Game 1—@Penn State Nittany Lions

[ZippyRulz]

Although the Lions are favored by 30.5, we appreciate the respect.

 

[ZachTheZip]

56 minutes ago, PSU_Lions_84 said:

Guys, feel free to check out BlackShoeDiaries for Lion fans' views on the game. Some are homer-ish, of course, but most see your Zips as a solid team that will give us a good game.

 

https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2017/8/29/16219014/know-your-foe-week-1-akron-zips-2017-penn-state-football-james-franklin-nittany-lions

 

Only one real gripe wit this write-up, and that's comparing recruiting classes, not that they're very comparable. PSU fans are probably not aware because it does not really affect them, but recruiting rankings mean absolutely jack squat once you go past around 40 because the recruiting services don't bother to put in any effort in evaluating players beyond that point and they often don't even list the full classes of incoming recruits either because they aren't aware of them or just don't care because it doesn't generate clicks. There's a reason you don't see an active Akron forum on any of the recruiting sites: they don't even put in the minimum effort of listing all the recruits, so we won't give them any money.

Edited August 29, 2017 by ZachTheZip

[PSU_Lions_84]

3 minutes ago, ZachTheZip said:

 

Only one real gripe wit this write-up, and that's comparing recruiting classes, not that they're very comparable. PSU fans are probably not aware because it does not really affect them, but recruiting rankings mean absolutely jack squat once you go past around 40 because the recruiting services don't bother to put in any effort in evaluating players beyond that point and they often don't even list the full classes of incoming recruits either because they aren't aware of them or just don't care because it doesn't generate clicks. There's a reason you don't see an active Akron forum on any of the recruiting sites: they don't even put in the minimum effort of listing all the recruits, so we won't give them any money.

 

Recruiting is flavor-of-the-month with many Penn State fans right now, because CJF & Co. have been pulling in some highly ranked classes. My note of caution to the more exuberant guys is, "Please recall that kids (young men) mature at different rates. An 18-year-old 3 star recruit could be tearing up the field as a 21-year-old." While obviously some kids are more talented than others, history is full of talented players who didn't put in the work, made some bone-headed mistake that jeopardized his playing career, etc. As I noted in my comment to that write-up (my handle is the same there as it is here), Penn State's depth is probably going to cause Akron more problems than any other specific area. That's where recruiting might be a factor.

[Balsy]

On 8/28/2017 at 4:59 PM, LZIp said:

Speak of the devil...Nothing too surprising to me I don't think. Kato is listed as #2 on the depth chart, so maybe people can stop freaking out about that?

 

http://www.gozips.com/documents/2017/8/28//Game1_PSU_090217.pdf?id=12303

 

My god you think it was the end of the world on this forum.  Another case study in EVERYONE NEEDS TO CALM DOWN.  

[zipsoutsider]

42 minutes ago, Balsy said:

 

My god you think it was the end of the world on this forum.  Another case study in EVERYONE NEEDS TO CALM DOWN.  

Lol...you would think the published depth charts actually.meant something. They don't. They listed Matt Hoyer as a long snappers last year.  The only depth chart that matter is the one in the coaches heads.

[Ham]

Did Jason Taylor have any stars?  But that is beside the point.  As evidenced by many of our guys success at the next level, we had some talent last year.  We failed to have success because we didn't have a unit.  That depth will come into play if we don't have someone to plug into a spot where injury strikes.  I don't think there is enough talent difference to yield a blow out; however I know it will take a minor miracle for the Zips to win.

[LZIp]

3 minutes ago, zipsoutsider said:

Lol...you would think the published depth charts actually.meant something. They don't. They listed Matt Hoyer as a long snappers last year.  The only depth chart that matter is the one in the coaches heads.

Guys what are you talking about? Depth charts are serious business. See below.

 

[K92]

16 minutes ago, zipsoutsider said:

Lol...you would think the published depth charts actually.meant something. They don't. They listed Matt Hoyer as a long snappers last year.  The only depth chart that matter is the one in the coaches heads.

Actually, I could see a qb possessing the skills to long snap.  Maybe more teams should try it.

[K92]

16 minutes ago, LZIp said:

Guys what are you talking about? Depth charts are serious business. See below.

 

That's pretty funny, though.

[K92]

17 minutes ago, Ham said:

Did Jason Taylor have any stars?  But that is beside the point.  As evidenced by many of our guys success at the next level, we had some talent last year.  We failed to have success because we didn't have a unit.  That depth will come into play if we don't have someone to plug into a spot where injury strikes.  I don't think there is enough talent difference to yield a blow out; however I know it will take a minor miracle for the Zips to win.

So, you're taking the Zips and the points?

[zipsoutsider]

14 minutes ago, K92 said:

Actually, I could see a qb possessing the skills to long snap.  Maybe more teams should try it.

I could see offensive linemen having the leg to lock, too. Lol. 

