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Joe Miegoc
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- Joe Miegoc's MVC football predictions
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Watching from a far
After being in State College the past two weekends, I’m in the office working on a story about former East Stroudsburg South quarterback Zach Friedrich. I plan on being done with it in time to watch what should be another blowout by Penn State, this time against dreadful Syracuse. A one-time regular Bowl game visitor, the Orange have won seven of their last 37 games and that will be seven in 38 by about 7 p.m.
Here are some things to keep your eye on while watching the Nittany Lions ravage Syracuse:
1. Run defense. Oregon State had some success running between the tackles against Penn State last week. The Nittany Lions’ tackles weren’t getting off their blocks and were on the ground too much. That’s probably because those guys, especially Jared Odrick and Ollie Ogbu, had to play so much because of how the tackle spot has been decimated by injuries and suspensions. That should changed today. Defensive line coach Larry Johnson got another body this week when guard Mike Lucian was moved to defense. Lucian played defensive tackle early in his Penn State career.
2. Pat Devlin. This should be a perfect opportunity for the redshirt sophomore to get some quality work. Penn State should have at least a five-touchdown lead by halftime, meaning Devlin should play the entire second half or most of it. The Nittany Lions coaching staff needs to give him a few series as if the game was tied so Devlin can remain sharp in all phases of the offense in case Daryll Clark were to get injured.
3. Kicking game. Kevin Kelly and Jeremy Boone have been nothing short of outstanding in the first two games. Kelly, a four-year starter, has been a big reason why teams are averaging just 18.5 yards per kickoff return against Penn State. His ball has been high and often a yard or two deep into the end zone, giving the Nittany Lions’ coverage team time to get downfield. Boone, an All-Big Ten first-team selection last year, hasn’t been needed much, he’s punted just four times and shouldn’t see much action today, but his average and net are outstanding at 46.5 and 40.5.
On a side note from today’s game, Princeton, N.J. defensive end Anthony LaLota verbally committed to Michigan on Friday. LaLota, rated a four-star prospect by Rivals.com, chose the Wolverines, over Penn State, Notre Dame and Virginia among others. LaLota, who plays for the Hun School, had 40 tackles and 10 sacks in his first year of organized football last year.