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Week 3: Central Michigan

 

Nickname:  Chippewas

Head Coach:  Brian Kelly (5-8 in 2 seasons at Central Michigan)

Record:  1-1 (1-0 in the MAC)

Series Record:  This is the first meeting between the two schools

Surprising Statistic:  After just 2 games, the Nittany Lion defense has forced a total of 6 turnovers (3 interceptions and 3 fumbles).  More importantly, 5 of the 6 turnovers (83%) have resulted in Penn State touchdowns. 

Watch Out For:

·        Kent Smith (QB):  The senior led the Chippewas from behind on 3 separate occasions to beat Miami (OH) last weekend by completing 26 of his 36 passes for 356 yards and 2 touchdowns.  He also added 122 yards and 2 scores on the ground, making him the school record holder with 478 yards of total offense in one game.

Intriguing Matchup:

·        Penn State's third and long defensive schemes vs. Central Michigan QB Kent Smith:  As I mentioned above, watch out for Smith.  Against the Red Hawks, he seemed to get tougher each time his team got behind.  Couple that with the inconsistencies that the Nittany Lions have showed in the secondary so far this season and you have a matchup worth watching.  My biggest gripe with Penn State defensively has been the soft zone and coverages that have been employed on third and long situations.  I’m hoping that Tom Bradley is saving his aggressive style and coverages for the Big Ten slate of opponents.  If not, I fear we may be seeing another season of the Penn State defense not being able to get off the field on third down.  Watch carefully this weekend and in the weeks ahead to see if the Lions decide to 'turn it up a notch'.

Keys for Penn State to pick up the W:

·        Establish some rhythm on offense: Against Cincinnati, the Lions showed that they now possess the big play potential that escaped their offense over the past 2 seasons.  While that proved to be a real shot in the arm last week, I’m afraid it won’t be enough to legitimately challenge for the Big Ten title.  Penn State must show that they are able to take the ball and hold onto it for a nice 10 play, six minute drive and convert it for a touchdown before they can truly say they have developed into an offense that will be successful in the Big Ten. 

·        Continue the learning curve for the Freshmen: Last week, we saw the Penn State offense open it up a little more and involve freshmen Derrick Williams, Justin King, and Deon Butler in a vertical passing scheme.  Guess what, the trio, along with QB Michael Robinson, showed that they are up to the challenge.  While we are all salivating at the results of just one half of football, we are merely at the cusp of seeing what some of the newcomers to the program can do.  Here’s hoping that the staff continues to infuse State’s newfound talent at WR and introduce it to other aspects of the game, such as punt and kickoff returns.  I'd especially like to see more of Justin King playing on BOTH sides of the ball.

·        Don't look ahead:  So far, so good.  Everyone knows that Penn State should not have had any trouble with their first two opponents and should dispose of the Chippewas with relative ease.  The only thing that can slow the Nittany Lions development down is the possibility of looking ahead to Big Ten play and their first road contest at Northwestern next weekend.  I’m hoping to see Penn State open it up a little more and show more of the offensive and defensive weapons and schemes that they plan on using in game situations in the upcoming weeks.

JoePa's Take:

·        In Joe’s weekly Dan Connor update, he said that Dan would begin practicing with the team on Tuesday and he still hasn’t made up his mind yet regarding his punishment.

·        The staff will be resting some players a little more this week, including LB Paul Posluszny.  Joe feels that the squad has worked hard and are on their way to becoming a good football team.

·        Central Michigan will give the staff a good idea of where they stack up heading into the Big Ten part of the season because Joe feels they are a strong and physical team. 

·        Injury update – Rodney Kinlaw should be back this week and Jim Shaw is still up in the air.  Freshman Brennan Coakley was lost for the season with a torn ACL.

Bet You Didn't Know:  So far this season, the Nittany Lion offense has generated 10 plays that have covered 20 yards or more from the line of scrimmage.  Of those 10 plays, 7 have involved freshmen (Derrick Williams – 3, Justin King – 2, and Deon Butler – 2).

 

My Prediction:  Penn State 41, Central Michigan 13

 For a full recap of Joe Paterno’s weekly press conference, check out gopsusports.com.

 For more information regarding the Central Michigan Chippewas, head to

cmuchippewas .com

Until next time, S-T-A-T-E, Go State!!!

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