Penn State Prognostication

[Gow55]

I see the Zips staying competitive for the first two, maybe two and a half quarters. I see the PSU settling in and slowly pulling away after that.I am getting pumped just to have the season start again. I wait all summer for this time of the year because college football is awesome and I love my Lions more than any other team bar non.

[you am i]

The biggest difference between a MAC school like Akron and a powerhouse like PSU is depth. PSU can substitute freely as the game goes on and not lose much. That's why a team like Akron might be able to hang in there for a while, but as the game goes on the disparity in depth almost always makes the difference.I think UA has a chance, but only if they play an almost flawless game and PSU comes out flat for whatever reason (overconfidence?). My biggest cause for hope is Brookhart's coaching. He'll have them ready. Just a thought, but Paterno will probably retire in a few years and I wonder if he could possibly end up at Penn State if he continues to have success at Akron, which I think he will.

[ZachTheZip]

The biggest reason PSU might come out flat is that the players are most likely looking foward to the big Notre Dame game. I know Paterno has been waxing poetic about how Akron is SO much better than in years past and he will try not to allow them to look ahead, but the players (especially the young ones) don't want to hear it. They want to show that they are one of the absolute best teams in the country, and what better way to do it than by beating ND?

[UADavid]

Just out of curiosity I went back to see how many teams actually have scored 35 points or more on PSU, at a quick glance (might have missed one) in ten years that has only happened 6 times and 1 of those was a victory for PSU. Several of those scores were by tOSU. I am not trying to rain on anyone’s parade, but if you think the Zips are going to score 35 on the PSU defense you either are delusional or truly do not know much about football.

Every week in college football there are upsets being talked about on the evening news. If you don't think this can happen to you, you're delusional or truly don't know much about football.As to our matchup, we certainly are the underdog and need help to win this game. Impossible: no Probable: let's play the game

[PSU_Nut]

I like our chances. Akron 35 Penn St 24

You do realize that the last time some one scored 35 points on PSU was 9/28/2002 and that was an 11-2 Iowa team that finished ranked #8 in the country that year. In the past 10 years it has only happened 6 times. No offense, but I just don't see Akron putting up those kind of points in this game. .

[Dr Z]

If you truely think Memphis and NIU are the "elite" running teams in the country then you're going to have to accept ridacule fromn the rest of the college football world.

HmmmmThey were #1 and #2 in the COUNTRY in yards per game Both teams rushing offense had more yards than Penn States didDeAngelo was #1 in the country in rushing, Wolfe was # 5 DeAngelo was drafted 27th overallPS And both of them ran all over us. We need to stop PSU's run game and make the inexperienced QB make mistakes.

[Zipsrifle]

Last time we were in Happy Valley, I was sure we were going to give PSU a game. We got killed. JD didn't have time to work his magic. Last season, I prepared for a stomping in West Lafayette. The Zips took the field, looked sharp, played a MUCH better game than I expected, and we were within one at the end of the 3rd. Crowd was agitated, and there was a gleam of hope that we might pull off an upset. As in other BCS games though, our depth caught up with us. I predict a similar result here, but we'll have the PSU Fans agitated until the clock reads 0:00. JD will have the boys ready. I'm envious of the people making the trip!Cap'n, thanks for the rundown, brought back memories! P.S. The Michigan Chapter of the Akron Zips Fan Club will be watching the game at the BW3 in Fenton, Mi. There will be a handful of us there, feel free to stop in.

[Gow55]

UADavid

Every week in college football there are upsets being talked about on the evening news. If you don't think this can happen to you

There are upset in collage football every weekend. You beating us would be a major upset, and for the record I didn't say you couldn't upset us. However, there is NO WAY IN HELL, and let me clarify it for you again NO WAY IN HELL you will hang 35 points on this PSU defense. And I stand by it if you honestly think that the Zips can Hang 35 points on PSU in route to a 35 - 24 win you're delusional and don't know much about football.

[ZipAlumn]

P.S. The Michigan Chapter of the Akron Zips Fan Club will be watching the game at the BW3 in Fenton, Mi. There will be a handful of us there, feel free to stop in.

