BleedGopher
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per PennLive:
DECISIONS, DECISIONS. How will Penn State coach James Franklin manage his team's game against Minnesota? Can he afford to be conservative against the Gophers with his defense burdened by injuries at key positions? Worth mentioning given Franklin's decision to kick a field goal against Michigan down 28-0 early in the third quarter. Even after burning a timeout with the Lions' field-goal unit on the field.
OFF-TARGET? PSU needed all of its healthy linebacker bodies against Michigan and had to overcome the loss of middle linebacker Brandon Smith to a targeting ejection in the first half. Smith returns this week and the Lions must have all hands on-deck vs. the Minnesota running game.
BUILT FOR TROUBLE. Penn State's defense will be tasked with getting off the field quickly Saturday, right? Too many injuries. Not enough depth. But Minnesota is ranked fifth in FBS at converting third-down chances. The Gophers are clicking at almost 56 percent (24-for-53). It could be a long day for the PSU 'D'.
PERFECT VS. IMPERFECT. Watch what happens when Minnesota's offense moves into red zone territory — the Lions' 20 and in. The Gophers are tied for first in the country when it comes to offensive red zone efficiency. Minnesota has produced 10 rushing touchdowns, three passing touchdowns and a field goal on 14 possessions. PSU's defense in the red zone? Well, Pitt was 6-for-6 (all touchdowns) and so was Michigan.
OFFENSIVE ISSUES 101. The Lions' running game isn't doing enough despite the presence of standout Saquon Barkley. PSU is averaging just 101.3 yards on the ground per game, ranking the Lions No. 122 in FBS.
http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2016/09/penn_state-minnesota_top_story.html
Go Gophers!!
DECISIONS, DECISIONS. How will Penn State coach James Franklin manage his team's game against Minnesota? Can he afford to be conservative against the Gophers with his defense burdened by injuries at key positions? Worth mentioning given Franklin's decision to kick a field goal against Michigan down 28-0 early in the third quarter. Even after burning a timeout with the Lions' field-goal unit on the field.
OFF-TARGET? PSU needed all of its healthy linebacker bodies against Michigan and had to overcome the loss of middle linebacker Brandon Smith to a targeting ejection in the first half. Smith returns this week and the Lions must have all hands on-deck vs. the Minnesota running game.
BUILT FOR TROUBLE. Penn State's defense will be tasked with getting off the field quickly Saturday, right? Too many injuries. Not enough depth. But Minnesota is ranked fifth in FBS at converting third-down chances. The Gophers are clicking at almost 56 percent (24-for-53). It could be a long day for the PSU 'D'.
PERFECT VS. IMPERFECT. Watch what happens when Minnesota's offense moves into red zone territory — the Lions' 20 and in. The Gophers are tied for first in the country when it comes to offensive red zone efficiency. Minnesota has produced 10 rushing touchdowns, three passing touchdowns and a field goal on 14 possessions. PSU's defense in the red zone? Well, Pitt was 6-for-6 (all touchdowns) and so was Michigan.
OFFENSIVE ISSUES 101. The Lions' running game isn't doing enough despite the presence of standout Saquon Barkley. PSU is averaging just 101.3 yards on the ground per game, ranking the Lions No. 122 in FBS.
http://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/index.ssf/2016/09/penn_state-minnesota_top_story.html
Go Gophers!!