Well...that was disappointing. Due to being in the upper midwest, the game on BTN was Iowa - Pitt and not Rutgers, so I was forced to watch the game on my computer. Additionally, my father-in-law was visiting, so we had the Iowa State - Toledo game on the tv...so I was stuck with no volume on my computer...and considering the lifelong misery he has had as a Cyclone fan...seeing the way Iowa State blew the game and the fact that the Rutgers game felt like the undercard, perhaps I'm not as miserable as I would have been.
Anyway...thoughts on the game.
1. I agree 100% with Patrick's post earlier. The game was weird...it seemed like there was no urgency all night and that the game plan was to lose by as little as possible. I expected the team to come out like their jocks were on fire, but instead, they were waiting for something bad to happen. Very disappointing performance...I won't say effort as I'm sure the guys tried hard, but something was off.
2. I thought the PSU offensive coordinator called a smart game. I don't know if I've ever seen a game where no one took a shot downfield and everything originated within 5 yards of the line of scrimmage. Where PSU was smart is that they forced Rutgers to defend the entire line of scrimmage with the quick outs and the fake handoff to the receiver stuff on a lot of plays. Those things not only developed quickly (negating a pass rush), but also forced the defense to read the play, which slowed them down. While they didn't put themselves in a position to succeed against Temple, they did against Rutgers.
3. I'm glad to hear Rutgers fans were mostly treated well. Hopefully we return the favor next year.
4. Saquon Barkley is really good. Explosive, shifty, and great balance. Hackenberg...doesn't strike me as anything special. I know he looks like a tough QB, but I'm not sure he is anything better than average at this point. A lot of wasted talent in that arm.
5. Lines of scrimmage were again a problem. Last year we were more than happy to attack them with our defensive line, this year they took it to us. That hole on the long TD run by Penn State...what the hell.
6. Hicks looked pretty good to me, as did Martin. Those two are our best RBs at this point. That Hicks run from the end zone was a thing of beauty.
7. QB play...first, I think Laviano played a tough and gritty game. He competed hard and did some nice things, but either his game is very limited or the coaches are failing to use him properly. He throws on the run well, has good 'escapability', and keeps his composure under the pass rush for the most part. The problem is that if he is physically limited to the point that the play calling only allows plays 15 yards and in, then we need to make a change to Rettig. They always show those passing charts in NFL games (completions, attempts, and yards to the left, right, middle, 15 yards and less, over 15 yards)...Lavianos would all be under 15 yards and that makes defense easy. If Rettig opens up the playbook to deeper plays and forces the defense to defend the entire field...even if he makes more mistakes...we need to make the change. What we lose on decision making could be made up for with an expanded playbook. It is too easy for good teams to defend a small portion of the field. I was fine with Laviano, but last night's playacting pushed me into the Rettig camp.
8. Weather...likely impacted the 2nd half a bit in terms of style..but not sure it made that big a difference in terms of substance.
9. Did I mention I hated the fight yesterday...which I largely blame on the coaches...game plan seemed awful and way too conservative. We aren't good enough to not go out and attack. Rather lose kicking and screaming than by laying down.
State of the program...
These last two weeks have been disappointing. Last year got me firmly in the Flood camp as we saw the team come out prepared most weeks, playing largely crisp football, making plays when necessary, and winning almost all the games that would be viewed as toss-ups. The last two weeks have seen uninspired playcalling, poorly times penalties, and a team playing below its potential. I'm fine losing to OSU as we don't have the talent to beat them unless they play poorly, but we weren't that much worse than Penn State, yet we looked like we didn't belong on the same field.
I'm sure the distractions of the last few weeks, along with the players that are out, had an impact. I don't know how they don't. Nevertheless, as CEO of the program, Flood bears some responsibility for the events of the last few weeks. He, and the rest of the staff, have to win this week and regroup during the bye week. To get to a bowl now requires wins vs. Army, Maryland, Kansas, Indiana, and likely Nebraska. Not impossible, unless the team plays like they did last night. They had a ton of fight in them last year...we need to see it the rest of the way this year.
