Penn State EIU Recap

There is not a whole lot to say about this game. Penn State should have dominated EIU and they did. From the start of the game until the end and in every facet (except kick-offs). I have a few quick thoughts on the game, then I'll get into the young guys.

The Good - The offense looked comfortable running and throwing. This was the first complete game that this team has played. Everything they ran at EIU worked and the confidence is building. Lots of substitution on the defensive side of the ball. This allowed younger guys to get 1st team reps. The secondary played  a very physical game for the second game in a row. I think this is essential, if we are going to play a soft zone continuously we need to make receivers pay for catching the ball.

The Bad - This has probably been said a thousand times already but Clark was in the game for way to long for no reason. This was a perfect opportunity to get Newsome 1st team reps when the game somewhat mattered and it never happened. We will here in the off season about how the coaches wish that they would have gotten Newsome more reps, just like every year. There is really no excuse for this.

The Ugly - Once Newsome did get into the game he put the ball on the ground twice while carrying the ball around the field like a loaf of bread. This was after he ran up and down the sideline looking for his helmet.

Justin Brown - Brown saw playing time early and often, hauling in passes from both Clark and Newsome. Brown certainly looks the part, you would never know he was a freshman. Brown displayed some nice hands and body control along the sideline in the 4th qtr. 

Sean Stanley - Stanley continues to see increasing playing time. He shows good explosion off the snap and has a non-stop motor. He will need to improve the use of his hands to get off blockers but the fact that LJ Sr. has him out there this early speaks volumes.

Gerald Hodges - Hodges lined up at OLB in this game. I would guess that this occurred due to the depletion of depth, but it may be permanent. He delivered a big hit at the end of the game, that I hope we continue to see for years to come. I would not want to be a back or receiver catching the ball in the flat with him barreling at me.

Kevin Newsome - Newsome is fast, very fast, but his throwing technique leaves allot to be desired. His release is a little slow and his footwork seemed all over the place. Last but not least he fumbled the ball twice and needs to work on securing the football. That all being said, he is a true freshman with very little experience. All of the things I mentioned can be corrected. He has all of the physical tools, the question is, can he put it all together? I think its a little to early to make any kind of decision either way. One thing is for certain, there is going to be a quarterback controversy next year in State college. I can say one thing after being a Penn State fan for as long as I have, whoever starts next year will have a short leash with the PSU faithful. With two blue chip quarterbacks verbally committed, the fans will want a change early if New New doesn't get it together. The grass is always greener on the other side.