#Penn state football story 2016 how to

The Spartan offensive line has given the program hope with its second-half surge this season.

MSU’s two quarterbacks both need time and space to be effective passers - as many do, though Connor Cook didn’t. Meanwhile, Penn State boasts the Big Ten’s second-best pass rush, with 33 sacks, 11.5 of them by defensive ends Evan Schwan and Garrett Sickels. MSU has allowed 23 sacks this season, and the athletic ability of its QBs is the only reason that number isn’t in the 30s. While MSU’s offensive line has shown substantial growth in the ground game, it hasn’t been as firm in protecting Spartan quarterbacks. If he gets to 1,100, MSU might have a chance to win this one. He and the offensive line will be motivated to get there. MSU running back LJ Scott is 65 yards away from 1,000 for the season. That’s in the middle of the pack in the Big Ten, and substantially worse than Michigan or Ohio State. Penn State’s defense allows 150 yards per game on the ground. The Spartans’ offensive line often controlled the line of scrimmage in the running game against the Wolverines and Buckeyes, two of the nation’s better defenses, validating the other performances. Illinois, 277 against Rutgers and, last week, 207 in a one-point loss to Ohio State. 15, MSU’s ground game has plowed through opponents - 270 yards at Maryland, 217 against Michigan, 175 vs. But if Terry gives MSU a fair chance to win this week, there’s an argument that he should get the nod.Įver since its abysmal 51-yard rushing day against Northwestern on Oct. Those assumptions are based in the notion that Terry has had four seasons and 51 games to develop and hasn’t as MSU hoped.

The outside assumption is that Terry won’t be the starter next year, that sophomore Brian Lewerke, back from injury, will pick up where he left off as a redshirt freshman in October or that true freshman Messiah deWeaver will win the job this offseason. Still, Terry’s promising two late drives at Illinois, including a couple terrific and gutty throws, showed something he hadn’t before. But he’s sometimes too quick to use that running ability and flees the pocket. Terry adds an extra dimension to the offense with his running ability. The decision will change MSU’s offense, for better or worse.

#Penn state football story 2016 how to

MSU coach Mark Dantonio this week admitted there is conflict internally about how to handle the quarterback situation- whether to ride senior Tyler O’Connor one more time or to give junior Damion Terry, who has eligibility remaining beyond this season, the reins to the offense for the finale.

Lansing State Journal columnist Graham Couch breaks down the Spartans' matchup with the Nittany Lions.