Next Year

[WiViking]

I think that next year will be the last year for Glanville/Davis unless they make the playoffs. Therefore, I think they'll give Hagan the keys to the car, and keep him in the driver's seat all season. I think it would be the right move too.

The other major gripe I have is with the fullback. In a spread offense, the only reason you'd have the fullback is to play the extra o-lineman. I think putting in a speed back instead a-la Texas Tech might be a necessary change, and it would likely provide enough big plays to take care of the lacking protection. Am I crazy for thinking this?

The defense seems to be progressing, and should be pretty solid.

 

[martymoose]

I think that next year will be the last year for Glanville/Davis unless they make the playoffs. Therefore, I think they'll give Hagan the keys to the car, and keep him in the driver's seat all season. I think it would be the right move too.

The other major gripe I have is with the fullback. In a spread offense, the only reason you'd have the fullback is to play the extra o-lineman. I think putting in a speed back instead a-la Texas Tech might be a necessary change, and it would likely provide enough big plays to take care of the lacking protection. Am I crazy for thinking this?

The defense seems to be progressing, and should be pretty solid.

Do you mean something like what we had for the first play of the game with Ford in the backfield instead of Bobby? That yielded five yards of gain. We promptly gave it back and then some, but it worked for a positive gain with a different type of back in the backfield.

The only concern I have about Hagen is that he looked lost in fall camp. The spring game should tell us much more. I do know this. We need a QB that can scramble ala Bergquist for UM. He knows how to get those yards that the defense gives when the pocket opens up and everyone is covered.

 

[goviks2008]

You obviously have not been to a single practice this year because it is quite evident that Hagan will never start at PSU. Simply put, he just doesn't have the tools to play at this level.

 

[WiViking]

Backfield- Look. PSU's line isn't great, but it has done significantly better than last year's did with what looked to be more talent. The progress the talented freshman they have should make going into next year should give whoever is at qb more time than this year's group. I'm not saying get rid of the fb completely right away. However, doing something once then abandoning it isn't really a fair shake. Bobby simply doesn't make big plays. As I said before, I think a guy like McCaffrey will relieve some of that pressure if they give him 10+ touches a game.

QB- Go ahead and judge him based on the 3 times you've seen him, whatever. I don't care. That's what people say about every quarterback their first year in the run & shoot because it's such a tough offense to learn. Hagan is likely the most physically talented quarterback out of high school a school like PSU can get. The better players who get offers just aren't coming. Take a look at the guys PSU offered for this year. The only way they're going to get better guys is transfers and JUCOs. Do you think one of the guys they have now has a chance of winning 8 or more next year? Kavanaugh should get a shot the rest of this year, but if he's not the guy, they need to move on.

Everybody else please chime in. PSU clearly needs some help, but what are your opinions on how to fix the problems?

 

[forestgreen]

There was three big losses to the Vikings before the season even started: WR-Davis, FB-Curran and C-Fehoko. Davis was supposed to be quite the playmaker, Curran was going to be the speed back, 4.3 in the forty, and Fehoko was to play the all important center position. None of these transfers made it out of the preseason for different reasons. Coach Glanville isn't the type to complain about injuries or personnel situations that don't pan out. I think one would be justified to critize these recruiting decisions, but things like this happen to every program. Also, let us remember that Jerry and company has had only one recruiting class.
I would like to see what Kavanaugh could do with extended playing time. He is definitely shorter then you like to see, but has great running ability and seems to be a natural leader and is a "gamer". As inconsistent as Hubel and Howland have been this season, I would really like to see both Collins and Kavanaugh play the majority of the minutes in the last 2 games. Hubel's last of 3 interceptions against Montana, with 4 Grizzlies fighting for the ball, should be enough for the season. Howland has loss whatever confidence he may have had. As for Hagan, I haven't seen him throw a ball. One last thing, a running QB in the run and shoot seems like a winning combination. It makes a potent offense even more potent and adds another dimension to the offense. Go Viks!

 

[martymoose]

The INTs that PSU threw against Montana were terrible. Trying to push what clearly was not there. Watched a replay of that one that was picked in the north endzone in the 2nd half.... Not sure who that was to. Could have been picked by a few defenders.

What to do? Not sure. :-(

I think it all goes down to the QB.

a) We don't have a solid starter. It all seems to go down to stats during the practice week.

b) Our two guys that actually will get a start are +/- one in the same. One has a better long ball, and one has a better short ball. Both can't deal with a blitz.

c) It's a complex offense and a drop down / transfer will take time to get the system down.

Perplexing. Not sure what the answer is.

I do know this. Our defense is playing much better and cannot (should not) be left on the field for 40+ minutes of game clock.

 

[bpcats1]

I think that Glanville did the right thing this year relying on all the freshman and taking your lumps now. He has that defense performing very well. To hold Montana to 29 points with as many turnovers as PSU had is pretty good.

MSU went 0-11 one year when they went with mostly freshman playing but that team also won a few conference championships.

Glanvile can recruit and PSU is one qb away from being a strong contender. Whoever ends up being the qb hopefully the coaches will stick with just one. Hubel or Howland may still be the answer as they get more comfortable in the offense.