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As you can see from the weekend's results, 0510, the B1G is that weak. I frankly don't care about the conference -- started watching Penn State as a 10-year-old in 1968, so have a lot of history with the Lions before they joined the B1G. Right now, that league might be third best in the country -- behind the SEC and Pac-12 -- and I'm okay with that as long as Penn State wins. Look at the voting for the 1994 national championship -- our undefeated team with probably one of the best offenses in collegiate history was not supported by our new conference mates. As to yesterday's game, I had this thought during the game: You guys remind me a lot of some Penn State teams -- stout on front-7 defense, with some shakiness in the secondary, and an offense that does just enough to win games. The Zips played with confidence -- just couldn't find the end zone this game. The game broke our way only due to a couple blown coverages and your guys getting worn down towards the end of the game. As for us, this clip probably sums it up: http://www.blackshoediaries.com/2014/9/6/6114827/christian-hackenbergs-horrible-no-good-very-bad-day Shows Hack on the sideline phone saying to the upstairs booth "I don't know what the ---- we're doing" Some of that was due to the "Let's throw every offensive play on the wall, and see what sticks." and some of it was due to the Zip defense. Bounce back against Marshall, destroy Pitt (please!), and have a great season. Now, get to a place of worship and give thanks for many blessings. GBU/GBA

I really didn't see it as "playing not to lose." From what I was able to ascertain, these were two pretty closely matched football teams. This was evidenced by Akron's ability to stop the psu run game dead in its tracks without completely loading the box and our ability to generate good pressure on their quarterback by only rushing 4. We didn't really have to gamble a lot because we were getting pretty good pressure all game. I also felt the offense was able to move the ball very well on numerous drives. Really, the problem was stalling in the red zone. I believe we were in the red zone 4 times. 3 points from 4 red zone appearances will likely win zero games. In my opinion we could have ran the ball a little more than we did, but then again I'm sure I wasn't seeing exactly what AJ or Coach Bowden was seeing from the psu defense. They were showing a lot of blitzes and crazy stunts. For example, on a few plays they dropped all their lineman and rushed 4 linebackers. Also don't understand the Chisolm hate. He was quick,explosive and agressive in the touches that he saw. As for the first down play - had it blown up on the big screen in 1080p - the green grass was waving hello between his toe and the sideline. Either way, that was a result of momentum, not ducking tacklers. He's a good back. Good luck to the lions the rest of the way, they gave us the best that they had and fought hard for the win. However, had we executed as we should have offensively, the outcome may have been somewhat different. In my humble opinion, it seemed like this loss had more to do with our failure to execute at opportune times than it did with Akron being overwhelmed or outclassed by the opponent.

Hmmm let's see.....less typing for me vs. ZTZ being forced to look up (or perhaps familiarize himself with) the roster. That's an easy call

