Football 2015

Supplement to

Gazette The Centre County

September 3, 2015

INSIDE: • Bald Eagle Area • Bellefonte • Central Mountain • Penns Valley • Philipsburg-Osceola • State College • St. Joseph’s Academy • Penn State • Philadelphia Eagles • Pittsburgh Steelers

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THE CENTRE COUNTY GAZETTE — FOOTBALL PREVIEW

SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

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THE CENTRE COUNTY GAZETTE — FOOTBALL PREVIEW

SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

GAZETTE THE CENTRE COUNTY

403 S. Allen St., State College, PA 16801 Phone: (814) 238-5051 Fax: (814) 238-3415 www.CentreCountyGazette.com

SALES MANAGER Amy Ansari ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Bill Donley, Vicki Gillette, Katie Myers BUSINESS MANAGER Aimee Aiello AD COORDINATOR Katie Myers STAFF WRITER Alexa Lewis COPY EDITOR Andrea Ebeling GRAPHIC DESIGN Beth Wood

PUBLISHER Rob Schmidt MANAGING EDITOR Chris Morelli CONTACT US: To submit news: editor@centrecountygazette.com Advertising: sales@centrecountygazette.com The Gazette is a weekly newspaper serving Centre County and is published

by Indiana Printing and Publishing Company. Reproduction of any portion of any issue is not permitted without written permission. The publisher reserves the right to edit or reject any advertisement for any reason.

CONTENTS: High School Previews

PSU Features

4 ... Bald Eagle Area 6 ... Bellefonte 8 ... Central Mountain 10 ... Penns Valley 12 ... Philipsburg-Osceola 14 ... State College 16 ... St. Joseph’s

18 19 20 21 22

... Penn State preview ... Christian Hackenberg ... PSU special teams ... Adam Breneman ... Nittany notes

Pro Previews 27 ... Philadelphia Eagles 28 ... Pittsburgh Steelers

PAGE 3

Football is back

The temperatures have started to drop and the kids are headed back to school.

That can only mean one thing — football is back!

The start of the high school and college football seasons is just a few days away. The six Centre County high schools kick off their seasons on Friday, Sept. 4, while the Penn State Nittany Lions open the season on Saturday, Sept. 5, in Philadelphia against the Temple Owls.

We’re hopeful that Centre County football fans will pick up the Gazette each and every week.

We want to be your guide to gridiron all season long. Each week, we’ll have previews and re-caps of high school football games. You’ll see our staff and photographers all across the county on Friday nights.

Once again, the staff of the Gazette will be picking the best high school, college and pro contests of the week.

You’ll also want to pick up a copy of the Gazette each week

to check out Year 3 of “Gazette Gameday.” As usual, we’ll preview the week’s Penn State game. In addition to stories and columns about the Nittany Lions, there will be statistics, depth charts, schedules and more inside the special pullout section.

As always, if you have any suggestions as to how we can improve our coverage, please email me at editor@centrecountygazette.com.

In the pages that follow, you’ll find previews of Bald Eagle Area, Bellefonte, Penns Valley, Philipsburg-Osceola, State College and St. Joseph’s Academy. There are also numerous stories about the Penn State Nittany Lions, who will be trying to build on last year’s 7-6 campaign, which ended with a thrilling overtime win against Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl. You’ll also find previews of the Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Fill the stands. Flip the coin.

Kick it off.

Football is indeed back.

— Chris Morelli

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THE CENTRE COUNTY GAZETTE — FOOTBALL PREVIEW

SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

Bald Eagle Area hopes for better season

By PAT ROTHDEUTSCH sports@centrecountygazette.com

WINGATE — After a 1-1 start in 2014, the Bald Eagle Area football team was challenged in almost every way, not the least of which was a ruinous six-game mid-season stretch against most of the best teams in the area.

After a win against Philipsburg-Osceola in Week 2, the Eagles won only once more, against Huntingdon, and finished the season with a disappointing 2-8 record.

Even worse, BEA ended with a 28-7 loss to archrival Bellefonte in the Curtin Bowl Game at Rogers Stadium.

Head coach Ron Hoover took over a program in 2014 with many holes to fill on both the offensive and defensive lines, which he was able to do with younger players. Now, in his second year, he faces different problems.

Quarterback Jason Jones, leading running back Michael Struble, and all three top receivers, Cody Scholl, Shane Kunes and Jarrett Shreffler, have graduated, and replacing them will be the first priority in 2015.

“It was a rough season,” Hoover said, “but the kids endured it. Hopefully, we learned some lessons out of it, but it’s not where we want the program to be.

“The key for us, with so many injuries last year, was that we expected our sophomores to get a lot of varsity time last season. They’re juniors now, and I think they’ll be ready to go this season.

“I think the guys up front are going to be really solid for us, barring injury, and we are going to have good numbers.

We have some good backs, receivers and our quarterback will be a new starter.

We have Tanner Kresovich, Gordon Jones and Derek Henry. Two are sophomores and one is a junior, and they all had a chance to play last year on JV and junior high.”

Hoover also said that the coaching staff has modified some of the systems and procedures in the hope of eliminating some of the nagging mistakes last year’s team made.

“Our execution last year was not good,” he said. “We had too many unforced penalties and errors; jumping off sides, missed snap counts. We’ve really cleaned it up this year, made it more consistent for the kids. We weren’t a big-play team last year and those 5-yard penalties dug us.”

One thing that will not change for the Eagles from last season is the tough schedule. BEA will open up again with Moshannon Val-

TIM WEIGHT/For The Gazette

THE 2015 BALD EAGLE AREA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL COACHING STAFF. Pictured, front row, from left, are John Jones, head coach Ron Hoover and Justin Taylor. Back row, from left, are Jordan Boone, Ernest Greene and David Jones. ley and again face Penns Valley, Chestnut Ridge, Central, Tyrone, Huntingdon and Clearfield in a span of six weekends.

“I have a great feeling about them,” Hoover said.

“We are going to have about nine or 10 seniors, but they are a solid group of kids who really want to play. They are going to pull for each other, and it is going to be the team first and winning ball games.”

Bald Eagle Area High School Head coach

Ron Hoover, second season Career record: 2-8

Conference

Mountain League

2014 Results 2-8

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2015 Schedule

at Moshannon Valley P’BURG-OSCEOLA at Penns Valley at Chestnut Ridge CENTRAL at Tyrone HUNTINGDON at Clearfield JERSEY SHORE BELLEFONTE

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THE CENTRE COUNTY GAZETTE — FOOTBALL PREVIEW

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TIM WEIGHT/For The Gazette

THE 2015 BALD EAGLE AREA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM. Pictured, front row, from left, are Dylan Kibe, Josh Ishler, Jacob Koleno, Cobey Bainey, Ryan Guenot, Elliot Peters, Mike Kachik, Aleck Nyman, Jacob Gates and Daniel Hockenbury. Second row, from left, are Austin Young, Tyler Heinbaugh, Andrew Cohen, Hunter Hockenberry, Tanner Kresovich, Cole Robinson, Luke Holler, Corey Thompson, Kyle Gates and Hunter Weston. Third row, from left, are Kevin Howell, Koy Poling, Jerrad Longo, Malachi Moyer, Joshua Ishler, Jordan Jones, Matthew Fye, Eli Myers, Derek Henry, Ty Walker and Michael Salvanish. Fourth row, from left, are Joshua Fye, Cale Burkett, Shane Stimer, Rilee Bechdel, Andrew Dubbs, Ethan Moore and Caleb Roberts. Back row, from left, are coaches John Jones, Ron Hoover, Jordan Boone, Justin Taylor, Dave Jones and Ernie Greene.

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THE CENTRE COUNTY GAZETTE — FOOTBALL PREVIEW

SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

Manning expects Red Raiders to improve

By CHRIS MORELLI editor@centrecountygazette.com

BELLEFONTE — After a winless 2013, the Bellefonte Area High School football team made tremendous strides last season, capturing victories over Bald Eagle Area, Penns Valley and Philipsburg-Osceola.

“We won the county,” Bellefonte head coach Shanon Manning proudly said.

Now in his third year, Manning has his sights set on a higher goal — the postseason. With the 2015 season right around the corner, Manning talked about the time his squad has put in as it focuses on improving again.

“You can tell we put a lot of time in during the offseason. There’s a big difference this year,” Manning said.

One of the big differences, he said, is the comfort level. Offense coordinator Jeff Vroman and defensive coordinator Terry Baumgardner are in Year 2. Manning believes that will make a big difference on the practice field and during game action.

“Last year, we were getting their systems installed.

This year, we’re not installing, we’re repping. We’re getting the opportunity to get better,” Manning said.

According to Manning, numbers are up this season.

He expects to have 50 players on the roster. Higher numbers help for many reasons — added depth and

competition, for starters.

“That’s helped create a lot of healthy competition at a lot of positions and that’s been a big help for us,” Manning said. “It’s definitely better. You can’t ever predict injuries or wins and losses, but I think we are definitely better than where we were last year. Getting more players in has helped.”

The Red Raider roster is filled with seniors and juniors. Having that kind of leadership is invaluable, Manning said.

“There’s a lot of trust. I know the boys who are seniors; I’ve known them the last 26, 27 months, so I have a great rapport with them.

I can trust them, they can trust me. Same with all the coaches. This is our second year together. I think the kids are very comfortable.

They know what to expect.”

Offensively, the Red Raiders have several weapons.

Either senior quarterback Mark Armstrong or junior Chase Gardner will likely be running Vroman’s offense.

However, whoever is the signal caller won’t have to do everything on his own.

Senior running backs Austin Jackson and Nick Jabco will get a lot of touches.

Manning said that the offense should be able to put up a lot of points.

“I see a big difference in the offense. I see our ability to score points. We should be able to pick up yardage in big chunks. Before, it was

TIM WEIGHT/For the Gazette

THE 2015 BELLEFONTE AREA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL COACHING STAFF. Kneeling, from left, are Jeff Vroman and Luke Whitaker. Standing, from left, are Barry Jones, head coach Shanon Manning, Terry Bumgardner and Vinny Kishbaugh.

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Bellefonte Area High School Head coach

Shanon Manning, third season Career record: 3-17

Conference

Mountain League

2014 Results 3-7

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we’ve installed them this year. It should be able to help us move the ball,” Manning said.

just about executing. Now, we’re not only executing, but picking our spots … how we are executing, where we are executing. There are things we didn’t get to last year and

Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

2015 Schedule

JERSEY SHORE HUNTINGDON at P’burg-Osceola JOHN MARSHALL (W.Va.) TYRONE CLEARFIELD PENNS VALLEY at Central at Chestnut Ridge at Bald Eagle Area

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THE CENTRE COUNTY GAZETTE — FOOTBALL PREVIEW

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TIM WEIGHT/For the Gazette

THE 2015 BELLEFONTE AREA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM. Pictured, front row, from left, are coach Jeff Vroman, Cody Breon, James Ard, Stephen Kutches, Austin Jackson, Tyler Kreger, Gaven Danneker, Jaymz McClelland, Eli Lipscomb, Nathan Spicer, Austin Stock, Austin Davis, Caleb Putnam, Zachary Matsko, Dillon Kephart, Dexter Gallishaw, Dietrich Chaffee and coach Luke Whitaker. Middle row, from left, are Andrew Davidson, Payne McCartney, Brendan Owens, Tanner Helms, Cade Fortney, Mark Armstrong, Doug Musser, Connor Rigg, Dylan Deitrich, Adam Armstrong, Garrett Kutches, Nicholas Paloskey, Jason Fravel, Alex Spicer, Jacob Frey, Antwine Rodriguez and Zach Sproul. Back row, from left, are coach Barry Jones, coach Vinny Kishbaugh, Mike Arrington, Anthony Surovec, Kyle Lehman, Luke Lambert, Jon Kerschner, Chase Gardner, Patrick Johnsonbaugh, Kellen Moss, Joe Sheckler, Nick Jabco, Dylan Houser, Cody Allison, Logan Harter, Jesse McCartney, Jake Morelli, Drew Macafee, Jaiden Boone, coach Terry Bumgardner and head coach Shanon Manning.

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THE CENTRE COUNTY GAZETTE — FOOTBALL PREVIEW

SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

Wildcats look for more wins this season

By CHRIS MORELLI editor@centrecountygazette.com

MILL HALL — Michael Nines’ first season as the head coach of the Central Mountain High School football team did not turn out the way he envisioned.

One win. Nine losses.

Nines wasn’t satisfied with that. That’s why he has some goals for the Wildcats as they enter the 2015 campaign.

“We set what I think are realistic, but high-level goals,” Nines said. “We don’t want to think in terms of wins and losses, but we’re really shooting for 5-5. We’re going to do everything we can to get there.”

The Wildcats traveled to Bellefonte for their first scrimmage of the season on Aug. 22.

Nines said he saw some good and some bad over the course of two hours.

“I thought the kids came out and executed well initial-

TIM WEIGHT/For the Gazette

CENTRAL MOUNTAIN head coach Michael Nines is extremely comfortable heading into his second year with the team. ly. This is our second year together and you can definitely

2015 Models

cording to Nines, practices have been spirited. He likes what he sees from his squad.

“It’s been great. We really, really push the kids the

tell the gains that have been made.”

The scrimmage capped the first week of two-a-days for Nines and his staff. Ac-

Central Mountain High School Head coach

Mike Nines, second season Career record: 1-9

Conference Heartland

2014 Results 1-9

Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

2015 Schedule

WILLIAMSPORT SHAMOKIN AREA at Central Columbia MOUNT CARMEL at Lewisburg SHIKELLAMY at Mifflinburg TYRONE SOUTHERN COLUMBIA at Jersey Shore

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THE CENTRE COUNTY GAZETTE — FOOTBALL PREVIEW

SEPTEMBER 3, 2015 first couple of weeks. They haven’t quit. They keep coming back for more. We expect them to play at a high level this season,” Nines said.

The team has an array of talent back for the 2015 campaign. There are several returning letter winners on both sides of the football.

According to Nines, seniors Hunter Weaver, Bryce Bitner, J.J. Harris, Tyler Zablocki, Hunter Baker, Shawn Shafer, Hunter Shoemaker and Cordel Muthler will provide veteran leadership.

Juniors Justin Neff, Patrick Barner and Zach Frankhouser will also be in the mix.

With a year under his belt, Nines said that his comfort

level has improved — especially when it comes to working with his players.

“You know the kids; relationships have been built.

It’s totally different. Last year, it was my team, but it really wasn’t my team. I didn’t develop the kids. In Year 2, it’s different. You’ve worked with the kids for a whole year. I’m excited to see what they can do after a whole year of working with them,” Nines said.

He also said there are a couple of key newcomers to the squad in senior Sam Watkins and sophomore Seth Andrus.

The Wildcats are strong in key areas, as Nines pointed out.

“I think we’ve got some size and we’ve got a few skill players who are very, very good. We have several gamers in positions that will be handling the ball.”

One of those gamers is junior Neff. He plays on both sides of the ball.

“He adds something to every offensive play. He had five kick returns for touchdowns last year and we hope that his athleticism can be an equalizer on the offensive side of the ball,” Nines said.

Weaver, a senior, was a 1,000-yard rusher last season. His yards will be key.

There are some concerns for the Wildcats. One of

PAGE 9 those is depth. Injuries could be problematic.

“Depth is a concern. We have a lot of sophomores who need to step up and learn on the fly. It’s a really big jump from freshman to varsity,” he said.

The Wildcats open with Williamsport in Week 1.

That’s just the start of a killer schedule.

“It’s hard,” Nines said.

“The only thing you can do is go week to week. You can’t be looking ahead.

You can’t be thinking two or three games down the line. You get the kids to take one game at a time. You learn from the past week and you move ahead to the next.”

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THE CENTRE COUNTY GAZETTE — FOOTBALL PREVIEW

SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

Penns Valley plans to bounce back

By PAT ROTHDEUTSCH sports@centrecountygazette.com

SPRING MILLS — The Penns Valley football team may have lost 10 starters from last year, but the Rams are determined to improve on what was a tough-luck 2-8 record in 2014.

Gone are starters Zach Aucker, Sean Beamesderfer, Luke Bitsko, Collin Egelhoff, Gabe Gensimore, Hunter Illgen, Dan Kozar, Ryan McElwee, Wyatt Sharp and Colton Treaster.

