Month: September 2018

This week, the Nittany Lions take on the Illinois Illini (try saying that three times fast!), and from looking at the final score of Penn State 63 – Illinois 24, you would think that it’s a blowout the entire game.  I’m here to tell you that it certainly is not.

We definitely play really well in the second half (as always), and that’s why we win the game.  Don’t get me wrong: I’m thrilled that PSU is winning, and that we are winning by a lot.  But if we keep making simple mistakes like the ones we make in the first half of the Illinois game, when we play really good teams (no offense to App State, Kent State, Pitt, and Illinois), it will not work out to our favor.

Fig. 1. Kirk, Jason. “Penn State Trailed Illinois in the 3rd … and Won by *How Much*?” SBNation.com, SBNation.com, 22 Sept. 2018, www.sbnation.com/college-football/2018/9/22/17889776/penn-state-illinois-final-score-2018-results.

(Juwan Johnson making another first down for PSU)

Some things that go really well for the Nittany Lions against the Illini:

Wide receiver Juwan Johnson plays exceptionally well in this game.  He gets numerous first downs, good yardages in general, and a touchdown pass.  I am so happy that his confidence is back and very excited to watch him play this coming Saturday against Ohio State.  He is finally looking like the player that a lot of people expected him to be this year, and if he keeps playing like this, Juwan will be one of the most dominant receivers in the BIG 10 Conference.

Freshman tight end Pat Freiermuth is really impressive.  In my opinion, this guy should be starting.  I first noticed his talent with his great catch against Kent State, and then this week he scores a touchdown!  Though he is a true freshman, Pat is 6’5 and 260 lbs, and is already showing that he is physically, mentally, and athletically capable to take the starting position.  He turns 20 the day before the Ohio State game, so let’s hope we have a great win against the Buckeyes for him to celebrate as part of his birthday.

Fig. 2. Flounders, Bob. “Penn State Hits the Reset Button: The Players, Coaches to Watch Coming out of the Bye Week.” PennLive.com, PennLive.com, 6 Oct. 2018, www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2018/10/penn_state_hits_the_reset_butt.html.

Some things for the Lions to work on for next week:

Jonathan Holland, the other tight end, cannot have the costly turnovers that we have in this game. I think it’s part of the reason why the game gets a little too close in the first half.

Another problem that Penn State needs to fix before next week is consistency and toughness in the defense. Yes, the Nittany Lion defense gets it together during the second half and is able to stop the ball (like they always do).  But if we don’t play tough and smart from the start, we will not have a chance to stop the Ohio State offense from scoring.  Playing catch up in a big game against a strong opponent is never easy, but Ohio State’s offense will make that impossible if the defense doesn’t play up to its potential right from the start.

The tackling by Penn State in general this week is pretty weak, to be honest.  The entire defensive front line is out of position on a lot of the plays.  Defensive ends are playing a little too far up the field and linebackers are stretched out a little too wide, which leaves the middle completely open for the Fighting Illini.  And that’s exactly what Illinois does for the first half, until Penn State makes the adjustments to close down the Illini passing lanes and rushing holes.

Fig. 3. Flounders, Bob. “Penn State Report Card for Illinois: Near-Flawless Offense Trumps Spotty Defense in Champaign.” PennLive.com, PennLive.com, 23 Sept. 2018, www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2018/09/penn_state_report_card_of_illi.html.

(Even with the Fighting Illini defense in his face, Trace stays focused on making a great throw – what a guy…)

Lastly, with Mark Allen out for the rest of the season, our running backs will have to step up.  Mark has so much talent and provided so many great plays for Penn State in past seasons, and it’s sad to see him hurt.  But we have a lot of other talent in the back field who can hopefully step up and take the opportunity for playing time to a new level.

All in all, Penn State does a lot of things really well against Illinois.  But, there are some things that the team will definitely need to work on before we take on our big rival, the Ohio State Buckeyes.  Hopefully, our Nittany Lions will continue to get stronger and smarter this week, physically and mentally preparaing for the biggest game to date:  the Ohio State White Out game. WE ARE!

Fig. 4. PennLive, Penn State on. “Penn State Football: The White Out Experience.” YouTube, YouTube, 24 Oct. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QCjZZfJBAc.

To see some of Johnson’s highlights from this game, click here!

