Penn State dominates Coastal Carolina, Mark May whines

Well Penn State's season started even better than many expected, with a 66-10 victory over the FCS Chanticleers (read roosters). Daryll Clark started, as expected, and played the first few drives before giving way to Pat Devlin. Clark also played a series or two to start the second half. He was very effective and looked string and poised in the pocket, completing 11 of 14 passes for 146 yards and 1 TD. Devlin proved the competition had been close all spring and summer. He went 5 of 8 for 83 yards and made some beautiful throws. The highlight, however, had to be the effectiveness of the ground game. Evan Royster, Stephfon Green, Brent Carter, and true freshman Brandon Beachum all saw time, with Royster getting the start. Royster only got 8 touches for 64 yards but scored 3 TDs. Green added 10 carries for 89 yards and 2 TDs while Carter was handed the rock 9 times for 67 yards. Beachum came in late in mop up duty and had 8 carries for 43 yards plus a TD. Derrick Williams had only 2 catches but contributed his first ever kickoff return for a TD after Coastal Carolina cut the Penn State lead to 14-7. Unfortunately the defense looked mediocre. The secondary seemed slow to react and the linebackers missed some assignments and botched a few play calls. The defensive line did look strong, however. Some work must be done in anticipation for Oregon State next week.

Overall it was a strong performance, probably better than some expected. The biggest plus was no turnovers. However the win must be kept in perspective. It was lowly Coastal Carolina, after all. Something Pitt Alum and ESPN analyst wa smore than pleased to point out.

During highlights shown in between games at the ESPN studios, Mark May tried to make as many jabs as he could against the Nittany Lions. While the Penn State/Coastal Carolina score was shown following the game highlights, Mark May stated "It's Coastal Carolina. What, wasn't [insert crappy school here] available?". I missed what school he said. If anyone know, let me know. Then, after Chris Fowler read the score, May said "Yeah BUT IT'S COASTAL CAROLINA!!!". May's partner Lou Holtz then added this gem: "Yeah and I'm Lou Holtz and you're Mark May.". Haha. However, May wasn't done. He then psoed a question to Fowler and Holtz. May, visibly upset and enraged, said "Did Coastal Carolina have a football team 8 years ago?". A rhetorical question, because Holtz and Fowler know they didn't, as does May. Following the Penn State highlights, the ESPN crew went to the Pitt/Bowling Green game. Pitt lost and May preceded to lambast them, as he should. But what really irks me is his complete contempt for Penn State. As if Pitt hasn't played any cupcakes. Is Bowling Green really that much more prestigious than Coastal Caroline? Hell no! Bowling Green has been around for 89 years. They have a total of 19 All Americans and 8 bowl appearances, going 4-4. Wow, Mark, wow. They are a MAC team. Sure they're better than Coastal Carolina. But how is playing Bowling Green any better than Coastal Carolina? He would have said the same thing about Penn State if they were playing Bowling Green. Mark May is a hypocritical, completely biased, ass that has it out for Penn State (just like Colin Cowherd).

Anyway, revel in the blowout win for the rest of the night Penn State fans. There are more important games to come, starting next week vs Oregon State. Good start. Keep it going.

Daryll Clark to start Saturday vs Coastal Carolina

Expect both Pat Devlin (7) and Daryll Clark (17) to play during Penn State's season opener on Saturday.

Joe Paterno has made it official. And it surprised no one. JoePa tagged upperclassman QB Daryll Clark to start the season opener for Penn State this Saturday versus FCS school Coastal Carolina. Clark was in a battle with Pat Devlin to be the Nittany Lions starting QB this season. It has been widely speculated that Penn State's ne offense - dubbed the Spread HD - will be a flashback to 2005 when current 49er RB Michael Robinson lined up behind center for PSU. Clark's talent and abilities are a mirror image of Robinson's. However, many believe the QB controversy isn't over. Devlin played well during the Blue & White game and through camp. The staff has promised to give Devlin playing time when it truly matters - during games - and if Clark were to struggle, Devlin could take over. Devlin will most certainly see time in the opener, less than 4 days away. How much time no one knows. Hopefully it is more than just the 4th quarter, when Penn State is up 50-0. Devlin should play when the game still matters, say, the 2nd quarter.

