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Here’s Maryland’s chance to create a rivalry

By Neil Rudel nrudel@altoonamirror.com Penn State has billed itself as “unrivaled” since it has no true rival in the Big Ten and no protected rivals with future conference schedules. In announcing the 2024 schedule on Thursday, which includes the Terrapins as Penn State’s regular-season finale, the Big Ten Network suggested the teams could become rivals because they share important recruiting turf. Maryland, of course, would like nothing better than to claim the Lions as their top rival. Same with Rutgers as PSU is the biggest game on the Scarlet Knights’ schedule, ...

Big Ten coaches want action on Michigan situation

PSU’s 2024 schedule set The Big Ten announced its football schedule for the 2024 season on Thursday. Opponents previously had been confirmed, but Thursday brought the full schedule with dates. Home games are in bold. The schedule is highlighted by a trip to USC on Oct. 12 and consecutive home dates with Ohio State (Nov. 2) and Washington (Nov. 9). Aug. 31 at West Virginia Sept. 7 vs. Bowling Green Sept. 14 Bye Sept. 21 vs. Kent State Sept. 28 vs. Illinois Oct. 5 vs. UCLA Oct. 12 at USC Oct. 19 Bye Oct. 26 at Wisconsin Nov. 2 vs. Ohio State Nov. 9 vs. ...

PSU point-counter: Best and worst part of this season (Rudel)

Run game, offensive line mar otherwise good season Let’s start with the worst first and work up to the silver lining. Of course, the negative would be the disappointment at Ohio State — not so much the loss but the way the Nittany Lions couldn’t function offensively. That would be one, two, three and four on the worst moments of 2023 list. Taking that out and drilling down further, I’d have to say the offensive line, which has not been close to dominant, thus too often keeping the running game, well, grounded. Much was expected from Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen, ...

PSU point-counter: Best and worst part of this season (Giger)

Beating Wolverines would make things better A lot of people are really down on Penn State right now, and the team has shown the past two weeks that it’s clearly not as good as many people thought. But a win over Michigan next week would change everything. Having that tremendous opportunity ahead is the best thing I can say about the season right now. Because regardless of the loss to Ohio State, there is still a path to the College Football Playoff, if the Nittany Lions can find a way to upset the Wolverines. Will that happen? I doubt it. Not trying to be a Debbie Downer, but to ...

Franklin appreciates his Maryland Terrapins roots

Following are the highlights of James Franklin’s Tuesday press conference: Saturday’s game: at Maryland (3:30, Fox) Records: Penn State is 7-1 following last week’s 33-24 win over Indiana. Maryland is 5-3. After opening the season with five straight wins, the Terps have lost three in a row, including last week’s 33-27 setback at Northwestern. Odds: Penn State is an 11.5-point favorite. Rankings: Penn State is ranked No. 9 by the Associated Press. Maryland roots Franklin has deep roots at Maryland, having spent eight seasons in two separate stints with the Terrapins ...

Franklin must practice showing vs telling

Of all the things that were difficult to fathom from Penn State’s performance against Ohio State and its aftermath, I found this admission from James Franklin to stand alone. During his Tuesday press conference, the last question Franklin took was about his own accountability when the team loses a big game, especially in an era of raising money for program needs and keeping fan engagement high. His answer was both honest and intriguing. He said, “Yeah, if I did not do that (after OSU game), I think you just created an opportunity for me to do that, which I appreciate. Ultimately, ...