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Will the expanded playoff field help Penn Sate become an elite program?

Not unless Nittany Lions can beat OSU, Michigan By Neil Rudel nrudel@altoonamirror.com OK, first off, to explain the wording of the question: James Franklin started it. Quick background: Following a gut-wrenching 27-26 loss to the Buckeyes in 2018 at Beaver Stadium — Ohio State’s second-straight one-point win (39-38) in the series — Franklin used his post-game forum to outline the difference between great and elite programs. He said the Lions “are a great program” and pledged to narrow that gap to become “elite.” In the emotional, raw moments of a tough loss ...

Nittany Lions making progress off the field

Following are the highlights of James Franklin’s Tuesday press conference: Saturday’s game: vs. Ohio State (Noon, FOX) Records: Penn State is 6-1 overall and 3-1 in the Big Ten. Ohio State is 7-0 overall and 4-0 in the Big Ten. Last week: Penn State defeated visiting Minnesota 45-17; Ohio State defeated visiting Iowa 54-10. Rankings: Penn State is ranked No. 13 by the Associated Press. Ohio State is ranked No. 2. Main storyline: Ohio State can’t be on the schedule without retracing Franklin’s 2018 comments after a 27-26 loss to the Buckeyes in which he called the ...

Big Ten defenses gaining much notice

The Associated Press COLUMBUS, Ohio — Just four Big Ten teams are ranked in the AP Top 25, but six of the top 12 defenses in college football reside in the conference. The Big Ten’s surprise team this year, Illinois — 17th in the AP poll — has the top-ranked defensive unit in the nation, followed by No. 2 Ohio State, which appears more and more each week to be a complete package. Michigan (AP No. 4) is ranked fifth in defense. Iowa, unranked in the poll because of a moribund offense, was propped up by its tough defense before running into the speeding Buckeyes last week. ...

Harbaugh takes shot at Penn State’s Franklin

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh said Penn State coach James Franklin acted as a “ringleader” when the No. 4 Wolverines and No. 13 Nittany Lions clashed nearly two weeks ago, dismissing Franklin’s claim that a policy change was needed to keep things orderly beneath Michigan Stadium. Harbaugh said Monday it wasn’t the lack of a policy that caused a problem between the teams. A lot of heated words were exchanged and Michigan players reportedly said Penn State players threw peanut butter and jelly sandwiches at them as the teams headed to the locker room at ...

Highs & Lows

By Neil Rudel nrudel@altoonamirror.com UNIVERSITY PARK -- Following are the highlights and lowlights from Penn State’s 45-17 victory over Minnesota on Saturday night at Beaver Stadium: Play of the game: Hit as he threw, Sean Clifford lofted a 35-yard pass into the end zone that Parker Washington high-pointed, outscrapping Minnesota’s Terrell Smith. The touchdown gave the Lions a 24-10 lead with 11:59 remaining in the third quarter. Offensive player of the game: Clifford completed 23-of-31 passes for 295 yards and four touchdowns. He was intercepted once. Defensive player of ...

Nittany Lions get back on track, rout Minnesota, 45-17

UNIVERSITY PARK -- Penn State put last week's debacle at Michigan deep in its rear-view mirror Saturday. Before a White Out crowd of 109,853, the Nittany Lions stomped Minnesota, 45-17, on a gorgeous night at Beaver Stadium. Sean Clifford led the offensive attack by completing 23-of-31 for 295 yards and four touchdowns. He was intercepted once. Parker Washington caught seven passes for 70 yards, including a spectacular 35-yard touchdown to give the Lions a 24-10 lead in the third quarter, and Mitchell Tinsley added four for 58 yards and a TD that extended the lead to ...