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Fitzgerald deserves patience

By Neil Rudel

nrudel@altoonamirror.com

Some nitpicking as the Nittany Lions prepare to complete the pre-bye portion of their schedule:

Northwestern has proven over its history to be among the tougher jobs in the Big Ten.

With its rigid academic standards, lack of tradition and top-notch facilities — though that’s going to change — Northwestern has struggled to consistently beat the upper level of the Big Ten.

In that regard, what Pat Fitzgerald has accomplished has been remarkable.

Now in his 17th season, Fitzgerald is 110-93, including a pair of Big Ten West titles.

He’s widely regarded to be among the best coaches in the Big Ten, and his name has become up for numerous attractive jobs in the past, including Notre Dame and NFL openings.

But Fitzgerald’s heart has been at Northwestern, his alma mater, and he’s remained there.

Now that patience needs to be returned as Fitzgerald and the Wildcats have hit a wall.

They went 3-9 last year, and it’s been getting worse. Northwestern is 1-3 this season with losses to Duke, Southern Illinois and Miami of Ohio.

It has lost nine of its last 10 games dating back to last year with the lone win coming in this year’s season opener, against Nebraska in Ireland, when Scott Frost decided to try on onside kick up 11 in the second half.

Off the field, Northwestern announced some good news this week with the unveiling of plans for a new $800 million, privately-funded, purple-tinted stadium to replace Ryan Field.

The project won’t be completed until 2026 but brightens Northwestern’s future.

It will be a great boost for a longstanding Big Ten coach who is much better than his recent record.

Subtle criticism

James Franklin lamented the Lions’ lack of offensive balance after last week’s win over Central Michigan.

“When we get out of whack and do one too much compared to the other, that is where we are not at our best,” he said. “We have to continue to mix in the run.”

Sean Clifford threw 19 times in the domination of Auburn. He threw 34 times last week.

Franklin noted the Lions didn’t use the screen game enough or move Clifford around in the pocket.

He thought Penn State should have exploited Central Michigan’s defense, which was daring the Lions to beat them with the pass.

That led to some struggles, even though the final score wasn’t in doubt.

Against a better opponent, however, it might be — which is probably why Franklin was questioning the Lions’ scheme, even if such criticism, however subtle, is unusual.

Transfer portal

Many don’t like the transfer portal for many reasons.

But just as it’s taken a few players away from Lions these last few years (QB Will Levis, RB Noah Cain, decorated 2022 DE recruit Ken Talley), it’s also brought even more contributors.

Such as: WR Mitchell Tinsley, P Barney Amor, DE Chop Robinson, G Hunter Nourzad.

Not to mention Jordan Stout a few years ago from Virginia Tech.

Beer blurb

Franklin was asked his feelings about Penn State’s decision to sell beer at Beaver Stadium, which begins today.

He deferred the question, saying he trusts the decisions made by the administration.

“That’s kind of above my process and decision making,” he said.

He smartly didn’t say it was above his pay grade.

Correction

In our point-counterpoint this week, I mistakenly had Franklin’s record at 2-2 in Ann Arbor. He’s 1-3.

The error didn’t affect the gist of the column, but I wanted to correct it.

Dubious play

Last weekend’s NFL game between Buffalo and Miami witnessed an unusual play.

Backed up to its end own zone, while guarding a 21-17 lead, Miami actually blocked its own punt when its protector drifted too far back.

Fortunately for the Dolphins, the deflection went out of the end zone for a safety when it could have been recovered for a Bills’ touchdown.

Longtime Penn State followers can recall a 1982 game at Alabama when a similar thing happened. Punting from midfield in a 27-21 game in the fourth quarter, protector Mike Suter backed into punter Ralph Giacomarro, and the gaffe opened the gates to the Tide’s 42-21 win.

The Lions did recover and eventually won their first national championship.

As a side note, Suter’s son, Brent, pitches for the Milwaukee Brewers and is one of the better relievers in Major League Baseball.

Rudel can be reached at 814-946-7527 or nrudel@altoonamirror.com.You can also follow him on Twitter@neilrudel.

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