Yes, a five-game win streak and looking ahead with Manske
PSU point-counterpoint: Can the season be salvaged if the Nittany Lions go 8-4?
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No one can debate that -- at least on the field -- Matt Campbell's debut season with the Nittany Lions has been underwhelming at best and a budding disaster at worst.
But that doesn't mean it can't be salvaged.
Should Penn State finish by winning its last five, that would be an 8-4 record -- maybe 9-4 should the Nits also win a bowl game somewhere.
While we all expected better in-game coaching since Campbell brought a reputation as a "ball coach," unlike his predecessor (CEO James Franklin), every new hire is entitled to an acclimation period before the internet explodes.
The Lions have missed on their chances for the closest thing to a marquee victory on their schedule -- notably USC or Michigan -- but a solid November would inject some hope for 2027 and more needed belief in Campbell.
A 8-4 record would mean consecutive wins over Purdue, Washington, Minnesota, Rutgers and Maryland.
None of those will lead SportsCenter, but collectively, a five-game win streak would be positive and take momentum into the offseason.
It would have to start, though, with quarterback Rocco Becht, who simply must play better or face being replaced with supposedly highly-regarded Alex Manske.
Offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser opened the season by saying Manske "is one of the most talented guys on the offense," and the staff had to find opportunities for him.
So far, for some reason, it hasn't.
Regardless of how Becht performs in what is his final season, getting Manske some meaningful time would seem like a must to provide invaluable experience for next season.
Manske showing promise would also bring optimism for the future -- 2027 and beyond since he has three years of eligibility remaining.
It could make a difference in determining what kind of quarterback the Lions seek in the transfer portal -- a starter or a projected backup.
Penn State fans couldn't wait for a coaching change, but what has happened during this 0-4 Big Ten start has tempered that -- with Franklin having success at Virginia Tech (as most predicted he would), not to mention while being led by QB Ethan Grunkemeyer.
At the same time, Penn State fans need to accept that this is a transition period.
And it was probably headed that way with Franklin, who lost his last four Big Ten games (going back to the Big Ten final in 2024).
Terry Smith took over and the Lions played hard for him, nearly upsetting No. 1 Indiana, but they also had to scramble to beat Rutgers to close the regular season.
Penn State has lost 11 of its last 14 Big Ten games so the culture needs restored. Goals have to be reassessed, and realistically, they need to be modest.
A five-game win streak would be a good place to start and breathe some life into the program now under Campbell's direction.
Rudel can be reached at nrudel@altoonamirror.com.