Official Alabama-PSU game thread...

[gt2590]

I thought it might be fun to have a thread devoted to this weekend's big game. Good guys (Nittany Lions) vs. Bad guys (Tide). They haven't played since 1990 after playing for 11 of the 12 years before that. I'm a State guy, but we have plenty of supporters for both teams on the boards, including our site co-founder Chris, so I'm sure so LIGHT humor/trash-talking/betting, etc. would be fun.

BTW, it looks more and more like Ingram won't play, which can only help Penn State, which is a 12 point underdog.

Let the pre-game fun start, but please keep it civil and light-hearted!

 

[gt2590]

Also, for anyone without Insider Access here's ESPN's scouts breakdown of the game:

Penn State offense vs. Alabama defense
• Crimson Tide defensive coordinator Kirby Smart brings an aggressive mentality and tends to load up on early downs in an effort to challenge opposing offenses to beat them through the air. This week Smart will drop either S Mark Barron or S Robert Lester near the box to get an extra defender involved in run support. Nittany Lions true freshman QB Robert Bolden showed promise in a solid performance during his debut against Youngstown State, but he will face a different animal this week on the road in a hostile environment. Penn State offensive coordinator Galen Hall must not fall into the easy trap of being too conservative with his play calling. Hall needs to dial up a few shots downfield for Bolden, especially early in the game, to get the Crimson Tide's attention. The Nittany Lions have deep-threat talent on the perimeter in WRs Derek Moye, Brett Brackett and Graham Zug to challenge Alabama's talented but young corners.

• The Tide will be without suspended standout DT Marcell Dareus, and his absence is a huge hit for Alabama both in terms of front-line talent and depth along the defensive front. Penn State must find a way to take advantage and get RB Evan Royster and backup Stephfon Green going on the ground. Last week the two combined for just 72 yards on 17 carries. The Nittany Lions' offensive line struggled getting on the same page, and the result was too many blown assignments. This unit must find more continuity this week because it will be challenged by Alabama's ability to line up in three- and four-man fronts. Royster is at his best using his vision to find creases, but if Penn State continues to turn defenders loose up front, it could be a long day for both him and Green.

• Bolden will face his toughest challenge during third-and-medium and third-and-long situations. The Tide will get into nickel or dime packages in those situations and do an exceptional job of maintaining discipline and disguising their intentions before the snap. Alabama could appear vulnerable in one area, but at the snap of the ball it will rotate, shift and drop a defender to fill the void. This often baits opposing quarterbacks into falling into the Tide's trap. It will be crucial that Bolden makes sound decisions and takes what the defense gives. In addition, he must show willingness to throw the ball away or eat it for a sack if the protection breaks down because Alabama thrives on turning poor decisions into costly turnovers.

Alabama offense vs. Penn State defense
• RB Mark Ingram's status is still unknown, but most signs point to his not being in uniform. If Ingram is absent, it will be a significant loss because he is vastly underrated in terms of instincts and ability to find creases. Backup Trent Richardson is talented and maybe more explosive but is still developing in terms of vision and creating extra yards on his own. The Nittany Lions are physical up front, and massive DTs Ollie Ogbu and Devon Still are extremely hard to move off the line scrimmage, while DE Jack Crawford brings an excellent combination of length and athleticism to set the edge. Expect this unit to challenge the Tide's zone-blocking scheme and force Richardson to work hard for his yards.

• The concern for Penn State will be on the second level, where the Nittany Lions have three new starting linebackers. MLB Chris Colasanti, WLB Nate Stupar and SLB Bani Gbadyu will be tested as both run- and pass-defenders. First and foremost, they must read their keys well and take proper run fits. Alabama's zone-blocking scheme does a nice job of creating cutback lanes, and if any of the linebackers overpursue or is late getting into position, Richardson has the burst to make them pay. All three also must show great discipline against play fakes and make sure they get plenty of depth in their drops. Veteran QB Greg McElroy is at his best on play-action, doing a nice job of exposing open areas in the short-to-intermediate part of the field with his above-average anticipation and accuracy.

• If Ingram is out, expect Bama offensive coordinator Jim McElwain to place more of the load on McElroy. The good news for McElwain and McElroy is that the Tide's perimeter receivers got off to a strong start in Week 1. The talented group is led by big, athletic WR Julio Jones (6-foot-4, 222 pounds) and also includes Marquis Maze and Darius Hanks. However, they were inconsistent at times last season, often disappearing for stretches and dropping too many passes. They can ill afford to take a step back this week against a veteran and savvy Nittany Lions secondary. Look for defensive coordinator Tom Bradley to align CB D'Anton Lynn to Jones' side as much as possible. Lynn has good size (6-1) and is the most talented player in the unit.

The biggest challenge for the Penn State secondary will come after the catch. Jones, Maze and Hanks all have the ability to create when catching the ball with room to run. Jones is a strong and powerful runner who is tough to bring down in the open field, while both Maze and Hanks possess above-average elusiveness in space. The Nittany Lions' back end must get in great position and break down to secure the tackle throughout the contest.

Key individual matchup

Penn State DE Jack Crawford vs.
Alabama OT James Carpenter

Carpenter displays good athleticism and quick feet, but one of his glaring weaknesses is his ability to maintain low pad level and generate leverage as a run-blocker. Look for Crawford to take advantage of this by using his strength and long arms to lock out Carpenter and maintain strong position on the edge. Carpenter will have the advantage in pass protection, though. Crawford is still developing as pass-rusher and lacks the elite ability to counter. This will play into Carpenter's hands because he possesses the quickness in his initial set to prevent Crawford from turning the corner. He also displays the lateral mobility to stay locked on once he gains sound initial position.

