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Tangelo opts out
As expected, Penn State defensive tackle Derrick Tangelo has opted out of Saturday's Outback Bowl against Arkansas (noon, ESPN2).
Tangelo marks the Lions' fifth defensive starter to forgo the game, joining Arnold Ebiketie, Jaquan Brisker, Ellis Brooks and Brandon Smith.
Standout receiver Jahan Dotson is also passing up the game to focus on the NFL Draft.
Coach James Franklin said offensive tackle Rasheed Walker, who is out with an injury, will be replaced by Olu Fashanu in the game.
By Neil Rudel
nrudel@altoonamirror.com
It's been a most eventful year at Penn State, and with 2021 winding down, I thought we'd dust off the old blue and white crystal ball for a peek ahead at what could be in store for 2022:
Hmm ... let's see now:
n James Franklin signs up a dozen offensive linemen from the transfer portal.
n Media reports out of Jacksonville say Bill O'Brien is a finalist for the Jaguars' job. BOB initially declines to comment, but then can't help himself, saying, "After Urban challenged a spot against us leading 56-7 (in 2013), yeah, I'd love to replace the SOB."
n Dallas wins the Super Bowl, and Micah Parsons is voted the MVP.
n Franklin's name is also linked to the Jacksonville job, and despite signing a contract extension three months ago through 2031, he declines comment on the advice of his (latest) agent.
n Penn State wins the 2022 NCAA wrestling championship, Cael Sanderson's ninth in 13 seasons as the Nittany Lions' head coach.
n Franklin, addressing reports about the Jags' job, says, "I can't swing it. My buyout is $12 million if I leave before April. Besides, this is home."
n Freshman Drew Allar throws for 400 yards in the Blue-White Game to clinch the backup job behind Sean Clifford.
n Franklin visits offensive line coach Phil Trautwein at a short-yardage clinic at Army, where Trautwein is staying for the summer.
n Three more bowls, starting Dec. 12, are added to the postseason schedule.
n Mike Yurcich admits he piled up huge stats at Oklahoma State because the Big 12 plays no defense.
n During an informal summer barbeque, Sandy Barbour blurts out that the spending taking place to retain and attract coaches, the wide disparity between how schools approach NIL and the revolving door of the transfer portal has spun major college sports into an out-of-control state.
n Penn State opens the season with a 18-16 loss to Purdue in nine overtimes after the Lions fail on seven 2-point conversions.
n Sean Clifford admits he's in contact with the NCAA about the possibility of a seventh season.
n The Nittany Lions stay close at Michigan, but lose when Jake Pinegar can't quite reel in a pass off a fake field-goal attempt from holder Rafael Checa.
n Brent Pry has Virginia Tech off to a 10-0 start.
n At 7-5, again, the Nittany Lions accept a bid to the Liberty Bowl but not enough players want to go.
n Readers of this column are extended best wishes for a happy, healthy 2023.
Rudel can be reached at nrudel@altoonamirror.com.