Another week in State College means another Penn State football GameDay, Happy Valley edition!  And let me tell you, there is no better way and no better place to have a college football GameDay!  It’s another game with an early kickoff time since PSU is playing yet another not-so-well-known football school, Kent State (and by the way, this is another school with “State” in its name that is not actually the “state” school – there is no state of Kent, just like there was no state of Appalachian two weeks ago when we played App State.  What’s up with that?).  When I say the game is early, I know what you’re thinking:  “I mean, Alayna, really?…  a kickoff at 12:00 noon isn’t that early…”   But while kickoff isn’t until noon, there is so much to do in advance of the game, especially for a freshman girl.  Every GameDay morning, I’m up no later than 7:00 am, so that I have time to create my outfit (usually by cutting up a Penn State t-shirt into a cute top), do my hair and makeup, get my outfit approved unanimously by my entire East Halls dorm floor, meet my friends and their parents at their family tailgates, and take cute pictures with my new friends.  Wow, that’s a lot to do in just five short hours!

So to fast forward through my busy morning, after I finish getting ready, we head out of East Halls to meet my friends’ parents in the tailgate area before the game.  This week, we head to Julia’s parents’ tailgate. Her parents bring some incredibly fresh “Jersey bagels” with Taylor ham, egg, and cheese.  It is definitely one of the best tailgate meals I have ever had.  Being from the South, I didn’t realize that New Jersey has its own type of bagel, but boy, am I glad that they do!  We have a great time with the family and friends, singing and playing cornhole while we eat our bagels with other Penn State alumni and fans.

Fig. 1. (my own picture from the tailgate)

(jersey bagel pictured bottom left)

Around 11:30 am, we finally head into Beaver Stadium.  The place is electric with fans ready for the game.  Since we arrive at the Stadium a little later than usual, I am surprised by the great seats that we find.  We are right in the middle of the student section in the end zone, not too far up from the field. The game is so fun (as always) and considering the early game time and recent temperatures, I am thrilled that it’s not too hot but not too cold either.

Fig. 2. Levarse, Derek. “Sizing up PSU’s Freshman Class: Freiermuth an Early Standout.” Times Leader, Times Leader, 11 Oct. 2018, www.timesleader.com/sports/721115/sizing-up-psus-freshman-class-freiermuth-an-early-standout.

As for the game itself, Penn State is unstoppable.  The PSU team starts scoring from the first minutes of the game (technically, that first pass didn’t count.. but our Lions still run it in, so we can still celebrate!), and we don’t stop till the end of the fourth quarter.  Redshirted freshmen KJ Hamler and Deandre Thompkins make an unmatched duo in punt and kick returns, and their stellar plays are truly making a difference in every game.  Other true freshmen also step up offensively to make some big catches for the Nittany Lions.  Pat Freirmuth and Daniel George both get a substantial amount of playing time, and both make really remarkable catches.  George actually catches the longest touchdown in program history for 95 yards from another redshirted freshman, Sean Clifford!  It is so exciting to see the new talent on the Nittany Lions team.

Fig. 3. “No. 10 Penn State Opens Conference Play at Illinois.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 20 Sept. 2018, sportspolls.usatoday.com/2018/09/20/no-10-penn-state-opens-conference-play-at-illinois/.

Based on how well the Penn State team is developing, and how well our players are coming together, the Nittany Lion program shows great promise for the 2018 season.  Even though it’s a predominantly younger team, I think the players show great improvement and experience on the field over their last game.  It will be exciting to watch them develop as their playing time increases and their familiarity the systems and the plays continues.  What a great time to showcase their potential just before one of the biggest game’s of the season:  the matchup in two weeks against the Ohio State Buckeyes.  Can’t wait to cheer on my Lions!  WE ARE!