But the Rams return six offensive starters, including quarterback Ben Alexander and 5-foot-10, 230-pound running back Chase Collison, and five defensive starters to form the core of this year’s team.

There is no question that Alexander will be the key to Penns Valley’s fortunes in 2015. The 6-2, 175-pound senior completed 56 of 109 passes last season for 775

yards and five touchdowns.

He also rushed 124 times for 799 yards and 11 touchdowns and added 137 yards receiving with an additional two scores. That’s a total of 1,713 yards of offense and 18 touchdowns just from him.

Those totals would have been higher if Alexander did not miss two games due to injuries (both Penns Valley losses).

“It’s (Alexander at quarterback) a nice luxury to have,” Penns Valley coach Martin Tobias said. “I think that any coach would build their system around the players they have. We have a system in place and we take the players we have coming in and we try to make them better and we adjust the system to fit their skills and abilities. And when you’ve got a playmaker, you give him the ball.”

Alexander aside, Tobias is working to replace the players lost through graduation.

Photo courtesy vjm Studios

THE 2015 PENNS VALLEY AREA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL COACHING STAFF. Pictured, front row, from left, are Kurt Troxell, head coach Martin Tobias and Craig Collison. Back row, from left, are Tom Shearer and Rob Irwin. ley looks like it will be able to put up points this season.

“We have a young team that will have to grow quickly,” Tobias said. “We do have good leadership and a strong work ethic, and the players are coachable and determined to do their best.

“We will need it all to come together and play as a team in order to be successful.”

“I am most concerned about creating depth and experience,” he said. “Losing 10 starters and 15 players who played significant amounts of time, we have to get underclassmen to step up to create the depth we are going to need through the season.”

Still, with Alexander and five other offensive starters from last season, Penns Val-

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Head coach

Martin Tobias, 20th season Career record: 84-107

Conference

Mountain League

2014 Results 2-8

Look for our Family Matters features the second week of every month in The Centre County Gazette

Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30

2015 Schedule

at Juniata at Clearfield BALD EAGLE AREA CENTRAL at Huntingdon P’BURG-OSCEOLA at Bellefonte CHESTNUT RIDGE at Tyrone

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THE CENTRE COUNTY GAZETTE — FOOTBALL PREVIEW

PAGE 11

Photo courtesy vjm Studios

THE 2015 PENNS VALLEY AREA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM. Pictured, front row, from left, are Brandon Witmer, Jacob Allanson, Dakota Luse, Ben Alexander, Corby Woodring, Coach Martin Tobias, Chase Collison, Allen Cain, Ethan Stroup and Jeremy Shawley. Second row, from left, are Takoda Bubb, Andrew Tobias, Jared Bressler, Trevor Fleck, Luke Snyder, Ryan Long, Christian Rudolph, Tim Breon, Hunter Addleman, Dillon Steiger, Garrett Fleck and Conlan Burd. Third row, from left, are Sean McGowan, Thomas Kauffman, Josh Utter, Cole Hess, Cameron Clark, Jared Hurd, Matthew Wolfe, Colton Wenrick, Jacob Hockenberry and Trent Heckman. Fourth row, from left, are Wyatt Daub, Nic Kubalak, Nick Getz, Tristan Klinefelter, Matthew Caldana, Matthew Tobias, Blaine Ripka, Justin Sands and Jacob Duffield. Back row, from left, are Lydia Collison, Ryleigh Cain, Corbin Bird, Kurt Troxell, Rob Irwin, Tom Shearer, Craig Collison, Elizabeth Lingle-Brooks and Caroline Collison. Missing from picture: Brent Fegley.

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THE CENTRE COUNTY GAZETTE — FOOTBALL PREVIEW

SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

Mounties ready to make progress

By PAT ROTHDEUTSCH sports@centrecountygazette.com

PHILIPSBURG — Nothing worthwhile ever comes easy, and no one understands that better than second-year PhilipsburgOsceola football coach Mike Soyster.

Soyster took over a program in 2014 that had been slowly sinking for years, and he understood from Day 1 that rebuilding the Mounties would take time and patience.

His patience was sorely tested throughout 2014, as P-O was unable to break through with a win and finished 0-10. The brutal Mountain League and nonleague schedules didn’t help matters, but throughout it all, the Mounties showed flashes of progress, especially in the losses to Penns Valley, Huntingdon, West Branch and BEA. The 2015 version of P-O

will still be a team on the mend, but there are more experienced players returning and more players in general on the Mountie roster.

Foremost among the returners is senior quarterback Jake Anderson, who led the team last season in passing and rushing. Anderson completed 84 of 221 passes for 1,024 yards and eight touchdowns. He also ran 137 times for 342 yards and another two touchdowns.

Anderson will also have some help moving the ball this year. Three of the top five rushers return, including Anderson, with Ty Laird (81 tries for 281 yards) and Levi Hughes ready to contribute. All of the five top receivers, except for All-Star Tanner Lamb, return as well.

Caleb Belinda, Derek Moore, Laird and Hughes caught a total of 52 passes last season for 548 yards and two touchdowns.

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Add the return of kicker Adam Boumerhi, who was the second-leading scorer in 2014, to that, and the Mounties will be a threat whenever they have the ball.

The defense will be more problematic for the Mounties. Teams averaged more than 40 points against P-O and ran the ball more than 7 yards every carry.

Anderson, Laird, Hughes, Belinda and Moore will all have to contribute on defense, and the Mounties will have to build strength up front and avoid injuries to see significant improvement.

Lamb and Logan Day are major losses to graduation from last season, but Soyster likes the players he has coming back, and he is upbeat about what he has seen so far.

“I’m not too concerned about a lot of things,” he said. “These guys worked tremendously hard in the offseason. I see a temperament, and the guys are di-

Philipsburg-Osceola High School Head coach

Mike Soyster, second season Career record: 0-10

Conference

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aled in, so that is a good feeling to have.”

And he is, of course, most upbeat about his offense.

“Running back, quarterback and wide receiver should be very strong, and we have a young offensive line, but it has great potential. That’s going to be a key — how well that offensive line gets together — but I have a lot of faith in the position.

“And being in our second year is a night-and-day difference. There is a trust I developed in them, and I hope they developed in me, by just being around them all the time.”

Given everything, Soyster is guarded, but optimistic, about this team’s chances.

“I have a very good feeling about this group,” he said.

“It takes a special character to work as hard as they did in the offseason. You can see a nice temperament going into the season about what they want to accomplish.

You can see a chip on their shoulder, too.”

Mountain League

2014 Results 0-10

Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 16 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

2015 Schedule

at West Branch at Bald Eagle Area BELLEFONTE at Tyrone CHESTNUT RIDGE at Penns Valley CENTRAL at Huntingdon CLEARFIELD BELLWOOD-ANTIS

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

THE CENTRE COUNTY GAZETTE — FOOTBALL PREVIEW

PAGE 13

PAT ROTHDEUTSCH/For the Gazette

THE 2015 PHILIPSBURG-OSCEOLA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM. Pictured, front row, from left, are Kaleb Belinda, Jake Anderson, Aaron Boumerhi, Derek Moore, Ty Laird and Curtis Shimel. Second row, from left, are Hunter Hayward, Zhane Miller, Levi Hughes, Matt Bordas, Noah Jefferies, Bradly Dunkle, Skylar Rebo and Samuel Lansberry. Third row, from left, are Kyle Taylor, Emarion Wallace, Matt Johnson, Brandon Anderson, Jordan Smith, Cam Dixon, Ian Klinger and Keegan Perks. Fourth row, from left, are Dylan Gilmore, Rylan Markle, Micah Martin, Landon McDonald, Daniel Slogosky, Nick Keith, C.J. Morrissey and Cristian Martin. Fifth row, Dylan Yastro, Luke Swartwood, P.J. Thompson, Carson Jones, Tanner Arnold, James Bryan and Barry Kephart. Back row, from left, are coaches Nick Stoicheff, Steve Rusnak, Mike Soyster, Nick Davis and Mike Saggese.

Pick up your copy of The Centre County Gazette on September 17th and October 8th for a schedule of fall festivals happening in our area.

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PAGE 14

THE CENTRE COUNTY GAZETTE — FOOTBALL PREVIEW

SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

State High looks to build on last season

By PAT ROTHDEUTSCH

Lintal’s second season, and hopes are running high that the real Little Lions will show up much earlier in 2015.

State College certainly has the people to do it. There are 25 returning lettermen, including all-everything running back Jordan Mishler.

The 5-foot-10, 190-pound senior ran the ball 276 times for 1,553 yards and 16 touchdowns last season, and he caught 23 passes for another 257 yards and two touchdowns. He will be the anchor of an experienced offense that returns all four if its top scorers from last season: Mishler, wide receiver Kellin Valentine, tight end Brett Graham and kicker Kevin Cramer.

The only caveat is that the Lions will have to replace quarterback John Weakland, who threw for 1,749 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2014.

Weakland’s backup, junior Tyler Snyder, returns, and he is one of the main candidates for the position.

“Anytime you lose a quarterback, you have big shoes to fill,” Lintal said, “and

sports@centrecountygazette.com

STATE COLLEGE — There are many ways to look at State College’s night-andday 2014 football season and its impressive late-season run.

The team matured and found its footing later in the season, or it simply began using what it learned from its losses. Maybe new head coach Matt Lintal’s system took most of the season to take hold, or maybe the tough Mid-Penn schedule, losses and all, prepared the Little Lions for anything they would see in the postseason.

Perhaps it was a combination of all of those.

Whatever the reasons, the State High team that crashed through the playoffs and into the PIAA AAAA Semifinals against eventual runner-up Pine Richland was not the same one that finished 4-6 in the regular season and 3-4 in the Mid-Penn. Ask anyone from Erie McDowell about that.

Now it’s the beginning of

State College Area High School Head coach

Matt Lintal, second season Career record: 6-7

Conference

Mid-Penn Conference

2014 Results 6-7

Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Oct. 2 Oct. 9 Oct. 17 Oct. 23 Oct. 30 Nov. 6

2015 Schedule

at Spring Ford at Bishop McDevitt UPPER DARBY at Carlisle CHAMBERSBURG CENTRAL DAUPHIN at Harrisburg C.D. EAST CUMBERLAND VALLEY at Mifflin County

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

1 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

PAT ROTHDEUTSCH/For the Gazette

THE 2015 STATE COLLEGE AREA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL COACHING STAFF. Pictured, front row, from left, are Jesse Nagle, Mark Baney, Colton Myers, Chris Russell and Diane Swanger. Back row, from left, are Corey Raupers, Rick Hall, head coach Matt Lintal, Matt Masullo and Mike Snyder. we lost a great one in John Weakland. We’re looking for a new, young face to step up there and have a great opportunity to lead our club.

“We’ve got kids working really hard at that position and coming on strong.”

Defensively, the Little Lions return nine starters from a team that limited its first two playoff opponents to a total of just 13 points.

Linebacker Stan Martin and defensive lineman Sheldon Davis look to be the leaders of that group, but there are experienced players — with size — up and down the lineup.

“Obviously, when you have nine guys returning (on defense),” Lintal said, “you can do a lot with them. We’re looking to be very multiple, be able to disguise a lot and run guys around. We have some key guys that will allow us to be very versatile. Hopefully, that will create some havoc on opposing offenses.”

State College will open the season at Spring Ford, in District 1, on Friday, Sept.

4, and then travel to Bishop McDevitt on Friday, Sept. 11.

The team’s first home game is against Upper Darby on Friday, Sept. 18.

“I think the biggest thing as you start any season is the identity of the team,” Lintal said. “What are they going to come together and look like, and what are they going to pride themselves on?

“We finished last season as a very physical football team, and the kids took pride in that. If we can take what we gained at the end of last season in that playoff run, and start in that same fashion, we could be dangerous.

“We just want to make sure we start fast, but get better every week. Continue to make gains and strides every week. The biggest things will be coming together as a football team, finding great leadership and having fun.”

Follow us on Twitter. @centrecogazette

SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

THE CENTRE COUNTY GAZETTE — FOOTBALL PREVIEW

PAGE 15

PAT ROTHDEUTSCH/For the Gazette

THE STATE COLLEGE AREA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM RETURNS 24 LETTER WINNERS FOR THE 2015 SEASON. Pictured, front row, from left, are Ryan Blonski, Dalton Barger, Aziz Salamy, Kevin Cramer, Drew Linnes and Josh Ruffner. Middle row, from left, are Sheldon Davis, Jack Vandevort, Pete Haffner, Noah Schwab, RajKaran Singh, Stan Martin, Jordan Misher and Kellen Valentine. Back row, from left, are Josh Rickley, Eric Swanson, Doug Swoboda, John Seighman, Brett Graham, Tristen Daman, Mark Weakland, Gabe Mangale, Nathan King and Wade Bansell.

Send sports information editor@centrecountygazette.com

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PAGE 16

THE CENTRE COUNTY GAZETTE — FOOTBALL PREVIEW

SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

St. Joe’s continues to build program MATT BORTNER

to replace their go-to man, This scenario is not unMichael Kresovich will take Mike Jabco. familiar to Carson and his snaps for the multiple-look team, though. offense, mostly run from the Name a position on the pistol. Kresovich split time field, and there is a good “We are always looking at BOALSBURG — Startbetween quarterback and rechance that Jabco played it: being inventive in our practicing anything from scratch is ceiver last season. quarterback, running back, es; ways to do things without never an easy task, let alone Kresovich will look to wide receiver, kicker, puntgetting hurt,” said Carson. building a high school footfellow seniors Austin Emel er and returner, as well as a St. Joseph’s is the true ball program. Just ask St. (running back) and Charles starter on the defensive side. definition of a two-way footJoseph’s Catholic Academy Ross (slot receiver) to move His versatility and stellar seaball team and Carson behead coach Dave Carson. the ball down the field. son awarded him a chance lieves he has some good athThe Wolves are heading to play in the Lezzer Lumber letes, especially on the offeninto their third season, only St. Joe’s, Page 26 Football Classic, an all-star sive side. Senior quarterback two fewer than the number game for local seniors. of years the school has been “Mike was one of Centre in existence.

County’s best players,” said Last season, the Wolves Carson. “He could have eastook a step back in the win ily decided, ‘I’m not going to Head coach column posting a 2-7 restay here with only 17 kids,’ Dave Carson, cord after tallying four wins and I think he set an examthird season during their inaugural seaple for everybody.” son, although the win/loss Jabco’s leadership and Career record: 6-13-1 column may not be a great commitment is an attribute indicator of the progress St. that the eight seniors on the Conference Joseph is making, according 20-member team have taken Independent to Carson. to heart — a most important “We felt like we had two quality for a team with such other games that we should low numbers and so much 2014 Results have won,” said Carson. “We youth. Other than the eight 2-7-1 were in the game, but we just seniors, the Wolves’ roster is did not play up to our pocomprised of freshman and 2015 Schedule tential.” sophomores, with no juniors.

Sept. 4 at Halifax 7 p.m.

Despite the losses, the Any injury to the team Wolves bounced back to deis magnified when dealing Sept. 11 UNITED 7 p.m. feat Marion Center 36-16 in with such a small roster, Sept. 18 PENNS MANOR 7 p.m. the final game of the season, making practice a daily adSept. 26 at Purchase Line 7 p.m. carrying momentum into venture. Currently, St. Jothis season. The expectation Oct. 2 UPPER DAUPHIN 7 p.m. seph’s has four players sit19612_HD Football PC:Layout 1 8/24/10 11:23 AM Page 1 19612_HD 1 8/24/10 11:23 AM Page 1 level is rising for Carson’s tingFootball out of PC:Layout practice due to Oct. 9 at Carson Long 4 p.m. squad, and the team’s goal injuries, which limits what Oct. 16 at Chestnut Ridge 7 p.m. is to push toward a .500 seacan be done at practice. A Oct. 23 LINE MOUNTAIN 7 p.m. son. recent practice only allowed 19612_HD Football PC:Layout 1 8/24/10 11:23 AM Page 1 To obtain their goal, St. for four scout team players Oct. 30 at Marion Center 7 p.m.

Joseph’s must find a way to give the offense a look.

