So I was able to check out the Penn State Michigan replay from Saturday as it was on YouTube. Honestly, the game was over short after the opening kick off as Penn State was completely dominated, especially in the trenches.
Observations:
-Penn State has really nice skill players at QB, RB, TE and WR, but because the offensive line resembled the turnstiles at TCF Bank Stadium. Trace McSorely was running for his life all game long, and was sacked too many times to count.
-Saquan Barkely, the running back for Penn State, is one of the most dynamic players in the country, but there really wasn't too many holes for him to run through. Barkely finished with 68 yards rushing on 15 carries and had seven catches for 77 yards.
-Michigan's offense did just about anything they pleased against a borderline depleted Penn State defense. Penn State is so incredibly low on linebackers because of injury and suspension. All three starting linebackers are out with injuries right now, with at least one of them done for the season. They lost another backup to injury last week and had one ejected for a bad targeting call on the refs part.
-They were forced to take a redshirt off a true freshman who is only 215 lbs and in an ideal world would certainly not have to see the field this season.
-Michigan's defense right now is absolutely terrifying. This staff has done a great job recruiting blue chip athletes and combining them with the talented returners left over from the Brady Hoke era.
-This team is mean, physical as hell and plays almost arrogant under Jim Harbaugh. They went for it on fourth down four different times, and a couple times in situations where most teams definitely punt.
-They play bump and run coverage on the outside and their defensive linemen can flat get off the ball and get after the quarterback. McSorely had barely any time to throw all day long and at one point you had to wonder why he was still in the game because his offensive line could not protect him one bit.
-Jabrill Peppers is one of the most dynamic players in the country. Nearly returned his second punt return of the season for a touchdown but ran into the turf monster at the seven yard line. He blitzes, helps in run support, can lock up receivers, and fights off blocks. So talented, you can bet that the redshirt sophomore will not be spending any more seasons in Ann Arbor after this one and will be headed to the NFL.
-The talented Penn State receiving core was held to just five catches for 18 yards on the afternoon.
Michigan Offensive Yardage:
-49 total rushing attempts for 349 yards and six, that's right SIX touchdowns.
-Wilton Speight also threw for 189 yards and one touchdown.
-Amara Darboh led the team with seven catches for 44 yards.
What this means for Minnesota:
-Establish the run early, and don't stop attacking. Minnesota will need a really nice offensive performance on Saturday if they are going to beat Penn State, but the Nittany Lions defense is somewhat depleted, so this can definitely be possible.
-If Minnesota wins up front and Brooks/Smith/McCrary can get to the inexperienced linebackers in the second level it could be a long, long day for the Penn State run defense.
-Have to keep winning in the trenches and playing well up front. If Minnesota rushes for over 200 yards you have to think their chances of winning will be decent.
-Penn State has talented playmakers who can make you miss in space, so big plays need to be limited. Saquan Barkely is a load at running back and can make defenders miss in a phone booth. Need to focus on containing him.
-Pressure the quarterback! McSorely is an accurate passer who loves to take chances down the field and let his receivers win one on one battles. The more pressure Minnesota puts on him, the quicker they can get off the field. The offensive line was atrocious against Michigan. Limegrover certainly has his work cut out for him.
-Have to get off the field on third downs. Penn State knows they can attack this Minnesota secondary through the air, so the defensive backs have to be ready to make a lot of plays in the air.
-Penn State will be trying to redeem themselves in their Big Ten home opener next week for a fan base that will be desperate to get a win. Fans are already calling for head coach James Franklin's head, and a home loss to Minnesota would be devastating for the former national football powerhouse school.
Observations:
-Penn State has really nice skill players at QB, RB, TE and WR, but because the offensive line resembled the turnstiles at TCF Bank Stadium. Trace McSorely was running for his life all game long, and was sacked too many times to count.
-Saquan Barkely, the running back for Penn State, is one of the most dynamic players in the country, but there really wasn't too many holes for him to run through. Barkely finished with 68 yards rushing on 15 carries and had seven catches for 77 yards.
-Michigan's offense did just about anything they pleased against a borderline depleted Penn State defense. Penn State is so incredibly low on linebackers because of injury and suspension. All three starting linebackers are out with injuries right now, with at least one of them done for the season. They lost another backup to injury last week and had one ejected for a bad targeting call on the refs part.
-They were forced to take a redshirt off a true freshman who is only 215 lbs and in an ideal world would certainly not have to see the field this season.
-Michigan's defense right now is absolutely terrifying. This staff has done a great job recruiting blue chip athletes and combining them with the talented returners left over from the Brady Hoke era.
-This team is mean, physical as hell and plays almost arrogant under Jim Harbaugh. They went for it on fourth down four different times, and a couple times in situations where most teams definitely punt.
-They play bump and run coverage on the outside and their defensive linemen can flat get off the ball and get after the quarterback. McSorely had barely any time to throw all day long and at one point you had to wonder why he was still in the game because his offensive line could not protect him one bit.
-Jabrill Peppers is one of the most dynamic players in the country. Nearly returned his second punt return of the season for a touchdown but ran into the turf monster at the seven yard line. He blitzes, helps in run support, can lock up receivers, and fights off blocks. So talented, you can bet that the redshirt sophomore will not be spending any more seasons in Ann Arbor after this one and will be headed to the NFL.
-The talented Penn State receiving core was held to just five catches for 18 yards on the afternoon.
Michigan Offensive Yardage:
-49 total rushing attempts for 349 yards and six, that's right SIX touchdowns.
-Wilton Speight also threw for 189 yards and one touchdown.
-Amara Darboh led the team with seven catches for 44 yards.
What this means for Minnesota:
-Establish the run early, and don't stop attacking. Minnesota will need a really nice offensive performance on Saturday if they are going to beat Penn State, but the Nittany Lions defense is somewhat depleted, so this can definitely be possible.
-If Minnesota wins up front and Brooks/Smith/McCrary can get to the inexperienced linebackers in the second level it could be a long, long day for the Penn State run defense.
-Have to keep winning in the trenches and playing well up front. If Minnesota rushes for over 200 yards you have to think their chances of winning will be decent.
-Penn State has talented playmakers who can make you miss in space, so big plays need to be limited. Saquan Barkely is a load at running back and can make defenders miss in a phone booth. Need to focus on containing him.
-Pressure the quarterback! McSorely is an accurate passer who loves to take chances down the field and let his receivers win one on one battles. The more pressure Minnesota puts on him, the quicker they can get off the field. The offensive line was atrocious against Michigan. Limegrover certainly has his work cut out for him.
-Have to get off the field on third downs. Penn State knows they can attack this Minnesota secondary through the air, so the defensive backs have to be ready to make a lot of plays in the air.
-Penn State will be trying to redeem themselves in their Big Ten home opener next week for a fan base that will be desperate to get a win. Fans are already calling for head coach James Franklin's head, and a home loss to Minnesota would be devastating for the former national football powerhouse school.
