This is a rematch between two very fundamentally sound teams with similar styles. Alabama came out on top 24-3 last season at Bryant-Denny Stadium based largely on the strength of a dominating defensive performance which forced Penn State into 3 interceptions and 1 fumble. That was only the second game of the season for a defense that had to replaced 10 out of their 11 starters from the 2009 national championship defense.
Heat was also a factor in last season’s game. When my niece, who attends Penn State, boarded the plane at State College, it was 35 degrees. When she stepped outside of the Atlanta airport, it was almost 100 degrees. Because I watched that game with my niece from the stands at Bryant-Denny Stadium, I can personally attest to how hot it was that day. That heat definitely had an effect on the Penn State players and fans.
Penn State is the more experienced team with 18 of their 22 starters being juniors or seniors. Both teams enter this season’s matchup with an unsettled QB situation, and both teams are coming off of week 1 blowouts where their respective offensive lines did not played well.
Joe Paterno announced in his weekly press conference that a bunch of previously-suspended players will return for this weekend's game against Alabama. The players mentioned by Paterno were not scrubs either. RB Stephfon Green is Penn State’s leading rusher. CB Derrick Thomas has showed a lot of promise when given the opportunity to play, and starting punter and kickoff specialist Anthony Fera will help solidify Penn State’s kicking game.
Alabama starting WR Darius Hanks will not be available because the NCAA ruled him ineligible for the first two games of the season. His loss will be mitigated by the long-awaited arrival of Duron Carter who is the son of future Hall of Fame WR Cris Carter. He is the big physical possession receiver Alabama desperately needs in the wake of Julio Jones’ departure to the NFL.
Penn State runs a hybrid offense they have dubbed "The Spread HD" which incorporates elements of the spread in the running game, and more of a pro style passing attack. Unfortunately for the Nittany Lions, their offense has struggled live up to its HD moniker since the departure of QB Daryll Clark, and has consistently ranked among the worst in the Big 10.
While they dominated Indiana State, they only amassed 114 yards in the passing game, and did almost all of their damage on the ground. As I said, Penn State is having a difficult time deciding which quarterback to play so they’ve been playing two. QB Rob Bolden (Who started against Bama last year and has the most upside IMO) got the start last week and went 6-12 for only 37 yards. Last year he struggled when Alabama’s front 7 applied pressure. Mike McGloin also played against Indiana State and went 6-8 for 77 yards. Their best receiver is senior Derek Moye.
Penn State will give Alabama’s defense heavy doses of Silas Redd and Brandon Beachum out of the backfield. Redd has game-breaking ability, and Beachum is a beast. It should be interesting to see how they perform in their first true test of the season. Redd hurt Alabama a few times last season as a change of pace back to Evan Royster. Redd carried the ball 12 times against Indiana State for 104 yards and two touchdowns.
Penn State’s line is a departure from the type of o-lines we’re accustomed to seeing from them. They lack the bruising road graders of yesteryear and excel more in the passing game. I think Alabama’s front 7 should be able to control the point of attack, and force Peen State’s QBs to beat them down the field.
Penn State’s kick returner Chaz Powell got the Nittany Lions’ 2011 season off to a fast start with a 95 yard touchdown return on the opening kickoff. He is a threat every time he touches the ball.
Joe Paterno’s coaching staff has a lot of confidence in their very experienced defense that boasts 4 seniors in the secondary. Of course Linebacker U’s defense will also be stout in the middle led by their best defensive player Michael Mauti. Their scheme is multiple with some 3-4 and some 4-3. What is a little different is they are one of the few defenses that still runs a cover 3 (Three deep and four underneath) as their base coverage. In the age of the cover 2 and Tampa 2, that is unusual. Corner D'Anton Lynn is their best cover guy and both safeties are strong. Their best Defensive lineman is probably DT Devon Still although DE Jack Crawford is no slouch either. To counter Alabama’s powerful offensive line and sturdy RBs, I expect to see Penn State periodically sneak an 8th man in the box. Like Alabama, Penn State’s defensive strategy will be to first stuff the run, and to force Alabama’s green QBs into difficult down and distance situations in a hostile environment.
*** Continued ***