Penn State wide receiver Kyron Hudson (1) makes a touchdown catch past UCLA defensive back Andre Jordan Jr. during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Sorting through the blue and white mailbag:

Neil:

I am home from the game, and I can’t believe what I just saw.

Beyond the fact that they kept the wrong quarterback, and their coordinators can’t seem to get their games called correctly, I saw a team that was just beaten up.

The biggest problem for me was that they were physically bullied on both sides of the ball.

No real pressure and no running lanes. And the little things.The body language was awful.

On the way home my daughter asked me if I was going to donate to public radio.

I told her I was, but now will be donating to help pay for Franklin’s buyout instead.

Steve Abrams

Los Angeles

Steve:

Good news for NPR.

Neil:

With the game on the line, fourth-and-2, and only seconds left in the game, PSU came up with a terrible call.

It appears multiple linemen missed blocks.

I like my chances with Kayron Allen, who was not in the game.

In two weeks, a national contender drops out of the Top 25.

Bill Obert, Bedford

Bill:

Look out below.

Neil:

How long before Penn State’s projected high-draft picks decide to forgo the remainder of the season to focus on the draft?

Mark Patla, Trappe

Mark:

The “projected high-draft picks” are playing themselves into the second or third day.

Neil:

When Franklin’s agent inevitably stirs up the “Florida Gators want James Franklin” rumors, wouldn’t it be refreshing if Pat Kraft simply said, “Then let them have him?”

If the swamp really wants him, let him wade right in.

Sheila Riley, Altoona

Sheila:

You’re right that James’ name will start getting dropped.

But he may want to know that in addition to what will be a nine-game SEC schedule, note that Florida’s non-conference schedule this year includes Miami and Florida State.

Hi, Neil:

Can Mr. Teflon survive this debacle?

Did Jim Knowles lose his way (like umpteen other coordinators) when he came within Franklin’s aura?

Time for a shakeup.

Larry Eisman

Conshohocken

Hi, Larry:

I think the chase of Knowles and poaching him from Ohio State was more fun than the catch.

Neil:

I have always given Franklin the benefit of the doubt, but those days are over.

The new coordinators that Franklin brought in sure haven’t lived up to the hype.

Penn State deserves better — starting with Franklin.

Leo Finney

Freeland, Michigan

Leo:

I’m sensing a consensus building.

Neil:

“Maybe the best set of coordinators in college football”…I guess not.

“Maybe a first-round draft pick quarterback”…I guess not.

“Maybe the best offensive line in the country”…I guess not.

“Maybe the best two running backs in college football”…I guess not.

“Maybe the best defensive line in the land”…I guess not.

“Maybe the most creative offensive mind in football”…I guess not.

“Maybe a big improvement at wide receiver”…I guess not.

“Big Game James”…I guess so.

Rick Houseknecht

Dunnstown

Rick:

The kickers have been good.

Neil:

Tough loss. But I’ll still be a loyal fan, come ALLAR high water.

Joe Kerestan, Duncansville

Joe:

Nice play on words.

Neil:

Next game, start Ethan Grunkemeyer and play him for at least three quarters.

Bring in Drew Allar in for the fourth if needed.

Ed Brown, Hughesville

Ed:

Too soon.

Even though some would say it already is, I don’t see that scenario until the season is absolutely lost.

Neil Rudel will respond to brief questions and comments in Gameday. You can email him at nrudel@altoonamirror.com and follow him on Twitter@neilrudel.