Gameday

Rudel’s Penn State Mailbag — Nebraska

Sorting through the blue and white mailbag:

Hello, Neil:

With a new head coach coming in and stadium renovations happening, the program needs a whole reset.

Does the new coach reinvent our program -- new traditions, new outlook, new program identity, new unis -- or do they keep the status quo?

Vinnie Noviello

Williamsport

Hello, Vinnie:

Here's a new tradition to consider: How about the elimination of all the individual celebrations every time somebody makes a routine play?

Watch Zane Durant after the big sack against Indiana.

While he was dancing, IU was hustling to the line and completed a second-and-17 for 22 yards before the Penn State defense was set.

That got the Hoosiers out of the hole.

But by all means, dance.

Neil:

It is apparent the heart of the Lion is back under coach Terry Smith. It was clearly missing under James Franklin.

There is room for improvement, but I think Smith deserves another full year to hone his skills and prove himself.

The search for a new head coach should be put on hold for now. The team would appreciate that stability.

Doug Sellers

Lewistown

Doug:

Support growing for Terry, no question.

Hi, Neil:

I loved watching this MSU game, and I did not see any fall-off in the fourth quarter.

I have been watching PSU lose those fourth quarters for years on end, and I have to ask "why?"

Should we be questioning the strength and conditioning aspect of our training? Why does this defense always seem to be at the end of their rope?

Jim Fath

Wilmington, Delaware

Hi, Jim:

I think that's fair.

To me, it's been a lack of aggressive defensive playcalling, over several years, and getting worn down by not developing enough depth.

Hello, Neil:

Except for breaking Joe Paterno's rule to "put points on the board" for not kicking the field goal up 14-10 at Michigan State, I like how Terry Smith is coaching PSU these past four games.

He's been aggressive in his run game, more long balls and blitzing.

You have to throw his hat into the ring for consideration as the next full-time coach.

Phil Meehan

Erie

Hello, Phil:

I wanted the field goal, too, especially since Barker has been almost automatic.

Neil:

Before we sign more big $$, long-term contracts for coaching positions, how about a termination for cause clause if that coach fields an "embarrassingly bad" team week after week?

How to define embarrassingly bad, you ask? If film from this season isn't enough, just go with your weekly report card.

John Finegan

Sacramento

John:

Appreciate the love for the report card.

Neil:

I still have concerns about Grunkemeyer. He did hit the long pass but is missing wide open receivers and throwing behind or in front of the receivers.

I listen on the radio, and I can't tell you how many times Ham and Jones said a receiver was wide open.

Bill Obert

Bedford

Bill:

I turned on Steve and Jack during the broadcast, and they were several seconds ahead of the TV.

I'm discombobulated enough.

Hi, Neil:

Before firing somebody (unless for malfeasance) the first question I always ask to my face in the mirror is who can I get that is better?

Football teams do get better during the course of a season and more coaches are generally available in January.

Franklin was a very good recruiter, and we are now looking for a better coach.

I don't think Paterno fires him if he were AD, just saying.

I am no apologist for Franklin but we can easily do worse, It's like Tomlin and the Steelers.

Alan Saltzman

Atlanta

Alan:

Does the guy in the mirror agree or argue with you?

Neil Rudel can be reached at nrudel@altoonamirror.com

Rudel vs. the oddsmakers

Line: Penn State is a 9.5-point favorite.

Inside the line: In their last three matchups, Nebraska is 2-1 straight up vs. Nits but 3-0 vs. number ... Huskers are 4-5-1 vs. spot this season and 1-2 vs. number on road ... Over-under is 44.5 ... Over has hit in seven of Nebraska's last nine games ... Under has hit in seven of last nine matchups between the teams ... Nebraska has lost 16 of its last 19 games in November. (Source: Odds Shark).

Prediction: Penn State 23, Nebraska 20

Prediction record: 7-3

PSU record vs. spread: 4-6

Prediction record vs. spread: 6-4