Penn State Football: We Are...Stale

Contributed by TJ Masteller

Today is November 8, 2009. Earlier this afternoon, the Buckeyes from the Ohio State University came to Beaver Stadium with the Big Ten Title practically in the balance.  Even earlier in the day, Penn State finally caught a break this season when undefeated Iowa was beaten by the team Penn State beat just a week before—Northwestern.  The winner of this game would hold control of the Big Ten and a trip to the Rose Bowl. 

The game was a battle between two stout defenses and was close for the majority of the time.  Then in the third quarter, without warning, Ohio State, conservative as a Republican all afternoon, opened to the back page of the playbook for a 62-yard touchdown pass. 

Ohio State would go on to defeat the Nittany Lions 24-7, all but ending the Lions chances for a second consecutive Rose Bowl appearance.  The whole time, the only thought that came to my mind was one word: Stale.

The more I thought about it, this word, stale, applied to more than just the game that was unraveling before my seasoned eyes. The program I have loved since I was a boy, even when I was barely cognizant of what football even was, has hit its peak and leveled off.  These thoughts consumed me even in brief moments of hope. Allow me to defend my stance.

This word, stale, applies to the bottom of the program.  The play-calling employed by Penn State basically defines the word.  Two and three-yard passes mixed in with halfback and fullback dives.  Seven yard outs on 3rd-and-10.  Such a lack of creativity has left me wondering if Madden players out there could dial up better plays. 

Sure, PSU does occasionally throw it deep or try a run outside the hash marks. But teams with less talent try it much more often.  Now I do agree that this style will beat the Akrons and Temples of the world. After all, we do get talented players in Happy Valley and the team has depth. But they could be that much better if they try to be.  Greatness comes with risk: that’s how it works, PSU.

This word, stale, applies to the middle of the program.  The schemes employed by Penn State help to redefine the word.  No matter what the opponent puts on the field, good matchup or not, Penn State will play two safeties, two cornerbacks, three linebackers, and four defensive linemen.  Death, taxes, and the 4-3 Defense at PSU. 

These matchups are negligible against the Akrons and Temples of the world.  But bigger schools use this fact against us and really make us pay.  No matter what the score is, Penn State will throw the ball short and towards the sidelines.  They will also call play action as if the defense thinks we are going to run down 17 with five minutes left.  No more, please.

I will preface this next paragraph by saying that I LOVE Joe Paterno more than anyone.  This man has done so much for this University and I really do love him, in every sense of the word.

This word, stale, applies to the top of the program.  The coaching staff, as great as it is, has become stale.  I do not place that blame on Joe.  I do place the blame on the confusion that his situation has caused, despite the fact that it is no one’s fault. 

I believe that where the coaching staff is as a whole has put the state of Penn State football in jeopardy.  No one knows what the future is for this program. Not Joe. Not Tom Bradley. Not Graham Spanier. This indecision has put a hurt on our on-the-field scheme and execution, as well as our off-the-field efforts.

Impact players looking to play football at a big-time school are looking for security and the ability to increase their image to the next level.  Joe Paterno, as amazing as he is, can no longer offer both.  Players still want to play for Joe, but how could they commit to this program without knowing where it is heading?

Would you commit to Penn State if Joe Paterno might leave a year into your tenure? Would you go to a situation where the leader beyond a year or two is up in the air?  I believe the elite players say no.  I believe Terrelle Pryor said no.  This situation has been stale.

Enough complaining.  Where does Penn State go from here?  I believe that the entire program needs to hit the refresh button and start anew.  There are indeed bright spots and not everything needs to change.  But some change is needed. 

The plays need to change.  Use the talent around you better, Penn State.  Don’t play not to lose—play to win. The schemes need to change.  Use the talent to show different looks and make other teams really fear playing Linebacker U.  The coach does not need to change.  Just tell us all what’s next… 

Our next coach needs to embody the hard-nosed style and spirit of Penn State. Tough defense, a powerful run game, and a feared pass rush. And I know just the guy.  Just mentioning this will get some interesting feedback, so I will make his name the last two words of this article.  I will leave my thoughts for another article.

Bill Cowher.