Bill O’Brien’s new system is going to require adjustments, but it is also going to benefit several of Penn State’s offensive players.
The Nittany Lions are used to a vanilla, conservative attack. O’Brien’s system will throw in some new wrinkles, stick to traditional concepts and try to exploit any mismatches at the skill positions.
Penn State’s adjustment period may not be softened by the benefits, but specific players will have a much easier time.
O’Brien’s new system is not going to tack on wins right away, but some players will see a boost in their individual performance.
Let’s take a look at which Penn State players will benefit the most from the Nittany Lions’ new offensive scheme.
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It seems to be a popular opinion that Denard Robinson WON’T realistically contend for the Heisman trophy in 2012. In fact, some seem to think that Fitz Toussaint has just as good of a shot to win it.
Why?
A tough schedule is a big reason, as some think the Wolverines will lose three, maybe even four games. Turnovers are another culprit, as it remains to be seen if Robinson can overcome his turnover-prone ways.
However, if late November of 2011 is any indication, then Robinson has learned from his mistakes. He stepped up in the biggest way against Nebraska and Ohio, and both games resulted in a Michigan victory. What was most impressive, though, wasn’t what Robinson did in those games, but instead what he _didn’t do._
He strayed away from his turnover-prone ways in both of those games and took care of the ball as if his life depended on it. We didn’t see him carelessly carrying the ball when he ran, nor did we saw him heave the ball into traffic or into crowds.
If he can do that the entire 2012 season—and that’s a big IF—then he will undoubtedly emerge as a Heisman favorite. Would he be THE favorite, though? That ultimately depends on the rest of the team and how many games they win.
This team can’t afford to lose too many games and still hope to have Robinson as a realistic Heisman contender, regardless of how well he plays.
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I think the absolute maximum number of games they can lose is three; three losses would still enable him to at least be in the conversation.
I guess he can still be in Heisman talks if the team loses four games, but then he would have to put up unheard of statistics—similar to the ones we saw in 2010 when the coaches let him run wild.
Honestly, though, I think how well his team performs will carry just as much as weight as how well he performs.
Fair or not, how well your team does is just as important as anything to voters nowadays.
Read more College Football news on BleacherReport.com http://dlvr.it/1dLT4F
Replacing an All-American is never a small task, especially if you’re talking about former Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd.
Who will replace Floyd has become one of the hottest topics of discussion this offseason, and with valid reason. Floyd was a _crucial _piece of the Fighting Irish offense last season, and his presence on the field will be sorely missed.
Not a single player on the roster is capable of replacing Floyd, making it a committee approach.
Here’s a list of his replacements and what you need to know about each one.
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With eight players from Alabama’s top-rated 2012 recruiting class already settled in Tuscaloosa after enrolling in January, the rest of their classmates are set to join them later this week to get their first taste of college life.
While fall camp is still months away, the newest batch of Crimson Tide players will get their feet wet during the offseason workout program.
Several big-name recruits will headline the list of newcomers—with guys like safety Landon Collins, linebacker Reggie Ragland, athlete Eddie Williams and corner Geno Smith all possessing the ability to become impact players under the tutelage of Nick Saban.
However, in a class loaded with elite talents, a handful of talented studs who may not have grabbed the headlines on signing day will begin their careers this summer with an eye on proving their wares on the field this fall.
Here are five under-the-radar freshmen to look out for.
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For three quarters, the Oklahoma City Thunder executed their offense beautifully. In the fourth quarter, they have devolved back into the “my turn” offense that has been their downfall in previous playoff runs.
The Spurs are scoring a lot more too, but all wasted possessions offensively are the major reason the Thunder have lost their lead. http://dlvr.it/1dLSsW