I come in peace. There hasn't been much informative talk on the PSU boards about the game this weekend, most of it due to the fact that most PSU fans don't know much about Syracuse, myself included. I'd like to know more about your strengths and weaknesses and I'll provide the same for PSU.
A lot has been made of PSU's lack of depth. DL and LB are the only two positions where depth may become an issue later in the season if there are injuries. The DL has at least 6 guys that would have all seen meaningful snaps on any PSU D-line over the past decade, and we are expecting 9 guys to see action on Saturday. The problem is there are only two all-conference level guys this year - DE Deion Barnes and DT DaQuan Jones. After them there are some solid players, but not difference makers. DL wont be a strength, but it won't be a weakness. If Jones and/or Barnes get injured at some point, the D-line will struggle.
LB - Mike Hull and Glenn Carson will both be all-conference this year. Redshirt freshman Nyeem Wartman saw some action last year as a true freshman before being hurt. He is a future star linebacker, but he is just a redshirt freshman without much experience. There is only one back up (Ben Kline) with significant experience, behind him there are depth concerns. I see this being a potential issue on special teams. But PSU doesn't typically play more than 4-5 LB a game, so I don't see this being a real concern early in the season as long as everyone is healthy.
DB - This is the deepest and most talented group of DB's Penn State has had in a long time. With the depth at DB we will probably see more nickel and dime if the LB's get dinged up.
QB - both young and talented. Hackenberg is the most talented QB we have had since Kerry Collins, but he has only been on campus a few weeks and is still learning the playbook. How the QB's perform is the real unknown right now.
O-line - 4 of the 5 starters are very experienced. The RT spot is a battle between converted TE Garry Gilliam and last years back-up Adam Gress. This will be Gilliam's spot later in the year, but he is still adjusting to the new position and may not be ready Saturday.
RB - Zwinak is a throwback power runner who really got going the end of last season rushing for over 1,000 yards. He didn't really start getting carries until the third game last year. If he would have been our primary ball carrier from day 1 PSU probably doesn't go 0-2 to start the season. Akeel Lynch is redshirt freshman who the fans are excited to see and will see a lot of carries, but right now he is listed third behind last years opening day started Bill Belton.
TE - There are 3 tight ends that will be playing in the NFL plus last year's #1 tight end recruit in the country Adam Brenneman. This may be the most talented group of tight ends in the country. Expect to see 4 tight ends in on passing plays.
WR - Allan Robinson is the best receiver PSU has had since Bobby Engram in 1994. Brandon Felder is a reliable number 2 but isn't a game breaker. Redshirt freshman Geno Lewis was highly recruited and did very well on the scout team last year. He is expected to be a major contributor this year.
Summary - PSU will try to pound the ball with Zwinak and their experienced Oline. No matter who the quarterback is, I don't expect to see a wide open passing attack. I expect short routes to the tight ends and Robinson with not much being thrown down the field. Defensively the question will be how well the D-line can stop the run and if the LB's can stay healthy. The secondary should be fine.
A lot has been made of PSU's lack of depth. DL and LB are the only two positions where depth may become an issue later in the season if there are injuries. The DL has at least 6 guys that would have all seen meaningful snaps on any PSU D-line over the past decade, and we are expecting 9 guys to see action on Saturday. The problem is there are only two all-conference level guys this year - DE Deion Barnes and DT DaQuan Jones. After them there are some solid players, but not difference makers. DL wont be a strength, but it won't be a weakness. If Jones and/or Barnes get injured at some point, the D-line will struggle.
LB - Mike Hull and Glenn Carson will both be all-conference this year. Redshirt freshman Nyeem Wartman saw some action last year as a true freshman before being hurt. He is a future star linebacker, but he is just a redshirt freshman without much experience. There is only one back up (Ben Kline) with significant experience, behind him there are depth concerns. I see this being a potential issue on special teams. But PSU doesn't typically play more than 4-5 LB a game, so I don't see this being a real concern early in the season as long as everyone is healthy.
DB - This is the deepest and most talented group of DB's Penn State has had in a long time. With the depth at DB we will probably see more nickel and dime if the LB's get dinged up.
QB - both young and talented. Hackenberg is the most talented QB we have had since Kerry Collins, but he has only been on campus a few weeks and is still learning the playbook. How the QB's perform is the real unknown right now.
O-line - 4 of the 5 starters are very experienced. The RT spot is a battle between converted TE Garry Gilliam and last years back-up Adam Gress. This will be Gilliam's spot later in the year, but he is still adjusting to the new position and may not be ready Saturday.
RB - Zwinak is a throwback power runner who really got going the end of last season rushing for over 1,000 yards. He didn't really start getting carries until the third game last year. If he would have been our primary ball carrier from day 1 PSU probably doesn't go 0-2 to start the season. Akeel Lynch is redshirt freshman who the fans are excited to see and will see a lot of carries, but right now he is listed third behind last years opening day started Bill Belton.
TE - There are 3 tight ends that will be playing in the NFL plus last year's #1 tight end recruit in the country Adam Brenneman. This may be the most talented group of tight ends in the country. Expect to see 4 tight ends in on passing plays.
WR - Allan Robinson is the best receiver PSU has had since Bobby Engram in 1994. Brandon Felder is a reliable number 2 but isn't a game breaker. Redshirt freshman Geno Lewis was highly recruited and did very well on the scout team last year. He is expected to be a major contributor this year.
Summary - PSU will try to pound the ball with Zwinak and their experienced Oline. No matter who the quarterback is, I don't expect to see a wide open passing attack. I expect short routes to the tight ends and Robinson with not much being thrown down the field. Defensively the question will be how well the D-line can stop the run and if the LB's can stay healthy. The secondary should be fine.