This weekend I have to drive my wife to Rochester Hills, Michigan so she can help plan my daughter's wedding. Mu future Son-In-Law is an Ohio State Graduate and a huge fan. Since they only have one TV, and both games are on at the same time, I will either have to kill this guy and look for a new Son-In-Law or find my way to Fenton, Michigan. Where's BW3 in Fenton?

[UADavid]

You beating us would be a major upset, and for the record I didn't say you couldn't upset us. However, there is NO WAY IN HELL, and let me clarify it for you again NO WAY IN HELL you will hang 35 points on this PSU defense.

As long as you want to keep everything straight, I didn't call for the 35 to be hung on your d but it's good to see you also think we'll upset your team.

[TheSkyisBlueandWhite]

There is no hiding it ... I am a PSU fan. So take this prognostication as a biased one.There are a number of factors going into Saturday’s game that will determine the final score. The Norte Dame Factor #1: I’ve seen it time and time again when PSU teams don’t show up mentally for a game because they are looking towards next week’s game. If PSU is going to have another good season they need to show up for the Zips. JoePa has been talking this game up, and there are a lot of first time starters. We’ll see if they really do show up. Acid Test: If you are at the game (I will be there) bring your binoculars and look into the eyes of the PSU players as they come on the field. You will be able to tell if they have shown up or not.The Norte Dame Factor #2: How long will PSU starters play on Saturday? PSU is inexperienced. For instance, all but one offensive lineman will be starting for the first time. I am a firm believer that games are won in the trenches. I also believe that the offensive line requires playing time to be cohesive as a unit. PSU can’t go into the Norte Dame game with a line that has only played a quarter together. To take that a step further, the entire offense needs playing time together to gain game day experience. (For Zips fans understanding … JoePa often pulls starters out of the game early instead of running up the score. And when I say early, it is often by the second quarter of the game.)But will JoePa keep the starters in the game together to gain experience before the Notre Dame game? If I were Joe, I would keep them in the game going into the forth quarter. PSU has more difficult games than ND this season and the starters need to be in condition and mentally capable of playing late in the forth quarter, especially against THEM. (Michigan)The Tony Hunt Factor: He’s ready. I’ve read all that talk about Memphis and NIU elite running games. PSU is rarely elite in their running game. The reason being is that PSU runs a balanced offense and first string running backs are lucky to get the ball 20 times a game. But, there are times when JoePa lets go, and PSU has an elite running game. It usually happens in the last year of a starting tailback’s career. Larry Johnson was the last tailback that JoePa let run. It was LJ’s last year at State. Hunt has been playing, blocking, receiving, running and doing everything has been told to do for four years. It is Hunt’s last year and JoePa might let him run.The Anthony Morelli Factor: He as a gun for an arm. He’s accurate. He’s unknown. (Read that as there is little game tape to prepare for him.) And by the way, he can run too – but don’t let anyone know that. Combine the Hunt factor with the Morelli factor and the game can get ugly. JoePa likes balance. If Hunt is let loose, then JoePa will have to balance things out with the passing game. They will feed off each other.The Defense Factor: PSU has the best linebacker in college football. He is also a leader. The defense needs to prove that they can do it – particularly the backfield. Posluszny will lead the defense to proving themselves. He will accept no less than perfection.My prediction: PSU shows up mentally for the game. Starters play into the late third quarter. JoePa lets Hunt carry the ball 23 times and gains 220 yards. Morelli passes for over 300 yards. The D proves themselves with 6 sacks, three INTs, four fumble recoveries, and lots of 3 and outs. Total yardage for PSU won’t be that high, but they will be playing a short field most of the game.

[GP1]

I don't think Akron can win a shoot out. If we win, it must be a lower scoring, ball control, field position type of game like 20-17 or 21-20. Shoot outs tire defenses too fast and I don't think we have the depth (compared to a top tier Big Ten team) to keep up the pace either on offense or defense. However, there is no reason why Akron can not compete in this game and possibly win.Getting first downs is a key component in winning a football game, especially in college. That statistic at half time will be the most important in predicting the outcome in the second half. If it is one sided in favor of PSU, the final score will be a blow out. If not, Akron can keep in the game until the end.

