Spring Break
The Daily OrangeSyracuse to face Penn State's high-powered spread offense
By John Clayton
Posted: 9/11/08, 11:52 PM EST Section: Sports
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Greg Robinson didn't sugarcoat things when asked to assess No. 17 Penn State's electric offense.
"I'm trying to go back, and I think this is the best offense we've faced total - I'm talking 11 players on the field - that we've played since I've been here," Robinson said. "We've played some good people, but I think if you take all 11 players, this is probably the best offense that we've faced."
The film from the Nittany Lions first two games would certainly support Robinson's assessment.
Penn State's hybrid spread attack - dubbed the "Spread HD" by assistant coach Jay Paterno, son of legendary head coach Joe Paterno - has tore through its first two opponents of the season. The Nittany Lions have scored 111 points in its first two games, buoyed by a big-play running attack and pro-style pass game.
No, this isn't one of the grind-it-out Penn State offenses of the past. The ones that Orange fans grew used to seeing during many of the 68 games these former rivals have played.
This offense appears to have it all. A big-play tailback (sophomore Evan Royster, who has six touchdowns in 25 rushes this year), an efficient quarterback (junior Daryll Clark is 25-for-37 this year for 361 yards and three touchdowns) and a pair of dynamic receivers (Jordan Norwood and Derrick Williams).
"They're going to be a very solid team," said safety Paul Chiara. "Definitely from what I've watched so far, they're very well-rounded offensively."
That's a scary thought, considering Syracuse's defensive futility the first two games of the season. The Orange's leaky defense has allowed an average of 36 points and 481 yards in those two losses to Northwestern and Akron.
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