DC Metro Sports - Preview: PSU vs. Akron

1. The Zips were a “good team” at 7-6 – not really good, nor great by any means, but a solid squad that beat the teams which should have been beaten. (The Army game doesn’t count, they were better than people thought)

2. MAC champs, and staying close (7-point loss) against DeAngello Williams. Although 7-6 isn’t exactly a championship-caliber record, beating a good Northern Illinois team on a big stage (well, as big as the MAC gets) and putting up a good fight against a tough Memphis team in the Motor City Bowl will get anyone’s attention.

3. Offensive power? Well not exactly. But Luke Getsy was one hell of a quarterback last year putting up over 3,000 yards. The defense was solid.

Hopes and Dreams 2006:

1. Repeat champs or bust. Who’s to say that they can’t do it again? No one thought they would win the conference last year, but this year’s a bit different. The offense will be fine, and the defense should finally get their rewards.

2. Another Charlie Frye? Frye was listed as a quality QB, and now is the starter for the Cleveland Browns. Current QB Luke Getsy may be even better. Akron is Quarterback U’s up-and-coming little brother.

3. Well, at least the defense played well. Getsy’s numbers may not be as good as last year, due mostly to the loss of every other offensive weapon, but he has the poise to work through mistakes and be an effective leader. Again, the defense will bail the Zips out a few times in 2006.

Game day Analysis:

1. Offense - In 2004, Charlie Frye was supposed to come in a light up the Nittany Lion secondary. He finished will 229 yards, no TD’s and no completions for more than 20 yards. I don’t see things different for Luke Getsy on Saturday. The running game will have to get going for the Zips to have a chance in this one.

2. Defense – This may surprise some of you, but the Akron defense may put up a good fight, especially if the rain arrives as scheduled. Look out for a stout run defense and a better than average pass rush from the D-line.

3. Special Teams – Field position will be the key for the Zips. If they can keep the Lions pinned deep, they can work things around that. Also, forcing timely turnovers may be their only shot.

4. Overall – Akron will come out with guns blazing, only to get a quick reality check early on. QB Getsy will be sharp for a while, but lose some pep when the rest of his team fails to support his effort.

Team Profile: PSU

Mascot: Nittany Lions

2005 Record: 11-1, 7-1 BigTen

Coach: Joe Paterno, 354-117-3, 2-0 vs. Akron

Won Orange Bowl vs. Florida State 26-23 (3OT)

Points Scored 2005: 413

Points Allowed 2005: 204

OPPG 2006: 0.0

DPPG 2006: 0.0

Top Players:

RB Tony Hunt

LB Paul Pozluszny

Quick Outs 2005:

1. Excuse me, who are you? Oh yeah, now I remember, you’re Penn State and you’re a pretty good football team. Everyone looked past the Nittany Lions last year, and entered the post-game press conference wondering what just happened. Senior leadership and experience helped to mold Joe Paterno’s 40^th Penn State team into one of the greatest ever.

2. One G** Damn Second! And another missed in/out of bounds call! What is Michigan’s record against the Nittany Lions the last two meetings? Well, actually it’s 0-0. The correct question to ask is - what is the Nittany Lions record against the Ann Arbor-residing officiating crews the last two meetings? 0-2, ah that’s more like it.

3. The season of rebirth could not have been planned more fittingly, nor could it have ended any better. The clash between the two best college football coaches of the modern era was one for the ages, and one the Nittany Lion nation will never forget.

Hopes and Dreams 2006:

1. Repeat champs or bust. Sound familiar? This year’s Penn State team has what I think is a top ten hardest schedule, with the potential to face three to four top 4 teams, only one of which in Beaver Stadium. If the Nittany Lions can come out of the first four games 3-1 or better, they’ll be in the BCS picture.

2. Replacing the legend. One year is all Michael Robinson needed to cement himself into Penn State lore, but now what? Ask Anthony Morelli. He’ll tell you that this year’s team is not rebuilding after the loss of so many key seniors, but reloading with new and eager playmakers. The new crop of Penn State youth may be the most talented two-year recruiting haul in JoePa’s career.

3. “If this isn’t the best student section in the country, then I don’t know where is…” – Woody Page. Well, there were many more comments similar to this said by nearly every college football analyst over the course of last season, and they’re already starting for 2006. Kirk Herbstreit’s “Herbie Awards” already proclaimed PSU’s student section the best in the nation, over Ohio State, Texas A&M, Florida, Michigan and Notre Dame to round out the top six. Oh wait, how many of those teams does PSU have to play this year?

Game day Analysis:

1. Offense – Let’s see this gunslinger at his best. Even with the possible slop coming with the tropical storm, QB Anthony Morelli should impress beyond expectations. The wideouts will offer somewhat of a security blanket for a while, and Tony Hunt and the running game will be just as good as last year. Expect to see Derrick Williams and Austin Scott in the backfield, too.

2. Defense – Four returning starters from one of the better defenses this century doesn’t offer much comfort, but they’re the best four one could have asked for. If Justin King started last year, he would have been the fifth. King and the secondary will have to wake up quick against Akron’s passing game, but should be better than anticipated. The Linebackers (they deserve to be a proper noun, starting here and now) will be able to clean up any problems left by the rest of the young defense. DT Jay Alford will be tough to stop, even with the possible double- and triple- team blocking assignments.

3. Special Teams – Kevin Kelly and Jeremy Kapinos can always be counted on, and will keep the Zips pinned deep. Penn State could use a few more kicks returned for touchdowns, the last kickoff in 2001 and the last punt in 2002.

4. Overall - Don’t freak out right away, but the Nittany Lions will look rusty. The field could get muddy and bog down the passing games of both teams. Luckily, Penn State has Tony Hunt and the running game. Penn State will explode before halftime, get a scare in the second half, and then pull away with a comfortable win.

FINAL SCORE: PENN STATE 34 – AKRON 18

Mike Pettigano is a regular contributor for dcmetrosports.com. His e-mail address is

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