[Dr Z]

My prediction:  PSU shows up mentally for the game.  Starters play into the late third quarter.  JoePa lets Hunt carry the ball 23 times and gains 220 yards.  Morelli passes for over 300 yards.  The D proves themselves with 6 sacks, three INTs, four fumble recoveries, and lots of 3 and outs.  Total yardage for PSU won’t be that high, but they will be playing a short field most of the game.

Thanks for stopping by and giving us your opinion (good work) I can agree with a lot of what you say until you got to the turnovers.JD's team will not play that sloppy (7 turnovers!?!?!). That last Akron team you saw is not this one.Hopefully the funniest statement will be the one you made about pulling the starters in the second????Good luck to you :cheers:Head: 31-17 PSU scores a late TD with their STARTERS.Heart: 21-20 Zips pick one off late and take some knees.Either way, take the Zips and the points.Hopefully the weather forecast changes

[lionroar88]

I actually am impressed that you think Akron will hang 21+ pts on PSU.Unfortunately this will not happen.Memphis and NIU had the #1 and #2 rushing offenses because.... get this... the defenses they played were not very good. How do you think Akron would have done against the likes of OSU's Defense last year? How do you think Memphis or NIU would have done? My bet is they wouldn't have rushed for a COMBINED 100yds.Sorry folks but there is absolutely no way Akron wins this game, just isn't going to happen. Akron is up and coming, so no they shouldn't stay home, they need to play games like this to see where they are on the long road.Comparing Toledo's 2000 victory, or your 2004 loss to this years' PSU team is a joke. Both of those teams were the two worst in PSU Football history... hell they could score a TD from 1yd out against a 1969 Dodge Dart without an engine and 4 wheels.Your D may have experience, but they have never faced the likes of the WR corps they will face on Saturday... you better hope for 14 inches of rain and a cancelation of the game. If not the PSU O will hang much more than 24 pts on your D.Here are my realistic predictions:In the Rain:PSU 24 - Akron 3In the Sun and shine:PSU 56 - Akron 10 (your 1st string O hangs a late TD on our 3rd string D).

[sgm405]

SCLion,Team Rushing - 20056. Memphis14. Penn State15. N. IllinoisThe difference between NI and PSU was under 100 yards...the difference between Memphis and PSU was close to 700 yards.http://www.sportsline.com/collegefootball/...t/NCAAF/RUSHINGCare to argue with facts?

[LIV]

And so the arrogant PSU fans arrive.I will see you in Columbus this year.

Arrogant? How about confident? If a Zip fan had predicted putting 35 points up on an OSU defense (a defense with only 2 returning starters to boot), you'd similarly tell them they're smoking dope.My concern is how well PSU's OL plays. I have confidence in Morelli, RB Tony Hunt, the receivers, our half-new DL, and our all-new defensive backs. I also have confidence in our special teams. But replacing 4 of 5 OL starters and expecting them to click like clockwork in their first game is expecting too much. Still, I see the Lions putting up more than 35 points noting that some of them might come from the defense or special teams. And I certainly don't see the Zips scoring 35 on the PSU defense.

[mrelegazna]

To our visiting Penn State fans,The line on this game is in the neighborhood of 16-17 depending on where you look. So it's not INSANITY to honestly, legitmately predict that Akron will keep it close, anymore than it's insanity to predict PSU will win by twice the spread or more, which a couple of you have. To be sure, most of us are predicting a close Akron loss with well-thought-out and -written reasons, so I suspect that's why you are mostly picking on the one guy who didn't. The talent gap between an elite school like Penn State and a MAC school is dwindling. It will always be there, and it will probably make the difference in this game, but a close game that's in doubt throughout is very, very possible. A lot of Akron's strengths and experience (like at quarterback and the defense in general) match up well with the Penn State's counterpart units being new starters, and we are not obligated to regard those guys all as awesome superstars in the making. Not saying it will happen again, but lord knows Penn State has needed a rebuilding year or two after losing a ton of talent in years past.Penn State 27, Akron 21.