19612_HD Football PC:Layout 1 8/24/10 11:23 AM Page 1 correspondent@ centrecountygazette.com

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THE CENTRE COUNTY GAZETTE — FOOTBALL PREVIEW

PAGE 17

TIM WEIGHT/For the Gazette

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THE CENTRE COUNTY GAZETTE — FOOTBALL PREVIEW

SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

Nittany Lions eager for new season

By PAT ROTHDEUTSCH sports@centrecountygazette.com

UNIVERSITY PARK — If positive attitude, camaraderie, hard work and intense motivation were all that were needed, the Penn State football team would be in for a hugely successful season.

The Nittany Lions have all those qualities, and more, entering a season in which they can finally see beyond the sanctions and begin to compete again on a level playing field.

Even they themselves are unsure about what can be accomplished, but they can’t wait to begin the season to find out.

It all begins on Saturday, Sept. 5, at Temple, and that’s the day in which everyone begins to learn how all the preparations and all the intangibles transition into performance on the field.

This will be head coach James Franklin’s second year at Penn State. There is no doubt that Franklin is a master motivator and recruiter who is tirelessly optimistic. Yes, he’s said many times, the 2014 team had many issues, but the coaches and players know what they were and spent the entire offseason working to improve them.

How much improvement has been made in some critical areas will be the key to the season.

“Ad nauseam” is the way Franklin described the sheer volume of talk and analysis about the play of the offensive line. Most of that was justified, though, because the depth and inexperience problems across the O-line pervaded the entire offense.

Simply put, there were too many times that Penn State couldn’t run the ball and couldn’t protect quarterback Christian Hackenberg.

When the Nittany Lions did run and protect, like in the win over Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl, the offense ran fine. When they didn’t, as in the loss to Northwestern, not so much.

Going into 2015, there is a lot more experience in the O-line and a lot more players. This year the line goes at least 11 players deep, including JUCO transfer Paris Palmer and redshirt freshman Chase Sorrell at left tackle. Center Angelo Mangiro is the only senior in the group which, according to Franklin, is getting more and more comfortable in their positions.

“I think one of our issues that was compounded last year is that we weren’t

Penn State Sept. 5 Sept. 12 Sept. 19 Sept. 26 Oct. 3 Oct. 10 Oct. 17 Oct. 24 Oct. 31 Nov. 7 Nov. 21 Nov. 28

2015 Schedule

at Temple BUFFALO RUTGERS SAN DIEGO STATE ARMY INDIANA at Ohio State vs. Maryland at Baltimore ILLINOIS at Northwestern MICHIGAN at Michigan State

3:30 p.m.

Noon 8 p.m.

TBA TBA Noon 8 p.m.

TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA

TIM WEIGHT/For the Gazette

PENN STATE football coach James Franklin is ready for year No. 2. able to (leave players at their natural position),” Franklin said. “You guys have heard me say this before, I think it was the Ohio State game; we lose our left tackle, Donovan (Smith). So our right tackle goes to left tackle. Our center goes to right tackle, and the backup center comes in.

It’s a lot of moving parts for guys that are still trying to get comfortable.

“I think the more we can leave guys at one position and give them the ability to become an expert in their craft, at their position and build confidence there, once they’ve done that, then I think we can start working on moving people around.

Right now, we’re going to let guys compete, and it’s hard to let guys compete for certain jobs if you’re moving them around.”

There wasn’t really a problem at quarterback in 2014. Junior Christian Hackenberg in his career has completed 501 of 876 passes for 5,932 yards and 32 touchdowns. But he struggled last season with the rest of the offense, and there is a strong feeling around the team that with more stability up front, Hackenberg is primed for a breakout season in 2015.

“Talking to how some of these guys feel this year,” Hackenberg said during Media Day, “how much more comfortable they feel in the system, I think that Year 2 is always the year that you see some jumps in a lot of areas. We’re excited and we’re working as hard as we can to make sure that is the case. I know, ultimately, what you are asking is, ‘Do we feel a lot more comfortable about it?’ We definitely do, and I think that’s huge.”

Last season’s defense was among the best in the country, but it lost its leader in Mike Hull. No one player, Franklin said, can take Hull’s place, but there are new players moving into starting roles with potential.

Right now, junior Nayeem Wartman-White and senior Ben Kline are slotted into the MLB position, but Jason Cabinda, Brandon Bell and Troy Reeder could all step in the that spot.

Kicker Sam Ficken graduated, and it will be difficult to duplicate the kind of season he had. Big-footed redshirt freshman Joey Julius has the inside track right now, but Lions, Page 26

SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

THE CENTRE COUNTY GAZETTE — FOOTBALL PREVIEW

PAGE 19

Hack is Back!

Quarterback Hackenberg is poised for a giant 2015

By JOSH SONG correspondent@ centrecountygazette.com

UNIVERSITY PARK — After enduring a bittersweet sophomore campaign, Penn State junior quarterback Christian Hackenberg is poised to bounce back and have his name among the few elite signal callers in the country today.

With the 2015 season right around the corner, Hackenberg discussed new expectations, as well as building off of last year’s mistakes to become a more consistent football team.

For the sake of keeping Media Day as team-oriented as possible, Hackenberg requested that the press refrain from asking any questions regarding his future beyond this season — a topic that’s been generating steam as he approaches his final year of eligibility before he can enter the NFL Draft.

There are many ambiguities surrounding this team that will become more transparent when the season kicks off, starting from the state of the offensive line to Hackenberg’s level of comfort entering the second year under the James Franklin regime.

This spring was the first time Hackenberg entered consecutive offseasons under the same coaching staff, as former head coach Bill O’Brien left for the NFL after his freshman season.

Hackenberg explained that he is excited to grow in the same system and to ultimately take a visible leap forward in his game.

“This is the first time, for me, being in the system for two years. And talking to some of the guys I’ve played with my freshman year about how comfortable they felt after Year 2 … I think that Year 2 is always the year to see some jumps in a lot of

areas, so we’re excited, and we’ll be working as hard as we can to make that the case,” Hackenberg said.

During the press conference, Hackenberg’s second year in the system and the return of the core nucleus on offense following last year’s up-and-down season were popular topics.

The frustration was visible on the sidelines last season, and evident in Hackenberg’s play as well. He failed to finish in the top 100 in passer rating in 2014. He also threw more interceptions (15) than touchdowns (12), following a freshman year where he threw twice as many touchdowns (20) to interceptions (10). The offensive line was a mess, allowing their quarterback to be sacked 44 times in 13 games — the most of any quarterback in the entire nation.

Hackenberg acknowledged his erratic play and the team’s overall inconsistency, however, he is ready to build off of those mistakes in order to avoid them this upcoming season.

“I think you just need to learn from every experience and take the lessons that come from them, and that’s basically what I’ve done,” he said. “I try to make sure that I stay as focused and ready as possible and really focus at the task at hand.

“But, at the same time, you also take those lessons and you apply them and learn from them, or you build off of them, whether it was a positive or a negative experience.”

A unit to focus on this season is the wide-receiving core and their rapport with Hackenberg heading into the second year under offensive coordinator John Donovan.

Much of the onus that surrounded the struggle of this offense last season was put Hackenberg, Page 25

TIM WEIGHT/For the Gazette

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THE CENTRE COUNTY GAZETTE — FOOTBALL PREVIEW

SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

PSU special teams still a concern

By MATTHEW FELDMAN sports@centrecountygazette.com

UNIVERSITY PARK — According to Penn State football head coach James Franklin, fans aren’t going to see many familiar faces on the field for special teams this season.

During Media Day on Aug. 6, Franklin touched on the dynamics of the special teams unit and the changes fans can expect to see this season.

After a lights-out 2014 season from former Nittany Lion kicker Sam Ficken, the Penn State coaching staff is still at work building a lineup that can compare to the numbers Ficken put up last year.

Ficken connected on 24 of 29 field goal attempts last season, good enough for an 82.8 percent average. His 24 completed field goals and 28 extra points ranked him fourth in the nation, but aside from a three-day minicamp with the Kansas City Chiefs, the kicker was not invited to any NFL preseason camps.

Regardless of Ficken’s current status, one thing is obvious: He won’t be returning to the Nittany Lions in 2015, and a replacement needs to be found immediately.

For Franklin, one of the keys in finding a replacement for Ficken is consistency.

“We’re in an age — I call it the ‘ESPN Age’ — where a guy posts a video of him kicking a 75-yard field goal.

I would rather have a guy who’s going to hit it 100 percent of the time from 37 yards away,” Franklin said.

To work on consistency, Franklin has been running his kickers and punters through constant competiton. The staff uses wet footballs, airhorns and even artificial crowd noise in order to replicate the dynamic environment of college football.

This competitive atmo-

sphere first made its appearance at the annual Blue-White game, when the coaches put on a kicking competition for the fans.

Nittany Lion kickers Joey Julius and Tyler Davis headlined the competition, backing each other up to almost 60-yard kicks. Julius and Davis, both redshirt freshmen, each connected with a 55-yard field goal, but both came up short on their 59yard kicks.

The two young placekickers are currently the two frontrunners for the position. Former Philipsburg-Osceola kicker Nick Boumerhi is also involved in the competition.

Perhaps the most interesting dynamic in the battle for the kicker spot is the differences between Davis and Julius.

Davis, a January enrollee out of Illinois, is a five-star kicker with 55-plus-yard potential according to Chris Sailer Kicking.

The 5-foot-11 Davis is a stark juxtaposition to his counterpart, former Lower Dauphin placekicker Joe Julius.

Julius, listed at 5-10, 261 pounds, doesn’t have the typical kicker physique, but that doesn’t stop him. Affectionately known as “The Big Toe,” Julius uses his size to put maximum force behind each kick.

Penn State special teams coach Charles Huff made it known during Media Day that he doesn’t care what the two kickers look like; it all comes down to consistency.

“As long as they can do their job, that’s all that matters,” Huff said.

Placekicking is not the only competition taking the limelight during preseason camp. The punting spot is still wide open as Saturday, Sept. 5, nears, and after an inconsistent 2014 season, Penn State punters Joey Gulla and Daniel Pasquariello are locked in competition.

Gulla and Pasquariello both averaged only 37.3

TIM WEIGHT/For the Gazette

SPECIAL TEAMS coach Charles Huff is stressing consistency heading into the 2015 season. yards per punt last season, a number that would have ranked each 105 out of 110 punters in NCAA Division 1 FBS (their respective 28 and 47 total kicks aren’t enough to rank on NCAA.com). The Nittany Lion coaching staff routinely switched the players in and out, hoping to find some semblance of consistency, but it was absent for the entire 2014 season.

Huff described how much the punters struggled last year, and stressed the importance of the job.

“Consistency is the name of the game. Kicking on a Saturday shouldn’t be any different than kicking on a Thursday afternoon,” Huff said.

The Nittany Lion staff has been putting the punters through competitions on a daily basis as well.

Gulla emphasized how much the training helps when it comes to games. “(Punting in a game) is

similar, if not easier, than punting in practice because the coaches put a lot of pressure on us,” Gulla said.

For Pasquariello, the competition doesn’t exist solely on the field.

“We’re always competing, whether it be in the weight room, in practice, warmups, doing trick shots, and we’re all just getting better,” Pasquariello said.

With only days until the season begins, the competitions carry more weight each day.

For the coaching staff, it’s a matter of finding a worthy replacement for Ficken, and a consistent punter they can rely on the whole season.

For the players, it’s about getting their chance on one of the largest stages in sports: college football.

As defensive coordinator John Donovan said, “It’s what we do from this point on that will ultimately tell our story.”

THE CENTRE COUNTY GAZETTE — FOOTBALL PREVIEW

SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

PAGE 21

Lions’ Breneman back in full force

By MATT BORTNER correspondent@ centrecountygazette.com

UNIVERSITY PARK — A season-ending injury is the worst fear of any athlete. For Nittany Lion sophomore tight end Adam Breneman, that fear has become all too familiar.

The No. 1 tight end recruit in the country missed his high school senior year at Cedar Cliff in 2012 due to a preseason injury where he tore his ACL. Breneman again would miss an entire year of football when he suffered an injury to his other knee before the start of last year’s season.

For many, such injuries can put a hamper on or end an athlete’s career. Breneman feels better than ever.

Two knee surgeries later, he can hardly wait to get back on the field.

“It’s been a long time coming, missing two of my

last three seasons,” Breneman said. “I’m just excited to be back on the field with my teammates.”

Breneman has been a critical part of Penn State since his arrival. He and Christian Hackenberg headlined the Nittany Lions 2013 recruiting class, and the pair’s leadership and commitment helped rebuild the Penn State program during tumultuous times.

In 2014, Breneman felt like he did not regain full football strength until the second half of the season.

He played in 11 of 12 games, catching 15 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns. Down the stretch, he became more involved in the offense, including a 68-yard touchdown in an upset victory at Wisconsin.

Despite sitting out the entirety of last season, Breneman stayed involved in the team’s development and his leadership never wavered,

all the while rehabbing his surgically repaired knee.

“When I was hurt, I was always looking out for the freshmen and taking them under my wing,” Breneman said. “I know it is tough when you are a freshman and just 18 years old.”

James Franklin believes that injury may have come as a blessing in disguise for Breneman.

“I think he’s in a much better place right now,” Franklin said. “I think in the long run, it’s probably going to be a positive for him and our program.”

The injury provided Breneman a chance to listen in on a headset and watch the game with a bird’s-eye view from the press box or the sideline. Although it was frustrating, Breneman agrees with his head coach that there were some positive aspects, such as getting Breneman, Page 26

TIM WEIGHT/For the Gazette

ADAM BRENEMAN is back from injury and should be key contributor for the Nittany Lions in 2015.

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PAGE 22

THE CENTRE COUNTY GAZETTE — FOOTBALL PREVIEW

SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

Sanctions are no longer an excuse

By MATT BORTNER correspondent@ centrecountygazette.com

UNIVERSITY PARK — The fallout from sanctions are no longer an excuse for James Franklin and his team.

“You think about the conversations that are going on about Penn State and the Big Ten now compared to a year ago, it’s night and day,” said Franklin. “That’s because of the success that the conference has had in individual programs.”

Franklin said there are a lot fewer distractions for the team now and they can focus solely on themselves.

He believes the team has something to prove.

“We’re going to have that chip on our shoulder until we get where we want to go,” said Franklin. “That’s to build the No. 1 organization in all of college football.

When I say that, everybody thinks about just the wins, and that’s part of it, but it is also the No. 1 graduation rate, the No. 1 GPA, having

an unbelievably positive impact in the community, and competing at a very high level in the Big Ten and nationally.”

EXPERIENCE IS KEY

The offensive line was decimated by injuries and position changes last year.

Christian Hackenberg was sacked 44 times in 13 games.

The line showed tremendous improvement, though, in Penn State’s Pinstripe Bowl victory over Boston College, allowing just two sacks. And, the line is looking to continue that improvement this season, bringing back four starters from last year in Angelo Mangiro, Andrew Nelson, Derek Dowrey and Brian Gaia.

“I would say the offensive line is probably the position I’m most excited about or anticipating seeing how they play together,” said Franklin. “... It’s a great need for us, but also because their approach this offseason has been taking ownership of

the success of the offense.”

The unit will provide more depth this season with players coming off their redshirt seasons. Highly touted junior college transfer Paris Palmer and Stanford transfer Kevin Reihner expect to compete for playing time from the onset.

COMING HOME

Though Kevin Reihner will be playing his home games 2,714 miles away from where he used to, this go-around truly will feel like home. The offensive lineman transfer from Stanford University is originally from Scranton and is excited to be back where it all began for him.

Reihner grew up coming to Penn State games, and many of his family members have attended the university.

“It’s coming home,” Reihner said. “I didn’t really realize how much this place meant to me and my family until it started getting ragged on. I respect how many local guys stayed and it reminded me how special of a place it is.”

At Stanford, Reihner played in 13 games at multiple positions. He’ll provide an instant impact for the Nittany Lions, as he is the frontrunner to win the starting center spot.

“We run a lot of the same schemes that we ran at Stanford,” Reihner said. “The toughest part for me was the vernacular, and some of them were different meanings. Conceptually, I feel like I have the offense down.”

HASLETT TO CONSULT

Penn State added an NFL perspective to its coaching staff this offseason when Jim Haslett joined the team as a consultant.

Haslett spent 21 years coaching in the NFL, including serving as head coach of the New Orleans Saints from 2000 to 2005. He reached out to Penn State for the opportunity because he wanted to watch his son play his final year of football at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Franklin dispelled rumors of the job meaning anything more for the future. Haslett will be a resource for coaches to turn to about any aspect of the game, but he will not be able to work with the players or do recruiting. Per NCAA rules, he is limited by what he can do, but his 30 years of coaching experience will allow coaches to gain knowledge from him.