Although I returned from State College last night, I figured I'd sleep on it before providing my game summary. Before I do, thanks to PSU_Lions_84 for stopping by ZNo again this year. I enjoy your insight into the PSU program. The Zips return to PA in 2017, so I wish you good health and fortune until then 1. I think some fans are punishing JC7's 2014 performance so far on the basis of "past sins" (East-West running, avoiding contact). I haven't seen much evidence of either at this point and he's only carried it a total of 16 times. The run blocking has been ineffective for EVERY RB so far. Was Hundley supposed to bowl over 3 PSU defenders on the 4th and 1 (more on this later)? Regarding the prior play, I had an ideal angle for play in which JC7 went out of bounds. As was stated before by ZippyforPresident , in order to catch that pass his momentum forced him out of bounds. There was no option to plow over the defender. I haven't watched the replay yet, but I've read that the review was questionable (I.e. Zips should have been given a 1st down). If I had any criticism on that play, I might say JC7 could have tried to extend the ball before exiting the field so as to make the 1st down without question. 2. PSU fans, by and large, are really friendly and hospitable. Beaver Stadium is an idyllic setting worthy of its reputation. 3. In answer to Dr Z's question on TB55, he did not start, but he rotated between RT and RG all day. I think his ability to play both allows him to spell both QO71 and JM50. He looked OK to me. I think his availability will help the running game, but just not too much against PSU (front 7 is too good, he'll need some time to mesh with his teammates). 4. It was clear that O'Leary rushed and hooked that 1st FG attempt - FR jitters for sure. I agree with CK. In the scrimmages I saw, Stein was more productive. I don't think he'll re-lose the job. 5. While the defense really played hard and well, I agree with those that would have liked to see a few more blitzes. I'm really surprised Coach Amato played it so close to the chest....err....vest 6. When you can't run the ball and you don't even TRY to stretch the field, it's only a matter of time until the short passing game is solved by ANY defense let alone a pretty good one. 7. MTB1 has the CHANCE to become a go to WR, the type that can provide the scoring threat in the red zone we so desperately lacked yesterday. But he MUST learn to catch the routine throws consistently. Speaking of WRs, I didn't see Tyrell Goodman play. Is he hurt? He's a decent red zone option. 8. I generally avoid play calling criticism, but I think the only TB play call I disliked worse than the 4th and 1 run up the middle was the fake FG in the Glass Bowl in 2012. CH34 had NO chance in that one. Why not fake the handoff and roll KP16 out for a run-pass option? 9. Zach Paul is booming the ball this year. 10. On entering the field, the Zips tried to intimidate the Lions by coming very near the PSU sidelines with verbal taunting etc. While I kind of liked the brazen display of confidence, I think you need to establish yourself on the field first. We're not quite there yet. 11. I would have loved to see us get in the end zone a few times. PSU did not impress me with a lot of confidence when they HAD to make a play (other than that 3rd and 25 conversion - sheesh). If the Zips had put them in that position late in the game, I could have easily seen the Lions coming up short. 12. In summary, I'm disappointed in the score and I wish the coaches had a more aggressive game plan on both sides of the ball. But there is plenty to be hopeful about in 2014. The defense is the best UA has ever fielded. The offense has ability. Fix the run blocking and the Zips can roll off a nice win streak here before too long.

I still like Hakeem Lawrence over Jawon Chisholm. However I don't necessarily disagree with the coaching decisions, the only really bad one IMO was O'Leary starting over Robert Stein (wtf...WHY!?!?). I know coach wants to start grooming a replacement...but we still gotta win games THIS year. We lost the Michigan game because of turnovers, and we were in good position to beat Michigan because of the turnovers we forced on Michigan. Pohl threw an interception last year while we were in the red zone. We should have come away with 7 instead nothing. That was a difference make. Playing conservatively kept the game close, and it worked. However it only wins you the game if your players execute. We had a lot of dropped passes (that hit hands) in the third quarter. THAT was the difference maker, not the coach decisions. UCF tried running the ball more than passing, and it didn't work at all. I liked our game plan of pass-pass-pass-pass, draw play. It worked rather well with moving the ball. The only problem is, you're receivers got to catch the ball. Penn State's defense was not a very easy thing to beat. UCF also pressured more than we did, and Hackenberg ate them alive for 450 yards. I remember turning to my girlfriend at halftime and saying "we really have a shot at this". That was mostly because, after watching the UCF game I thought the way the Zips were going to beat PSU was exactly the way we played. We need to execute better, and we have 14 days to learn from our mistakes and prepare for Marshall. Penn State is a difficult team to beat under any circumstances at home, now its time for us to gear up an beat a team @ home, and continue the home wi streak.

I'm pretty sure our coaching staff would like to play this one over. We had a shot and let it slip away. I have to say however, the better team won. Akron showed, again, they are a force and can be the better team for part of the game, even in a hostile Big Ten environment, but we are not quite there yet to upset a strong power conference team. Maybe soon. I was surprised how little difference Tommy Brown made. So much on the offensive line takes time and I think this was the difference in the game, besides the lost points on our first drive. Stein would get my nod kicking field goals from now on. Nothing to be embarrassed about in this one - just a lost opportunity. No need to hang your head ZipsNation, good times are coming.

How about that pass from Saad? Nice goal from Najem, Zips up 1-0...

This playing not to lose BS needs to stop.