NFL
By: Courtney Walsh
WE ARE! And, we made it the Penn State Nittany Lions football team is in the Orange Bowl with a shot at making the National Championship game. Next on the road to the Natty are the Notre Dame Fighting Irish who sent the Georgia Bulldogs home last week. After beating Bosie State PSU heads to Miami and plays in one of the biggest games in DECADES against a team that has been on fire lately and also looking to make new history. These are the moments you work for and this team has done just that.
Drew Allar This Is It
His numbers in the playoffs don’t pop off the page but he is still playing and has done enough to get his squad here. Now, is the time to flip the switch and lead by making plays that matter and when they matter. Penn State is tied for 86th nationally with 15 receptions of 30 or more yards and ranks 108th with just four gains of 40 or more yards explosive plays are needed. Also, he can’t turn the ball over with the Irish pass rush, so having pocket awareness and holding on to the ball is necessary. I hope the extra days of rest prepare him to have a great day and study Irish film. Offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki has a great job of getting the most out of his QB and that is a trend that will need to continue.
Get The Run Game Going
Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton are the reason we have the 18th-ranked running attack in the country. They both have different running styles at the end of the day they are both dangerous. If they can be effective that will open up the passing game for Drew Allar and company. Like almost all PSU games getting the two of them involved and being a factor is so important to making the offense go. I would even expect to see some gadget plays in the run game to get Tyler Warren the ball and catch the Irish off guard. Even if at first they don’t get a lot from the running game Penn State can’t give up on it since it sets up so much for them.
James Franklin Is It Your Time?
With a record of 101-41, James Franklin is at the doorstep of doing two things. One taking Penn State to the National Championship game as well as shutting up all the idiots who think a black man can’t be the leader of men. His record versus top 10 teams is 3-19 and people including me don’t let him forget it what bigger stage to shut us all up than the national semifinals? In the Ohio State game, we jumped out to a 10-point lead and then we got scared and ended up with a loss. Without a doubt, this is the biggest game of his coaching career and he is well aware of what is on the line.
So Who Wins?
With both teams having key players banged up we will see who is able to fight through injuries and be a factor. Abdul Carter is a monster and we need him to make the Notre Dame passing attack feel pressure and rushed. Also, can Xavier Watts slow down all-world tight end Tyler Warren or will ND have different people on him? How do we do running the ball against a strong defense? With all that being said, I think we get over the hump and get the job done. It comes down to a key turnover and ends up a 27-24 Penn State WIN. Enjoy both games and these playoffs have been so much fun ignore the outside noise. #WEARE
