By: Breanna Jacobs
Ending the season with a 9-4 record (6-2 Big Ten) and ranked number 22 in the nation, the Penn State football team appeared to be having one of their best seasons in recent years. However, behind the winning record lurked coaching troubles and a slew of seemingly incurable problems.
Penn State started off the season under 85 year old head coach Joe Paterno. Unable to discern which of his quarterbacks would be more successful, Paterno opted for a two quarterback system, giving true sophomore Rob Bolden and red shirt junior Matt McGloin equal playing time. It became evident early on that playing two quarterbacks did not solve any offensive issues.
Although Penn State was pulling out wins, they were sloppy. McGloin began to see more playing time. Although Bolden was still getting time in the game, it was clear that McGloin was the chosen one for the Nittany Lion offense to be successful. McGloin finished the season with 1,571 passing yards, eight passing touchdowns, five interceptions and a 54.1 completion percentage. Bolden finished the season with 548 yards, one touchdown, four interceptions and a 42.2 completion percentage.
McGloin was unable to compete in the TicketCity Bowl against Houston due to a head injury he suffered during a locker room altercation. Bolden assumed the starting role and had a poor showing. He was unable to complete passes and threw three interceptions. While this may lead many to believe that McGloin is the answer at quarterback for next season, this Penn Stater is not entirely convinced.
Watching both quarterbacks play, it is obvious that they both lack a basic set of skills. McGloin favors certain receivers (this year, Derek Moye) and will throw to them even when they are in triple coverage. He is also a fan of the deep ball, and while he has the arm for it, it often times gets him into trouble. Bolden, although more athletic than McGloin, struggles with completing passes. The former starter looks scared in the pocket, and his passes seem to hit the ground more than they hit the hands of his receivers.
If Penn State is looking for an answer to the quarterback problem, I don’t know that they’ll find it in either of their leading options. It can be hoped that Penn State will try and recruit a quarterback and if not, Bolden and McGloin need to take a serious interest in developing their skills in the off-season, because I have no doubt that there will be a fierce competition for the starting job next season.
The quarterback controversy was the last of Penn State’s problems this season.
In the wake of the sexual abuse scandal involving former defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky, Paterno was fired. Tom Bradley, who has been on the Penn State football staff for 33 years and was the defensive coordinator and the time of Paterno’s firing, was given the interim head coaching job. I have to give Bradley credit for the class he exhibited in the face of the scandal; he was eloquent in his speech and stepped up to face the challenges of coaching this team.
As soon as Bradley put on the headset, there was a different feeling in Beaver Stadium, but one that I cannot say was unpleasant. With a fresh perspective, Bradley brought plays to the table that were never seen with Paterno; he started to use the wildcat formation and took a lot of fourth down risks. Bradley finished the regular season 1-2 as head coach.
Although Bradley did a good job with the team, Penn State has not yet announced a head coach for next season. Bradley has been interviewed, but it is uncertain if he will retain the job and, unfortunately for the rest of Penn State’s coaching staff, is it also unclear if they will retain their jobs. It is expected that a head coach will be announced within the next few days.
As a Penn State student and fan, I think I speak for everyone when I say that I am grateful for the way Bradley handled the scandal and the team. Even though they had no involvement, it was tough for the players to lose their beloved head coach and have their names dragged through the mud of a scandal that had nothing to do with them. Bradley, the coaching staff and the players have showed nothing but class in this situation; they continued to play hard in the face of adversity and earned the admiration of not just the student body and alumni, but I dare say the nation as well.
Looking forward to next year is tough. Seventeen seniors are graduating this year, including defensive powerhouses Devon Still and Jack Crawford, and leading wide receiver Derek Moye. Next season will require veteran players to step up and help fill in the voids left by those graduating.
There are, however, bright spots on the Penn State team.
Running back Silas Redd has shown that he is an offensive power that does not go down easily. Redd rushed for 1,188 yards this season and scored seven touchdowns. Redd’s speed and athleticism help him to evade defenders and gain yardage. Redd has been, and will be, a serious asset to the Penn State offense as long as they continue to develop the run game.
Although they are losing some major players, the Penn State defense is also a bright spot for the future. I liked what I saw from them this year and I hope they continue their aggressive and athletic style of play. They do need to further develop the pass rush, but I believe that they will be able to successfully do that under the right head coach.
Overall, Penn State had a great season. They remained successful in the face of adversity and showed their fans what they are all about. I look forward to the coming season and the changes that will be made. I think I speak for thousands of Penn Staters when I say that I can’t wait to take my seat in Beaver Stadium in September.
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