PS if you want to get chills… Watch this

When I accepted my admission offer to Penn State, I knew what it entailed.  I knew I would face challenging academics, enjoy an amazing alumni network, and of course, delight in the excitement and tradition of Penn State Athletics.  But I never imagined how much excitement and pride I would experience until week two of the college football season.  To begin with, in State College, the week is literally called “Pitt Hate Week”.  This week, pretty much everything I see or hear somehow involves this long-standing Pennsylvania in-state rivalry.  From songs that now have new anti-Pitt lyrics, to social media accounts tweeting “Dominate the State” tweets, to creative signs hanging from the East Hall dorms, the PSU pride and the Pitt hatred seems to be literally everywhere.  Not a day goes by without talk about the “State” game, which will determine bragging rights for the best college football team in Pennsylvania. Don’t get me wrong:  I’m not complaining.  I’m from the South where football is a religion, so I love the pride and enthusiasm for our Nittany Lions.  The team loyalty all around campus and throughout State College is truly amazing.  From hanging posters outside of the dorm windows (I’m not even sure how they were able to get out there…) just so everyone shares in our team spirit, to coming up with clever song lyrics, posts, and posters, I can truly say that Penn State students have some incredibly creative talents!

Fig. 1. Vukovcan, ByMike. “Vukovcan: Franklin and Penn State Embarrass Narduzzi and Pitt.” Pittsburgh Sports Now, 9 Sept. 2018, pittsburghsportsnow.com/2018/09/09/vukovcan-franklin-and-penn-state-embarrass-narduzzi-and-pitt/.

Since the game is an away game, we are relegated to watching the fun from afar on the TV screen.  We have a huge Game-watching party with friends and dormmates, and everyone gathers around to enjoy the GameDay atmosphere and take in every play.  Honestly, it doesn’t even feel like it’s an away game since we are all so excited and have been so pumped up all week.  Of course, it’s not like having those live Beaver Stadium GameDay butterflies, but with ever good play or bad call, everyone is still yelling, clapping or booing.  And with state bragging rights on the line, the anticipation for a win is high in Happy Valley.  But, if I’m being honest, based on how our Lions played last week and the cockiness of some of my fellow students, I start to get a little worried that maybe the game that will decide the Keystone State champs might not go as planned.  But as the game plays out, I realize that clearly, I have nothing to worry about!

Fig. 2. Brennan, Mark. “Penn State vs. Pitt Game Breakdown.” Carolina Panthers, 247sports, 9 Sept. 2018, 247sports.com/college/penn-state/LongFormArticle/Penn-State-Pitt-Game-Breakdown-KJ-Hamler-Miles-Sanders-Trace-McSorley-121656101/.

Initially, the downpour of rain in the Steel City is making me very nervous for our offense.  Even with a quarterback as talented as Trace, weather can wreak havoc on the passing game and there is still some uncertainty about the viability of the running game.  I worry about our scoring ability, but throw in the Pitt home field advantage and their enthusiastic fans and it could be a recipe for disaster.  But I have no reason to worry:  Trace is unstoppable as always and of course, he continues his 30-game streak of throwing touchdown passes.  He even runs in a touchdown himself.  Another player who deserves recognition for his unforgettable play this week is freshman wide receiver KJ Hamler, who scores both of Penn State’s touchdowns in the first half.  Not only does KJ score twice, but he also shows off his abilities to carry the ball, both as a punt/kick returner and as a rusher.  He literally jumps over a group of Pitt Panthers to return one of the kicks for 27 yards.  What an incredible athlete and Nittany Lion superstar!  Offensively, PSU looks like a completely different team from last week, especially in the second half.  As for the defense, we still need some work but we are definitely playing better. Just like always, the Lions defense looks a lot better in the second half of the game, but the mistakes in the first half cost us a lot of unnecessary Pitt yardage.  Still, there are a number of bright spots in the defense: freshmen Micah Parsons, Donovan Johnson and Jessie Luketa really step up this week and show their potential to be formidable.  There are still pockets that need better coverage, but compared to last week, this is a much better team, both offensively and defensively.  And most importantly, the Lions’ solid performance leads to a beating of the Pitt Panthers by 45 points.  WE ARE! State champs!

All in all, PSU football plays a great game in what I am learning is a really fun, long-standing in-state rivalry.  We are now 2-0 and it’s time to prepare for the next opponent.  And guess what: now, it’s officially “Kent State Hate Week”.  Who knows, maybe I’ll make a poster and hang it from my dorm window!  Go PSU!

Fig. 3. Wogenrich, Mark. “On Penn State Football: The Explosion-Play Lifestyle.” Themorningcall.com, 11 Sept. 2017, www.mcall.com/sports/college/psu/mc-spt-penn-state-football-pitt-follow-20170906-story.html.

