First, as a traditionalist, I was originally skeptical about the 2024 Big Ten conference additions.

However, I actually like it.

Two of Penn State’s most exciting games and matchups over the last several years have been against USC — the 2018 Rose Bowl and the 2024 game at the LA Coliseum.

In addition, playing games in Southern California gives the large Penn State fan base there (including me) a more frequent opportunity to see a game (and tailgate).

It also gives Pennsylvanians and PSU fans a nice opportunity to travel someplace warm and fun, other than to another opt-out bowl game in Florida.

Second, I became a Penn State fan in the early Paterno era. I was drawn not just by the wins, but, just as importantly to me, by the values that Joe espoused.

One non-negotiable value that I greatly respected was good sportsmanship. While happy for the PSU receiver who caught the late TD vs. Maryland, I was again very disheartened by not taking a knee.

To me, good sportsmanship is a value that should not be compromised.

Geoff Jacobs

San Marcos, Calif.

Playoff gives PSU another chance

For some reason, Penn State’s big-game loss to Oregon doesn’t seem to sting as much as previous ones.

It seems it’s not a matter of if we will lose but how we will lose and by how much. Excessive personal foul penalties, questionable playcalling, hearing at least three times from national announcers about what the other team just got away with, you name it, and it will happen to PSU in truly big games.

The good news is the real season, the CFP, is just starting, and we could win a game or two.

John Pifer, Middlebury Center