Penn State interim head coach Terry Smith instructs his team against Ohio State during an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

Sorting through the blue and white mailbag:

Neil:

I couldn’t feel stronger about this.

In this new day and age of college football, which sucks compared to the old days, you need to have as short of a time as possible between firing and hiring your head coach.

I think Pat jumped the gun. It’s super important to know who your next coach is before you move on.

Otherwise, it’s like the death penalty given the portal and NIL. Oops.

Simon Ziff, New York

Simon:

I think the only thing Kraft was sure about was that he didn’t want James Franklin any longer.

Convinced of that, he did the right thing to dismiss him, however uncomfortable the uncertainty is in the meantime.

But you’re right: Unless he has a trump card, he’s painted himself into a corner, and his job is on the line.

Hey, Neil:

What’s the record for points allowed by a Penn State defense in Beaver Stadium? This weekend might “memorable” in an embarrassing way.

Cindy Miller, Atlanta

Hey, Cindy:

This sent me to the record book, and there’s not a quick list.

Near as I can tell, it’s 44 — by Ohio State in a 44-31 victory and by Nebraska in PSU’s 56-44 shootout win in 2017.

Good morning, Neil:

The effort was there at Ohio State.

However, it’s the same old story with PSU. They were beat up front on both sides of the ball.

Until they figure that out, it does not matter how great the QB, wideouts, running backs, linebackers or DBs are.

Andy Goldberg

Greensburg

Good morning, Andy:

Of the position groups you mention, only the running backs have done their part. And that’s because of Kaytron Allen.

Neil:

Georgia coach Kirby Smart had an interesting comment when asked about the firings of four SEC head football coaches since the beginning of the 2025 season.

“In the SEC, the office you’re in isn’t yours, you’re just borrowing it, and if you don’t win you’re not going to be in it long.”

Mike Rendos, Lock Haven

Mike:

Kirby is smart.

Neil:

After having season tickets from 1974, I can say this dumpster fire JF left us with may go down without another win and earn a nine-loss season.

Franklin rolled out of town rich and smiling and those who defend him for winning games he should have must not have much of a memory.

I do — Temple, Pitt, Arkansas, Minnesota, Mississippi, UCLA, Northwestern.

He was supposedly a good recruiter.

Except the O-Line stinks and has since he got here along with no wide receivers, linebackers and D-tackles.

Plus we’re also a graveyard for QBs.

This team is woefully deficient in talent, and it’s time to admit it. Believe me there are many lettermen feeling JF’s pink slip was long overdue.

I like Terry Smith, and he inherited a mess. This will carry over to 2026 as any player talented enough to be playing in the Big Ten will be graduated or in the transfer portal.

Couple of suggestions to Pat Kraft: Call Bill Cowher, Mike Munchak, Sean Lee, Paul Posluszny, LaVar Arrington.

And put the statue back up.

Ed Hill, Altoona

Ed:

You’ve made good points until you got to your list of successors — not one of whom has coached a down of college football.

Neil:

I am not sure Grunkemeyer is the answer.

At one point against OSU, he threw three incomplete passes that were high, low or in front of the receivers.

I realize the line was not giving him a lot of time, but that is the environment.

The new coach needs to look at the transfer portal. I believe that is how OSU, Indiana and Nebraska got their current QBs.

Bill Obert, Bedford

Bill:

I think the new coach will either bring a QB with him or find a couple in the transfer portal to compete with or replace Grunk.

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.