Summer is ending, classes are starting, and college football is arriving and the season opener is just around the corner. We're now about halfway through preseason practice, which generally means one thing for Penn State football......speculation, speculation, and more speculation.
The number one problem going into camp as a member of the Penn State football team will always be speculation. This is a sad truth because the focus should be on the players, the position battles, and how these battles will affect the outlook of the upcoming season. However, there are two major factors that cause this cycle year in and year out.
The first, is the mindset and insecurity of the majority of those that follow Penn State football. A majority of the sports fans that follow Pennsylvania teams are just born with a major insecurity, a natural anxiety, and contagious negative mindset towards their sports teams. You can argue that this has developed over time due to the enormous amount of heartbreak that these fans have suffered, but that argument is not good enough for a state that boasts a self-titled "City of Champions" and the most recent success of Philadelphia teams in a plethora of professional sports (Philly fans speak for themselves).
This worry and negativity transfers over to the second and biggest contributor of speculation around a young and promising Penn State program. To make it plain and simple and to put it right out there, its terrible journalism. A majority of the writers and bloggers that cover Penn State Sports are also natives of the state of Pennsylvania. Their method of writing and presenting facts and the voice behind their narratives further instills negativity into their readers minds and hearts.
This type of journalism is terrible for a college sports program and does a great injustice to the players on this Penn State team every year. The way that these journalists report position battles does not always present the correct facts, spell out the progress of the players, or even give you a clear picture of what is truly happening in camp. The position battles are really one writer picking their favorite for that position, supporting their arguments based on potential and their judgments, and not reporting the facts of what is truly happening in camp. This is the first of many dominoes.
The next method to this madness are the hundreds of bloggers who read this initial article, make their own assumptions based on that writer's opinions, and provide their "own insight", which is truly the way they define another writer's opinion. In simple terms, they are not basing their articles and opinions on facts, but basing them off of another writer's "facts". They are stretching a minimal amount of information into their own truth, and no one is formulating their own opinion or breakdown of the truth because they fear being wrong.
That's what sports blogging and writing these articles is about. It's about writing stories based on the facts that you are given rather than the "facts" that you find. It's about reporting the truth and then coming to a conclusion of what you got from the truth, rather than turning your insecurities into safe assumptions out of the fear of being wrong. You report the truth and present your conclusion, pretty simple.
Okay, so now what is the purpose of making this argument in this post. It's short and simple, I'm sick and tired of all of the reports surrounding the Penn State Quarterback battle this fall. I have read over 50 different articles the past two weeks, and every single one of them have used the same quotations, made the same assumptions, and had the same conclusions. It's getting pretty tiresome and exhausting, it's like listening to a broken track on the radio.
Be honest, how many times since the beginning of camp have you read the following information:
"McGloin has the best leadership and command of the huddle....this makes up for the physical attributes he lack...blah blah blah, etc."
"Newsome has not secured the job yet, he is the best runner of them all, does not possess the leadership in the huddle, etc."
"Bolden is the best equipped of them all, most poised in the pocket, evades the rush, makes the right throw, just needs time in the playbook and offense, etc."
They are all saying the same thing because no one is looking at the facts and coming to their own conclusions. Because none of these writers want to be wrong in their conclusion, they come up with a safe resolution where they wont be proven wrong, and the safe way out is by creating speculation.
This is not fair to these guys that are competing for these spots. Poor guy Kevin Newsome has not even taken a snap as the first team QB and Penn State fans are calling for his head. The truth is that all of them have been making strides throughout preseason camp, and that neither of them have separated themselves from the rest of the pack. The truth is that the competition in camp will provide us with the best option to win.
No more assumptions that JoePa will not play a freshman, no more assumptions that McGloin will start because he brings more leadership, and no more assumptions that Newsome has been written off because they could have given him the red-shirt this year as well. They all bring something different to the table, and all their skills will be on display against Youngstown State on Sept. 4th.
As for my outlook for the Quarterback rotation for the first game of the season. Truly it depends on what happens throughout the rest of camp, but based on the facts now, I would say the Newsome would start, but McGloin and Bolden would also get reps. Whether we blow them out or not, look for the first team to get a lot of action in the first game as we are breaking these guys in. As for the starting Quarterback for the Bama' game, we'll just have to wait and see how the opener goes against Youngstown State.
But for now, keep your mind open, do not keep filling your mind with the same information from different articles, and watch the negativity. If you wonder why you are doubting the team, and hear yourself making the same arguments, you now know why. Be on the look out for terrible journalism, and get excited for the fall because Penn State football is headed in the right direction.
