SURPRISE!
Publicly, on the radio, this writer has mentioned
on numerous occasions that 2005 would be Joe
Paterno's best shot at improvement. The only
question undermining this train of thought...is
a 7-4 type of season really acceptable in Happy
Valley? OK, so admittedly, this is a "going
out on a limb" pick. One of our pet peeves
at NationalChamps.net includes publications
that make wild picks in an effort to be right
only at the end. So does this mean the Nittany
Lions are not likely to sit in our real 2005
Preview this spring? We'll see. However, this
defense, even at this teams' worst moments in
'04, was nothing to scoff at. Statistically,
this defense stacks up better than most other
Big Ten schools, which is even more amazing
given the ineptitude of the offense. Closely
perusing the defensive depth chart should reveal
why Penn State is being considered for such
a preseason ranking. So what is going on offensively?
To summarize, the receivers are, simply put,
real bad; the RBs (although possessing quite
an upside) have not found their holes in this
zone blocking system under new coordinator Galen
Hall. And quarterback play? Ugh, Anthony Morelli
where are you? No one is expecting Morelli to
be the complete answer in just his second year.
But he is our choice for offensive star because...well,
there are no real offensive stars. He may not
even beat out Michael "/ " Robinson
for the job (that's slash for short). Robinson
is better suited at RB, or even receiver. Yes,
Joe Paterno should get this ONE more shot with
these kids for his 39 years of service. Use
it wisely, Joe, and let someone else get this
offense straightened out, and then things will
take care of themselves. At least that's what
we told Temple three years ago as they were
our #25 surprise pick. Here's wishing better
luck to this second Pennsylvania prediction,
and hopefully it doesn't remain a "blue"
state.
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