Penn State Sports Magazine
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tial offensive series following Virginia's first turnover, O'Brien opted to run the ball on first and second down. Michael Zordich gained 2 yards on first down, and Curtis Dukes was stopped for no gain on second down. After a 5-yard illegal procedure penal- ty, McGloin threw an incomplete pass, and the drive ended with Fick- en's second missed field goal. The Nittany Lions' third takeaway occurred midway through the third quarter when linebacker Gerald Hodges recovered a fumbled snap by Rocco at Virginia's 29-yard line. But this seemingly golden opportunity led to the Nittany Lions' worst offensive possession of the game. On first down, Penn State tried to run Day off-tackle to the short side of the field, but freshman tight end Jesse James was penalized, creating a first- and-20 situation at Virginia's 39-yard line. After two incomplete passes by McGloin, Day was stuffed on a draw for a 1-yard gain, and the Nittany Li- ons were forced to punt. The only Virginia turnover that led to Penn State points came in the fourth quarter following a fumble that was created by a sack of Virginia backup quarterback Phillip Sims at the Cavaliers' 17-yard line by defen- sive end Deion Barnes. Penn State once again tried to run the football on first and second downs following Sims' fumble, and the results were gains of 4 yards and 1 yard by Dukes. After Virginia defen- sive end Ausar Walcott knocked down a flanker screen pass on third down, Ficken was finally able to convert a 32-yard field goal attempt, giving Penn State a 16-10 lead. All told, four turnovers that initiat- ed drives inside Virginia's 30-yard line produced just a single yard of to- tal offense and put three points on the scoreboard. Statistically, teams that create four turnovers in a game win those games 93 percent of the time. Clearly, Penn State has to improve in this area go- ing into the Big Ten season. O'Brien said recently that he likes to run the ball in the red zone, but he admitted that he had some misgiv- ings about one of his play calls against Virginia. "I think the one run I called where I basically called a lead play wasn't a great call," he said. "Most of the other calls I felt were good calls, but we've got to do a better job of executing." Finally, this last item might not deal directly with performance on the field, but the way in which O'Brien handles redshirting will be critical throughout the season and beyond. Through Penn State's first two games, six freshmen had played: James, quarterback Steven Bench, cornerback Da'Quan Davis, defensive back Jordan Lucas, linebacker Ny- eem Wartman and wide receiver Trevor Williams. Given the injuries the team has al- ready suffered – Bill Belton has been bothered by an ankle sprain and Day injured his shoulder at Virginia – de- cisions about whether to redshirt freshmen will be especially difficult for O'Brien. That's particularly true with respect to Akeel Lynch. Penn State went into its game against Navy with only Dukes, Zordich and Zach Zwinak available at the running back position. While that was hardly optimal, O'Brien was thinking positive. "[We] have a lot of depth there," he said, "six guys who can all play and can protect and catch the ball out of the backfield." O'Brien said that Lynch "is in the mix" at tailback, but he would prefer to hold him out this year if possible. "Ideally, I would really like to redshirt Akeel," he said. "I think he's got a great future here at Penn State. He's a very, very good player." Compounding the difficulty of these decisions is the fact that "free agency" will continue to be an option for play- ers through next August. Those who are unhappy with their role or wor- ried about their future at Penn State will be free to leave without penalty up until next year's preseason camp. It is going to be a tough call for O'Brien, deciding whether he should redshirt a freshman like Lynch. In my opinion, it's the most onerous as- pect of the NCAA sanctions that were handed down in July. the two best barbecue restaurants have combined forces to meet all of your game day tailgating needs! DAMON S Offers Caterings for Any Size Party e ParDAMON'S Offers Caterings for Any Size Partyty. Watch All Games in High Definition! Sunday NFL Ticket! i Live From DAMON"S Clubhouse, The BILL O'BRIEN CALL IN SHOW Pick Up All of Y Your Favorite T Taiailgatelgate Party Packs at Damon's Ribs on the Road Just Below Beaver Stadium! 814-237-6300 • www Best Wings In Central Pennsylvania Party Packs at Damon' 1031 East College A Avenue, State College, P College, PA www.damons.com P CALL IN SHOW, Every Thursday from 6 pm until 8 pm. 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