Week 10 Wrap Up

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times” – This is the opening line of Charles Dickens’ classic novel A Tale of Two Cities.  Yeah that’s right, I’m trying to bring some culture to the blog.  Anyway, that’s how I would describe this game.  On one hand, the offense did some great things.  Belton had a career day, Robinson is still a monster, Hackenberg continued his late game heroics, and the tight ends remembered they were on the roster.  The defense did some good things too, like recording two interceptions including the game-clincher.  On the other hand, penalties on both sides of the ball killed promising offensive drives and prolonged defensive stands.  After two quick scores, the offense couldn't find a consistent rhythm until the after 2 minute warning, and the defense let the Illini run and throw all over them in the second half.  Oh well, I guess the best way to recap a game like this is to tell it as the two halves that it was.

First Half

The offense came out swinging, scoring on their first two possessions.  They looked like they meant business as Belton began racking up yards early and often.  He was fairly consistent all game going for a career high 201 yds on 36 carries and even scored a TD (should’ve been 2 if it weren't for a penalty; more on that later).  The Hackenberg to Robinson screen pass was a thing of seemingly perpetual beauty.  And Hackenberg decided to run!  It was a pleasant experience as Hack picked up a few first downs and even scored a rushing TD (which wasn't nearly as awkward as McGloin).  See what happens when you listen to Optimus?  The best part was that at first it was Illinois who was making stupid penalties.  Then, on a personal foul call, the ref got back on his mic and corrected himself.  It was a penalty on Penn State, not Illinois.  From that point on, other than a few breaks here and there, the Nittany Lions became a penalty machine and it killed any momentum they attempted to build.

The defense actually came out soft on Illinois’ first drive, allowing consecutive 1^st downs on the first two plays of the game.  Thankfully, Jordan Lucas intercepted Nathan Scheelhaase in the red zone.  From that point on, the defense seemed to have a nasty chip on their shoulder.  Every other tackle looked like a big hit highlight reel contender.  In addition, they held Illinois to only 3 points heading into halftime.  But all those big hits started coming at a price as the defense also started racking up penalties.

Halftime

Let me take a second to just say that we could’ve used these refs last week.  Against Ohio State we couldn't get the refs to use their flags if their lives depended on it.  This week, the refs couldn't keep their hands off those evil yellow hankies.  It didn't help matters that half those penalties, or more, were complete nonsense.  Malcolm Willis’ “roughing the passer” was crap, and even though it helped us, so was Butterworth’s “running into the kicker”.  This was an example of how NOT to officiate a game.

 

Second Half

All that needs to be said about the offense in the second half was that they didn't score until a late field goal with less than a minute left to take the game into overtime.  Seriously, not 1 single point.  Belton started getting stuffed more often, Robinson just wasn't connecting with Hackenberg anymore, and penalties penalties penalties.  It wasn't just the amount, it was the timing of stupid mistakes.  The worst part was watching Hackenberg’s body language.  We’re used to seeing him command the huddle, practically strut up to the line of scrimmage, and show poise beyond his years in the pocket.  But in the second half he looked lethargic, frustrated, and even confused.  It was just awful to watch.

After starting the day so well, the defense went back to their old ways in the second half, missing tackles and generally looking like they were still asleep.  Illinois methodically marched down the field twice for touchdowns.  Just when you thought the defense was going to get the stop, they’d give up a big play or get called for a penalty.  I think it’s time for even the most hardcore Penn State fan to just admit that we don’t have a very good defense.

Overtime

This was bizzare and it started just before overtime actually.  With between 5-6 minutes left Penn State got the ball back, down by 3.  They marched down the field with the same confidence they had against Michigan.  Then, at the 1 yard line, Belton fumbled and gave it back to Illinois.  Thankfully Illinois' coaches are VERY STUPID.  They threw on 1st down, stopping the clock after an incomplete pass, and then ran twice for a handful of yds before punting and giving Penn State great field position with over 2 mins left.  The Lions didn't have any timeouts, though, so things were by no means wrapped up.  They got close on 2 passes to Felder, but in the end settled for a field goal to take the game into overtime.

During overtime Penn State went straight to work, and even after a Jesse James penalty negated a Bill Belton touchdown, Hackenberg was able to connect with Kyle Carter for a 15 yd pass.  On their very first play, Illinois quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase threw into double coverage and after a tip, Ryan Keiser came down with the interception.  Victory!... although it shouldn't have been that close.

Overall, something is going on with this team, and I don’t know what it is.  They have above average talent.  They move the ball well.  Running backs get yards, receivers get yards.  But it always seems to be something.  Penalties got them today.  3^rd downs have gotten them in the past.  Running QBs always seem to get them.  At times they look borderline elite, then out of nowhere, they’ll look like the worst team in the league (well, maybe not as bad as Purdue).  That Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde style of play makes rooting for them extremely frustrating.

As for my prediction:

Hackenberg didn't throw a TD pass to Allen Robinson, but he did throw 1 to a tight end, although it was Kyle Carter, not Jesse James.  Hack also ran for a TD that I didn't see coming.  As for Robinson, he beat my 150 yd prediction with 165 yds on 11 catches.  Belton did in fact have a huge day, not just eclipsing 100 yds, but 200 yds!  He only had 1 TD, not 2, but I think he’s ok with that.  The defense did struggle as I thought they would, but 2 interceptions in key moments and a host of great hits make up for it.  Besides they did eventually win, who cares how ugly, although I doubt many people thought this game was going to go into overtime.

Next week the Lions hit the road again to take on a surging Minnesota Gophers squad that’s strangely winning more without their head coach than they were with him.  Should be interesting.  Check back tomorrow for the grades, and don’t worry, they’ll be much better than last week.  Go State!!!