We own…Penn State…9-0…are two cheers that were echoing through the parking lot of Michigan Stadium after Michigan’s latest victory over the Penn State Nittany Lions 14-9. Really what could a Penn State fan say to that? Absolutely nothing! Since 1996, Penn State has had better teams a few years but has yet to score a victory. Is there a curse? Is Michigan that much better? No, but one thing is constant through out the years…coaching.

I don’t have the time, nor the effort, to go through a detailed analysis of the game like Run Up the Score did, but I did see a lot from the end zone seats of Michigan Stadium, and most of it I didn’t like.

First of all, I cannot blame the defense. They were on the field for the majority of the game and in one instance had only 45 seconds of game rest between possessions. There is very little that a Lion fan can bitch about when it comes to the Defense, unless you want to complain about the soft zone.

Offensive the Nittany Lions are a college football team with a Pee Wee Football playbook. The playcalling is so predictable that fans sometimes bet in the stands on what play is going to come next. Year after year, big road game after big road game, Joe Paterno continues to play NOT to lose instead of playing to win. This is a trend that can be traces back to the 60s. It might have worked back then Joe, but it is time to get with the trend and adjust.

Most of the blame I have to lay on the coaching staff. They a QB with one of the strongest arms in the country throwing 5 yard outs. They have a set of 4 receivers and 1 tight end that a lot of teams drool at running routes and stopping. And when they aren’t stopping, you have two receivers finishing their routes in the same area of the field. Sixty percent of high schools have offenses more complex then this, it is time to get with the times or find a new offensive staff.

Can any Penn State fan seriously tell me that Anthony Morelli has improved since last year? If you say yes, you need your head examined. I am was a huge Morelli supporter, but it is time for him to put up or shut up. Watch Morelli throw the ball, most of the time he throws off of his back foot, his body is wide open because he does not step towards the target, he stares at his main receiver, and pats the ball numerous times before he throws to a receiver. How can a washed up ex-Division II quarterback see this from the stands and his QB coach Jay Paterno not see this? Why does Michigan allow a TRUE freshman QB audible out of plays when Penn State does not let their Senior do the same?

It is either that Jay does not know the first thing about coaching QBs or Mr. Morelli does not follow instructions. If it is the latter, it is time to get someone in there that will do the job. Penn State needs a qualified QB coach. When is the last time they had a great quarterback. You have to go back to 1994 in Kerry Collins. In all reality, they have had 3 great QB’s, Collins, Todd Blackledge, and Chuck Fusina. The talent has been there with great recruits, but the coaching cannot bring them to the next level.

Austin Scott should not see the field again. I was hoping Scott would be the feel good story of the year for the Lions and rip off a year comparable to Larry Johnson’s senior year. In 4 games of the 2007 season he has fumbled 4 times in 57 carries. Sorry Austin, it is time to let Kinlaw or Royster get playing time. You had your chance and didn’t produce.

The offensive line (except AQ Shipley) did not have a stellar game, but I am willing to over look that a bit since they are young. But boy do they need to work on some technique and strength. The Michigan defensive line ran over the Lions’ offensive line play after play.

Penn State fans are sick of this, sick of seeing the coaching staff go into a conservative shell on the road year after year. There was no excuse for Saturday. No, Penn State did not have a running QB like Oregon or ASU did, but they could’ve watched what USC did to Michigan last year in the Rose Bowl. The Lions may not have the overall athletes the Trojans did last season, but they could’ve taken some tips on the play calling and overall offensive scheme.

I guess what I am trying to say is that Penn State fans should just accept these facts. Accept the fact that they will not beat Michigan/Ohio State/Wisconsin on the road until a change happens. Accept that they will have to rely heavily on the defense on the road and hope they do not have a bad game. Accept that we can get 4 or 5 star QBs and as Seniors they play like Sophomores. Accept the fact that this won’t change. In 40 years Joe hasn’t changed, so why do we always thing that he might do it the next game?