WE ARE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, August 23, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Expansion Talk
Here we go......
I'm going to just go ahead and get straight to the point on this one, the Big Ten has gained Nebraska, the Pac-10 Colorado, and the Big 12 has dropped to ten teams, and a "lucrative" television deal. The reasons why behind each are very very simple...............MONEY.
I have heard all of the reasoning behind it, the moaning and speculation of many fans from all over the country, there is no truth to your reasoning, its just all about money. Why do you think Nebraska and Colorado left the Big 12? Why do you think the rest of the Big 12 had a summit and decided to create a television network? It's not about tradition, it's not about geographical location, its not about the integrity of the game.....it's about money.
The truth is that the revenue sharing amongst all the other leagues is split evenly at the end of every season. It just happens that the average revenue per team in every Big Six conference was somewhere around 10-12 millions dollars, with the exception of the Big Ten. The revenue sharing in our conference was around 20-23 million dollars per school because we have the Big Ten network, which is the reason behind all of this expansion craze.
A lot of folks have been speculating that the reason for expansion is to create a more competitive environment, to force the BCS system to crash and fail, and create an opportunity for playoffs. Some will even say that it will cost the schools more money because they have to charter a plane to travel further now in mega-conferences. I have heard it all, the truth is that all of these are possible results of expansion, college football is as competitive as it has ever been today, playoffs will eventually work their way into the picture, and let's be honest, most college teams have private jets or contract deals with airlines for travel already. As evidenced by the fact that PSU flew into Philly to face Temple a few years back when they could have just drove for three hours.
With all of this happening, I would go ahead and expect expansion to be a central theme for the near future because we're not done just yet. Yes, the Big Ten has Nebraska, which will eventually give us a Big Ten title game. Yes, the Pac-10 now has 12 teams including Utah and Colorado and a conference title game. Yes, the Big 12 has 10 teams and a new television deal, but there's one domino in this picture that will fall and ruin the whole picture of current expansion.
The Big 12 is that domino. The Big 12 went for a quick fix, putting all of its faith in one school, one program, and that was Texas. Commissioner Beebe might look like a superhero now, but mark my words, he will be looking more like Enron in the years to come. The Big 12 made the mistake of selling its soul to Texas, and the viability of the Big 12 relies on this new television deal, which was tailored to meet Texas' needs.
With the new television contracts, the revenue sharing will most likely double in the Big 12. It's genius, each program will receive more money, and each school's athletic program will benefit without a doubt. Now that sounds great, doesn't it? But the truth remains that Texas and Oklahoma will benefit more than all the other schools because the revenue sharing will not be split evenly. As part of the deal to remain in the Big 12, Texas and Oklahoma get a bigger share of the pot than all the other schools, and this creates a very big problem.
As you see, in the Big Ten, the SEC, Pac-10, ACC, and even the Big East, every program gets the same amount. Northwestern will receive 22 million dollars at the end of the season, just like Penn State, Ohio State, and Michigan. It doesn't matter the name, it is split evenly in every conference but the Big 12. Now what do you think is going to happen when Jim Delany comes knocking on the door promising these other schools equal shares? Not even Jim Delany, think about the Mountain West, they just lost Utah, got Boise State, and have a great opportunity to pluck some teams right out of the lower divisions of the Big 12. Those schools are not just going to sit around and let Texas and Oklahoma create a conference that just benefits them, they will not sit around and be Yes Men.
The beauty of it all is that factors such as geographical location, tradition, and trust no longer play a factor. These other schools will eventually get what is right for their programs, and in the end, once Texas and Oklahoma have no other choice but to join other conferences, they will too. It is their pride that holds this conference together, and it will be their pride that will burn it to the ground. When it's all said and done, all those schools will get equal shares of around 20 million dollars per year, just from another conference.
We Are....................
I'm going to just go ahead and get straight to the point on this one, the Big Ten has gained Nebraska, the Pac-10 Colorado, and the Big 12 has dropped to ten teams, and a "lucrative" television deal. The reasons why behind each are very very simple...............MONEY.
I have heard all of the reasoning behind it, the moaning and speculation of many fans from all over the country, there is no truth to your reasoning, its just all about money. Why do you think Nebraska and Colorado left the Big 12? Why do you think the rest of the Big 12 had a summit and decided to create a television network? It's not about tradition, it's not about geographical location, its not about the integrity of the game.....it's about money.
The truth is that the revenue sharing amongst all the other leagues is split evenly at the end of every season. It just happens that the average revenue per team in every Big Six conference was somewhere around 10-12 millions dollars, with the exception of the Big Ten. The revenue sharing in our conference was around 20-23 million dollars per school because we have the Big Ten network, which is the reason behind all of this expansion craze.
