PREVIEW: Penn State Looks to Start Fast Against Idaho
Penn State football will begin their 2019 campaign on Saturday afternoon versus Idaho at Beaver Stadium.
If you were looking for a romantic lede about the beginning of college football season, then you have come to the wrong place.
It was only one year ago that Nittany Nation sat with their hearts in their stomachs as Appalachian State nearly pulled off an upset against Penn State at Beaver Stadium on opening day. What should’ve been a beautiful opening game nearly turned into a waking nightmare?
So no, there will be nothing poetic about fresh cut grass and grilled meats and the sound of pads popping. Idaho is nowhere near as good as Appalachian State was, but college football is weird, and if the Nittany Lions are going to win this game by halftime, they will have to be ready to play.
How about those Vandals?
Coached by Paul Petrino, Idaho was 4-7 in their first year in the FCS last season. The underwhelming return to the FCS can be partly attributed to the fact that quarterback Mason Petrino was battling a nagging shoulder injury. While Petrino will play against Penn State, Coach Petrino will use QB Colton Richardson as well, blowout or not.
Idaho boasts playmaking receivers Jeff Cotton and Cutrell Haywood who will look to test Penn State’s secondary early. It may not be much of a test because there is simply no way Idaho will win the battle in the trenches.
Idaho will try to win, or at least compete in, the game though the air. It will be interesting to see how Lamont Wade making his first start at safety will handle things.
Idaho gave up 37 points per game on defense last season, and Penn State should be able to score early and often.
Defense and Special Teams will set the tone.
Sophomore linebacker Micah Parsons led the Nittany Lions in tackles last season as a freshman, but 2019 will be his coming-out party. Already considered one of the best defensive players in the nation, expect Parsons to show off his incredible closing speed as he makes tackle after tackle.
Yetur Gross-Matos and Shaka Toney should have a field day coming off the edge, and don’t be shocked if Jayson Oweh has a sack or two in limited time. Idaho does return four starters on the offensive line, but it would be shocking if they shut down Penn State’s front four.
Joe Lorig will coach his first game as Penn State’s special team’s coordinator, and Idaho punter Cade Coffey will try to spoil his debut. The All-American Coffey very well may be the most important player for the Vandals and will try to make Penn State play on a long field all day.
Lorig will be tasked with getting KJ Hamler in space on kickoff and punt returns to make something happen.
Clifford’s Debut
Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Ricky Rahne would be wise to make things easy on Clifford.
The first time starter should be able to find Hamler, Justin Shorter and Jahan Dotson in space, making easy throws that go for big gains. If that doesn’t work, handing off to Ricky Slade should.
Clifford will surprise many with his athleticism, and if Idaho brings pressure, he can scramble out and extend plays much like his predecessor.
In a perfect world, Clifford will only need to play the first three quarters before Will Levis gets a shot.
Penn State fans will be able to breathe a sigh of relief if number 7 checks in, a breath that didn’t come in the opener last year until the final seconds.
Prediction
Penn State 38 Idaho 6
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