Scouts' Edge
Look for the Nittany Lions' defense to keep this one close early on by causing fits along the line of scrimmage. Add in Ingram's absence, and the Tide will struggle to get the ground attack going early on, which will disrupt the overall flow of the offense. However, this game ultimately will be decided on the other side of the ball. Watch for youth and inexperience to catch up with Bolden against Nick Saban's complicated and disciplined defense. This will lead to a few costly turnovers that set Alabama up with great field position. Richardson will finally break free with a few late runs in the fourth quarter to put this one out of reach, but the outcome will be closer than the final score indicates.

Prediction: Crimson Tide 33, Nittany Lions 17

 

[seahawks4ever]

holy mother of Christmas batman, that's alot of words!

 

[gt2590]

holy mother of Christmas batman, that's alot of words!

Well, I knew the Alabama guys wouldn't get past the first paragraph, so I didn't want them to see the projected score and start crowing...

 

[seahawks4ever]

holy mother of Christmas batman, that's alot of words!

Well, I knew the Alabama guys wouldn't get past the first paragraph, so I didn't want them to see the projected score and start crowing...

Ahhhh, like the way you think my man!

 

[tide12champrings]

You obviously don't know much about Bama Football if you think Ingram being out is good for PSU.

 

[AmishDave]

Bama rolls, js.

 

[gt2590]

You obviously don't know much about Bama Football if you think Ingram being out is good for PSU.

Oh, I know TR is very good, I'm just hoping to force McElroy into more passing situations than 'Bama would like and yes, I do know J. Jones is a first-rounder. They've got more weapons than Charlton Heston's widow.

I'm just saying the Lions young D can use any help that they can get.

 

[Daltonb1219]

If Penn State didn't have a freshman quarterback under the helm i think they would have a ligament chance at beating Bama. But i don't think its gonna happen. Also PSU needs a lot better line play then what they got last week. But i hope Penn State wins. That would make it a lot more fun of a game to watch when Iowa beats PSU for the 5th straight season

 

[Card Magnet]

Some Penn State alum went to the devil to make a deal - their souls for PSU to beat Bama. The devil just laughed and said there was no way he would allow a blemish on his coaching record, even for five souls.


(And for those of you slow in the head, I'm saying Saban is the devil)

 

[19braves77]

Score: Alabama 24 Penn State 20

Trent Richardson: 31 carries for 127 yards 2 TDS

Julio Jones: 6 catches 51 yards 1 TD

Greg McElroy 12-19 164 yards 1 TD

I think this is the most conservative offensive game we will see from Alabama with Saban's plan of getting this game into the 4th quarter quickly has possible....I expect vanilla play calling on offense. Run up the middle in pistol, screen, 8 yard drag by Julio, run up the middle is what you will see....

 

[cgilmo]

I don't see where Penn St has much of a chance.


And to all the people from Alabama cracks, I think that in the context of talking about college football, it's pretty low that you have to stoop to that.

I can't come up with a reason to say that Penn St. has a fighting chance, so I'll just make fun of Alabamians. It is a classic display of weakness, way to show your hand.

 

[Slette]

If Penn State didn't have a freshman quarterback under the helm i think they would have a ligament chance at beating Bama.

A "ligament" chance? Good God, Dalton - proofread! No wonder people think we Hawkeye fans are re-re's.

 

[JoshHamilton]

Bama will use this game to make a statement after they lost 7 first place votes to BSU.

38-10

 

[Card Magnet]

I don't see where Penn St has much of a chance.


And to all the people from Alabama cracks, I think that in the context of talking about college football, it's pretty low that you have to stoop to that.

I can't come up with a reason to say that Penn St. has a fighting chance, so I'll just make fun of Alabamians. It is a classic display of weakness, way to show your hand.

I have nothing against Alabama or Alabamians (is that what they're called?). I do however hate Saban, and think he is a slimy creature.

 

[Daltonb1219]

If Penn State didn't have a freshman quarterback under the helm i think they would have a ligament chance at beating Bama.

A "ligament" chance? Good God, Dalton - proofread! No wonder people think we Hawkeye fans are re-re's.

When i dont know how to spell something or if i just type it and its spelled wrong i use spell check and i just pick the first one and if its wrong its wrong. Personally i dont care what it spells if it looks right then it looks right. I dont get why every makes up a big deal when i spell something wrong.

 

[jet0002]

This game is more hyped than what i feel it will be. Alabama will handle them easily. I believe they will play at least 4 teams better than Penn State this year. Only chance is if Penn State jumps out to an early lead. Prediction: Alabama 24 Penn State 10

 

[cgilmo]

I don't see where Penn St has much of a chance.


And to all the people from Alabama cracks, I think that in the context of talking about college football, it's pretty low that you have to stoop to that.

I can't come up with a reason to say that Penn St. has a fighting chance, so I'll just make fun of Alabamians. It is a classic display of weakness, way to show your hand.

I have nothing against Alabama or Alabamians (is that what they're called?). I do however hate Saban, and think he is a slimy creature.

And I disagree with you about Nick Saban. His loyalty is to the players he coaches when it comes to college football. He is the only coach that puts the success of his athletes in pro football over everything.

His philosophy is to make professionals and then the wins will take care of themselves.

Why do you think he will never coach a team that runs the spread offense? Because it hurts athletes as they make their way to the NFL. Yes, you have guys that are able to do it, but they would be better served with an offensive scheme that is used at the next level of football.

 

[excel_B]

Just arrived in Birmingham a hour ago...

Going to relax today with a nice dinner.
Tomorrow a round of golf.
Saturday is the BIG day...

Head home with a nasty hangover on Sunday late afternoon. Sounds a great weekend for me...

Go Bama!

 

[cowboysrule48]

I really don't see how Penn State could win this game, but I'll be pulling for them. Not a big fan of the SEC.