[Dr Z]

Memphis and NIU had the #1 and #2 rushing offenses because.... get this... the defenses they played were not very good.  How do you think Akron would have done against the likes of OSU's Defense last year?  How do you think Memphis or NIU would have done?  My bet is they wouldn't have rushed for a COMBINED 100yds.

Really? So when Wolfe ran all over #4 (at the time) ranked in the country "big" ten team Michigan last year what's the excuse???He averaged 8.7 yards on 17 carries for 148 yardsJust lucky against a big ten defense you say?How about another "big" ten team?How do you like 245 yards on a big ten defense?Yeah, your right, he just played some bad defenses. Stay tuned for some more...

[lionroar88]

Like I said Dr Z... and you dodged...They played poor defenses. The Big Ten had their share of them last year, and Michigan's was not one of the better ones.How do think he would have faired against OSU or PSU?Again, I doubt he would have rushed for more than 100yds combined against those defenses.My beef with your posters is they aren't giving one lick of respect to PSU... I find that to be quite over confident seeing that your team has what? ZERO success against PSU? And your team played against two of the worst PSU teams in PSU's history... so what does that say?Your QB is a transfer FROM Pitt, and I wouldn't count Pitt as being a major power.Yeah, Yeah, we'll hear all about how you lost your top three WRs from last year and how that had a huge impact on the outcome of the game. That had PSU played against those three receivers Akron would have hung 1,000yds passing on PSU... LOL...I can guarantee you will NOT see PSU's entire offensive playbook on Saturday. Paterno has never revealed his entire playbook against a warmup squad, and unfortunately that is what this game is. Your University agreed to this game because of the payday and nothing more.

[UADavid]

My beef with your posters is they aren't giving one lick of respect to PSU...

You simply don't understand the written word if you believe this. Most of our posters have been very generous with some calling PSU an elite team. It's you and other PSU posters who give no respect. You know much less about Akron than we do of PSU.

[mrelegazna]

Paterno has never revealed his entire playbook against a warmup squad, and unfortunately that is what this game is. Your University agreed to this game because of the payday and nothing more.

What were you saying again about a lack of respect?

[Buckzip]

I can guarantee you will NOT see PSU's entire offensive playbook on Saturday. Paterno has never revealed his entire playbook against a warmup squad, and unfortunately that is what this game is. Your University agreed to this game because of the payday and nothing more.

Oh arrogant one. You were getting a little respect until you started that crap. And so many wonder why I said most PSU fans are trash..WIll PSU win?-Yes, they will win.

[RowdyZip]

Will we win this game? Most likely not. But, I'm not saying we won't. I'm intrigued at how fans can be so cocky after one fluke year following respective 3 and 4 win seasons. I guess that just goes with the territory down in state penn. But mark this post, hell come back to it in two weeks. Penn State will not finish in the top 25 in the nation. In fact, after the showing Akron puts up against them and the utter trouncing ND throws down the following week, you won't even be ranked nationally following week two, if you're lucky to stay in the 25 that long.Best of luck, you're probably gonna need it.

[PSU_Nut]

Will we win this game? Most likely not. But, I'm not saying we won't. I'm intrigued at how fans can be so cocky after one fluke year following respective 3 and 4 win seasons. I guess that just goes with the territory down in state penn. But mark this post, hell come back to it in two weeks. Penn State will not finish in the top 25 in the nation. In fact, after the showing Akron puts up against them and the utter trouncing ND throws down the following week, you won't even be ranked nationally following week two, if you're lucky to stay in the 25 that long.Best of luck, you're probably gonna need it.

The reason for some of the cockiness is that the talent returning this year is much better then any we had in those past seasons. This is compound by the fact that even in those seasons when we played akron we beat you 48-10. Unless we lose both games we will not fall out of the top 25 pool in week 3.

[ZachTheZip]

Akron's team this year is possibly the most talented in school history. This is not the team Penn State fans remember. We have both Ofensive and Defensive lines returning intact, and we have a QB who will most likely be ranked a top ten quarterback by the end of the year. Our linebacker squad is going to be a terror for every opponent we face (including PSU). We have a more talented, if unproven, running back than last year and our receiving squad will be good with the help of our QB. I look foward to the game Saturday. Both teams should find out just how they good they are for the season.