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Finish this sentence: the biggest factor in this season is ____

  • I'll start: the biggest factor in this season is how well McGloin plays. Yes, a bit obvious, as the play of the QB is usually really important, but I think the big question with McGloin is whether or not he takes a step forward under O'Brien or not. I mean, he HAS to be better, right? If McGloin plays like one of the top 5 or 6 QB's in the Big10, then we will have a very good season IMHO. If not, we will finish in the bottom half. Unfortunately, I don't see McGloin making such a big improvement. But I sure hope I am proved wrong

    What other major factors do you see coming into this season?

    This post has been edited 4 times, most recently by I_Billieve on 8/12/2012 at 3:32 PM

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    I_Billieve

  • Biggest factor is definitely staying injury-free. Depth is lacking in too many areas for any injuries to accumulate.

    PSUfan28 ●

  • Yes, definitely a major, major factor! The depth chart isn't exactly well stocked. We need to stay healthy for sure!

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    I_Billieve

  • McGoin, and how well the Deffensive backfiied play, and if they stay healthy.

    pipedope

  • I am less worried about the corners....it's the safeties that worry me more. We need pressure on the opposing QB, or the d backfield will really come into play.

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    I_Billieve

  • #1. DBs staying injury free

    #2. Close second...O-Line play...if the big guys can create lanes and provide some time to throw the ball it will make up for other position deficiencies.

    JoeMatterno

  • JoeMatterno said...

    #1. DBs staying injury free

    #2. Close second...O-Line play...if the big guys can create lanes and provide some time to throw the ball it will make up for other position deficiencies.

    Damn...you stole mine.

    First and foremost is staying injury free all across the board, not just our secondary.
    Second is OL play.
    Third is QB's.

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    PSUjosh11 ●

  • I_Billieve said...

    I'll start: the biggest factor in this season is how well McGloin plays. Yes, a bit obvious, as the play of the QB is usually really important, but I think the big question with McGloin is whether or not he takes a step forward under O'Brien or not. I mean, he HAS to be better, right? If McGloin plays like one of the top 5 or 6 QB's in the Big10, then we will have a very good season IMHO. If not, we will finish in the bottom half. Unfortunately, I don't see McGloin making such a big improvement. But I sure hope I am proved wrong

    What other major factors do you see coming into this season?

    You do realize PSU will have not 1, not 2, not 3, but 4 new starters on the offensive line. To put the McGloin Factor #1 on your list might not be a fair deal. Just saying.

    My choice will be the offensive line. How they perform, pass blocking and run blocking, will go a long way in how we can run Coach O's offense. I would put the secondary #2, though, I strongly feel our defense should be pretty decent.

    Like most are saying, depth will be a factor, though I see the coaches working on that right now.

    BrianS

  • by far the o-line, that will dictate the running game which will in turn dictate the passing game. but I am more optimistic about the o-line this year then I have been in a long time. (even with 4 new starters)

    bigger, faster, and stronger!!

    swartzyy

  • BrianS said...

    You do realize PSU will have not 1, not 2, not 3, but 4 new starters on the offensive line. To put the McGloin Factor #1 on your list might not be a fair deal. Just saying.

    My choice will be the offensive line. How they perform, pass blocking and run blocking, will go a long way in how we can run Coach O's offense. I would put the secondary #2, though, I strongly feel our defense should be pretty decent.

    Like most are saying, depth will be a factor, though I see the coaches working on that right now.

    I agree with you... But think of thi way... Let's say the O Line and the D Backs actually do play well. How much will that mean if McGloin doesn't play well? What if he (or QB play in general) is lousy? If McGloin falters, then there will be an adjustment period for Jones or Bench, which we can't afford. Once McGloin was named starter, then we really need him to play well.

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    I_Billieve

  • I agree with all of the above but I truly believe it will be FOCUS.

    There will be a lot of emotions running through the season a lot of press coverage. I believe they need to keep the noise out of the locker room first and let everything else fall into place for them.

