Penn State Vs Iowa

Well, as a Penn State fan, The Nittany Lions are not quite where we expected them to be at this point in the season. After lofty promises of a National Title following last year's Outback Bowl win against Tennessee, fans were sure that we would get over the hump and finally defeat Michigan. Then go undefeated for the first time since Kerry Collins was lining up behind center. The Lions suffered another brutal first half against the Fighting Illini last week after "Juice" Williams put up, arguably, the best first half of his career against the Lions' defense. The Lions are demoralized, largely due to their redzone offense. The problem is not just Anthony Morelli, Penn State's Senior QB, but it is, in fact, the play calling that is hurting Penn State. The Lions have been too conservative in the redzone, making foolish mistakes that have cost them touchdowns and momentum, which is a big factor in the high-octane defense packed Big-Ten. All these mistakes, including fumbles by Austin Scott and Rodney Kinlaw, Penn State's senior tail-back duo, are going to have to stop for the Lions to finish out their Big Ten Schedule above .500. Therefore, tomorrow's game against Iowa becomes crucial because it would give Penn State their first Big-Ten win against, albeit a struggling Iowa Team. The key to the game will be Jay Paterno opening up the play calling, and using athletes like Derrick Williams and Chris Bell more often, which, give it to Jay, we did see more of against Illinois. Another key will also be the play of Anthony Morelli. Despite his apparently gaudy statistics, a decent 58% completion rating and 9 touchdown passes, he has not looked crisp passing the ball. The receivers, especially Jordan Norwood, have made Morelli look like a star. The fact is, Morelli is no Kerry Collins or Todd Blackledge. The play calling needs to play to his strengths which are slants and crossing routes. Morelli has a gun, but he has so far shown poor accuracy on long balls. When the Lions' passing game clicks, it is because Morelli is making those quick slants and posts to get his athletic receivers the ball in open field. Another concern is the defense who gave up 21 first half points against Illinois, but Lions fans should not be worried. The defense cracked down only allowing 6 points in the second half. They were demoralized that first half and they will not let it happen again. They will have to work hard to stop the two-headed running attack of Albert Young and Damian Sims. Iowa's offense is very similar to Penn State's so the defense should be ready, having practiced against a similar style all year. Jake Christensen has a 54% completion rating and 9 touchdown passes, but he's been intercepted twice and sacked a staggering 20 times this season. Look for Penn State to rush the passer hard and often. They will want to create pressure, which will cause Christensen to make mistakes against two very unforgiving secondary players, Justin King and Anthony Scirotto. If the Lions can rush the passer on defense and open up the redzone play-calling on offense, they will beat Iowa easily at home in Beaver Stadium. I am predicting a 31-14 win. Morelli has a big day passing the football and Scott will finally open up and have a hundred + yard game. The Lions should look at this game as a stepping stone if they are to have a chance against The Badgers next week.