We can’t historically defend rushing quarterbacks well. Never have. Minnesota‘s wildcat package was the only thing that was effective against us and if they weren’t such a shitty team otherwise, it would have been a bad day. For the life of me I can’t figure out why they didn’t stick with it. PJ Fleck being an idiot is the only thing I can come up with.
Penn State is definitely the biggest problem from here on out. McSorley has over 550 yards on the ground which is more than all 3 of our RBs, and almost as many passing yards as Stanley.
If we are loading up because of McSorley’s run threat, then god help Moss and Hankins/Brents. How many times have we seen Hooker and Gervase bail Moss and Brents out because they’re out of position? We won’t have that option against PSU, and guess what...McSorley is going to hit those blown coverages that Annexstad and Ramsey didn’t. Michigan State beat them because of a single dumb play call by Franklin, and their corners playing lockdown D. Definitely not the zone prevent stuff that we have to play because of inexperience.
It’s also in State College which, if you’ve ever been there in person, is the most intimidating place at night (along with Kinnick maybe) in the Big Ten. It’s twice as loud as Kinnick and painful on 3rd down.
Beat Penn State and things will get interesting. Lose to them, and it’s an above average season that coulda, woulda, and shoulda been something special.