In former Penn State player news, Pro Football Talk is reporting that the New York Jets have released RB Rodney Kinlaw in order to get down to the league maximum of 75 players by this evening. Kinlaw took over the starting RB duties for Penn State last year after Austin Scott was booted from the team. Kinlaw went on to rush for 1,329 yards and 10 TDs. Austin Scott, like Kinlaw, wasn't drafted in April but signed as a rookie free agent with the Cleveland Browns. Scott was released today as well.

I second that

I absolutely second J Mays' calling to bench Morelli. Leaving him in at this juncture is pointless. You're supposed to start the quarterback that gives you the best chance to win. Honestly, I feel like any quarterback on this roster gives us an equal chance to win. All Morelli has proven this season is that he's a guy with a rocket arm that makes absolutely horrendous decisions (and can't hold on to the ball). I understand that Illinois is a pretty decent football team but turning the ball over 4 times is unacceptable, no matter who you are playing. The play calling today was much, much better than it has been in the past few games and the Lions just couldn't capitalize. They pieced together a few impressive drives but the wheels would just come off by the end. Killer #1 was Morelli's terrible INT at the Illinois 1 yard line. It was just a terrible throw that thwarted an impressive late game drive. Killer #2 was Morelli's fumble after getting the first down on 4th and long with less than a minute to go in the game. Kudos for having the courage to run that but if you're going to run it HOLD ON TO THE FOOTBALL. I agree that Devlin should get the nod, at least for a game or two. Let's see what he can do. Leaving in Morelli would be like the Giants re-signing Barry Bonds after this year. Sure, he can do some things for you, but getting cutting ties is for the good of the club. PSU isn't winning a national title and a Big Ten title is a long shot at this point. For the future...

Morelli Must Be Benched

As the Nittany Lions lose for the 2nd straight week, it has become glaring that changes are needed at QB. Anthony Morelli must be benched. He should be relegated to 4th string behind Clark, Devlin, and Cianciolo. Not just because of his horrendous game today. But because of his horrendous career. In the 18 games Morelli has started, Penn State is 12-6. Mediocre considering 6 of those wins are against cupcakes (Akron, Yougnstown State, Temple, FIU, Notre Dame (2007), and Buffalo). In those 6 wins hes thrown for 12 TDs and 2 INTs. Not bad. Except that the statistic most important to any QB is his rating. Morelli has topped 100 in those 12 games ONLY 3 times (Akron 2006, FIU 2007, Buffalo 2007). Even against inferior opponents he's statistically terrible. In important, meaningful games he's 6-6 and has had a QB rating under 70 in 6 of those 12 contests. Also in those 12 games he has thrown just 8 TDs versus 9 INTs. Wow. He is not a good QB. He has shown no signs of improvement. He can't beat good teams. He makes terrible decisions. He can't hold onto the ball. He MUST be removed. If he can't lead this team someone else must get a chance. Personally I think it should be Pat Devlin, the prize recruit of the 2005 class who rescinded on his verbal commitment to Miami to sign with Penn State. Devlin redshirted last year. He must start and the staff has to evaluate his raw skills and determine if he is the QB for the rest of this year and 2008, 2009, and 2010. He would gain massive amounts of experience this year and be poised for a steady campaign in 2008. The Penn State team this year is not devoid of talent (excluding the offensive line). Devlin wouldn't be playing on a bad team (like Jimmy Clausen). It would build his game management skills and he would gain live action experience, the most important component to building a successful QB. Devlin must get the start Saturday versus Iowa in Happy Valley.