“It might be the best deal in the country because I think our GAs are making more money than him,” Franklin said.

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SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

THE CENTRE COUNTY GAZETTE — FOOTBALL PREVIEW

GAME DAY

Be sure to pick up The Centre County Gazette for Gazette Gameday every week during football season. It’s your weekly comprehensive guide to Penn State football — featuring rosters, depth charts, statistics, schedules and standings.

PAGE 23

GAMEDAY GAZETTE

AUGUST 28-SEPTEMBER 3, 2014

PSU VS. CENTRAL FLORIDA AT DUBLIN, IRELAND n 8:30 A.M. n TV: ESPN2

Penn State opens Franklin era with game in Ireland

By PAT ROTHDEUTSCH sports@centrecountygazette.com

n Rosters n Schedules n Standings n Statistics n Depth charts

TRIP

BUSINESS

UNIVERSITY PARK — The story behind how new Penn State head coach James Franklin’s Nittany Lions will face off against Central Florida in Dublin, Ireland, on Saturday, Aug. 30 is so convoluted and labyrinth-like that it almost defies belief.

It’s not even surprising that a volcano in Iceland called Bardarbunga is threatening to have the game moved to an American stadium. Something happening like that was almost to be expected.

Yet the game is at hand, and if everything over the last two years leading up to it can be put aside, it promises to be a cracking good story in itself.

Flash back to last season’s thrilling 34-31 UCF win at Beaver Stadium. Led by first-round NFL draft pick Blake Bortles, UCF ran up 507 yards of offense against the Lions, and Bortles was 20-of-27 for 288 yards and three touchdowns. Tailback (and also NFL draft pick) Storm Johnson ran for 117 yards and scored the go-ahead touchdown for UCF with a 58-yard sweep for a TD in the second quarter.

But Penn State, down 31-17 entering the fourth quarter, battled back after a 1-yard touchdown run by Zach Zwinak and a 5-yard scoring pass from Christian Hackenberg to Allen Robinson made the score 34-31 with just under three minutes to play.

Penn State needed a stop, but Bortles was up to the task and Central Florida ran out the clock to win the game.

Now, Bortles and Johnson are gone, as well as top receiver Jeff Godfrey, but that doesn’t mean the UCF coffers are empty.

The Knights return five experienced receivers from last season, including Rannell Hall and Breshad Perriman, who are both on the Biletnikoff Award watch list.

Inside:

at linebacker, especially with the backups, and the Knights’ wide open, spread offense will surely offer a major challenge for that group.

Probably the most important matchup is Penn State’s experienced defensive secondary against the receiving corps of UCF. The Knights shredded the PSU secondary last season, but without Bortles it remains to be seen how aggressive UCF is with its passing game — and how aggressive the new Penn State secondary will play.

Penn State will have to replace Allen Robinson in its offense, but Franklin has commented many times about the speed and athleticism of the PSU receivers, especially the newcomers. Hackenberg will need to have open receivers, especially if UCF comes all-out with pressure against the Penn State offensive line.

At running back, Penn State is more than formidable, with Zach Zwinak, Bill Belton and Akeel Lynch all possessing different styles, but all effective nonetheless.

The Penn State tight ends are a wild card. Even with the loss of Adam Breneman to injury, the PSU tight ends are big, deep threats who can also line up and block. Look for 6-foot-7 Jesse James to be one of Penn State’s top receivers.

Then there’s sophomore quarterback Hackenberg. Under Bill O’Brien last season, Hackenberg flourished in his freshman season. Now a year older and 15 pounds bigger, he will be the unquestioned leader of the Penn State offense. Exactly how Penn State’s new staff will use him is a mystery, but there’s no doubts about his talent and potential.

There are many other unknowns about the new Penn State that will be revealed on Saturday. There will be revamped — and reemphasized — special teams, new kick returners, and, if you listen to the coaches, a new aggressive and relentless defense.

So don’t oversleep on Saturday.

The game kicks off at 8:30 a.m. from Croke Park, and literally anything can happen in this game.

Even a volcanic eruption.

Redshirt freshman Pete DiNovo was named the starting quarterback for UCF, and he will have sophomore running back William Stanback (443 yards in 2013) in the backfield with him.

The Knights’ strength, however, might be their defense. Of the 30 defensive players to see action last season, 24 are back for 2014. All four primary starters are back in the secondary, and the team’s two top tacklers — SS Clayton Geathers and LB Terrance Plummer — are both back.

All of UCF’s special teams pieces return as well, including punter Caleb Huston and kicker Shawn Moffitt.

The Knights were 12-1 last season, and they have the third-longest winning streak in the FBS. Saturday’s game is one of the most widely anticipated in the history of UCF football, and the same could be said for Penn State.

James Franklin’s arrival and subsequent storm of activity — especially in recruiting — has Penn State fans more than excited.

Now it’s time to actually play. All of the talk, the anticipation, the preparation are over. It is time for Franklin to lead the Nittany Lions onto the field.

At Vanderbilt, Franklin proved he can coach, but because of the sanctions and other factors, he has his work cut out for him at Penn State.

The offensive line is thin in numbers and inexperienced; it will be severely tested by UCF’s seasoned defense.

Penn State is also inexperienced TIM WEIGHT/Gazette /Gazette file photo

JAMES FRANKLIN, shown here at the Blue-White Game in April, is taking his team across the pond for his first game against Central Florida.

Michigan State looks like the team to beat go. Nineteen of 29 sportswriters

By JOE CHRISTENSEN covering the Big Ten picked Ohio Associated Press State to win the conference title COLUMBUS, Ohio — Four in Cleveland.com’s annual poll. weeks ago, Urban Meyer took the So when the Big Ten’s twopodium at Big Ten Media Days, time offensive player of the year anticipating questions about reinjured his shoulder last week, Braxton Miller’s throwing shoulending his season, it threw Ohio der, and worked quickly to ease State’s best-laid plans into the concerns.

Olentangy River.

“It’s been a very good sumThe Spartans now are the mer,” the third-year Ohio State clear favorites, but upon closer coach said. “Our quarterback — I inspection, maybe it should have know we’ll get asked that quesbeen that way all along. tion — is ready to go. He’s fullThe Spartans went 13-1 last speed, in the best shape of his year, beating Ohio State in the life.”

Big Ten Championship Game Meyer stressed other conand outmuscling Stanford in the cerns. The offensive line must reRose Bowl. Michigan State won place four starters. The pass deall eight of its conference games fense got torched in last season’s by at least 10 points. Its only loss final three games. was a four-point tossup at Notre Several other key players are Dame. gone from last year’s 12-2 team, This year, the Spartans could including running back Carlos be even better. They might not Hyde, linebacker Ryan Shazier be the only Big Ten team with a and offensive lineman Jack Meshot to reach the four-team Colwhort. lege Football Playoff, but they’re The newly configured Big Ten probably the best equipped to Maryland East appeared to be, at the time, win it.

State Ohio 1 a two-team race between Ohio Nov. State In July, Michigan coach Michigan State and Michigan State. Oct. 25 Mark Dantonio wasn’t shy when Stadium Beaver 11 was healthy, and Stadium Oct.Miller Beaver he Time: TBA was going Stadiumto make the Buckeyes Michigan 8 p.m. Michigan, Page 18

GAMEDAY

GAZETTE

R 3, 2014

THE CENTRE C

OUNTY GAZETTE

AUGUST 28-SEPTEMBE

PAGE 17

Central Fla. roster

QB So. 2 Nick Patti WR Sr. 3 Jackie Williams RB So. R 3, 2014 4 Micah Reed WR Sr. AUGUST 28-SEPTEMBE 6 Rannell Halls Wilson RB So. OUNTY GAZETTE 7 Dontraviou THE CENTRE C QB Fr. PAGE 16 8 Tyler Harris WR Sr. Michigan State Illinois 9 J.J. Worton n DB So. No. 29 Temple 10 Shaquill Griffi WR Fr. Nov. 22 Beaver Stadium Indiana 10 Kyle Coltrain WR Jr. Nov. 15 Memorial Stadium Time: TBA Nov. 8 11 Breshad Perriman DB So. Beaver Stadium TBA Time: TV: TBA 12 Jacoby Glenn QB So. Memorial Stadium Time: TBA JAY LAPRETE/AP Photo Justin Holman TV: TBA 13 QB Fr. TBAOhio State’s Braxton Miller Time: TO Northwestern TV: TBAhas opened the door for several teams in the Big Ten. Michigan State 14 Pete DiNovo AN INJURY RB Sr. LB Sr. Fr. Belton UMass DB 1 Bill Sept. 27 appearsTV: to TBA be the favorite of the newly configured Big Ten East Division.

15 Michael Easton DB So. Campbell Time: Rutgers DB Fr. 1 Christian TV: TBA Sept. 20 16 Mark Rucker RB Jr. Beaver Stadium So. Time: 7 p.m.

S Akron 2 Marcus Allen Sept. 13 TV: ABC/ESPN/ESPN2 Stadium Cedric Thompson 17 Beaver DB Fr. Noon Florida CB Jr. Time: OVERALL 2 Jake Kiley n 6 Central Griffi Stadium Sept.

TV: ESPN/ESPN2 Davis 18 Shaquem PK Sr. WR Fr. 3 Da’Quan High Point Solutions Time: TBA % TV: TBA CONFERENCE Aug. 30 Thompkins W-L Sr. Beaver Stadium S 18 Rodrigo Quirarte 3 DeAndre WR Sr. % Time: 8 p.m.

TV: TBA Ireland W-L .000 UCF WR Fr. 0-0 Josh Reese Noon 4 Adrian Amos Croke Park, Dublin, 19 Time: WR So. Network East Ten .000 Big Hamilton TV: 0-0 .000 LB So. 5 DaeSean OFFENSE 20 Taylor Oldham DB So. Time: 8:30 a.m.

0-0 TV: ABC PSU Indiana .000 DB So. 5 Nyeem Wartman Quarterback 0-0 .000 21 Drico Johnson RB Fr. TV: ESPN2 Fr. 0-0 OFFENSE S 6-2, 205, Fr. 6 Malik Golden Maryland .000 Michael Willett 14 Pete DiNovo, 6-4, 213, So. 22 DB So. 0-0 .000 Farmer So. Koa WR Quarterback 7 0-0 Michigan 13 Justin Holman, 201, So. .000 22 Jared Henry LB Sr. , 6-3, 234, So. 5-11, LB So. 7 Eugene Lewis 0-0 .000 2 Nick Patti, 14 C. Hackenberg 6-0, 193, Fr. 0-0 Michigan St. 23 Willie Mitchell RB So. CB Jr. 8 Gary Wooten .000 0-0 Running Back .000 9 Trace McSorley, 6-4, 226, Fr. Blake Tiralosi 0-0 So. QB Fr. 24 9 Jordan Lucas State 225, DB So. O’Connor, 6-1, Ohio .000 15 Michael 0-0 .000 212, So. 28 William Stanback, CB Jr. 9 Trace McSorley 24 D.J. Killings DB Fr. 0-0 Wilson, 5-10, Penn State .000 7 Dontravious TE So. season 10 Trevor Williams 6-0, 224, Jr. Running Back 0-0 25 Kyle Gibson DB Sr. entering the 17 Cedric Thompson, 2014, Sr. Geathers WR Fr. Rutgers 11 Brent Wilkerson ferent linemen no college football Clayton Belton, 5-10, 26 Bill DB Sr. End 1 % Sr. Godwin So. Tight with CB 6-1, 233, 12 Chris W-L as freshman

By BEN JONES 27 Sean Beckton % 28 Zach Zwinak,6-0, 215, So. WR Fr. 6-5, 250, Sr. WR Fr. W-L .000 12 Jordan Smith a 84 Justin Tukes, 6-4, 255, Jr. 0-0 experience.

StateCollege.com 22 Akeel Lynch, 27 Tristan Reaves West RB So. experience isn’twill CB Jr. .000 13 Saeed Blacknall 85 Kevin Miller, 0-0 Stanback .000 That lack of line William 0-0 End 28 State’s RB Fr. CB Fr. Penn 13 Jesse Merise Tight Receiver Illinois Penn Wide .000 PARK — 0-0 .000 guarantee that it an area QB So. 29 C.J. Jones 14 Kasey Gaines 6-3, 214, Jr. DB Jr. 6-7, 254, Jr. UNIVERSITY 0-0 it does make Hackenberg Iowa 18 Jesse James, line is an obvious .000 11 Breshad Perriman, DB Fr. struggle, but 14 Christian 0-0 6-3, 241, Jr. 6-1, 200, Sr. 30 Brendin Straubel .000 DB Fr. forward. the seaState’s offensive 0-0 87 Kyle Carter, 6 Rannell Hall, l Williams Minnesota QB Fr. heading into 6-3, 246, So. concern moving 15 Grant Haley of 6-2, 212, Sr. Chris .000 mark traditiona 31 HB Fr. Wilkerson, Worton, J.J. 0-0 have .000 question 9 11 Brent 6-1, 200, So. CB Fr. 0-0 15 Micheal O’Connor like 6-6, 240, Fr. “We won’t Northwestern 32 Mario Mathis DB Fr. .000 20 Taylor Oldham, 5-11, 109, Sr. said. “It’s not 88 Mike Gesicki, son.

0-0 CB Sr. .000 16 Billy Fessler been rehashed 0-0 depth,” Franklin deep where the left 3 Jackie Williams, 180, Sr. 33 Tre Neal LB So. Nebraska That issue has as head coach 6-0, .000 QB Fr. 16 Devin Pryor Wide Receiver 0-0 McDonald .000 have a two times 19 Josh Reese, 6-3, 237, Fr. tackle we’ll Justin many right So. Crook 34 as 0-0 PK Sr. the So. D.J. CB 17 about Purdue 6-1, 199, .000 88 Jordan Akins, has been asked 0-0 tackle has a backup, going to So. 7 Geno Lewis, 35 Sean Galvin DE Jr. P 17 Dad Poquie 6-3, 208, Fr. James Franklin uniform changes Center It’s probably Wisconsin 13 Saeed Blacknall,6-3, 200, Jr. has a backup.

TE Jr. 18 Deion Barnes 36 Caleb Houston at this point DB Sr. about the team’s 6-2, 285, So. Alexander or eight guys 80 Matt Zanellato, 203, Fr. 55 Joey Grant, seven those DB Fr. 6-1, So. Brandon 18 Jesse James be and 283, 37 thereof.

DB Sr. 5-11, Hamilton, or lack Lions head good about, Jr. 73 Jason Rae, 5 DaeSean BIG TEN SCHEDULE S 19 Daquan Worley trained 6-2, 210, Fr. that we feel 38 Jordan Ozerities HB Jr. But as the Nittany for anto have to be Left Tackle 12 Chris Godwin, RB Fr. 20 Jordan Dudas time, it’s time guys are going 39 Joseph Puopolo Thomas LB Fr. 6-3, 305, Sr. into UCF prep questions to start to DB Fr. 20 Johnathan spots.”

Burkett WEEK’S GAMES Torrian Wilson, 285, Sr. Center of THIS 72 multiple Chequan at kind these 40 Oruwariye LB Sr. 6-3, that RB So. Minnesota swers to 21 Amani 6-3, 309, Jr. Plummer 63 Tarik Milner, Eastern Illinois at Down the road,a big asset. For41 Terrance DL So. a 66 Angelo Mangiro, 6-2, 292, Fr. Rb Fr. State 22 Akeel Lynch emerge. be Left Guard things are still Rutgers at Washington Sr. flexibility could Bill O’Brien often 42 Stanley Sylverain 55 Wendy Laurent, S HB Fr. State 23 Mark Allen And right now, 6-2, 291, Jr. coach State at Michigan Stadium) Rae offensive front. head Park 61 Tarik Cook, 6-3, 291, Fr. were the Justin Jacksonville RB Fr. mer Croke on 23 Ryan Keiser 43 who (at DL So. same Left Tackle linemen little foggy Central Florida Barnett So. 75 Tate Hernly, Jr. really had the S 24 Nick Scott Penn State vs. praised offensivemultiple positions 43 Deondre FB Fr. for “We haven’t Smith, 6-5, 335, in Right Guard at Illinois LB So. 76 Donovan 24 Anthony Smith same five spots get his well-versed 44 Mark Messeguer Youngstown State DL Jr. 6-4, 266, So. 318, So. five guys at the If Hand can Franklin LB So. Watson, 6-5, 71 Albert Hall, 25 Von Walker front. yet,” Pace Indiana at Colby the 76 So. Miles mulState at 317, along 44 RB So. Bell Indiana 6-5, the So. multiple practices, S 26 Brandon ready to fill in 71 Chester Brown, Iowa how do we get Left Guard depth players it could help mask 45 Daron Humphrey LB Fr. Northern Iowa at RB Sr. 27 Collin Harrop said. “Now it’s eld complementing Right Tackle 6-3, 323, So. at Maryland fi tiple positions, 46 Jordan Franks PK So. position.