    This post was edited by DjHart on 8/12/2012 at 4:38 PM

    DjHart ●

  • DjHart said...

    I agree with all of the above but I truly believe it will be FOCUS.

    There will be a lot of emotions running through the season a lot of press coverage. I believe they need to keep the noise out of the locker room first and let everything else fall into place for them.

    I agree Dj. But at the same time, could the emotion be an asset as well ? Common emotions can become focus perhaps ??

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    I_Billieve

  • DjHart said...

    I agree with all of the above but I truly believe it will be FOCUS.

    There will be a lot of emotions running through the season a lot of press coverage. I believe they need to keep the noise out of the locker room first and let everything else fall into place for them.

    This post was edited by I_Billieve on 8/12/2012 at 4:57 PM

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    I_Billieve

  • McGloin not making mistakes.

    tmatt32

  • tmatt32 said...

    McGloin not making mistakes.

    His stats last year were mediocre, but in the games against teams over .500, he was really bad. He needs to make a big step forward statistically.

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    I_Billieve

  • I_Billieve said...

    I agree Dj. But at the same time, could the emotion be an asset as well ? Common emotions can become focus perhaps ??

    I do believe the emotion can be used as an asset and help motivate a team. I just hope they can maintain through the entire season and not burn themselves out. Emotion can be good and bad that is why they have to maintain focus and keep the distractions out of the locker room

    DjHart ●

  • Same thing I pretty much always say, efficiency in all we do. Gonna have the good players, gonna have some bad ones. Staying efficient in all phases usually leads to always being competitive in games. Add a little luck and the seasons will be good.

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    If you havent signed up for premium 247 yet..take my word for it...its worth it!

    Seltz

  • ...coaching. Push the right buttons and we can have a successful season.

    SickOLBs ●

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    PSUMJF

  • The result of the first four games.. If we start 4-0, it could spring board to a very good, possibly 10 win season and may get recruits to give us a second look and see the possibility for success under bob.. Start 2-2 or worse, and the team may lose motivation for the season, and fans may have their doubts of bob being an effective head coach, leaving the next seasons all the more dreary... September can't come soon enough!

    BaltLions24 ●

  • DjHart said...

    I agree with all of the above but I truly believe it will be FOCUS.

    There will be a lot of emotions running through the season a lot of press coverage. I believe they need to keep the noise out of the locker room first and let everything else fall into place for them.

    This

    pennstpete ●

  • The full support of the fans.

    NittnyLion14

  • All of the above. Most important is O-Line.

    kcpsu

  • I'm going to take a slightly different tack and say Fitz is going to have the biggest impact. For both reduced depth and improved OL play, the improved strength and conditioning program should pay huge dividends.

    There is NFL-level talent in the defensive front 7 and no team on the schedule scares the bejezzus out of me in the passing game. Only Braxton Miller truly concerns me (thankfully we miss the Michigan pair). Where we could see the biggest improvement is the separation (instead of nail-biters) from teams like Navy, Ohio, Indiana, Temple, Illinois & Purdue. Even with sanctions and a new program, PSU still has more overall talent on the roster.

    Where the season will hinge is the tweener games against Virginia, Northwestern, Iowa and Nebraska. McGloin must be able to step up in these games and the OL can help by giving him time. Depth will be a concern against teams that are just as physical as PSU. I think OSU & Wisconsin are the best on the 2012 slate - so I'll blame any optimism on homerism and not realism - i think they beat us up pretty badly and that's ok.

    In order to succeed instead of merely survive, the season could hinge on Fitz' ability to prep them this spring and summer.

    PSGrue

  • NittnyLion14 said...

    The full support of the fans.

    This was my though as well. I think as long as the fans show strong support this team will stick together.

    I just hope the guy that normally sits behind me that boos McGloin every time he steps on the field either

    1) Did not renew his seats
    2) Moved to another section
    3) Keeps his mouth shut this year

    If Not, I may have to punch him in the mouth. Regardless of what happens on the field I just hope that no Penn State "Fan" boos any of our players when they make a mistake.

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    mdepsu2000

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