johnnyzip84

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.

No kidding, LZip. It's early in the 2014 season, but right now I'd have to agree. Conner and Boyd have pro ability right now. I like it that the Zips will be challenged considerably in OOC. I think we'll play well enough to have these games be great experience for the team regardless of the outcomes. Plus, as a fan, who doesn't enjoy seeing top notch talent. Time to hit the hay - long day tomorrow Go Zips!!!

Tommy Brown's eligibility is huge of course (thank you George Thomas ). I look for JC7 to bounce back and run just effectively enough give the Zips some balance (Brown playing will help). Zach D'Orazio will have a huge game. Zips 31 Lions 27

Sorry for my tardy and tiny contributions: Great Lakes Commodore Perry Southern Tier Porter

EA covers Johnson's season ending injury

Excellent article - thanks for posting. I really believe the Zips are even stronger as a team for having to go through these off-season tragedies. Here is an article on Harrisburg's own Jawon Chisholm, written by a PA blogger. I don't think I was aware of the extent of the challenges he faced while growing up in the state capital. JC7, TS67, DE54 and the rest of the PA Zips have to be extremely motivated for Saturday's game.

Dr Z and I have the same concern about the secondary. The height of PSUs WRs/TEs (#18 is 6' 7"!!) presents a real challenge for UA. It's going to be very difficult UNLESS the Lions help the Zips with lack of focus and concentration. I also think Amato will probably show some blitzing he didn't show last week to try to force some errors by Hack (I'll join the party).

I'll be there with a buddy in NJU

PSU redshirt FR WR DaeSean Hamilton named BIG co-FR POW. The PSU WRs have good size in general. As the 'Meister has pointed out once or twice, the Zips are a bit vertically challenged in the secondary. A key issue might be how tightly the refs view the defensive efforts of the Zip corners and safetys.

I wonder if PSU_Lions_84 will stop by this time around?

Zips open as 18 point dogs. K92 is correct, and I think you'll see TB and staff prepare accordingly. The front seven will need to get pressure or I'm afraid Hackenberg will have a big day. I think this has "shoot out" potential.

Sorry UA1987, but my sliders were gone by 4:00

Before heading out to Lot 9, I'll make my prediction: Zips 52 Bison 14 Feel free to stop by for a Spicy Bison Slider under the scoreboard if you get a chance. Go Zips!!!!

Does he play in their band? I wonder if their band is making an appearance - something tells me probably not.

This game is WELL down the line, but even the Ball St local reporter is a believer in the 2014 Zips (as evidenced by his game by game predictions).

GT says TB is HOPING to hear next week on Tommy Brown's hardship waiver. That hardly sounds like this is a certainty. I have to believe Boyett is injured. That's the only scenario that makes sense.

GT lists the current Depth Chart in today's BJ. 1. Let's hope this means Tommy Brown received his hardship request to play immediately. 2. Looks like Stein lost his starting PK position. 3. Senter over Givens? 4. Glad to see Rossi get to contribute as a SR. OFFENSE QB: Kyle Pohl, Tommy Woodson RB: Jawon Chisholm, Conor Hundley FB: Nick Rossi, Christian Allen TE: Jeff Allen, Jerome Lewis X receiver: Andrew Pratt, Mykel Traylor-Bennett Z receiver: L.T. Smith, Keith Sconiers H receiver: Fransohn Bickley, Tyrell Goodman Y receiver: Zach D'Orazio, Imani Davis LT: Quaison Osborne, Isaiah Williams LG: Dylan Brumbaugh, Michael Casimos C: Travis Switzer, Stephen Ericksen RG: Joe McNamara, Andrew Bohan Jr. RT: Tommy Brown, Cedrick Brittnum DEFENSE DE: Alphonso Horner, Richard Dorvilus Jr. DT: Se'Von Pittman, Keontae Hollis NG: Cody Grice, Darius Copeland DE: Nordly Capi, Nmesoma Okafor SAM: Justin March, Dylan Evans Jr. MIKE: C.J. Mizell, John Rachal WILL: Jatavis Brown, Jon Shelby ROV: Bre' Ford, Martel Durant FS: Devonte Morgan, Johnny Robinson CB: John Senter, Kris Givens Jr. CB: Bryce Cheek, DeAndre Scott SPECIALISTS PK: Tom O'Leary, Robert Stein P: Zach Paul, Kyle Foster LS: Michael Buddenberg, Hayden Grover H: Zach D'Orazio, Nick Hirschman PR: Imani Davis, Fransohn Bickley KR: L.T. Smith, Mykel Traylor-Bennett

Ahhh I see your point. But 2 out of 13 sure sounds better than 1 out of 12 The 2001 opening win at the RB was the game where then-QB Nick Sparks was injured and Charlie Frye started off his Zip career coming off the bench for a 31-29 win over OU

Does 7 years constitute a decade in the DC area? J

It was the year JZ84 had his now ubiquitous #20 jersey thrown to him by a certain CB

GT reports that, even though they are both reinstated, TB has taken both Robinson and Williams off scholarship. Robinson will not start vs.Howard.

I’m definitely in. But I will probably have fewer “one offs” this year, so my contribution to the list will not be as strong. I’m going to put a little more focus on food and beer “pairing” in 2014

GT discusses the DL and confirms DBs Robinson and Williams are back with the team.

It doesn't look like MACtion will be ending any time soon.