RB Jr. James Madison tte file photo 6-6, 285, So. 28 Zach Zwinak 53 Derek Dowery, 6-4, 304, So. best five on the at any single as a unit. How Johnson TIM WEIGHT/Gaze at Michigan 74 Michael Campbell, about 47 Connor O’Sullivan depth issues WB Fr. DL Jr. 29 Brandon 70 Brendan Mahon, 6-5, 290, Fr. Appalachian State each other, playing though, it’s Kuntz the Nittany 66 Aaron Evans, Nebraska the consistency there?”

Fr. FB So. Ultimately, 29 Brandon 47 Deion Green k P be a key cog for Florida Atlantic at five players on do we get some isn’t the only issue Right Guard H-Back DE Sr. Akeel Lynch will 30 Charles Idemuia 48 Mac Loudermil getting the bestdown. The time reDL So. 242, 5-10, Jr. 6-3, 291, So. Consistency RUNNING BACK coach California at Northwestern Bank Stadium) RB So. 31 Brad Bars 72 Brian Gaia, this season.

39 Joseph Puopolo, (at M&T offensive line with.

49 Seyvon Lowry field on every PK Fr. 6-1, 303, So. those five 6-1, 232, Fr. Ohio State vs. Navy Franklin and Wright RB So. Lions’ ground game gure out who 31 Adam Geiger 78 Tom Devenney, 32 Mario Mathis, have to deal 49 Matthew at Purdue maining to fi LB Jr. RB So. Herb Hand will line will be a weak 32 Jack Haffner Western Michigan Spencer DEFENSE running out. that Right Tackle 50 Domenic OL Fr. players are is FB So. vs. LSU (Reliant Stadium) 33 Chip Chiappialle 10 difDefensive End Fr. Depth across Wisconsin 305, Larsen almost 6-5, Salomone Chris with 51 LB Jr. LB Jr. 34 Dominic 6-4, 260, So. 59 Andrew Nelson, spot all season, Baney 6-7, 336, Fr. 92 Luke Adams, 6-1, 240, Jr. 0-0 51 Errol Clarke LB Fr. LB So. 35 Matthew 77 Chasz Wright, NEXT WEEK’S GAMES Home: 0-0 Road: 47 Deion, Green, Russell RB Jr. 36 Hunter Crawford State 52 Maurice LB So. Conference: 0-0 Athletic Akron at Penn DEFENSE Defensive Tackle Jr. Linde American DB Fr. 36 Deron Thompson So. 299, at Illinois 53 Tyler C Overall: 0-0 Anderson, 6-2, Fr. Defensive End Western Kentucky Neutral: 0-0 P/PK Fr. 37 Kyle Alston 94 Demetris 6-0, 300, 54 Gage Marsil OL Jr. 0-0 6-3, 252, Sr. WR Fr. Ball State at Iowa 95 Jamiyus Pittman, 37 Chris Gulla Home: 0-0 Road: 86 C.J. Olaniyan,6-6, 258, Jr. Sr. O’Leary, 10th season 55 Joey Grant C at South Florida 0-0 Big Ten: 0-0 LB Jr. Coach: George 38 Desi Davis Defensive End Carl Nassib, Maryland Teal Overall: 95 So. 56 Scott 6-6, 247, LB Sr. Sr. Dame S 6-2, 270, Jr. 38 Ben Kline Valle Neutral: 0-0 Record at UCF: 72-56 94 Evan Schwan, 6-4, 246, Fr. Michigan at Notre 69 Thomas Niles, 256, Jr. 57 Troy Gray LB Fr. LB Fr. 6-1, 39 Jesse Della Oregon 90 Garrett Sickles, first season 44 Miles Pace, Michigan State at Overall record: 124-89 58 Caleb Perez DT Fr. LB Jr. 40 Jason Cabinda State at Minnesota Coach: James Franklin, Brim Defensive Tackle Middle Tennessee 0-0 Defensive Tackle Fr. KS So. 41 Parker Cothren 59 Demeitre C 6-1, 283, Sr. vs. Penn State: 1-1 Nebraska 6-4, 313, So. Record at Penn State: LB Jr. 41 Zach Ladonis 99 Jaryl Mamea, McNeese State at 6-4, 310, Jr. 59 Mario Elliott OL Fr. 99 Austin Johnson,6-4, 275, Sr. Northwestern 90 Lance McDowdell, LB Sr. 42 T.J. Rhattigan Overall record: 24-15 Northern Illinois at 60 Colin Mills 88 Tyrone Smith, 6-1, 277, Fr. OL Jr. State LB Fr. 43 Mike Hull Outside Linebacker 0-0 93 Antoine White, 6-5, 274, Jr. Virginia Tech at Ohio 61 Tarik Cook OL So. vs. Central Florida: KS So. 6-1, 210, Sr. 44 Troy Reeder at Purdue 98 Anthony Zettel, 6-5, 271, Fr. 57 Troy Gray, 6-1, 240, Jr. 62 Micah Anderson Central Michigan OL Sr. LB So. 44 Tyler Yazujian 51 Errol Clarke, 41 Parker Cothren,6-1, 289, Jr. 6-1, 211, So. 63 Tarik Milner OL Fr. Howard at Rutgers FB Fr. 45 Adam Cole Barney, RUSHING Justin McDonald, 210, Fr. Tarow 34 91 Evans Smith Wisconsin 6-3, LB Fr. 66 Aaron OL Fr. 47 Brandon Western Illinois at 14 TD 46 Jordan Franks, 218, Fr. Fr. Burkett, 6-2, 213 for 1,139 (5.3), S Defensive End 48 Ryan Ammerman 67 Jared Warren OL Fr. 40 Chequan Storm Johnson: 6-4, 255, Jr. LB Fr. 49 Brian Tomasetti RUSHING 68 Charles Sprenkel DL Jr. for 470 (4.2), 6 TD Middle Linebacker 18 Deion Barnes, 263, Fr. 236, Sr. LB Jr. W. Stanback: 105 50 Mike Wiand 6-3, Plummer, 6-1, 69 Thomas Niles OL Fr. 31 Brad Bars, 41 Terrance 229, Jr. for 989 (4.7) for 459 (3.1), 6 TD 6-6, 253, Jr. DE Fr. 51 Drew Boyce Spencer, 5-10, Zach Zwinak: 210 Blake Bortles: 87 70 Luke Palmer 94 Evan Schwan, OL So. 50 Domenic So. G 52 Curtis Cothran 803 (5.1) 71 Chester Brown Cornerback OL Sr. KS Fr. Bill Belton: 157 for Linebacker 53 Derek Dowrey Wilson So. 6-0, 186, PASSING So. 72 Torrain for 358 (6.0) OL So. C 6-1, 222, So. 54 Sean Corcoran 12 Jacoby Glenn, 5-10, 186, Sr. Akeel Lynch: 60 26 Brandon Bell, 232, Sr. 25 TD, 9 int.

LB Fr. 73 Jason Rae 55 Wendy Laurent OL So. 6-0, 38 Jordan Ozerities, of 382, 3,581 yds., n, 6-1, 192, So. 43 Mike Hull, 6-1, 188, Jr. OL Fr. Blake Bortles: 259 56 Carter Henderson 10 Shaquill Griffi6-1, 184, So. 74 Michael Campbell OL Fr. TD, 1 int.

STORM Lefferts PASSING 5 Nyeem Wartman, of 14, 75 yds., 1 OL Fr. 24 D.J. Killings, 5-11, 180, Fr. 57 Marshall 6-2, 237, So. 75 Tate Hernly OL So. yds., 20 TD, Justin Holman: 9 8 Gary Wooten, 6-1, 249, Fr. Fr. JOHNSON 25 Kyle Gibson, T 58 Chance Sorrell : 231 of 392, 2,955 76 Colby Watson OL Fr. 40 Jason Cabinda, OL Fr. Strong Safety Christian Hackenberg 59 Andrew Nelson 5-11, 213, So. 78 Wyatt Miller OL Fr. BILL BELTON 25 Von Walker, RECEIVING Sr. 6-2, 208, Sr. G 60 Noah Bed 10 int.

26 Clayton Geathers, 79 Chavis Dickey 1 TD, 0 int.

Jr. WR Fr. 6-0, 208, So. C 65 Miles Dieffenbach Cornerback (15.5), 5 TD Smith 22 Jared Henry, n, 6-1, 197, Fr. 10 of 15, 155 yds., Fr. 80 Tre-Quan Griffi WR Fr. G Tyler Ferguson: 6-1, 188, Jr. 66 Angelo Mangiro Rannell Hall: 57-886 18 Shaquem Fr. 10 Trevor Williams, (15.3), 7 TD T 81 Chris Johnson 67 Andrew Terlingo WR Fr. 6-0 198, Kr. Free Safety J.J. Worton: 47-721 Fr. 9 Jordan Lucas, 5-11, 183, So. 195, Sr. T 69 Adam DeBoef 82 Jamari Fye tt PK Sr. RECEIVING (9.4), 4 TD Alexander, 6-2, So. 12 Jordan Smith, 5-10, 171, Jr. 37 Brandon T 70 Brendan Mahon Jeff Godfrey: 43-406 6-1, 202, So. 83 Shawn Moffi David, TE Sr. (14.8), 6 TD So. 21 Drico Johnson, 3 Da’Quan G 161, Fr. 71 Albert Hall Robinson: 97-1,432 84 Justin Tukes Gaines, 5-10, TE Jr. Allen TEAMS Gaia Kasey Fr. TD 14 3 Jr. SPECIAL Brian OL 72 SCORING 5-10, 181, 28-312 (11.1), 85 Kevin Miller WR Fr. Placekicker Fr. 16 Devin Pryor, G Brandon Felder: 73 Steve Myers (13.3), 3 TD 86 Michael Colubiale tt, 5-11, 180, Sr. TE So. pts. (21 FG, 49 PAT) OL Fr. 74 Evan Galimberti Safety 83 Shawn Moffi 202, Sr. Jesse James: 25-333 Shawn Moffitt: 112 Jr. Quirarte, 6-1, 87 Cal Bloom WR Fr. Sr. T TD) 75 Brendan Brosnan Rodrigo 209, (17 18 6-0, pts.

102 Smith Fr. 4 Adrian Amos, 6-1, 197, So. T 88 Jordan Akins 76 Donovan Storm Johnson: WR So. Punter conversion) SCORING Fr. (7 TD, 1 two-point Sr. 6 Malik Golden, C 77 Chasz Wright 6-1, 200, So. 89 Hayden Jones ll DL Jr. BLAKE Valle, 6-1, 203, J.J. Worton: 44 pts.

36 Caleb Huston, Fr. 39 Jesse Della T 6-1, 220, Fr. 78 Tom Devenney FG, 41 PAT) 6-0, 196, So. (15 90 Lance McDowde DL Fr. Loudermilk, pts.

Smith, Mac 86 Shuman 48 Jr. Sr. BORTLES 24 Anthony WR 79 Charlie 6-3, 226, Sam Ficken: 6-1, 208, Sr. 91 Joey Connors DL So. 35 Sean Galvin, pts. (12 TD) 23 Ryan Keiser, 6-0, 174, So. TE So. 80 Matt Zanellato Zach Zwinak: 72 CHRISTIAN 92 Luke Adams Long Snapper DL Fr. WR So. 27 Colin Harrop, 81 Adam Brenneman (7 TD) Tony Guerad Jr. 6-2, 228, Sr. 93 Teal, WR Fr. Scott 82 Gregg Garrity Bill Belton: 42 pts.

56 HACKENBERG Anderson DL Fr. 6-1, 226, So. SPECIAL TEAMS 94 Demetris DL WR Fr. 83 Luke Vadas 54 Gage Marsil, Placekicker WR Fr. Holder 95 Jamiyus Pittman 84 Chris Geiss DL Fr. 6-2, 186, Sr. FLORIDA WR Jr. A.J. Wooten 85 Troy Apke 97 Sam Ficken, 6-2, 212, Sr. 96 Fr. DL Fr. CENTRAL 193, Worton, photo le J.J. fi 6-0, Baker tte 9 6-1, 200, So. DE Sr. 86 DeShawn 37 Chris Gulla, TIM WEIGHT/Gaze 97 Jock Petree DL Sr. 36 Caleb Huston, 122.5 TE Jr. 86 C.J. Olaniyan PENN STATE try to avoid the 98 Rob Sauvao Punter DL Sr. Kick Returner RUSHING/GAME HACKENBERG will TE Fr. 87 Kyle Carter 144.0 Sr. SYRACUSE 4.0 6-0, 193, Fr. ACK CHRISTIAN 99 Jaryl Mamea Hall, 6-1, 200, Gesicki year two as the TT. Sr.

Penn State roster

INGS BIG TEN STAND

Depth charts

Offensive line Nittany Notes: on depth this seas will have some

DA CENTRAL FLORI

PENN STATE

Team leaders (2013)

Team leaders (2013)

Defense

Offense

88 Mike 88 Tyrone Smith 90 Garrett Sickels 91 Tarow Barney 92 Joe Holmes 92 Daniel Pasquariello 93 Robby Liebel 93 Antoine White 94 Evan Schwan 95 Carl Nassib Brown 96 Torrence 97 Sam Ficken 98 Anthony Zettel 99 Austin Johnson 99 Joey Julius

DT DE So. DT Jr. DT Fr. Fr. P Fr. P DT Fr. DE So. DE Jr. DL Fr. PK Sr. DE Jr. DT So. Fr. P

PENN STATE 174.0 4.2

241-409-10 259.2 433.2 5.7 28.7

RUSHING/GAME RUSHING/ATT.

PASSING PASSING/GAME TOTAL/GAME TOTAL/ATT. SCORING/GAME

159.9 4.4 265-404-11 281.6 441.5 6.6 34.6

3.9

249-423-13 237.3 381.3 5.3 26.2

RUSHING/A PASSING PASSING/GAME TOTAL/GAME TOTAL/ATT. SCORING/GAME

272-479-14 239.5 362.0 5.4 21.3

37 Chris Gulla,

Long Snapper 6-0, 228, So. 44 Tyler Yazulian, 6-0, 206, Fr. 54 Sean Corcoran, 6-1, 211, So. 46 Hunter Crafford,

6 Rannell 5-10, 210, St. 15 Michael Easton, Punt Returner 6-2, 212, Sr. 9 J.J. Worton, 6-0, 180, Sr. 19 Josh Reese,

QUARTERB enters e slump” as he dreaded “sophomor caller.

