Orange Bowl Blogview

The “blogview” of the BCS games continues. Today we have The Nittany Blog is joining us to size up the Florida State Seminoles and the Orange Bowl.

(My Opinion on Sports) What are you initial thoughts on Florida State?

(The Nittany Blog) Florida State clearly has the talent to compete with the best teams in the country. However, this season they seem to fall apart at crucial times, and especially in games that they should win. The win over Miami was impressive, as was the win over Virginia Tech, but I have a hard time believing that Florida State should be in this game. If they didn't win the ACC, they would have likely been headed to Nashville to face Minnesota.

(My Opinion on Sports) What is the best match-up advantage for Penn State in this game?

(The Nittany Blog) Michael Robinson against the Florida State defenders. Robinson will pitch it to the receivers all day if they bring the blitz or he will make plays with his legs if they decide to stay home. Galen Hall isn't afraid to open up the playbook and mix in some surprises that Florida State won't be expecting. If Derrick Williams is able to play in the game, I wouldn't be surprised to see PSU line up with Robinson, Hunt and Williams in the backfield. Expect Penn State to use a similar offensive game plan as they did against Minnesota

(My Opinion on Sports) What is the worst match-up advantage for Penn State in this game?

(The Nittany Blog) Penn State's front seven against the Florida State tailbacks, Leon Washington and Lorenzo Booker. Penn State doesn't have great depth on the defensive line this season, and while it has improved over the course of the season, speedy and smaller tailbacks like Washington (see: Northwestern's Tyrell Sutton and Michigan's Mike Hart) have had success against Penn State. If the defense can shutdown the run game, I think this one could get ugly. No one has been able to pass consistently on Penn State this season.

(My Opinion on Sports)Which coach do you want on your sideline, yours or your opponents? Why?

(The Nittany Blog) I wouldn't trade Joe Paterno for any coach. Rarely does Penn State not show up in big games. Joe has also learned this season to let the other coaches, well, coach. Galen Hall and Jay Paterno have full control of the offense and Tom Bradley has full control of the defense. Joe's meddling has severally decreased.

(My Opinion on Sports) Give your prediction of the outcome of the game.

(The Nittany Blog) Penn State 31, Florida State 17