[zippy5]

37 minutes ago, LZIp said:

Guys what are you talking about? Depth charts are serious business. See below.

 

That's ironic considering Michigan never releases a depth chart and Colorado released an entire fictional depth chart before their opener against Michigan last year. I'll see if I can find a link

[zippy5]

https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2016/9/16/12924784/colorado-michigan-fake-depth-chart-roster

[Dr Z]

11 hours ago, LZIp said:

Guys what are you talking about? Depth charts are serious business.

Just means Harbaugh is still a numskull. 

 

Austin Wolf not listed. Pretty sure he is number one at the Z. Robbie Kelley is a R-Jr. 

Interesting that Meeks is on the three deep at tight end and not Long or Booker.

The rest looks as expected. 

 

[ZippyRulz]

Wolf is "bruised" - will miss Game 1 - "will be OK" - GT was all over that!

 

 

 

 

Edited August 30, 2017 by ZippyRulz

[ZippyRulz]

On 8/28/2017 at 0:35 PM, johnnyzip84 said:

Maybe he's better at being the interviewee?

 

The two teams last faced each other in 2014, a 21-3 "blowout" for the Nittany Lions.

 

[skip-zip]

13 minutes ago, ZippyRulz said:

Wolf is "bruised" - will miss Game 1 

 

Damn.   That's not quite the "all in" scenario I like to see for a high profile game.  

 

14 minutes ago, ZippyRulz said:

GT was all over that!

 

Always the first to jump on the biggest stories in Zips Athletics.  

 

Actually, he didn't help us by "letting the cat out of the bag" on that one, and Terry let him know.  

 

[Ham]

13 hours ago, K92 said:

So, you're taking the Zips and the points?

30.5!  Yep.  I'll take the points!

[LZIp]

28 minutes ago, skip-zip said:

 

Actually, he didn't help us by "letting the cat out of the bag" on that one, and Terry let him know.  

 

I agree. Letting that info out definitely kills our chances at an upset.

 

I commend George for doing his job (twice now in the past week or so) as a journalist.

[skip-zip]

10 minutes ago, LZIp said:

I agree. Letting that info out definitely kills our chances at an upset.

 

I know.  I get it that some will find it laughable that we'd want to keep injuries undisclosed in a game where it likely will not matter.  But for me, "playing to win" means you treat everything just like any other game.    

 

Lets be real here.  Penn State certainly will make note of the fact that our top receiver will not be playing.   I'd prefer that they don't know that.  

[Dr Z]

23 minutes ago, LZIp said:

I commend George for doing his job (twice now in the past week or so) as a journalist.

Looking at a depth chart and noticing the number one returning receiver from last year is not listed has to be questioned. From coaches reaction, I think it come as a surprise to him that he was not listed. I hope this isn't a big deal, but I sure like to have a player with experience in that environment going for me. Especially since everyone else in that group does not have a lot of past production. To me this signals a heavy amount of running the ball in this game considering the environment. Coach mentioning Denzel Bulter was interesting to me, first time I have heard his name mentioned this summer. Nice job going over some of the new rules that could come into play this year too. 

 

Saturday weather calling for 64 degrees with pm showers right now. Good day to run the ball. 

[Balsy]

4 hours ago, Dr Z said:

Just means Harbaugh is still a numskull. 

 

Austin Wolf not listed. Pretty sure he is number one at the Z. Robbie Kelley is a R-Jr. 

Interesting that Meeks is on the three deep at tight end and not Long or Booker.

The rest looks as expected. 

 

 

I'd imagine Booker would be Redshirting no?

[PeachZip]

1 hour ago, Balsy said:

 

I'd imagine Booker would be Redshirting no?

 It's a long season, I wish all the student athletes  great success  on the field, class room ,and health! ... But I know their are hungry players at TE position, and people are ready to eat! # Go Zips!

[Dr Z]

We know PSU's quarterback and running back, here is more depth. 

WR X  Juwan Johnson, Irvin Charles, Dae’lun Darien / H  DaeSean Hamilton, Brandon Polk, KJ Hamler / Z  DeAndre Thompkins, Saeed Blacknall, Mac Hippenhammer

TE Mike Gesicki, Jonathan Holland, Nick Bowers, Tom Pancoast

OL LT  Ryan Bates, Will Fries, Sterling Jenkins / LG  Steven Gonzalez, Mike Miranda, C.J. Thorpe / C  Connor McGovern, Zach Simpson, Miranda / RG  Brendan Mahon, Michal Menet, Charlie Schuman / RT  Chasz Wright OR Andrew Nelson, Alex Gellerstedt

DL DE – Shareef Miller, Ryan Buchholz, Shaka Toney / DT  Curtis Cothran, Kevin Givens, Ellison Jordan OR Antonio Shelton / DT – Parker Cothren, Robert Windsor, Tyrell Chavis
DE – Torrence Brown, Colin Castagna, Shane Simmons

