I would have awarded DDS the MVP because he didn't jump offsides (at least when I was watching). I think he elevated his draft status with today's appearance and effort.
Official PSU - Clemson '25 Pinstripe Bowl game thread
- Thread starter Tom McAndrew
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I would have awarded DDS the MVP because he didn't jump offsides (at least when I was watching). I think he elevated his draft status with today's appearance and effort.
He played as well as Sayin did against Indiana.
He did. 3rd start against undefeated current number 1 team in the country. I mean c’mon.
He was a RS Freshman thrown into the lineup unexpectedly for the first time against three of the top five defenses in the country. Plus, he was trying to lead a dysfunctional offense on a team in disarray. I have no idea what his ceiling is, but give the kid a chance. In one of the games you said “He stinks” and inferred that he was a recruiting failure for Franklin and didn’t belong on the roster. Talk about a short leash for the kid.
PSU played IU better than any other team this season. If this team had played the first half of the season like they did the second half, they would’ve been at least a ten win team. Until the Iowa game when they finally played with some heart, except for the Oregon game, this team just played disinterested and passionless football in the first half of the season for whatever reasons.
Awesome win today. It would be easy to say it was 2nd string this or he will portal that, however the team played hard. The coaching and play calling was to win. Good overall effort.
My take on the game:
Grunk looked good. He completed 65% of his passes and there were a few drops. 2 TD. 0 INT.
Corey Smith didn't look good at all at RB. He was slow to hit the hole and didn't have the power to get yds after contact.
Martin looked much better. This is only 1 game but from this sample I'd have to call him #1 next year.
Props to Sutton for playing in this game.
Where did Campbell come from? I thought he was going to the portal. He shouldn't have played if he's leaving.
Pena had a good game. Too bad he's a senior. I would have liked to see our young WRs.
Dixson is a good player. Same with Campbell and our two TEs. Gotta keep those guys.
It's difficult to measure performance because Clemson was also playing without a lot of kids.
Grunk looked good. He completed 65% of his passes and there were a few drops. 2 TD. 0 INT.
Corey Smith didn't look good at all at RB. He was slow to hit the hole and didn't have the power to get yds after contact.
Martin looked much better. This is only 1 game but from this sample I'd have to call him #1 next year.
Props to Sutton for playing in this game.
Where did Campbell come from? I thought he was going to the portal. He shouldn't have played if he's leaving.
Pena had a good game. Too bad he's a senior. I would have liked to see our young WRs.
Dixson is a good player. Same with Campbell and our two TEs. Gotta keep those guys.
It's difficult to measure performance because Clemson was also playing without a lot of kids.
Coby Howard had two catches and I think was targeted 3 times. One of his catches was for a 1st down. I didn't see Denmark in the game.
Who is this clown? EDIT: Was a video of #14 (Braz Thomas?) walking off the field and tossing his helmet while the team celebrated. Denmark supposedly left early as well.
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Grunk played very well. He throws a really nice pass.
Maybe it was my imagination but it looked to me that the defense tackled a whole lot better today. They wrapped up, hung on, and tackled. Not a lot of bumping and hoping the guy goes down.
Maybe it was my imagination but it looked to me that the defense tackled a whole lot better today. They wrapped up, hung on, and tackled. Not a lot of bumping and hoping the guy goes down.
My concern with Grunk is he can’t run at all. In college football, it’s important to have a QB that can run to pick up first downs now and then.
Penn State played a competent, well coached football game.
To be balanced, Mendoza was not a world beater at Cal before he transferred to Indiana.
He battled injuries all year and I don't recall him getting any reps today. Cory Smith started but kept cutting outside when there were running lanes inside so he didn't play after the first few series. Q. Martin put in his claim for #1 RB going into Spring ball. T. Hayes had a tremendous blitz pick up in the 4th qtr and also made a tough run for a 1st down in the 4th. Hayes might be #2 but Jabree Coleman will have his say if can recover from his injury.
Today was unexpected. Sure it wasn’t for all the marbles let alone any of them, but I was proud of the boys and the staff. Terry was right, this was about life lessons in play. Thanks for all the effort, you all did a nice job in ending a difficult year on so many fronts. I believe CMC with Terry’s assistance are going to move this forward in a good way. Excited to see what 2026 brings.
Are you talking about Amare Campbell portalling? I have heard nothing previously.
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Noticed the same about tackling. It was refreshing.
I don’t know where you get that he can’t run at all, he moves well in the pocket. Many times today and in the previous six games he’s stepped up into the pocket or moved around enough to try and make a pass down field. He’s a quarterback, looking to just extend the play with a pass rather than his legs and even so he did pick up a couple first downs running against Michigan State and Indiana.
I think he was on a short leash for running with the backups being B. Kriska (true Freshman) & and Clifford (WR). Why would you expect Grunk to run especially after Kotelniki's play calling got Smolik injured and out for the season during the game at Iowa?
…And two insane catches on the final drive
That was quite a heartfelt interview. I dont recall a year of my life when I was so looking forward to football season, so disappointed in the middle, and so inspired at the end.
Terry was moved to tears. Players were hugging him.
I don’t expect him to run much, but when there’s a broken play or no one open, your QB has to be able to pick up a first down.
“Clemson already in field goal range.” “Jeff they’re down by 12, they need a touchdown here.” Oh yeah they’re still down 9 with a field goal, what am I talking about?”
that was quite the exchange at one point lol.
that was quite the exchange at one point lol.
Why does he need to? He’s significantly better than Drew and Clifford for that matter keeping his eyes down the field as he’s moving in the pocket.
It was good, old school PSU football complete with impressive tackling by the DB's.
He has excellent pocket awareness. He is going to be very good, but learning a brand new offense does not give him the edge to return. Unless Becht decides to go elsewhere I do not see him staying. Having said that, Becht to PSU is not a slam dunk.
You have issues..... Much like Fraudklin, you want your QB running around and eventually getting injured.
How many limping QB's do you need on your roster?
Martin and Hayes look like they could be a very effective 1-2 punch.
I was also impressed with the OL play - 4/5 opt outs but Cousins/Shanahan/Donkoh could be a really solid core next year. I thought Boyer held up okay as well, just needs an offseason to bulk up.
If we keep Rapp/Reynolds, then the TE room is in really good hands. They complement each other much better than Dink.
Outside of Howard, we’re going to need to go portal heavy at WR. I know they liked a couple of the FR that didn’t play this year, but I’d imagine we get hit hard in that room to the portal.
I was also impressed with the OL play - 4/5 opt outs but Cousins/Shanahan/Donkoh could be a really solid core next year. I thought Boyer held up okay as well, just needs an offseason to bulk up.
If we keep Rapp/Reynolds, then the TE room is in really good hands. They complement each other much better than Dink.
Outside of Howard, we’re going to need to go portal heavy at WR. I know they liked a couple of the FR that didn’t play this year, but I’d imagine we get hit hard in that room to the portal.
Remember his hardest games were his first when he was very green. He has improved. I don't think he stays if Becht comes. I could be wrong. You have to believe Becht is significantly better to bring him in as in the difference between 8-4 and 10-2.