UNIVERSITY PARK — Jim Knowles arrives as the nation’s highest paid assistant coach at $9.3 million — $3.1 annually for three years — but he was quick to point out Tuesday that he grew to this pinnacle from humble roots. The Nittany Lions’ new defensive coordinator was a ...

By Neil Rudel nrudel@altoonamirror.com When it comes to recruiting, James Franklin rarely takes a backseat. He proved that again Sunday when he lured Ohio State’s defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles, to Penn State. Of course, money helped. Franklin has often talked about being ...

Some followup notes from the 2024 season while looking ahead at 2025: n This week has proven, once again, James Franklin is better off the field than he is on it. Fresh from another come-from-ahead loss in a big game, this one to Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff semifinal, the ...

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — It’s difficult to get to within a field goal of playing for the national championship and still consider this a disappointing season. So I won’t do that. But certainly, Thursday night brought a disappointing ending to a memorable year, and the disappointment is ...

By Neil Rudel nrudel@altoonamirror.com MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — James Franklin talked all week about this being a “four-quarter game,” and boy was he right. Though the Nittany Lions got off to strong start, outrushed Notre Dame 141-15 in the first half and looked like they were the ...

By Neil Rudel nrudel@altoonamirror.com FORT LAUDERDALE — History is being pursued here on several fronts. As the Nittany Lions stalk their first national championship since 1987, James Franklin — and Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman — are also vying to become the first ...