Conservative offense, suspect timeout usage led to defeat for PSU
What disappointed you most in the Wisconsin loss?
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There are and will continue to be comparisons between Matt Campbell and James Franklin.
For all the things in which Franklin did well -- winning most games he was expected to, positively representing the program, being a champion recruiter and gaining facility improvements -- day-of-the-game coaching was not among them.
Consequently, as a strategist, it was assumed Campbell would be a big in-game upgrade. He'd have to be, right?
Well, you know what they say about the word assume.
My biggest disappointment in the Nittany Lions' 24-20 loss to Wisconsin in Campbell's Big Ten opener was some seriously questionable game management.
It was as surprising as it was disappointing since Campbell came here with a reputation of being "a ball coach," which Franklin, clearly more CEO, was not.
It's one game, granted, but the loss felt like more than that.
It got a new regime off on the wrong note on an otherwise perfect night vs. a name opponent and created doubt over the potential of this season and perhaps beyond.
The narrative immediately suggested the many Iowa State transfers weren't ready for the moment -- were perhaps a little star-struck, especially offensively, by the grandness of Beaver Stadium with a crowd anticipating more than a Blue-White game, which the first two home games were.
If that was the case, you can say the same thing about the coaching staff.
The defense did its part until it was time to close the door.
Instead, it allowed two long touchdown drives in the last five minutes and somehow didn't defend a screen pass on second-and-19 from the end zone, which went for 25 yards and jump-started Wisconsin's game-winning drive.
The offense did almost nothing the entire game as the Lions' two touchdowns were either scored or set up by the defense, meaning the offense mustered a mere two field goals.
Campbell's timeout usage was curious: He called a timeout when it wasn't necessary and didn't call timeout when it was.
Clearly, he should have been more aggressive with the ball and a 17-7 lead late in the second quarter but instead took three timeouts into halftime.
He admitted that decision "will eat at him," and rightfully so.
If that wasn't a head-scratcher, he also wasted one at the outset of the fourth quarter -- after the five-minute TV stoppage. Turns out, the Lions could have used that timeout later.
The lack of third-down aggression was also puzzling. Four times on third-and-long -- twice on third-and-10 or more -- Penn State ran, was stopped and punted.
A couple of the calls brought boos, certainly a show of impatience considering this is a new coach, and the fan base couldn't wait to get rid of the old one.
Campbell admits he thought the defense, once up 17-0, had control enough of the game, and his strategy indicated he didn't think a Wisconsin comeback was possible.
Which is also disappointing and surprising -- because in the Big 12, you can never have enough offense.
Rudel can be reached at nrudel@altoonamirror.com.