allowed Pickett and his offense to take over at the 30 yard line.

Is this getting repetitive or what...

Pickett found Melquise Stovall in the back of the endzone to go up 28-0 with just over a minute left in the half. However, they would get the ball back and score three more points before the end of the quarter.

It was a long half of play. Penn State was looking demoralized and defeated.

We got the ball to kick off the third and things actually looked good! Sean Clifford delivered a few good passes and helped pick up two quick first downs to move the chains. Then, just around midfield, the team converted a short fourth conversion to put itself in scoring position.

But, then, as if a train plowed right through any hope the Nittany Lions may have had – Khalil Anderson picked off Clifford’s throw and took it to the house for six more points.

From here, Sean Clifford’s confidence and accuracy took a major hit of regression and the line play suffered even more.

Quote: Originally Posted by Coach James Franklin

We were manhandled on both sides of the ball tonight. We didn’t even really turn the ball over a lot or commit many bonehead penalties, which means we were outmatched talent-wise. I think that’s the worst part.

Ta’Quan Roberson got the call in the fourth quarter as the game was clearly out of reach. He finished just 2-of-8 for 38 yards passing, but led Penn State to its only touchdown – an 11-yard rush from Devyn Ford, which was setup by a nice 39-yarder from Noah Cain. The offense showed signs of life in the last few minutes of the game, but it was just too little, too late.



Vincent Davis capped off the game with a 90-yard touchdown run to secure his team’s victory in the closing seconds, 45-7.

Keyvonne Lee ended up with the most carries for the Nittany Lions, but struggled mightily – only gaining 19 yards on 13 attempts.

The team also suffered a blow when Jahan Dotson was helped off the field after injuring what looked to be his chest or abdominal area. He’ll be reevaluated during the week, but isn’t expected to miss major time.

Game one is in the books. Luckily we have a bye next week to regroup and practice before taking on Eastern Michigan.

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[studbucket]

That's a rough start, especially against an in-state rival. Woof.

[Scuzz]

Quote: Originally Posted by studbucket

That's a rough start, especially against an in-state rival. Woof.

Aww man dude, you're telling me :

We're definitely not ready for that type of competition. I'll give it a few more games to see if I'm on the right sliders. I'm not a great video gamer in all honesty.

[Scuzz]

Around The Nation
Week 1 Recap

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HEADLINES:

• Cincinnati Stumbles: The #5 Bearcats are surprised by Illinois on opening weekend.
• Rallying Cry!: Michigan State prevents a bad start to 2021 with a huge comeback.
• Not This Time!: Georgia is knocked off by rival Georgia Tech 42-34.

NCAA Football Rankings - AP Top 25 - Updated: Aug 30, 2021
RK	LW	TEAM (VOTES)	W	L	POINTS
1	2	Ohio State	0	0	1502
2	3	Alabama	1	0	1461
3	4	Michigan	0	0	1419
4	6	Wisconsin	0	0	1333
5	7	Oklahoma State	1	0	1290
6	9	Notre Dame	1	0	1200
7	12	Oklahoma	1	0	1060
8	14	Ole Miss	1	0	964
9	15	Clemson	1	0	929
10	16	Iowa State	1	0	864
11	17	Pittsburgh	1	0	823
12	18	NC State	1	0	778
13	1	Georgia	0	1	742
14	5	Cincinnati	0	1	725
15	20	Arkansas	1	0	673
16	10	Utah	0	1	558
17	13	Tennessee	0	1	517
18	24	Auburn	1	0	439
19	NR	Western Kentucky	1	0	400
20	25	Purdue	1	0	383
21	NR	Wake Forest	0	0	326
22	8	Texas A&M	0	1	304
23	11	Baylor	0	1	300
24	NR	Michigan State	1	0	209
25	NR	Boise State	1	0	175

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK:

• HB Brian Robinson, Alabama: 28 Car, 148 Yds, 4 TD, Rec TD
• LE Reggie Grimes, Oklahoma: 7 Tkls (4TFL), 2 Sks, TD