Week 2 Awards

We're almost done looking back at Akron, but we got one more post before we can move on to Rutgers.  Now the Akron game didn't go quite how most people expected.  The Zips put up way more of a fight than they normally do, even if the score didn't exactly reflect it, and Penn State looked like they were either still jetlagged or looking ahead to this week's road trip to Piscataway.  But there were still a few standouts, so let's roll out that red carpet and get set for some awards!

I had a tough time with the Beast Mode Award this week, but eventually decided on TE Jesse James thanks almost entirely to his 2 TDs.  However, I almost gave this to WR Geno Lewis who came just 2 yds shy of another 100 yd game.  I figure Lewis will have plenty of other Beast Mode-worthy performances this season, so we'll stick with the big man today.  Congrats Jesse!

Next up, the Transformer Award goes to RB Akeel Lynch.  Even though the running game has been pretty terrible these first two weeks, and Lynch's stats didn't really impress anyone despite leading the team in rushing yds, he randomly transformed himself into a wildcat QB for part of the Akron game.  It didn't work particularly well (and last time I checked we still have Christian Hackenberg at QB), but Lynch may be our new best running option and the wildcat is an effective way to get the ball in his hands.  I just hope we don't use it too often.

I created the Matrix Award (named after the Creation Matrix from Transformers) to honor underclassmen achievement, especially in light of the sanctions.  With fewer scholarships it was obvious that underclassmen, and particularly freshmen, were going to be called upon early and often to step up and help Penn State win.  We saw a shining example of this on Saturday as redshirt freshman P Chris Gulla booted the ball 5 times for a 48.8 yd average.  For those of you who don't know much about punting, let's just say anything over 40 yds is crazy good!  One of the question marks entering the season was who would fill the shoes of departed P Alex Butterworth.  Looks like James Franklin has found his answer.

I have a feeling the In Disguise Award is going to a defensive player pretty often until this defense gets a little more recognition.  This week will be no exception as I present it to LB Mike Hull, who now leads the team with 22 tackles and has served as the field general for what is turning out to be a good, old fashioned, hard nosed, Penn State defense.  They held Akron to just 3 points, despite numerous trips to the endzone.  Hull is a grizzled veteran who possesses incredible strength and above average quickness, even for a linebacker.  He's been making plays since his sophomore year yet rarely gets much media attention.  If he keeps playing like this, though, that might change.

Finally, the now infamous Megatron Award goes to Akron DE Se’Von Pittman.  The Ohio State transfer and former 4-star recruit was in the backfield all day and was a key reason Penn State's running game didn't get going as I anticipated.  QB Kyle Pohl gets an honorable mention here for his offensive performance, but Pittman's impact was incredible.  The stat website I use conveniently left him off their defensive stats for some reason, so I can't tell you exactly what he did, but here's a picture of him saying "hello" to Hackenberg.

That will do it for today, and for my coverage of the Akron game.  Next up is a big one ladies and gentlemen, as the Nittany Lions travel across the boarder to NJ and renew their rivalry with the Scarlet Knights of Rutgers in the first Big Ten conference game of the year!  It'll be in primetime and believe me, the Rutgers fans are pumped so you better be too.  Check back here on Friday, don't forget to follow me on Twitter @PSUOptimus, and as always, go State!