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PENN STATE Team Report

By The Sports Xchange
9/4/2006
 
INSIDE SLANT

At times, Anthony Morelli looked like a seasoned veteran. At other moments, he looked like the first-time starter he really is. Ultimately, Morelli made enough big plays and Penn State's new 3-4 defense was enough for a 34-16 win over Akron.

Morelli completed just half of his passes (16-of-32) for 206 yards and three touchdowns, including a 42-yard touchdown pass to Deon Butler five minutes into the game.

"Morelli did a really good job early," Penn State coach Joe Paterno said. "Then he got a little careless in his reads. Overall, I think it was a good first game."

Penn State's offense was hardly perfect. After the first three drives, Morelli completed nine passes the rest of the day. The running game was non-existent, averaging less than 3 yards a carry, while running back Jason Ganter was twice stuffed for a loss on fourth down inside Akron's 30.

Tailback Tony Hunt, who last year went over 1,000 yards, was held to 36 yards on 14 carries, although he did have a touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Perhaps the most disturbing part of the Nittany Lions' inept running game is that it came against the Zips, who allowed an average of 160 yards a game on the ground last year.

"We could have put that game away earlier," Paterno said.

NOTES, QUOTES

GAME BALL GOES TO: LB Dan Connor -- Led the defense with 13 tackles, including 3 1/2 for a loss, and two sacks.

KEEP AN EYE ON: LB Tim Shaw -- In the new-look 3-4 defense, Shaw becomes a defensive lineman who plays standing up and lines up over the tackle or tight end. Shaw had two sacks from his new spot.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I think they got their ears kicked in. It's as simple as that." -- Penn State coach Joe Paterno, on the struggles of his offensive line

STRATEGY AND PERSONNEL

LOOKING GOOD: In an effort to get their best athletes on the field defensively, the Nittany Lions went to a 3-4 defense that moved former middle linebacker Tim Shaw to a defensive end spot and made a starting outside linebacker out of Sean Lee. The alignment held Akron to 33 yards rushing and 225 yards total.

WR Jordan Norwood -- The sophomore caught his first career touchdown, a 14-yard pass from Anthony Morelli, and finished with seven catches for 61 yards and a touchdown.

WR Derrick Williams -- In his first start back since a broken wrist ended last season prematurely, Williams caught three passes for 49 yards and a touchdown. He also averaged 15 yards on punt returns, including one of 28 yards.

STILL NEEDS WORK: The running game, which was so effective last year, was stonewalled by the Zips' front seven. Akron held Penn State to just 76 rushing yards.

RB Tony Hunt, who rushed for 1,047 yards last year, was held to 36 yards on 14 carries.

ROSTER REPORT: RB Austin Scott did not play because of an ankle injury. Coach Joe Paterno said Scott would not play until he was 100 percent.

Previous Report: 08/30/2006


 

 

 


 
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