Nittany Lions’ signal

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PAGE 24

THE CENTRE COUNTY GAZETTE — FOOTBALL PREVIEW

SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

2015 Big Ten Composite Schedule SEPT. 3

Michigan at Utah TCU at Minnesota

SEPT. 4

Kent State at Illinois Michigan State at Western Michigan

SEPT. 5

Penn State at Temple Southern Illinois at Indiana Illinois Sate at Iowa Richmond at Maryland BYU at Nebraska Stanford at Northwestern Norfolk State at Rutgers Alabama vs. Wisconsin (at Arlington, Texas)

SEPT. 6

Purdue at Marshall

SEPT. 7

Ohio State at Virginia Tech

SEPT. 12

Buffalo at Penn State Western Illinois at Illinois Florida International at Indiana Iowa at Iowa State Bowling Green at Maryland Oregon at Michigan State Minnesota at Colorado State South Alabama at Nebraska Eastern Illinois at Northwestern Hawaii at Ohio State Indiana State at Purdue Washington State at Rutgers Miami (Ohio) at Wisconsin

SEPT. 19

Rutgers at Penn State Illinois at North Carolina Western Kentucky at Indiana Pittsburgh at Iowa South Florida at Maryland UNLV at Michigan Air Force at Michigan State Kent State at Minnesota Nebraska at Miami (Fla.) Northwestern at Duke Northern Illinois at Ohio State Virginia Tech at Purdue Troy at Wisconsin

SEPT. 26

San Diego State at Penn State Middle Tennessee State at Illinois Indiana at Wake Forest North Texas at Iowa Maryland at West Virginia BYU at Michigan

Central Michigan at Michigan State Ohio at Minnesota Southern Miss at Nebraska Ball State at Northwestern Western Michigan at Ohio State Bowling Green at Purdue Kansas at Rutgers Hawaii at Wisconsin

OCT. 3

Army at Penn State Nebraska at Illinois Ohio State at Indiana Michigan at Maryland Purdue at Michigan State Iowa at Wisconsin

OCT. 10

Indiana at Penn State Illinois at Iowa Northwestern at Michigan Wisconsin at Nebraska Maryland at Ohio State Minnesota at Purdue Michigan State at Rutgers

OCT. 17

Penn State at Ohio State Rutgers at Indiana Michigan State at Michigan Nebraska at Minnesota Iowa at Northwestern Purdue at Wisconsin

OCT. 24

Penn State at Maryland (at Baltimore) Wisconsin at Illinois Indiana at Michigan State Northwestern at Nebraska Ohio State at Rutgers

OCT. 31

Illinois at Penn State Maryland at Iowa Michigan at Minnesota Nebraska at Purdue Rutgers at Wisconsin

NOV. 7

Penn State at Northwestern Iowa at Indiana Wisconsin at Maryland Rutgers at Michigan Michigan State at Nebraska Minnesota at Ohio State Illinois at Purdue

NOV. 14

Ohio State at Illinois Michigan at Indiana Minnesota at Iowa Maryland at Michigan State

Purdue at Northwestern Nebraska at Rutgers

NOV. 21

Michigan at Penn State Purdue at Iowa Indiana at Maryland Illinois at Minnesota Michigan State at Ohio State Northwestern at Wisconsin Rutgers at Army

NOV. 27

Iowa at Nebraska

NOV. 28

Penn State at Michigan State Northwestern at Illinois (at Chicago) Ohio State at Michigan Wisconsin at Minnesota Indiana at Purdue Maryland at Rutgers

DEC. 5

Big Ten Championship Game (at Indianapolis)

2015-16 BIG TEN BOWL LINEUP

Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl Capital One Orange Bowl (Miami Gardens, Fla.) Foster Farms Bowl (Santa Clara, Calif.)

Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl (Nashville, Tenn.)

Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl (Fort Worth, Texas) National University Holiday Bowl (San Diego) New Era Pinstripe Bowl (New York) Outback Bowl (Tampa, Fla.) Quick Lane Bowl (Detroit) Rose Bowl (Pasadena, Calif.)

TaxSlayer Bowl (Jacksonville, Fla.) Zaxby’s Heart of Dallas Bowl (Dallas)

Send sports information, schedules and photos to ... editor@ centrecountygazette.com

SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

THE CENTRE COUNTY GAZETTE — FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Hackenberg, from page 19

to see dramatic improvement. Again, it’s Year 2 for all of these guys. I think the receivers and Hackenberg working together and building that chemistry and confidence in the offseason will really help,” Franklin said.

“I think how decisive they are going to be in running the routes and reading coverages and those type of things, the depth of the routes, all the specifics and details ... typically, places I’ve been, the wide receivers are one of those positions you usually see a pretty significant jump from Year 1 to Year 2. I’m excited about it, and I know Hackenberg is as well.”

The young receiver core will be led by redshirt sophomore DaeSean Hamilton, who led the Big Ten with 82 receptions as a redshirt freshman and established himself as one of the more formidable wideouts in the conference. He had four 100-yard performances in the first seven games of the season and ended the year with 899 yards and two trips to the end zone. He was Hackenberg’s go-to target, and both will have high expectations as the leaders on offense.

Donovan noted that Hamilton has been training extremely hard and that he wants him to develop into a mentor to teach the young receivers around him. However, he also explained that Hamilton must focus on being the best player he can be, and that just talent won’t allow him to get by.

“You know, from all accounts, he’s had a great summer. He’s worked hard.

He’s done that through showing those guys how to do it. He had some success last year. He needs to be able to draw from that success and continue to work on the things he can control,” Donovan said.

“He’s got talent. Talent will take you so far. You’ve got to be able to have great attitude, great work ethic, com-

petitiveness — all the things you can control.

“We’ll see over the next couple weeks how it goes, but this year, I’m excited about him. I think he’s got that makeup about him, that mindset, and that’s what we need to have as a unit. It’s got to happen individually and it’s got to happen as a unit.”

Hamilton will again be an integral part of the offense as the Lions’ No. 1 wideout and Hackenberg’s favorite target. Another year in the system should favor him in registering even better numbers than he did last year. With the improved chemistry among the offense, along with more protection for the quarterback, Hamilton should eclipse 1,000 yards receiving and roughly six or seven scores.

One relationship that has aided Hackenberg in becoming better acclimated with defensive schemes and overall defensive familiarity is his relationship with defensive coordinator Bob Shoops. Hackenberg explained that Shoops has been a crucial element to his overall development, and that he provides an alternative perspective as a defensive mind.

“As all you know, Coach Shoops is one of the best that does it in the business. So, for me to have a resource like that and not use it, that would be a failure on my end,” Hackenberg said.

“I pick his brain to see how he attacks certain things, and how I can use my knowledge to help with certain things.”

Shoop shared the same sentiments, noting that it helps him to have the opportunity to work with one of the most talented players in the country, and that Hackenberg’s maturity and leadership is second to no other 20-year-old in the country.

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on Hackenberg’s shoulders — an unfair indictment considering limited protection and the beating he took behind the line of scrimmage as the country’s most sacked quarterback.

Donovan stressed the importance of having one year in the system under the belt, and using that familiarity in the second year to perform at a faster speed.

“It definitely helps to get practice and get experience of what you’re doing. It’s about this year right now and what we do this year. I think you can draw from those experiences and draw from all the reps that you’ve gotten,” Donovan said.

“But, I do think that it helps that we’ve been around these guys for a year.

And they have some nice recall as we get into camp right now. We’re able to start at a different point than what we did this time last year. I do think once you learn our system and you’re able to think fast, you play fast, and I think that because of that, we’re going to see a difference.”

With four starters on the offensive line returning, along with every starting receiver, expectations are rising for the line to provide their quarterback more time in the pocket, and for the receiving core to step up and lead a more balanced group, rather than one that’s carried by Hackenberg’s arm and command of the offense.

Franklin explained during the press conference that he wants his wide receivers to be more meticulous, to pay attention to the little things that will help them become better players at their positions and to help improve the team’s overall consistency.

“I think wide receivers, as well as a number of other positions, you’re going

Seat m u i d Sta ns Cushio

Hackenberg, Page 26

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THE CENTRE COUNTY GAZETTE — FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Hackenberg, from page 25 “Clearly, he’s right out of central casting. He’s got all the dimensions.

He’s a great-looking guy. As good of a player as he is, he’s an even better person. And I think that’s what everybody feels about him. He’s a special guy. He’s the undisputed leader of the unit, and the relationship he and I have developed is kind of unique,” Shoop said.

“The feedback goes back and forth, and he’s so mature, it’s a lot like talking to a pro. He’s very advanced in his knowledge of the game and his expertise in the game.”

Hackenberg will be under a national spotlight that even he hasn’t felt just yet during his first two years in Happy Valley. A decision about his professional football future is imminent, whether it’s at the end of this season or when he is scheduled to graduate in 2017.

Hackenberg has the skill set and the intangible instincts that make him eligible to not only be the first quarterback taken, but the first player taken off the board in next year’s draft.

He’s the prototypical pocket-passer that every NFL team without a franchise signal-caller desires. He can make every NFL throw, has great anticipation with his passes throwing in tight windows, keeps his eyes down field, and has the poise to wait until the last second before the pocket collapses. He’s got an NFL body at 6-foot-4 and 228 pounds, and he’s still only 20.

One thing that hasn’t phased the junior quarterback since signing his letter of intent is the pressure surrounding the hype.

He’s shown that he can handle the limelight, making it seem effortless to perform in front of 100,000 fans on a weekly basis, and taking on the responsibility of being the face of a program in unmitigated turmoil.

With most of the starters returning on offense, along with another year under Franklin’s system, Hackenberg is fully equipped to bounce back and make the Nittany Lions a dark horse candidate for Big Ten championship contention.

Having a better understanding of the

SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

overall situation seems to be the general theme this year. Franklin said that he is ready for the challenge that the Big Ten presents.

“I think a lot of us have a chip on our shoulder. We’ve got a lot of work to do, and I think that everybody is ready. You guys have heard me say in the offseason, I think I have a much better understanding of Penn State now. I have a much better understanding of the Big Ten and, most importantly, I have a much better understanding of our players, and I think it’s the same way in the other direction,” he said.

“Our entire staff is back, so there’s going to be no learning curves in terms of scheme or drills or things like that.

There’s always going to be new wrinkles, but I’m excited.

“To me, this is why you come to a place like Penn State. This is why you’re in the Big Ten — to have the opportunity to go out and compete week in and week out against the very best. We embrace it. We are looking forward to this year, and looking forward to years to come.”

Red Raiders, from page 6

Breneman, from page 21

With a plethora of options on offense, Manning said that playcalling could get interesting.

“It’s not just about distributing the ball, but how do you want to distribute the ball? You’re trying to decide where you want to put the ball. Last year, we were saying, ‘Do we have a healthy 11?’ These guys are all veterans. It’s going to be very interesting.”

Defensively, there are seven starters back for the Red Raiders.

“That helps. We lost two up front and two in the secondary. The defensive line is pretty much intact, the linebacking core is still together, the corners are together. There’s a lot of experience, but you don’t know what the identity is yet. We’re waiting to see,” Manning said.

While there are plenty of constants for the Red Raiders, the schedule is completely different. Last year, Bellefonte became the road warriors, playing just four games at home. This season, six of their first seven games are at Rogers Stadium.

“We don’t have a lot of travel this year,” Manning noted.

“It’s a nice flip. You get to play on your home turf. Until Week 8 last year, we really weren’t home.”

As usual, the schedule does Manning and the Red Raiders no favors. Quite simply, it’s brutal.

“I don’t think the kids think about it,” Manning said. “They went through a lot in the last couple of years. I don’t see fear in their eyes. They know they have to play whoever steps on the field.”

a better grasp on the offense.

“Ideally, you would like for every player to get a redshirt year,” said Breneman. “It was a real eye-opener for me and it made me a better player and person.”

Not only has he returned wiser, Breneman said he is in the best shape of his athletic career. Heavier, faster and stronger were all goals Breneman set for himself for this season and all were accomplished.

“Adam looks great and I think he feels comfortable with his body right now,” said sophomore tight end Mike Gesicki. “His 40 time has gone down and he is definitely stronger. He has had some tough times and I am excited for him.”

With an already deep tight end group and a more experienced offensive line, Breneman has high expectations for himself and the rest of the tight ends.

“One of the biggest problems was not having enough time to run five step drop routes, so I expect for us to run a lot more seam routes down the middle this year,” Breneman said. “I think the line is going to help the whole offense improve.”

St. Joe’s, from page 16 Hard work has been the key to the development of the St. Joseph’s football program, led by a coaching staff that is greatly invested in each player’s well-being. Carson has laid down the foundation, and now it is time for the players to make the additions.

“We have great student athletes here,” said Carson. “I think these guys have the road map to the future, and if we keep them together it could get interesting here real quick.”

Lions, from page 18 the position is still open.

With a defensive front of Garrett Sickles, Anthony Zettle, Austin Johnson and Carl Nassib, the linebackers, and a solid, experienced group of defensive backs, the PSU defense could turn in numbers rivaling last year’s.

Much will depend on how well the offense can move the ball, put up scores and keep the defense off the field.

After Temple, Penn State is home for five consecutive games, including the Big Ten opener against Rutgers. With away games at Ohio State, Maryland, Northwestern and Michigan State in the tough Big Ten East, the Nittany Lions will certainly have their intangibles — and everything else — severely tested.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

THE CENTRE COUNTY GAZETTE — FOOTBALL PREVIEW

PAGE 27

Kelly enters second year with Eagles

By PAT ROTHDEUTSCH

Tre Burton — are thrown in, but there’s little room for injury. Peters, another All-Pro and the anchor of the left side, has been nicked up in recent years, but he seems healthy now. It is important for this line to stay together.

sports@centrecountygazette.com

PHILADELPHIA — Not long after the collapse of the Philadelphia Eagles at the end of the 2014 NFL regular season, head coach Chip Kelly did some soul searching.

He admitted later in an interview that deep down he knew the Eagles were not good enough to win the Super Bowl. They couldn’t even win the NFC East.

He had two main choices: Stay the course, develop the players on hand and build through the draft and free agency — or, blow it up.

Anyone who knows anything about Kelly, or who has read a Philly sports page since then, also knows that staying the course was never really an option.

And when Kelly blows something up, there are many pieces to be put back together, and he doesn’t care a bit what anyone thinks about how he does it.

The first to go was AllPro running back LeSean McCoy, traded to the Buffalo Bills for linebacker Kiko Alonso. The trade unleashed a giant furor, partly fueled by comments from McCoy himself, and was a sure sign that Kelly meant business.

Next was the trade of quarterback Nick Foles to St. Louis for Sam Bradford, a guy who watched most of the past two seasons with injuries and whose stats weren’t all that great when he played. It took more than a few weeks for that furor to die down.

All-Pro OL Evan Mathis was cut over a contract dispute. In the spring, the Eagles released OL Todd Herremans, LB Trent Cole and CB Cary Williams. They also let wide receiver Jeremy Maclin walk as a free agent and sign with the Kansas City Chiefs.

The biggest furor of all, perhaps, was created when the Eagles did not trade up in the draft to snag Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariotta, who had Eagles fans in

QUARTERBACK

MATT ROURKE/AP Photo

PHILADELPHIA HEAD COACH Chip Kelly has made some controversial and questionable moves heading into year two of his regime with the Eagles

a frenzy for weeks leading up to the draft.

But the team did sign NFL leading rusher DeMarco Murray away from Dallas, running back Ryan Mathews from San Diego and defensive backs Walter Thurmond and Marc Anthony. Oh, and they signed quarterback Tim Tebow.

Instead of Mariotta, the Eagles drafted highly rated wide receiver Nelson Agholor out of USC, and cornerbacks Eric Rowe, JaCorey Shepherd and Randall Evans. Linebacker Jordan Hicks and 6-foot-9, 305pound DE Brian Mihalik from Boston College rounded out the draft.

How all of this shakes out is anybody’s guess. So far, the Eagles have blown out two opponents in the preseason, but that means little since the first teams hardly played.

There are, however, some areas that have to click for the Eagles to be successful:

OFFENSIVE LINE

With Mathis gone, an offensive line that was thin already got thinner. But Jason Peters, Allen Barbre, Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson remain with Andrew Gardner, a free agent in 2014, taking over for Mathis. That is a solid group, especially when three quality tight ends — Brent Celek, Zach Ertz and

Sam Bradford has a history of injury problems and his performance for the Rams was spotty. But, he has an accurate arm (a must in the Kelly system) and is very familiar with the fastpaced Eagle offense. No team gets very far without some stability at quarterback, no matter what they say about Kelly’s system, so Bradford has to stay on the field. Mark Sanchez, Matt Barkley and Tebow will back him up. Tebow, who seems to be throwing much better, could also be used on shortyardage plays and two-point conversions.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Last season, no position group took more heat, on and off the field, than the defensive backfield. The Eagles were burned, time after time, by big pass plays, and Kelly pretty much revamped

everything, including hiring new coach Cory Undlin and getting five new players. Ever since, the mantra has been to stop the big play and get the ball back for the offense.

Even a modest improvement here will be a big boost.

Having said all that, there is much to like about the 2015 Eagles. The running backs, as a group, are among the best in the NFL, and the defensive front is solid against the run and are dangerous pass rushers. Demeco Ryans returns at inside linebacker to lead a deep and talented group, and placekicker Cody Parkey had a great season during his first year in the NFL. The schedule opens with a trip to face the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, Sept. 14, and then the team returns home for a big showdown with NFC East rival Dallas on Sunday, Sept. 20. The next two weeks are away at the Jets and the Redskins, which means the Eagles play three of their first four games on the road with two heated division rivals included. Getting off to a bad start is not an option for a team that has aspirations as big as Philadelphia’s.