A lot of folks have been speculating that the reason for expansion is to create a more competitive environment, to force the BCS system to crash and fail, and create an opportunity for playoffs. Some will even say that it will cost the schools more money because they have to charter a plane to travel further now in mega-conferences. I have heard it all, the truth is that all of these are possible results of expansion, college football is as competitive as it has ever been today, playoffs will eventually work their way into the picture, and let's be honest, most college teams have private jets or contract deals with airlines for travel already. As evidenced by the fact that PSU flew into Philly to face Temple a few years back when they could have just drove for three hours.
With all of this happening, I would go ahead and expect expansion to be a central theme for the near future because we're not done just yet. Yes, the Big Ten has Nebraska, which will eventually give us a Big Ten title game. Yes, the Pac-10 now has 12 teams including Utah and Colorado and a conference title game. Yes, the Big 12 has 10 teams and a new television deal, but there's one domino in this picture that will fall and ruin the whole picture of current expansion.
The Big 12 is that domino. The Big 12 went for a quick fix, putting all of its faith in one school, one program, and that was Texas. Commissioner Beebe might look like a superhero now, but mark my words, he will be looking more like Enron in the years to come. The Big 12 made the mistake of selling its soul to Texas, and the viability of the Big 12 relies on this new television deal, which was tailored to meet Texas' needs.
With the new television contracts, the revenue sharing will most likely double in the Big 12. It's genius, each program will receive more money, and each school's athletic program will benefit without a doubt. Now that sounds great, doesn't it? But the truth remains that Texas and Oklahoma will benefit more than all the other schools because the revenue sharing will not be split evenly. As part of the deal to remain in the Big 12, Texas and Oklahoma get a bigger share of the pot than all the other schools, and this creates a very big problem.
As you see, in the Big Ten, the SEC, Pac-10, ACC, and even the Big East, every program gets the same amount. Northwestern will receive 22 million dollars at the end of the season, just like Penn State, Ohio State, and Michigan. It doesn't matter the name, it is split evenly in every conference but the Big 12. Now what do you think is going to happen when Jim Delany comes knocking on the door promising these other schools equal shares? Not even Jim Delany, think about the Mountain West, they just lost Utah, got Boise State, and have a great opportunity to pluck some teams right out of the lower divisions of the Big 12. Those schools are not just going to sit around and let Texas and Oklahoma create a conference that just benefits them, they will not sit around and be Yes Men.
The beauty of it all is that factors such as geographical location, tradition, and trust no longer play a factor. These other schools will eventually get what is right for their programs, and in the end, once Texas and Oklahoma have no other choice but to join other conferences, they will too. It is their pride that holds this conference together, and it will be their pride that will burn it to the ground. When it's all said and done, all those schools will get equal shares of around 20 million dollars per year, just from another conference.
We Are....................
Monday, April 19, 2010
Dakota Royer
Dakota Royer, one of the best in-state products we signed in this past year's class is the third of seven early enrollees that we are talking about. Royer is just a naturally gifted athlete that will add to the legacy of "Linebacker U" in the coming years.
Dakota Royer is listed at 6'3" and 210 pounds. He possesses great strength and speed for his size with a 4.6 speed in the forty. Dakota is what you would call a freak of an athlete for someone with his frame. He has the ability to put on another 30-50 pounds on that frame of his without losing his speed and flexibility. This is why Royer is a bit of a puzzle piece as to where he is going to play in college.
Royer possesses great hand technique and burst off the line. With added muscle and strength Royer could become a force off the edge for years to come. He is very aggressive, great at getting off of blocks, and has a relentless pursuit of the ball carrier, as was on display during the Under Armour all star game. You see that he possesses these skills and wonder why its so difficult to make a decision as to where he plays, well there's a kicker.
These are not all of Royer's intangibles, as Royer is a very intelligent player. He is very sound in his fundamentals and makes one great decision after another everytime he is on the field. He also possesses great lateral movement and is a great tackler in the open field. His hips are very fluid, as he can change his direction with ease and excels in pass coverage.
Out of all the players that we have coming in from the class of 2010, Dakota Royer has the most upside and potential. As long as he continues to grow into his frame and develop at the rate his developing, I would not be suprised to see him on field for special teams and working his way into the rotation as the year progresses. My guess would be that Royer ends up at the linebacker position, but I wouldn't expect to see much of #32 this weekend at the Blue and White game as he is nursing an injured hip.
Up Next: Evan Hailes
WE ARE......