P.S. – here is a link to an article I found interesting about the PSU vs Pitt rivalry – this was the 99th game between these 2 teams!

It’s 11:00 am in East Halls on the Penn State campus: Showers have started, music is blasting, and everyone is so excited for our first football game at Beaver Stadium.  For about 30 girls, we sure do make a lot of noise!  Everyone is begging others to help them cut their t-shirts into cute tops or help with their makeup and spirit stickers.  It really feels like one big family.  At around 12:30 pm, with makeup, hair, and t-shirt designs finished, we meet up with others in the dorm next door to make our way towards the tailgate area and our first home game as freshman Nittany Lions.  By this point, there is a big clan of us heading towards the tailgate fields, which is nothing compared to the hundreds of tailgaters and rabid Penn State fans ready for the season opener.

After a couple of hours with my new friends, eating some BEST buffalo chicken dip I have ever had at my friend’s parents’ tailgate party, we finally make the walk to Beaver Stadium.

We make it to Happy Valley around 3 pm, so we have a little wait until we officially get into the Stadium.  As soon as we get into the stadium, I immediately get chills from the excitement of being in Beaver Stadium for the first time as a Nittany Lion.  And those feelings of exhilaration and pride stay with me all day and well into the night.  It is great to be a Nittany Lion!

The atmosphere of the game and the electricity in the crowd in Beaver Stadium is something I will never forget.  It doesn’t get any better:  all of the smiles and happy faces of my new best friends, watching our favorite team play football on our home field.  The Blue Band, the Cheerleaders and the Lionettes all help to hype the crowd before the team even sets foot on the field.  We are having so much fun and the game hasn’t even started.  Cheering on my Nittany Lions for the first time with 105,231 new friends is a moment I will never forget.

Fig. 1. Gleeson, Scott. “No. 9 Penn State Survives Michigan-Esque Upset in Overtime against Appalachian State.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 2 Sept. 2018, www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2018/09/01/penn-state-survives-appalachian-state-upset/1177153002/.

As for the game, while it’s exciting to have a close contest, it’s a little too close for comfort.  Neither team plays as projected:  Penn State plays a little worse that most expect, but it’s really the spectacular play of Appalachian State that is the surprise.  App State is probably a little under-rated by most commentators and against Penn State, they step up and play a whole lot better than most expected. To start, their offense makes some smart plays.  Their quarterback can throw and their O-line does a great job of giving him as much time to throw as possible.  Their receivers and running backs are pretty fast, and they are able to find openings in the Penn State defense to make some key plays and first down conversions.  Most importantly, their defense does a great job of stopping our offense on a lot of plays.  And their punter?  One of the most consistent and long-yardage punters in college football.  I’m not saying that our Lions play well, but it’s more about how well App State plays that about how poorly Penn State plays.  To be sure, we have some challenges this year.  For one, Trace McSorley, our quarterback, who some consider an early Heisman trophy contender, no longer has his go-to player in the back field this year:  Saquon Barkley now plays for the New York Giants.  Trace needs to figure out his new offensive arsenal and which players can make the big plays week in and week out.  In any case, we are lucky to have Trace at the helm.  In fact, who scores two of the rushing touchdowns for Penn State in this game?  That’s right, Trace runs the ball in himself for two TD’s.  Likewise, our defense definitely needs some more work.  Because of a few of the mistakes on defense and special teams early in the game, the Nittany Lions lose a ton of yards.  We are able to deflect or intercept a number of App State’s passes, but not all of them. The longer runs from punt returns and the interception in OT are just a few of the great plays that PSU makes that we need more of.  Over-confidence may also be a factor.  I mean, who expects App State to be that good?  There is no way Coach Franklin will let that happen again, and I suspect it will influence how the team prepares for GameDay in future weeks.  Lastly, it’s important to remember the youth and inexperience of the 2018 Nittany Lions.  In the App State game, eight true freshmen are playing, some with pretty major roles.  And for their first game, I think the true freshman are pretty impressive.  There are few things to work on to live up to our team moniker of being “UNRIVALED” and developing into the powerhouse BIG 10 team that I believe they can be.  We have the talent, we have the heart.  We just need to find the right formulas and put it all together to make this into the best season yet.

If you’re still intrigued (like me) about the after-math of the App State game and how Coach Franklin reacted, here is his press conference post game.