LB Sam – Koa Farmer, Jarvis Miller, Cam Brown/ Mike – Jason Cabinda, Brandon Smith, Jake Cooper  / Will – Manny Bowen, Cam Brown, Brandon Smith

DB Field – Grant Haley, Amani Oruwariye, Zech McPhearson / Boundary – Christian Campbell, Tariq Castro-Fields, Lamont Wade 

S Free safety – Marcus Allen, Nick Scott / Strong safety –Troy Apke, Ayrone Monroe, Garrett Taylor 

Notes on James Franklin Press Conference from yesterday are found here

 

On 10 freshmen making the depth chart: Thought that number was high, but factoring in the three-deep, lots of youngsters could see some time this year. Yetur Matos, Lamont Wade, and Tariq Castro-Fields will see the field from game one, the rest of the freshmen are in the yellow light category right now.

 

On preparing for Akron defender Ulysees Gilbert, reigning MAC Defensive Player of the Year: The first week of the season is always a bit of a new situation, since you don’t know what this year’s team will look like. Gilbert is a great player, and Akron is treating this like their Super Bowl. Several B1G teams have lost in the last few years to MAC teams, so the team has to be ready.

 

On opposing teams targeting Saquon Barkley on defense: If he were a coach playing Penn State, he’d key on stopping Barkley, and taking away the offense’s strength. Benefit is that McSorley and the receivers made teams pay last year, avoided becoming one-dimensional.

 

[PSU_Lions_84]

1 hour ago, Dr Z said:

We know PSU's quarterback and running back, here is more depth. 

WR X  Juwan Johnson, Irvin Charles, Dae’lun Darien / H  DaeSean Hamilton, Brandon Polk, KJ Hamler / Z  DeAndre Thompkins, Saeed Blacknall, Mac Hippenhammer

TE Mike Gesicki, Jonathan Holland, Nick Bowers, Tom Pancoast

OL LT  Ryan Bates, Will Fries, Sterling Jenkins / LG  Steven Gonzalez, Mike Miranda, C.J. Thorpe / C  Connor McGovern, Zach Simpson, Miranda / RG  Brendan Mahon, Michal Menet, Charlie Schuman / RT  Chasz Wright OR Andrew Nelson, Alex Gellerstedt

DL DE – Shareef Miller, Ryan Buchholz, Shaka Toney / DT  Curtis Cothran, Kevin Givens, Ellison Jordan OR Antonio Shelton / DT – Parker Cothren, Robert Windsor, Tyrell Chavis
DE – Torrence Brown, Colin Castagna, Shane Simmons

LB Sam – Koa Farmer, Jarvis Miller, Cam Brown/ Mike – Jason Cabinda, Brandon Smith, Jake Cooper  / Will – Manny Bowen, Cam Brown, Brandon Smith

DB Field – Grant Haley, Amani Oruwariye, Zech McPhearson / Boundary – Christian Campbell, Tariq Castro-Fields, Lamont Wade 

S Free safety – Marcus Allen, Nick Scott / Strong safety –Troy Apke, Ayrone Monroe, Garrett Taylor 

Notes on James Franklin Press Conference from yesterday are found here

 

On 10 freshmen making the depth chart: Thought that number was high, but factoring in the three-deep, lots of youngsters could see some time this year. Yetur Matos, Lamont Wade, and Tariq Castro-Fields will see the field from game one, the rest of the freshmen are in the yellow light category right now.

 

On preparing for Akron defender Ulysees Gilbert, reigning MAC Defensive Player of the Year: The first week of the season is always a bit of a new situation, since you don’t know what this year’s team will look like. Gilbert is a great player, and Akron is treating this like their Super Bowl. Several B1G teams have lost in the last few years to MAC teams, so the team has to be ready.

 

On opposing teams targeting Saquon Barkley on defense: If he were a coach playing Penn State, he’d key on stopping Barkley, and taking away the offense’s strength. Benefit is that McSorley and the receivers made teams pay last year, avoided becoming one-dimensional.

 

 

There is a fair amount of experience, but also a heaping dose of youth on that roster. Remains to be seen which attribute rises to the top this (and the other) Saturdays.

 

Re weather: The field at Beaver Stadium tends to shed water pretty well (and I think they keep it covered for as long as possible to avoid the rain soaking in), but I haven't seen how severe the showers are expected to be. The team that has a fast start may end up winning the game, esp. if the rain is heavy and continuous. That potentiality worries me, as last year we usually had poor first halfs and then caught fire in the second. May not find that spark in a deluge . . .

 

For those of you attending for the first time, try to stop in at the Berkey Creamery. One advantage of being a Moo U is GREAT ice cream! Two days and a wake-up, guys!

 

Edited August 30, 2017 by PSU_Lions_84