Philadelphia Eagles Sept. 14 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 4 Oct. 11 Oct. 19 Oct. 25 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 22 Nov. 26 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 26 Jan. 3

2015 Schedule

at Atlanta DALLAS at N.Y. Jets at Washington NEW ORLEANS N.Y. GIANTS at Carolina at Dallas MIAMI TAMPA BAY at Detroit at New England BUFFALO ARIZONA WASHINGTON at N.Y. Giants

7:10 p.m.

4:25 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

8:30 p.m.

8:30 p.m.

8:30 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

12:30 p.m.

4:25 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

8:25 p.m.

1 p.m.

PAGE 28

THE CENTRE COUNTY GAZETTE — FOOTBALL PREVIEW

SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

Steelers will try to overcome key losses

By CHRIS MORELLI editor@centrecountygazette.com

PITTSBURGH — It’s been an interesting preseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

They’ve lost a couple of key starters — Maurkice Pouncey and Shaun Suisham — due to injury. Star running back Le’Veon Bell is suspended for the first two games of the year and wide receiver Martavis Bryant is out for the first four.

To make matters worse, there is controversy in the Steel City because the Steelers have signed journeyman quarterback Michael Vick.

Needless to say, there are many distractions as the Steelers ready for the Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots in Week 1.

With the 2015 season right around the corner, let’s take a look at the Steelers and their storylines:

OFFENSE

With starting running back Bell suspended for the first two games of the season and Bryant out for the first four, the Steelers may struggle to find offensive balance, but quarterback Ben Roethlisberger still has plenty

of weapons to work with.

Receiver Antonio Brown is coming off of a career year during which he led the league in receiving yards and receptions. Rookie Sammie Coates gives the team speed on the outside, and tight end Heath Miller is a reliable target in short-to-medium yardage situations.

If Roethlisberger can approach the season he put together in 2014, Bell’s absence shouldn’t be a killer.

Completing 67.1 percent of his passes with 32 touchdowns and nine picks, Roethlisberger had one of the best seasons of any signalcaller in the league and should have a strong followup year provided he continues to get solid protection up front.

With Bruce Gradkowski injured, Vick is a solid No. 2. Don’t expect to see Vick on the field much, though offensive coordinator Todd Haley may come up with some special packages to showcase Vick’s speed and athleticism.

The loss of Suisham could be costly. It takes real skill to kick on the Heinz Field grass, especially in November and December. Only time will

Pittsburgh Steelers Sept. 10 Sept. 20 Sept. 27 Oct. 1 Oct. 12 Oct. 18 Oct. 25 Nov. 1 Nov. 8 Nov. 15 Nov. 29 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 27 Jan. 3

2015 Schedule

at New England SAN FRANCISCO at St. Louis BALTIMORE at San Diego ARIZONA at Kansas City CINCINNATI OAKLAND CLEVELAND at Seattle INDIANAPOLIS at Cincinnati DENVER at Baltimore at Cleveland

8:30 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

8:25 p.m.

8:30 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

1 p.m.

4:25 p.m.

8:30 p.m.

1 p.m.

4:25 p.m.

8:30 p.m.

1 p.m.

KEITH SRAKOCIC/AP Photo

PITTSBURGH STEELERS quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is coming off a career year in which he threw 32 touchdown passes. He will need to duplicate that success if the Steelers are going to make it back to the postseason. tell if replacement Garrett Hartley has what it takes to get the job done. Throughout the preseason, he’s been solid.

DEFENSE

The list of departed Steelers defenders runs long with big names. Troy Polamalu is gone. Brett Keisel wasn’t re-signed. Ike Taylor has joined the ranks of former NFL players in the media.

And Jason Worilds surprised many by retiring early. How the Steelers replace those names will go a long way in determining the effectiveness of their defense.

Also gone is longtime defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau. The Steelers struggled on the defensive side of the ball last year, giving up tons of yards and a lot of points.

Veterans such as James Harrison and Lawrence Timmons will have to lead by example this season if the Steel-

ers are going to get better.

Young players like Ryan Shazier and rookie Bud Dupree could be key cogs as the Steelers try to regain their status as one of the league’s most feared defenses.

OVERALL

It won’t be easy for the Steelers to repeat as AFC North Champions. They’ve got one of the hardest schedules in the NFL. Add to that numerous injuries and suspensions, and it could be a recipe for disaster.

However, after back-toback 8-8 seasons, Big Ben and coach Mike Tomlin appear to have the “eye of the tiger” back. While the Steelers probably aren’t Super Bowl contenders just yet, a trip to the playoffs seems likely.

Once they get into the tournament, anything can happen.

Stay tuned.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

AMERICAN CONFERENCE

THE CENTRE COUNTY GAZETTE — FOOTBALL PREVIEW

2015 NFL Schedules Dec. 6 Cincinnati, 1 p.m.

Dec. 13 San Francisco, 1 p.m.

Dec. 20 at Seattle, 4:05 p.m.

Dec. 27 at Kansas City, 1 p.m.

Jan. 3 Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.

Dec. 13 Indianapolis, 1 p.m.

Dec. 20 Atlanta, 1 p.m.

Dec. 27 at New Orleans, 1 p.m.

Jan. 3 at Houston, 1 p.m.

DENVER BRONCOS

Sept. 13 Baltimore, 4:25 p.m.

Sept. 17 at Kansas City, 8:25 p.m.

Sept. 27 at Detroit, 8:30 p.m.

Oct. 4 Minnesota, 4:25 p.m.

Oct. 11 at Oakland, 4:25 p.m.

Oct. 18 at Cleveland, 1 p.m.

Oct. 25 BYE Nov. 1 Green Bay-x, 8:30 p.m.

Nov. 8 at Indianapolis, 4:25 p.m.

Nov. 15 Kansas City, 4:25 p.m.

Nov. 22 at Chicago, 1 p.m.

Nov. 29 New England-x, 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 6 at San Diego, 4:05 p.m.

Dec. 13 Oakland, 4:05 p.m.

Dec. 20 at Pittsburgh, 4:25 p.m.

Dec. 28 Cincinnati, 8:30 p.m.

Jan. 3 San Diego, 4:25 p.m.

Sept. 13 at Houston, 1 p.m.

Sept. 17 Denver, 8:25 p.m.

Sept. 28 at Green Bay, 8:30 p.m.

Oct. 4 at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.

Oct. 11 Chicago, 1 p.m.

Oct. 18 at Minnesota, 1 p.m.

Oct. 25 Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.

Nov. 1 vs. Detroit at London, 9:30 a.m.

Nov. 8 BYE Nov. 15 at Denver, 4:25 p.m.

Nov. 22 at San Diego-x, 8:30 p.m.

Nov. 29 Buffalo, 1 p.m.

Dec. 6 at Oakland, 4:05 p.m.

Dec. 13 San Diego, 1 p.m.

Dec. 20 at Baltimore, 1 p.m.

Dec. 27 Cleveland, 1 p.m.

Jan. 3 Oakland, 1 p.m.

Sept. 13 Indianapolis, 1 p.m.

Sept. 20 New England, 1 p.m.

Sept. 27 at Miami, 4:25 p.m.

Oct. 4 N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m.

Oct. 11 at Tennessee, 1 p.m.

Oct. 18 Cincinnati, 1 p.m.

Oct. 25 vs Jacksonville at London, 9:30 a.m.

Nov. 1 BYE Nov. 8 Miami, 1 p.m.

Nov. 12 at N.Y. Jets, 8:25 p.m.

Nov. 23 at New England, 8:30 p.m.

Nov. 29 at Kansas City, 1 p.m.

Dec. 6 Houston, 1 p.m.

Dec. 13 at Philadelphia, 1 p.m.

Dec. 20 at Washington, 1 p.m.

Dec. 27 Dallas, 1 p.m.

Jan. 3 N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m.

HOUSTON TEXANS

MIAMI DOLPHINS

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Sept. 13 at Buffalo, 1 p.m.

Sept. 21 N.Y. Jets, 8:30 p.m.

Sept. 27 at Tennessee, 1 p.m.

Oct. 4 Jacksonville, 1 p.m.

Oct. 8 at Houston, 8:25 p.m.

Oct. 18 New England-x, 8:30 p.m.

Oct. 25 New Orleans, 1 p.m.

Nov. 2 at Carolina, 8:30 p.m.

Nov. 8 Denver, 4:25 p.m.

Nov. 15 BYE Nov. 22 at Atlanta, 1 p.m.

Nov. 29 Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.

Dec. 6 at Pittsburgh-x, 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 13 at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.

Dec. 20 Houston, 1 p.m.

Dec. 27 at Miami, 1 p.m.

Jan. 3 Tennessee, 1 p.m.

BALTIMORE RAVENS

Sept. 13 at Denver, 4:25 p.m.

Sept. 20 at Oakland, 4:05 p.m.

Sept. 27 Cincinnati, 1 p.m.

Oct. 1 at Pittsburgh, 8:25 p.m.

Oct. 11 Cleveland, 1 p.m.

Oct. 18 at San Francisco, 4:25 p.m.

Oct. 26 at Arizona, 8:30 p.m.

Nov. 1 San Diego, 1 p.m.

Nov. 8 BYE Nov. 15 Jacksonville, 1 p.m.

Nov. 22 St. Louis, 1 p.m.

Nov. 30 at Cleveland, 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 6 at Miami, 1 p.m.

Dec. 13 Seattle-x, 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 20 Kansas City, 1 p.m.

Dec. 27 Pittsburgh-x, 8:30 p.m.

Jan. 3 at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.

BUFFALO BILLS

Sept. 13 at Oakland, 4:25 p.m.

Sept. 20 San Diego, 1 p.m.

Sept. 27 at Baltimore, 1 p.m.

Oct. 4 Kansas City, 1 p.m.

Oct. 11 Seattle, 1 p.m.

Oct. 18 at Buffalo, 1 p.m.

Oct. 25 BYE Nov. 1 at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.

Nov. 5 Cleveland, 8:25 p.m.

Nov. 16 Houston, 8:30 p.m.

Nov. 22 at Arizona, 4:05 p.m.

Nov. 29 St. Louis, 1 p.m.

Dec. 6 at Cleveland, 1 p.m.

Dec. 13 Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.

Dec. 20 at San Francisco-x, 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 28 at Denver, 8:30 p.m.

Jan. 3 Baltimore, 1 p.m.

CLEVELAND BROWNS

Sept. 13 at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m.

Sept. 20 Tennessee, 1 p.m.

Sept. 27 Oakland, 1 p.m.

Oct. 4 at San Diego, 4:05 p.m.

Oct. 11 at Baltimore, 1 p.m.

Oct. 18 Denver, 1 p.m.

Oct. 25 at St. Louis, 1 p.m.

Nov. 1 Arizona, 1 p.m.

Nov. 5 at Cincinnati, 8:25 p.m.

Nov. 15 at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.

Nov. 22 BYE Nov. 30 Baltimore, 8:30 p.m.

PAGE 29

Sept. 13 Kansas City, 1 p.m.

Sept. 20 at Carolina, 1 p.m.

Sept. 27 Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.

Oct. 4 at Atlanta, 1 p.m.

Oct. 8 Indianapolis, 8:25 p.m.

Oct. 18 at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.

Oct. 25 at Miami, 1 p.m.

Nov. 1 Tennessee, 1 p.m.

Nov. 8 BYE Nov. 16 at Cincinnati, 8:30 p.m.

Nov. 22 N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m.

Nov. 29 New Orleans, 1 p.m.

Dec. 6 at Buffalo, 1 p.m.

Dec. 13 New England, 1 p.m.

Dec. 20 at Indianapolis, 1 p.m.

Dec. 27 at Tennessee, 1 p.m.

Jan. 3 Jacksonville, 1 p.m.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Sept. 13 Carolina, 1 p.m.

Sept. 20 Miami, 4:05 p.m.

Sept. 27 at New England, 1 p.m.

Oct. 4 at Indianapolis, 1 p.m.

Oct. 11 at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.

Oct. 18 Houston, 1 p.m.

Oct. 25 vs Buffalo at London, 9:30 a.m.

Nov. 1 BYE Nov. 8 at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m.

Nov. 15 at Baltimore, 1 p.m.

Nov. 19 Tennessee, 8:25 p.m.

Nov. 29 San Diego, 1 p.m.

Dec. 6 at Tennessee, 1 p.m.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Sept. 13 at Washington, 1 p.m.

Sept. 20 at Jacksonville, 4:05 p.m.

Sept. 27 Buffalo, 4:25 p.m.

Oct. 4 vs. N.Y. Jets at London, 9:30 a.m.

Oct. 11 BYE Oct. 18 at Tennessee, 1 p.m.

Oct. 25 Houston, 1 p.m.

Oct. 29 at New England, 8:25 p.m.

Nov. 8 at Buffalo, 1 p.m.

Nov. 15 at Philadelphia, 1 p.m.

Nov. 22 Dallas, 1 p.m.

Nov. 29 at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m.

Dec. 6 Baltimore, 1 p.m.

Dec. 14 N.Y. Giants, 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 20 at San Diego, 4:25 p.m.

Dec. 27 Indianapolis, 1 p.m.

Jan. 3 New England, 1 p.m.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Sept. 10 Pittsburgh, 8:30 p.m.

Sept. 20 at Buffalo, 1 p.m.

Sept. 27 Jacksonville, 1 p.m.

Oct. 4 BYE Oct. 11 at Dallas, 4:25 p.m.

Oct. 18 at Indianapolis-x, 8:30 p.m.

Oct. 25 N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m.

Oct. 29 Miami, 8:25 p.m.

Nov. 8 Washington, 1 p.m.

Nov. 15 at N.Y. Giants, 4:25 p.m.

Nov. 23 Buffalo, 8:30 p.m.

Nov. 29 at Denver-x, 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 6 Philadelphia, 4:25 p.m.

Dec. 13 at Houston, 1 p.m.

Dec. 20 Tennessee, 1 p.m.

Dec. 27 at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m.

Jan. 3 at Miami, 1 p.m.

N.Y. JETS

Sept. 13 Cleveland, 1 p.m.

Sept. 21 at Indianapolis, 8:30 p.m.

Sept. 27 Philadelphia, 1 p.m.

Oct. 4 vs. Miami at London, 9:30 a.m.

Oct. 11 BYE Oct. 18 Washington, 1 p.m.

Oct. 25 at New England, 1 p.m.

Nov. 1 at Oakland, 4:05 p.m.

Nov. 8 Jacksonville, 1 p.m.

Nov. 12 Buffalo, 8:25 p.m.

Nov. 22 at Houston, 1 p.m.

Nov. 29 Miami, 1 p.m.

Dec. 6 at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m.

Dec. 13 Tennessee, 1 p.m.

Dec. 19 at Dallas, 8:25 p.m.

Dec. 27 New England, 1 p.m.

Jan. 3 at Buffalo, 1 p.m.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

Sept. 13 Cincinnati, 4:25 p.m.

Sept. 20 Baltimore, 4:05 p.m.

Sept. 27 at Cleveland, 1 p.m.

Oct. 4 at Chicago, 1 p.m.

Oct. 11 Denver, 4:25 p.m.

Oct. 18 BYE Oct. 25 at San Diego, 4:05 p.m.

Nov. 1 N.Y. Jets, 4:05 p.m.

Nov. 8 at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.

Nov. 15 Minnesota, 4:05 p.m.

Nov. 22 at Detroit, 1 p.m.

Nov. 29 at Tennessee, 1 p.m.

Dec. 6 Kansas City, 4:05 p.m.

Dec. 13 at Denver, 4:05 p.m.

Dec. 20 Green Bay, 4:05 p.m.

Dec. 24 San Diego, 8:25 p.m.

Jan. 3 at Kansas City, 1 p.m.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Sept. 10 at New England, 8:30 p.m.

Sept. 20 San Francisco, 1 p.m.

Sept. 27 at St. Louis, 1 p.m.

Oct. 1 Baltimore, 8:25 p.m.

Oct. 12 at San Diego, 8:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 Arizona, 1 p.m.

Oct. 25 at Kansas City, 1 p.m.

Nov. 1 Cincinnati, 1 p.m.

