Winning isn’t always pretty, and maybe that’s OK
Quick Hits
- Penn State plays without Akeel Lynch and Saquon Barkley
- Defense forces three turnovers for third straight week
- Penn State 4-0 in Beaver Stadium for first time since 2008
Penn State’s defense had to be up to the task physically and mentally against Army. Safe to say the defense passed the test presented by the Black Knights in Beaver Stadium on Saturday. Wins have been tough to come by for Penn State, but once again on Saturday the Nittany Lions managed to prevail to improve to 4-1 with a 20-14 victory over Army.
For the third straight week, Penn State’s defense forced three turnovers, and Army gave plenty of opportunities for more with seven fumble sin the game. Those Army turnovers led to 10 points by Penn State, which would seem to be an improvement given the recent developments in turnover efficiency. The offense certainly still has plenty of room to improve, although it should be noted Penn State played without top running backs Akeel Lynch and Saquon Barkley suited up to play. Regardless, the offensive playcalling once again seemed to hold Penn State back, leading to plenty of criticism for offensive coordinator John Donovan and head coach James Franklin.
It was not until later in the game when Penn State finally showed a willingness to test army down the field. It paid off as Christian Hackenberg completed a deep pass down field to Chris Godwin and another to tight end Mike Gesicki down the left sideline for a touchdown. Hackenberg’s touchdown pass to Gesicki tied Chuck Fusina for seventh all-time on the Penn State career touchdown passing list. It was the 37th career touchdown pass for Hackenberg, but other than that brief moment of passing efficiency, it was a long afternoon for Hackenberg and Penn State’s offense.
Hackenberg ended the day completing 10 of 19 pass attempts for 156 yards and a touchdown. He was sacked three times and once again had some throws that looked off target. The weather was not ideal once again, but we have now moved well beyond the point of allowing the weather to be the ultimate excuse. If Penn State is going to improve and become a challenger in the Big Ten, the offense must find something that works instead of sticking with non-creative playcalling that relies on Barkley to make something happen. Penn State needs to be moving vertically because they do have the receivers and tight ends that should allow for the offense to open things up a bit if the offensive line is doing its job.
The big takeaway from this game might be that Penn State is developing a habit of winning ugly. Maybe it’s the weather, or maybe this is their style. Whatever the case, things should start to get more difficult with Big Ten play resuming the rest of the way. Ohio State and Michigan State along with surprising and improved Northwestern and Michigan are still down the road, and next week’s game may be no cakewalk either.
Player of the Game: LB Jason Cabinda, 14 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 1 forced fumble
With Nyeem Wartman out with and injury, Jason Cabinda has been finding himself a nice role in the Penn State defense. Cabinda was Penn State’s leading tackler in the game with 14 tackles and two sacks and a forced fumble. Cabinda found himself around the ball often and not much managed to get by him.
Play of the Game: Chris Godwin’s 49-yard catch
ICYMI: How impressive was this Chris Godwin @PennStateFball catch? http://t.co/ZZffOUfPFT
— Penn State On BTN (@PennStateOnBTN) October 3, 2015
Potent Quotables
“Point spreads and those things I don’t even understand them. I lost $20 in Atlantic City when I was 24 after college and I almost threw up. That was the last time I gambled. I couldn’t tell you anything about it. I’m worried about making sure our guys go to school, get an education, make great choices in the community, and find a way to win games.”
– James Franklin
What’s Next?
Penn Stae is back home in Beaver Stadium next week when the Indiana Hoosiers roll into town. The Hoosiers are coming off a home game against Ohio State. Indiana gave the Buckeyes a good fight for a while in the mid-afternoon time slot, but Ohio State pulled away to a win. Indiana starting quarterback Nate Sudfeld and running back Jordan Howard were each banged up in the game, which will be something to keep an eye on in the coming days. It will also be interesting to see how Indiana comes out next week following a tough loss to the Buckeyes.
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