There are 9 games left. The season isn't over, but things need to get better...fortunately Kansas coming in should be just what the doctor ordered. I'd like to see Rettig get the start and then get the bye week to grow and develop. If he has the upside, the arm, and is close to Laviano, I think it is time to get him his shot. As tough as things seem right now, I'm glad that at least I'm not an Iowa State fan like y father-in-law.
Anyway...thoughts on the game.
1. I agree 100% with Patrick's post earlier. The game was weird...it seemed like there was no urgency all night and that the game plan was to lose by as little as possible. I expected the team to come out like their jocks were on fire, but instead, they were waiting for something bad to happen. Very disappointing performance...I won't say effort as I'm sure the guys tried hard, but something was off.
2. I thought the PSU offensive coordinator called a smart game. I don't know if I've ever seen a game where no one took a shot downfield and everything originated within 5 yards of the line of scrimmage. Where PSU was smart is that they forced Rutgers to defend the entire line of scrimmage with the quick outs and the fake handoff to the receiver stuff on a lot of plays. Those things not only developed quickly (negating a pass rush), but also forced the defense to read the play, which slowed them down. While they didn't put themselves in a position to succeed against Temple, they did against Rutgers.
3. I'm glad to hear Rutgers fans were mostly treated well. Hopefully we return the favor next year.
4. Saquon Barkley is really good. Explosive, shifty, and great balance. Hackenberg...doesn't strike me as anything special. I know he looks like a tough QB, but I'm not sure he is anything better than average at this point. A lot of wasted talent in that arm.
5. Lines of scrimmage were again a problem. Last year we were more than happy to attack them with our defensive line, this year they took it to us. That hole on the long TD run by Penn State...what the hell.
6. Hicks looked pretty good to me, as did Martin. Those two are our best RBs at this point. That Hicks run from the end zone was a thing of beauty.
7. QB play...first, I think Laviano played a tough and gritty game. He competed hard and did some nice things, but either his game is very limited or the coaches are failing to use him properly. He throws on the run well, has good 'escapability', and keeps his composure under the pass rush for the most part. The problem is that if he is physically limited to the point that the play calling only allows plays 15 yards and in, then we need to make a change to Rettig. They always show those passing charts in NFL games (completions, attempts, and yards to the left, right, middle, 15 yards and less, over 15 yards)...Lavianos would all be under 15 yards and that makes defense easy. If Rettig opens up the playbook to deeper plays and forces the defense to defend the entire field...even if he makes more mistakes...we need to make the change. What we lose on decision making could be made up for with an expanded playbook. It is too easy for good teams to defend a small portion of the field. I was fine with Laviano, but last night's playacting pushed me into the Rettig camp.
8. Weather...likely impacted the 2nd half a bit in terms of style..but not sure it made that big a difference in terms of substance.
9. Did I mention I hated the fight yesterday...which I largely blame on the coaches...game plan seemed awful and way too conservative. We aren't good enough to not go out and attack. Rather lose kicking and screaming than by laying down.
State of the program...
These last two weeks have been disappointing. Last year got me firmly in the Flood camp as we saw the team come out prepared most weeks, playing largely crisp football, making plays when necessary, and winning almost all the games that would be viewed as toss-ups. The last two weeks have seen uninspired playcalling, poorly times penalties, and a team playing below its potential. I'm fine losing to OSU as we don't have the talent to beat them unless they play poorly, but we weren't that much worse than Penn State, yet we looked like we didn't belong on the same field.
I'm sure the distractions of the last few weeks, along with the players that are out, had an impact. I don't know how they don't. Nevertheless, as CEO of the program, Flood bears some responsibility for the events of the last few weeks. He, and the rest of the staff, have to win this week and regroup during the bye week. To get to a bowl now requires wins vs. Army, Maryland, Kansas, Indiana, and likely Nebraska. Not impossible, unless the team plays like they did last night. They had a ton of fight in them last year...we need to see it the rest of the way this year.
There are 9 games left. The season isn't over, but things need to get better...fortunately Kansas coming in should be just what the doctor ordered. I'd like to see Rettig get the start and then get the bye week to grow and develop. If he has the upside, the arm, and is close to Laviano, I think it is time to get him his shot. As tough as things seem right now, I'm glad that at least I'm not an Iowa State fan like y father-in-law.
Last edited:
