How Do the Zips Beat Penn State?

[Captain Kangaroo]

Here are some of the bad things the Zips have done vs. BCS teams in the past, that they cannot do Saturday if they want to compete:The Zips were within 7 points of Ohio State...Brandon Payne fielded a punt...and fumbled it on his own 5 yard line. The Zips can't do that.The Zips were within 7 of Virginia and driving for a score late in the game...and Frye got picked...and it went the other way for a TD. Jacquemain can't do that.The Zips were within 7 points of Virginia Tech at the end of the first half...seconds remaining...and Michael Vick tossed a 30 yard TD to Andre Davis over Jesse Smith. The Zips can't let that happen.The Zips were ready to go ahead of Wisconsin in the 4th quarter. First and goal from the 1 yard line. Hendry got stuffed on 4th and inches. Next play, Jim Sorgi hits Lee Evans with a 99 yard bomb over Jesse Smith and the game is over. Can't do that stuff.The Zips are tied with Ohio State late in the game. They pressure Bellesari and he lobs a duck to the 50 yard line. Rather than catch the ball, John Fuller inexplicably does a perfect volleyball "set" to the Ohio State wide receiver 8 yards behind him, and the guy walks 50 yards to the endzone.Against Purdue and Illinois the Zips were tied at halftime...and got blown out in the 2nd half.Against Ohio State, the Zips were down only 3-2 well into the 3rd quarter...and the offense was content letting John Stec boom 50 yarders after each of 17 unimaginative 3-and-outs. The staff needs to be more aggressive than that.Against UConn the Zips should have scored a TD...or worst-case a FG at the half. Jacquemain didn't throw the ball away and we let UConn off the hook. A close game turned into a blowout in the 2nd half.Against Cincinnati, @ Cincinnati, the Zips went up 14 - 0 early...and once Cincinnati adjusted the Zips never threw a counter punch. The staff needs to adjust as the Penn State defense adjusts.Big plays vs Wisconsin were nullified due to stupid penalties. The Zips need to play with poise.Igor can't shank extra point kicks.Jacquemain hit Andre Jones for a sure 30 yard gain to start the game vs. Wisconsin...but Jones dropped the ball.Here are some of the positive things the Zips have done vs. BCS schools in the past that allows them the opportunity to "Shock the World":Jason Taylor is unstoppable vs. Virginia Tech, and the Zips nearly upset the highly ranked Hokies. The Zips need to get in the backfield and wreak some havoc if they want a chance for the upset. Pedestrian D-line play will not cut it.Charlie Frye and Luke Getsey had big-time performances in the Zips near-misses. Jacquemain needs to come up big-time. A 10-26, 113 yard day won't cut it. He needs to throw for 300+.Jake Schifino was unstoppable at Virginia Tech. Jabari was unstoppable at NC State. David Harvey was unstoppable against Penn State and Cincinnati. Someone like Bowser needs to go nuts...and the staff needs to find ways to get the guy the ball. The Zips staff needs to identify any mismatches early and pick the scab.With Ohio State driving, and a chance to put the game out of reach, Ricky Coble picked off a Bellesari pass and returned it 80+ yards for a TD. Michael Vick thought he could burn Dwight Smith, and Smith made him pay. The Zips defense needs to be aggressive and jump some routes. Playing soft on the corners will not cut it.Bobby Hendry went for 100+ rushing yards against Wisconsin. The OL, Allen and Torrence need to take the heat off Jacquemain and move the chains.Stec went off for one of the more amazing punting performances in the history of D-1 football @ Ohio State a few years ago. He needs to punt like a senior who's played in these environments before.The Zips have the chips stacked against them on Saturday, but history has shown that they can compete. To win, they need to avoid mistakes...stay aggressive...man-up, and not fold, if the game is close in the 4th quarter. They need to come out in the 3rd quarter with purpose...something they couldn't seem to accomplish last season.I look for a good football game Saturday. I see it 45-27 Penn State. 10 points closer if the D-line plays outstanding, 5 points worse if the D-line plays like they have the past couple years.

[lance99]

Captain, To win this game, they have to do the following:1) Run the football! Sounds simple enough. If you start throwing the football around, PSU will start playing defence like that.2) No mistakes! Already stated3) No big plays! If and this is a big "if" the zips play the 3-3-5, they will have to stop the run and they have to prove that.4) Keep the game close! If Toledo can beat them there, then the Zips can(the power of positive thinking)5) Finally, Use what the people are saying about them how they are going to get blown out! This is a very winnable game no matter what anyone says

[scottditzen]

CK I don't think I've ever relived so many moments of Akron football in one post before!!!!

[Zip Watcher]

Igor can't shank extra point kicks.

Zip Watcher's Lock of the Week: Igor won't shank any extra point kicks. Mark it down.

[PSU_Lions_84]

1) Run the football! Sounds simple enough. If you start throwing the football around, PSU will start playing defence like that.2) No mistakes! Already stated3) No big plays! If and this is a big "if" the zips play the 3-3-5, they will have to stop the run and they have to prove that.4) Keep the game close! If Toledo can beat them there, then the Zips can(the power of positive thinking)5) Finally, Use what the people are saying about them how they are going to get blown out! This is a very winnable game no matter what anyone saysLance, respectfully disagree with some of your points. And I understand you can be suspicious of my motives, since I am obviously a Penn State alum/fan. But, I love CFB, and want to see a good game, so here is how I see Akron's game plan working:(1) On defense, Penn State is weakest against the pass. The Zips should throw to force the LBs (the strongest part of the Lion D) to support the secondary. That might/should open up the Akron running game. Mixing up the running and passing plays in the "right" way could confuse the defense. It will be important to keep the Lion offense on the sideline.(2) Agreed!(3) Agree with the first part, but a 3-3-5 is not going to stop the run. If Royster/Green get past the down linemen, it will be a long day for your backers and secondary. IMHO, it is never a good sign when your safety leads the team in tackles. You are going to have to play man on the WRs, hoping they can blanket those inexperienced receivers while the other defensive players pressure Clark. Yes, he can hurt you with his scrambling, but if everyone else is covered he is more easily contained.(4) Good. Mind over matter: I don't mind, and you don't matter. J/K!!!!!!!!!!!!(5) Free advice is often worth what you paid for it. Proof: My points 1 and 3, just above.Good luck!

[Captain Kangaroo]

Igor can't shank extra point kicks.

Zip Watcher's Lock of the Week: Igor won't shank any extra point kicks. Mark it down.

That would either mean Igor's been hit by a bus, or Rogovic will be doing the kicking.

[Dr Z]

On defense, Penn State is weakest against the pass. The Zips should throw to force the LBs (the strongest part of the Lion D) to support the secondary. That might/should open up the Akron running game. Mixing up the running and passing plays in the "right" way could confuse the defense. It will be important to keep the Lion offense on the sideline.

I am in the same thinking here. Although our O line is powerful and our RBs are talented, I think opening the game up attacking PSU's weakness is a good game plan. The only thing wrong with it is the higher potential for a TO, hopefully 'Senior CJ' is up for the task. Big task, but I think that is the way that I would attack. That WILL open up the running game. I am looking forward to seeing how/if the offensive game calling changes this year under Shane Montgomery. Can't wait.

[ZippyTuba11]

On defense, Penn State is weakest against the pass. The Zips should throw to force the LBs (the strongest part of the Lion D) to support the secondary. That might/should open up the Akron running game. Mixing up the running and passing plays in the "right" way could confuse the defense. It will be important to keep the Lion offense on the sideline.

I am in the same thinking here. Although our O line is powerful and our RBs are talented, I think opening the game up attacking PSU's weakness is a good game plan. The only thing wrong with it is the higher potential for a TO, hopefully 'Senior CJ' is up for the task. Big task, but I think that is the way that I would attack. That WILL open up the running game. I am looking forward to seeing how/if the offensive game calling changes this year under Shane Montgomery. Can't wait.

I'm buying this one too. Utilize the pass early while our O-line is still fresh. If they wait until later in the game to rely on it, CJ is going to be very sore on Sunday. Get those backers to cheat back for a pass, then hit them with the run.

[Quickzips]

Count me as amongst those wanting us to go pass happy. Not just because PSU's weaker in pass defense, but also because they are stronger in run offense. They are going to game plan for a grind it out, run, run, run type of game. If we can jump on their young DB's early and gain some momentum, that strategy goes out the window. Penn State then has to start throwing the football to try to get back in the game. Guess what, they also have a core of very young and inexperienced receivers. Let's see if any of them have the hands in a tough situation.

[Dr Z]

The Zips are tied with Ohio State late in the game. They pressure Bellesari and he lobs a duck to the 50 yard line. Rather than catch the ball, John Fuller inexplicably does a perfect volleyball "set" to the Ohio State wide receiver 8 yards behind him, and the guy walks 50 yards to the endzone.

September 8th 2001 (I had to look it up) This particular play happened right in front of me. Just like CK describes, it was as if Fuller WANTED the WR Chris Vance to catch a pass from the second best QB on the field that day. HUGE swing. That pass was thrown right to Fuller, it hit him in both hands. I stood up anticipating the interception return....then my legs went numb, I felt like I was part of that play since I was so close and my heart fell so far. I'll NEVER forget that play.

[ZachTheZip]

Keep discounting our running game. I think you all will be surprised at just how good it will be. If we had an inexperienced O-line I would be a bit concerned, but the running game will be very good.

[Zipmeister]

Igor can't shank extra point kicks.

Zip Watcher's Lock of the Week: Igor won't shank any extra point kicks. Mark it down.

That would either mean Igor's been hit by a bus, or Rogovic will be doing the kicking.

Actually, I believe it could mean both.

[Captain Kangaroo]

Keep discounting our running game. I think you all will be surprised at just how good it will be. If we had an inexperienced O-line I would be a bit concerned, but the running game will be very good.

I like our running backs....but in the history of the Zips playing upper-tier BCS schools I believe we have had only two 100 yard games. Derek Alston against Tennessee in 1990 and Bobby Hendry against Wisconsin in 2003. And we have had some good backs and lines during the last 20 years.

[skip-zip]

I'm going to stay away from the strategy, and leave that to the coaches. Whether we can run on them, pass on them, etc., really is not what it takes to score this kind of upset in my opinion. Lets face it...this will be a game where it will seem as if plenty of what we do offensively will not work, and most of what we are doing defensively is not working. But, you can still win a game like that, if you make key plays. A big tackle on a 3rd down play that forces a punt when they looked to be driving.An athletic knock-down of a pass that forces a field goal when a touchdown looked certain.An interception in the back of the end zone after a 70 yard drive. And most of all.....somehow find a way to have guys with somewhat fresh legs to make plays at the end of the game.It will take a defensive effort similar to Cincinnati last year, or Ohio State in 07 to even remotely have a chance. But, I'll likely be pleased if we just at least look like we are a legitimate 1-A team and keep it respectable, as we did out in State College in 06.

[psu1]

Keep passing and don't stop. I'm sure you guys have decent running backs but you will not be able to run the ball on us. We always have a great run defense and basically no one could run the ball on us last year. And that includes Chris Wells of Ohio State, and Javon Ringer of Michigan State, and P.J. Hill of Wisconsin. If you aren't familiar with those guys than look up their statistics from last season.But a lot of teams could pass on us. Even teams like Iowa. So that is definitely your best option. Especially with all the experience and talent that you have at receiver.

[lance99]

1) Run the football! Sounds simple enough. If you start throwing the football around, PSU will start playing defence like that.2) No mistakes! Already stated3) No big plays! If and this is a big "if" the zips play the 3-3-5, they will have to stop the run and they have to prove that.4) Keep the game close! If Toledo can beat them there, then the Zips can(the power of positive thinking)5) Finally, Use what the people are saying about them how they are going to get blown out! This is a very winnable game no matter what anyone saysLance, respectfully disagree with some of your points. And I understand you can be suspicious of my motives, since I am obviously a Penn State alum/fan. But, I love CFB, and want to see a good game, so here is how I see Akron's game plan working:(1) On defense, Penn State is weakest against the pass. The Zips should throw to force the LBs (the strongest part of the Lion D) to support the secondary. That might/should open up the Akron running game. Mixing up the running and passing plays in the "right" way could confuse the defense. It will be important to keep the Lion offense on the sideline.(2) Agreed!(3) Agree with the first part, but a 3-3-5 is not going to stop the run. If Royster/Green get past the down linemen, it will be a long day for your backers and secondary. IMHO, it is never a good sign when your safety leads the team in tackles. You are going to have to play man on the WRs, hoping they can blanket those inexperienced receivers while the other defensive players pressure Clark. Yes, he can hurt you with his scrambling, but if everyone else is covered he is more easily contained.(4) Good. Mind over matter: I don't mind, and you don't matter. J/K!!!!!!!!!!!!(5) Free advice is often worth what you paid for it. Proof: My points 1 and 3, just above.Good luck!

I totally respect you said, but I know that PSU already knows that the Zips will be pass happy, and will defend that way(either by prevent, dropping LB's or zone blitzing). Joe Paterno may be old, but he is not stupid. You have to throw them off their game and make them adjust to us, then change it up. keep them wondering. After all that go for the juggular when they are not expecting it!

[UADavid]

Keep passing and don't stop. I'm sure you guys have decent running backs but you will not be able to run the ball on us. We always have a great run defense and basically no one could run the ball on us last year. And that includes Chris Wells of Ohio State, and Javon Ringer of Michigan State, and P.J. Hill of Wisconsin. If you aren't familiar with those guys than look up their statistics from last season.But a lot of teams could pass on us. Even teams like Iowa. So that is definitely your best option. Especially with all the experience and talent that you have at receiver.

Chris Wells is from Akron and went to Garfield High School. Javon Ringer is the younger brother of Jerrell Ringer who played at the University of Akron. We also played Wisconsin last year so we have P.J. Hill covered too. Thanks for the advice.

[Zipmeister]

Keep passing and don't stop. I'm sure you guys have decent running backs but you will not be able to run the ball on us. We always have a great run defense and basically no one could run the ball on us last year. And that includes Chris Wells of Ohio State, and Javon Ringer of Michigan State, and P.J. Hill of Wisconsin. If you aren't familiar with those guys than look up their statistics from last season.But a lot of teams could pass on us. Even teams like Iowa. So that is definitely your best option. Especially with all the experience and talent that you have at receiver.

I have heard of Wisconsin and Michigan State. Haven't heard of the other team. Where are they from? Are they in a Conference?

[ZippyTuba11]

So basically the answer to beating Penn St is playing good football. Who knew?

[PSU_Lions_84]

but I know that PSU already knows that the Zips will be pass happy, and will defend that wayLance, to me, our secondary has historically been vulnerable to a passing attack, even when we knew it was coming. (Exhibit A: last year's Rose Bowl).In the end, we are saying the same thing: Pass when a run is expected, run when a pass is expected. Slippery when wet. Shaken, not stirred. Etc.60 hours to go!

[PSU_Lions_84]

So basically the answer to beating Penn St is playing good football. Who knew?

ZippyTuba11, I dub thee "Zips Zen Master" -- good summary!!

[zippy_ua_00]

So basically the answer to beating Penn St is playing good football. Who knew?

ZippyTuba11, I dub thee "Zips Zen Master" -- good summary!!

i honestly think PSU will come out expecting us to throw the ball before running. i think our best first play if it is a pass is to throw deep. if not id suggest a draw or a screen to alex allen. they wouldnt be expecting either of those on the first play of the game

[zen]

So basically the answer to beating Penn St is playing good football. Who knew?

ZippyTuba11, I dub thee "Zips Zen Master" -- good summary!!

i honestly think PSU will come out expecting us to throw the ball before running. i think our best first play if it is a pass is to throw deep. if not id suggest a draw or a screen to alex allen. they wouldnt be expecting either of those on the first play of the game

The draw plays were very successful last year in the first several games... in fact, I think I remember Syracuse biting hard on those. But I also think that later defenses were prepared to play that. I'm sure Penn State will have film on our offense last year.

[Dr Z]

The draw plays were very successful last year in the first several games. I'm sure Penn State will have film on our offense last year.

Don't forget, new guy calling plays this year, so last years film won't be too much help for that.