Nov. 8 Oakland, 1 p.m.

Nov. 15 Cleveland, 1 p.m.

Nov. 22 BYE Nov. 29 at Seattle, 4:25 p.m.

Dec. 6 Indianapolis-x, 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 13 at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.

Dec. 20 Denver, 4:25 p.m.

Dec. 27 at Baltimore-x, 8:30 p.m.

Jan. 3 at Cleveland, 1 p.m.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

Sept. 13 Detroit, 4:05 p.m.

Sept. 20 at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.

Sept. 27 at Minnesota, 1 p.m.

Oct. 4 Cleveland, 4:05 p.m.

Oct. 12 Pittsburgh, 8:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 at Green Bay, 4:25 p.m.

Oct. 25 Oakland, 4:05 p.m.

Nov. 1 at Baltimore, 1 p.m.

Nov. 9 Chicago, 8:30 p.m.

Nov. 15 BYE Nov. 22 Kansas City-x, 8:30 p.m.

Nov. 29 at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.

Dec. 6 Denver, 4:05 p.m.

Dec. 13 at Kansas City, 1 p.m.

Dec. 20 Miami, 4:25 p.m.

Dec. 24 at Oakland, 8:25 p.m.

Jan. 3 at Denver, 4:25 p.m.

TENNESSEE TITANS

Sept. 13 at Tampa Bay, 4:25 p.m.

Sept. 20 at Cleveland, 1 p.m.

Sept. 27 Indianapolis, 1 p.m.

Oct. 4 BYE Oct. 11 Buffalo, 1 p.m.

Oct. 18 Miami, 1 p.m.

Oct. 25 Atlanta, 1 p.m.

Nov. 1 at Houston, 1 p.m.

Nov. 8 at New Orleans, 1 p.m.

NFL, Page 30

PAGE 30 NFL, from page 29 Nov. 15 Carolina, 1 p.m.

Nov. 19 at Jacksonville, 8:25 p.m.

Nov. 29 Oakland, 1 p.m.

Dec. 6 Jacksonville, 1 p.m.

Dec. 13 at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m.

Dec. 20 at New England, 1 p.m.

Dec. 27 Houston, 1 p.m.

Jan. 3 at Indianapolis, 1 p.m.

NATIONAL CONFERENCE ARIZONA CARDINALS

Sept. 13 New Orleans, 4:05 p.m.

Sept. 20 at Chicago, 1 p.m.

Sept. 27 San Francisco, 4:05 p.m.

Oct. 4 St. Louis, 4:25 p.m.

Oct. 11 at Detroit, 4:05 p.m.

Oct. 18 at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.

Oct. 26 Baltimore, 8:30 p.m.

Nov. 1 at Cleveland, 1 p.m.

Nov. 8 BYE Nov. 15 at Seattle-x, 8:30 p.m.

Nov. 22 Cincinnati, 4:05 p.m.

Nov. 29 at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m.

Dec. 6 at St. Louis, 1 p.m.

Dec. 10 Minnesota, 8:25 p.m.

Dec. 20 at Philadelphia, 1 p.m.

Dec. 27 Green Bay, 4:25 p.m.

Jan. 3 Seattle, 4:25 p.m.

ATLANTA FALCONS

Sept. 14 Philadelphia, 7:10p Sept. 20 at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m.

Sept. 27 at Dallas, 1 p.m.

Oct. 4 Houston, 1 p.m.

Oct. 11 Washington, 1 p.m.

Oct. 15 at New Orleans, 8:25 p.m.

Oct. 25 at Tennessee, 1 p.m.

Nov. 1 Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.

Nov. 8 at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m.

Nov. 15 BYE Nov. 22 Indianapolis, 1 p.m.

Nov. 29 Minnesota, 1 p.m.

Dec. 6 at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.

Dec. 13 at Carolina, 1 p.m.

Dec. 20 at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.

Dec. 27 Carolina, 1 p.m.

Jan. 3 New Orleans, 1 p.m.

CAROLINA PANTHERS

Sept. 13 at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.

Sept. 20 Houston, 1 p.m.

Sept. 27 New Orleans, 1 p.m.

Oct. 4 at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.

Oct. 11 BYE Oct. 18 at Seattle, 4:05 p.m.

Oct. 25 Philadelphia-x, 8:30 p.m.

Nov. 2 Indianapolis, 8:30 p.m.

Nov. 8 Green Bay, 1 p.m.

Nov. 15 at Tennessee, 1 p.m.

Nov. 22 Washington, 1 p.m.

Nov. 26 at Dallas, 4:30p Dec. 6 at New Orleans, 1 p.m.

Dec. 13 Atlanta, 1 p.m.

Dec. 20 at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m.

Dec. 27 at Atlanta, 1 p.m.

Jan. 3 Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.

CHICAGO BEARS

Sept. 13 Green Bay, 1 p.m.

Sept. 20 Arizona, 1 p.m.

Sept. 27 at Seattle, 4:25 p.m.

Oct. 4 Oakland, 1 p.m.

Oct. 11 at Kansas City, 1 p.m.

Oct. 18 at Detroit, 1 p.m.

Oct. 25 BYE

THE CENTRE COUNTY GAZETTE — FOOTBALL PREVIEW Nov. 1 Minnesota, 1 p.m.

Nov. 9 at San Diego, 8:30 p.m.

Nov. 15 at St. Louis, 1 p.m.

Nov. 22 Denver, 1 p.m.

Nov. 26 at Green Bay, 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 6 San Francisco, 1 p.m.

Dec. 13 Washington, 1 p.m.

Dec. 20 at Minnesota, 1 p.m.

Dec. 27 at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.

Jan. 3 Detroit, 1 p.m.

DALLAS COWBOYS

Sept. 13 N.Y. Giants, 8:30 p.m.

Sept. 20 at Philadelphia, 4:25 p.m.

Sept. 27 Atlanta, 1 p.m.

Oct. 4 at New Orleans, 8:30 p.m.

Oct. 11 New England, 4:25 p.m.

Oct. 18 BYE Oct. 25 at N.Y. Giants, 4:25 p.m.

Nov. 1 Seattle, 4:25 p.m.

Nov. 8 Philadelphia-x, 8:30 p.m.

Nov. 15 at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.

Nov. 22 at Miami, 1 p.m.

Nov. 26 Carolina, 4:30p Dec. 7 at Washington, 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 13 at Green Bay, 4:25 p.m.

Dec. 19 N.Y. Jets, 8:25 p.m.

Dec. 27 at Buffalo, 1 p.m.

Jan. 3 Washington, 1 p.m.

DETROIT LIONS

Sept. 13 at San Diego, 4:05 p.m.

Sept. 20 at Minnesota, 1 p.m.

Sept. 27 Denver, 8:30 p.m.

Oct. 5 at Seattle, 8:30 p.m.

Oct. 11 Arizona, 4:05 p.m.

Oct. 18 Chicago, 1 p.m.

Oct. 25 Minnesota, 1 p.m.

Nov. 1 vs. Kansas City at London, 9:30 a.m.

Nov. 8 BYE Nov. 15 at Green Bay, 1 p.m.

Nov. 22 Oakland, 1 p.m.

Nov. 26 Philadelphia, 12:30p Dec. 3 Green Bay, 8:25 p.m.

Dec. 13 at St. Louis, 1 p.m.

Dec. 21 at New Orleans, 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 27 San Francisco, 1 p.m.

Jan. 3 at Chicago, 1 p.m.

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Sept. 13 at Chicago, 1 p.m.

Sept. 20 Seattle, 8:30 p.m.

Sept. 28 Kansas City, 8:30 p.m.

Oct. 4 at San Francisco, 4:25 p.m.

Oct. 11 St. Louis, 1 p.m.

Oct. 18 San Diego, 4:25 p.m.

Oct. 25 BYE Nov. 1 at Denver-x, 8:30 p.m.

Nov. 8 at Carolina, 1 p.m.

Nov. 15 Detroit, 1 p.m.

Nov. 22 at Minnesota, 1 p.m.

Nov. 26 Chicago, 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 3 at Detroit, 8:25 p.m.

Dec. 13 Dallas, 4:25 p.m.

Dec. 20 at Oakland, 4:05 p.m.

Dec. 27 at Arizona, 4:25 p.m.

Jan. 3 Minnesota, 1 p.m.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Sept. 14 at San Francisco, 10:20 p.m.

Sept. 20 Detroit, 1 p.m.

Sept. 27 San Diego, 1 p.m.

Oct. 4 at Denver, 4:25 p.m.

Oct. 11 BYE Oct. 18 Kansas City, 1 p.m.

Oct. 25 at Detroit, 1 p.m.

Nov. 1 at Chicago, 1 p.m.

Nov. 8 St. Louis, 1 p.m.

Nov. 15 at Oakland, 4:05 p.m.

Nov. 22 Green Bay, 1 p.m.

Nov. 29 at Atlanta, 1 p.m.

Dec. 6 Seattle, 1 p.m.

Dec. 10 at Arizona, 8:25 p.m.

Dec. 20 Chicago, 1 p.m.

Dec. 27 N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m.

Jan. 3 at Green Bay, 1 p.m.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Sept. 13 at Arizona, 4:05 p.m.

Sept. 20 Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.

Sept. 27 at Carolina, 1 p.m.

Oct. 4 Dallas, 8:30 p.m.

Oct. 11 at Philadelphia, 1 p.m.

Oct. 15 Atlanta, 8:25 p.m.

Oct. 25 at Indianapolis, 1 p.m.

Nov. 1 N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m.

Nov. 8 Tennessee, 1 p.m.

Nov. 15 at Washington, 1 p.m.

Nov. 22 BYE Nov. 29 at Houston, 1 p.m.

Dec. 6 Carolina, 1 p.m.

Dec. 13 at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.

Dec. 21 Detroit, 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 27 Jacksonville, 1 p.m.

Jan. 3 at Atlanta, 1 p.m.

N.Y. GIANTS

Sept. 13 at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.

Sept. 20 Atlanta, 1 p.m.

Sept. 24 Washington, 8:25 p.m.

Oct. 4 at Buffalo, 1 p.m.

Oct. 11 San Francisco-x, 8:30 p.m.

Oct. 19 at Philadelphia, 8:30 p.m.

Oct. 25 Dallas, 4:25 p.m.

Nov. 1 at New Orleans, 1 p.m.

Nov. 8 at Tampa Bay, 4:05 p.m.

Nov. 15 New England, 4:25 p.m.

Nov. 22 BYE Nov. 29 at Washington, 1 p.m.

Dec. 6 N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m.

Dec. 14 at Miami, 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 20 Carolina, 1 p.m.

Dec. 27 at Minnesota, 1 p.m.

Jan. 3 Philadelphia, 1 p.m.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Sept. 14 at Atlanta, 7:10p Sept. 20 Dallas, 4:25 p.m.

Sept. 27 at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m.

Oct. 4 at Washington, 1 p.m.

Oct. 11 New Orleans, 1 p.m.

Oct. 19 N.Y. Giants, 8:30 p.m.

Oct. 25 at Carolina-x, 8:30 p.m.

Nov. 1 BYE Nov. 8 at Dallas-x, 8:30 p.m.

Nov. 15 Miami, 1 p.m.

Nov. 22 Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.

Nov. 26 at Detroit, 12:30p Dec. 6 at New England, 4:25 p.m.

Dec. 13 Buffalo, 1 p.m.

Dec. 20 Arizona, 1 p.m.

Dec. 26 Washington, 8:25 p.m.

Jan. 3 at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m.

ST. LOUIS RAMS

Sept. 13 Seattle, 1 p.m.

Sept. 20 at Washington, 1 p.m.

Sept. 27 Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.

Oct. 4 at Arizona, 4:25 p.m.

Oct. 11 at Green Bay, 1 p.m.

Oct. 18 BYE Oct. 25 Cleveland, 1 p.m.

Nov. 1 San Francisco, 1 p.m.

Nov. 8 at Minnesota, 1 p.m.

Nov. 15 Chicago, 1 p.m.

Nov. 22 at Baltimore, 1 p.m.

Nov. 29 at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.

Dec. 6 Arizona, 1 p.m.

Dec. 13 Detroit, 1 p.m.

Dec. 17 Tampa Bay, 8:25 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2015 Dec. 27 at Seattle, 4:25 p.m.

Jan. 3 at San Francisco, 4:25 p.m.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Sept. 14 Minnesota, 10:20 p.m.

Sept. 20 at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.

Sept. 27 at Arizona, 4:05 p.m.

Oct. 4 Green Bay, 4:25 p.m.

Oct. 11 at N.Y. Giants-x, 8:30 p.m.

Oct. 18 Baltimore, 4:25 p.m.

Oct. 22 Seattle, 8:25 p.m.

Nov. 1 at St. Louis, 1 p.m.

Nov. 8 Atlanta, 4:05 p.m.

Nov. 15 BYE Nov. 22 at Seattle, 4:25 p.m.

Nov. 29 Arizona, 4:05 p.m.

Dec. 6 at Chicago, 1 p.m.

Dec. 13 at Cleveland, 1 p.m.

Dec. 20 Cincinnati-x, 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 27 at Detroit, 1 p.m.

Jan. 3 St. Louis, 4:25 p.m.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Sept. 13 at St. Louis, 1 p.m.

Sept. 20 at Green Bay, 8:30 p.m.

Sept. 27 Chicago, 4:25 p.m.

Oct. 5 Detroit, 8:30 p.m.

Oct. 11 at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.

Oct. 18 Carolina, 4:05 p.m.

Oct. 22 at San Francisco, 8:25 p.m.

Nov. 1 at Dallas, 4:25 p.m.

Nov. 8 BYE Nov. 15 Arizona-x, 8:30 p.m.

Nov. 22 San Francisco, 4:25 p.m.

Nov. 29 Pittsburgh, 4:25 p.m.

Dec. 6 at Minnesota, 1 p.m.

Dec. 13 at Baltimore-x, 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 20 Cleveland, 4:05 p.m.

Dec. 27 St. Louis, 4:25 p.m.

Jan. 3 at Arizona, 4:25 p.m.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Sept. 13 Tennessee, 4:25 p.m.

Sept. 20 at New Orleans, 1 p.m.

Sept. 27 at Houston, 1 p.m.

Oct. 4 Carolina, 1 p.m.

Oct. 11 Jacksonville, 1 p.m.

Oct. 18 BYE Oct. 25 at Washington, 1 p.m.

Nov. 1 at Atlanta, 1 p.m.

Nov. 8 N.Y. Giants, 4:05 p.m.

Nov. 15 Dallas, 1 p.m.

Nov. 22 at Philadelphia, 1 p.m.

Nov. 29 at Indianapolis, 1 p.m.

Dec. 6 Atlanta, 1 p.m.

Dec. 13 New Orleans, 1 p.m.

Dec. 17 at St. Louis, 8:25 p.m.

Dec. 27 Chicago, 1 p.m.

Jan. 3 at Carolina, 1 p.m.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Sept. 13 Miami, 1 p.m.

Sept. 20 St. Louis, 1 p.m.

Sept. 24 at N.Y. Giants, 8:25 p.m.

Oct. 4 Philadelphia, 1 p.m.

Oct. 11 at Atlanta, 1 p.m.

Oct. 18 at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m.

Oct. 25 Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.

Nov. 1 BYE Nov. 8 at New England, 1 p.m.

Nov. 15 New Orleans, 1 p.m.

Nov. 22 at Carolina, 1 p.m.

Nov. 29 N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m.

Dec. 7 Dallas, 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 13 at Chicago, 1 p.m.

Dec. 20 Buffalo, 1 p.m.

Dec. 26 at Philadelphia, 8:25 p.m.

Jan. 3 at Dallas, 1 p.m.

All Times Eastern (x-subject to change)

SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

THE CENTRE COUNTY GAZETTE — FOOTBALL PREVIEW

PAGE 31

PAGE 32

THE CENTRE COUNTY GAZETTE — FOOTBALL PREVIEW

SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

READY TO KICK OFF

A NEW SEASON! Penn State football is getting ready to kick off the 2015 season, and you can get ready for it by ordering your copy of Town&Gown's 2015 Penn State Football Annual!

Fearless While all eyes are on Christian Hackenberg, his are on bringing the Nittany Lions’ offense back after last season’s struggles

Focus

Once again, the Annual has features, analysis, and predictions from some of the best sportswriters in the state.

It's one of the best summer reads you can find!

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