Penn State running back Kaytron Allen (13) scores a touchdown past Oregon defensive back Aaron Flowers (21) in the first overtime during their NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)

Sorting through the blue and white mailbag:

Neil:

The Oregon game was lost when the schedule was released. You cannot play three “preseason” games and expect to be prepared to match the physicality of a team like Oregon.

Our O-line was certainly not ready for the challenge.

CJF claimed those games provided reps for the second- and third-stringers. How many of those players played meaningful snaps vs the Ducks?

Another big game, another painful loss.

David Toltzis

Atlanta

David:

I put the scheduling on Pat Kraft, and once he removes himself from being at James’ hip during the games, maybe he can address it.

Neil:

The offense is out of sync in both the run and passing game.

Do we move Donkoh back to right tackle and play Cooper Cousins at right guard vs. UCLA?

I thought Rucci and Nick Dawkins had bad games at least through the first three quarters.

Have the Big Ten defensive coordinators caught up with our offensive schemes?

Tough loss, and I feel for Drew Allar. We are so close to winning a couple of these big games so we shouldn’t overreact.

Marty Mehring

Port Matilda

Marty:

In the answer to opposing DCs winning the chess match vs. Andy Kotelnicki, I think the answer is absolutely.

Neil:

PSU needs to get into the coaches portal and hire the current Vanderbilt coach. Do it before Clemson does!

Byron Ferg

Martinsburg

Byron:

You’re setting up a scenario where James could go back to the Previous Institution.

I don’t see it.

Neil:

I am beginning to seriously consider my need for psychiatric help.

I find that I am agreeing with your responses from the mailbag all too often.

Jerry Uppling

Montoursville

Jerry:

Why are you linking agreement with me to psychiatric help?

Hello, Neil:

“Oh, dear!”

Are we headed for (yet another!) rabbit-hole season for Drew Allar, James Franklin and Penn State fans everywhere. Will the Nittany Lions and their faithful ever return from “Blunderland?”

Peering through the looking glass, 2031 can’t come soon enough.

John Raymond

Marshfield, Mass.

Hello, John:

As my wife Dianne says, don’t rush your life away.

Greetings, Neil:

I’ve come to the realization that there will be no real shot at the CFP championship.

Not sure what has happened with Allar, but he looks like another Hackenberg in his last year.

With McSorley on staff, I thought for sure he was going to take a bigger step forward, and it seems that he has taken three backwards.

Steve Beigle

Columbus, Indiana

Greetings, Steve:

On the NBC broadcast, Todd Blackledge mentioned a couple times had the Nits needed to throw the ball deep to open up the passing game.

It brings to mind what Terry Bradshaw used to say:

“Throw it deep! And if he’s not open, throw it anyway!”

Neil:

A few years ago, Jim Harbaugh got suspended from game-day coaching for a few games.

Given how CJF fails in the big moments, I am envious we didn’t get that. Given our coordinators and talent, I encourage James to coach Sunday through Friday and let his staff run the game.

Terry Hisey

Blue Bell

Terry:

James wouldn’t be the first coach who is judged as really good from January through August.

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