Published: Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Improved Penn State looks to build on winning streak
The Nittany Lions have played well at home, but now face a road challenge.
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — Beaver Stadium provided Penn State's sickly offense a nice environment to get better.
After outscoring opponents 65-14 in two straight easy wins, it's time again for coach Joe Paterno's crew to hit the road, where the Nittany Lions have had far more problems with the ball.
"I hope we can build on it," receiver Deon Butler said Tuesday about the momentum from the two-game home winning streak. "To see something good like that, to get in a rhythm and control the ball, it's something we can build on the rest of the season."
Next stop: Indiana (5-2, 2-2 Big Ten) Saturday. Every game is critical now for Penn State (5-2, 2-2), especially if the teams above them in the standings — Ohio State, Michigan and Illinois — should fall back to the pack over the last five weeks of this topsy-turvy regular season.
"People don't realize it, but Indiana is in the same situation we are," Paterno said. "It's a very crucial game for us and for Indiana as well."
At least Penn State heads into Bloomington on a roll. The defense stuffed Wisconsin's solid offense and the offense steamrolled to a 38-7 victory in the Nittany Lions' most complete win of the season.
But the game didn't feature the typical "run, run, pass" offense that hardened Nittany Lions fans are used to — Penn State threw Wisconsin off-balance by throwing often on first downs. Quarterback Anthony Morelli looked sharp.
"Definitely every time the ball goes in the air, it's more fun for receivers," said Butler, who had seven of his team-high 26 catches last week. "To be a two-dimensional team, both running and passing, is something we can build on."
One of the keys to success, Paterno said, has been the offensive line. After preseason lineup shuffles and an injury to former starting guard John Shaw, the unit is keeping the mostly immobile Morelli upright in the pocket.
Running lanes are opening for the new tailback tandem of Rodney Kinlaw and Evan Royster, who combined for 183 yards on 31 carries last week.
JoePa likes it when his linemen start getting mentally sharp on the field.
"They've made some adjustment and some of the kids started to anticipate certain things, which happens when you get experience," Paterno said. "They're getting better all the time and hopefully they can hold up."
But the Nittany Lions haven't executed nearly as well on the road as they have playing in front of 100,000 friendly fans on home turf.
Penn State was held to three field goals in the loss to Michigan, when turnovers and red-zone miscues cost them. The following week against Illinois, Morelli & Co. moved the ball with ease in the first half but the offense came to a screeching halt in the second — just when the defense was coming around.
Game-plan differences aside, preparing for a road game isn't any different from getting ready to suit up at Beaver Stadium, linebacker Dan Connor said.
"We'll focus this week of practice, we'll focus when we get out there," said Connor, Penn State's defensive leader and second-leading tackler (70). "It's going to come down to us getting out there and playing like it's a home game."
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
The Nittany Lions have played well at home, but now face a road challenge.
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — Beaver Stadium provided Penn State's sickly offense a nice environment to get better.
After outscoring opponents 65-14 in two straight easy wins, it's time again for coach Joe Paterno's crew to hit the road, where the Nittany Lions have had far more problems with the ball.
"I hope we can build on it," receiver Deon Butler said Tuesday about the momentum from the two-game home winning streak. "To see something good like that, to get in a rhythm and control the ball, it's something we can build on the rest of the season."
Next stop: Indiana (5-2, 2-2 Big Ten) Saturday. Every game is critical now for Penn State (5-2, 2-2), especially if the teams above them in the standings — Ohio State, Michigan and Illinois — should fall back to the pack over the last five weeks of this topsy-turvy regular season.
"People don't realize it, but Indiana is in the same situation we are," Paterno said. "It's a very crucial game for us and for Indiana as well."
At least Penn State heads into Bloomington on a roll. The defense stuffed Wisconsin's solid offense and the offense steamrolled to a 38-7 victory in the Nittany Lions' most complete win of the season.
But the game didn't feature the typical "run, run, pass" offense that hardened Nittany Lions fans are used to — Penn State threw Wisconsin off-balance by throwing often on first downs. Quarterback Anthony Morelli looked sharp.
"Definitely every time the ball goes in the air, it's more fun for receivers," said Butler, who had seven of his team-high 26 catches last week. "To be a two-dimensional team, both running and passing, is something we can build on."
One of the keys to success, Paterno said, has been the offensive line. After preseason lineup shuffles and an injury to former starting guard John Shaw, the unit is keeping the mostly immobile Morelli upright in the pocket.
Running lanes are opening for the new tailback tandem of Rodney Kinlaw and Evan Royster, who combined for 183 yards on 31 carries last week.
JoePa likes it when his linemen start getting mentally sharp on the field.
"They've made some adjustment and some of the kids started to anticipate certain things, which happens when you get experience," Paterno said. "They're getting better all the time and hopefully they can hold up."
But the Nittany Lions haven't executed nearly as well on the road as they have playing in front of 100,000 friendly fans on home turf.
Penn State was held to three field goals in the loss to Michigan, when turnovers and red-zone miscues cost them. The following week against Illinois, Morelli & Co. moved the ball with ease in the first half but the offense came to a screeching halt in the second — just when the defense was coming around.
Game-plan differences aside, preparing for a road game isn't any different from getting ready to suit up at Beaver Stadium, linebacker Dan Connor said.
"We'll focus this week of practice, we'll focus when we get out there," said Connor, Penn State's defensive leader and second-leading tackler (70). "It's going to come down to us getting out there and playing like it's a home game."
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Beaver Stadium provided Penn State's sickly offense a nice environment to get better.
After outscoring opponents 65-14...
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