Dakota Royer is listed at 6'3" and 210 pounds. He possesses great strength and speed for his size with a 4.6 speed in the forty. Dakota is what you would call a freak of an athlete for someone with his frame. He has the ability to put on another 30-50 pounds on that frame of his without losing his speed and flexibility. This is why Royer is a bit of a puzzle piece as to where he is going to play in college.
Royer possesses great hand technique and burst off the line. With added muscle and strength Royer could become a force off the edge for years to come. He is very aggressive, great at getting off of blocks, and has a relentless pursuit of the ball carrier, as was on display during the Under Armour all star game. You see that he possesses these skills and wonder why its so difficult to make a decision as to where he plays, well there's a kicker.
These are not all of Royer's intangibles, as Royer is a very intelligent player. He is very sound in his fundamentals and makes one great decision after another everytime he is on the field. He also possesses great lateral movement and is a great tackler in the open field. His hips are very fluid, as he can change his direction with ease and excels in pass coverage.
Out of all the players that we have coming in from the class of 2010, Dakota Royer has the most upside and potential. As long as he continues to grow into his frame and develop at the rate his developing, I would not be suprised to see him on field for special teams and working his way into the rotation as the year progresses. My guess would be that Royer ends up at the linebacker position, but I wouldn't expect to see much of #32 this weekend at the Blue and White game as he is nursing an injured hip.
Up Next: Evan Hailes
WE ARE......
Kevin Haplea
We are now moving on to our second of seven early enrollees. Today we are going to take a look at tight end Kevin Haplea. Kevin was a much needed recruit, especially with the losses of Mickey Shuler and Quarless at the tight end position.
Kevin was highly recruited tight end in the class of 2010. Some recruiting services had Kevin ranked as high as the sixth ranked tight end in the class of 2010. Standing at 6'4" and listed as much as 240 lbs, he seemed to have build to contribute and strengthen the depth chart almost immediately. However, Kevin has been officially listed at 210 lbs on the Penn State roster and has some room to grow.
Taking a closer look at Kevin, he certainly has the frame to grow into a great division I tight end, and the skills to go with it. Kevin has a great knack for the ball. His on the ball skills rival that of most receivers, possessing great hands, boasting a 32 inch vertical, and does a great job of using his body to box out defenders and high point the ball. Kevin also has a relentless motor, almost always going to the whistle, and does a great job blocking.
Though his upside is great, Kevin will need to grow into his frame before he can contribute at this level. Even though he is extremely talented and possesses a great amount of potential, Kevin will need to improve his size and speed in order to contribute. Currently, he is a little undersized to play on the end of the line and will most likely be out muscled by many defensive end and linebackers at this level. Linebackers at this level will be able to match his current speed, so he will need to bulk up to be able to use his frame to his advantage.
Haplea is a work in progress, but with his work ethic and raw ability, I would expect him to develop into a great player in a couple of years. It would definitely be a shame if a player of his caliber does not develop into a top tier player at this level. With the coaching and the facilities at Penn State, I say that he will do just fine. Just keep an eye open for number 82 this weekend at the Blue and White game.
NEXT UP: DAKOTA ROYER
WE ARE..................
Kevin was highly recruited tight end in the class of 2010. Some recruiting services had Kevin ranked as high as the sixth ranked tight end in the class of 2010. Standing at 6'4" and listed as much as 240 lbs, he seemed to have build to contribute and strengthen the depth chart almost immediately. However, Kevin has been officially listed at 210 lbs on the Penn State roster and has some room to grow.
Taking a closer look at Kevin, he certainly has the frame to grow into a great division I tight end, and the skills to go with it. Kevin has a great knack for the ball. His on the ball skills rival that of most receivers, possessing great hands, boasting a 32 inch vertical, and does a great job of using his body to box out defenders and high point the ball. Kevin also has a relentless motor, almost always going to the whistle, and does a great job blocking.
Though his upside is great, Kevin will need to grow into his frame before he can contribute at this level. Even though he is extremely talented and possesses a great amount of potential, Kevin will need to improve his size and speed in order to contribute. Currently, he is a little undersized to play on the end of the line and will most likely be out muscled by many defensive end and linebackers at this level. Linebackers at this level will be able to match his current speed, so he will need to bulk up to be able to use his frame to his advantage.
Haplea is a work in progress, but with his work ethic and raw ability, I would expect him to develop into a great player in a couple of years. It would definitely be a shame if a player of his caliber does not develop into a top tier player at this level. With the coaching and the facilities at Penn State, I say that he will do just fine. Just keep an eye open for number 82 this weekend at the Blue and White game.
NEXT UP: DAKOTA ROYER
WE ARE..................
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)