Lions, Buckeyes first big monster matchup

October 19, 2023

By Ralph D. Russo The Associated Press The Big Ten feels more like the Big Three this season, and in that case the season finally starts Saturday with No. 7 Penn State going to No. 3 Ohio State. The round-robin matchups of the Nittany Lions, Buckeyes and No. 2 Michigan over the the next month and a half will likely decide the Big Ten East, the conference title and a spot in the College Football Playoff. Upsets happen, but the rest of the Big Ten looks to be way behind the top three. So far, the Beasts of the East have outscored their conference competition 383-84. That includes ...

Lions seeking knockout punch against Buckeyes

October 18, 2023

Following are the highlights of James Franklin’s Tuesday press conference: Saturday’s game: at Ohio State (noon, Fox) Records: Both teams are 6-0. Odds: Ohio State is a 4.5-point favorite, which has dropped. Rankings: Ohio State is ranked No. 3 by the Associated Press, which ranks Penn State No. 7. What’s at stake Franklin called this game “a tremendous challenge and a tremendous opportunity.” He’s well aware of his 1-8 record vs. the Buckeyes, but he points to many of the games being in doubt deep into the fourth quarter, including last year when the Lions ...

Lions must navigate trip for Big Ten success

October 17, 2023

At a glance Who: Penn State at Ohio State When: Saturday at noon TV: FOX Radio: WRKY-F 104.9 Latest line: Penn State is 5.5-point underdog AP rankings: Penn State is No. 7. Ohio State is No. 3 UNIVERSITY PARK — The first half of the season went about as well as it could for Penn ...

Sports at a glance

October 17, 2023

Architect is named by PSU UNIVERSITY PARK — Penn State announced on Monday its architect — Populous — and construction manager — a joint venture of Barton Malow, AECOM Hunt and Alexander — as selections for the multi-year, multi-phase Beaver Stadium renovation project. With significant expertise in stadium renovations, Nations Group served as a key consultant in assisting with these selections. “These companies have a strong history of both renovating and building college football and NFL stadiums,” Penn State athletic director Patrick Kraft said. As a global ...

Marisa named to list

October 17, 2023

UNIVERSITY PARK — For the second year in a row, Penn State women’s basketball player Makenna Marisa was selected to the Preseason Nancy Lieberman Point Guard of the Year Watch List. The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced 20 candidates for the honor on Monday. The award recognizes the top point guard in NCAA Division I women’s basketball. A national committee comprised of the top college basketball personnel selects this group of 20 female athletes. To be considered, candidates must exhibit the leadership, play making and ball-handling skills of Class of 1996 ...

PSU point-counter: West Coast additions will change two-game season (Rudel)

October 12, 2023

This week's question: What’s your take on the Big Ten’s new schedule? By Neil Rudel nrudel@altoonamirror.com Like David Bowie sang … “Ch-ch-ch changes.” Those following Penn State football over the past few decades have gotten used to change, going from an Eastern schedule and longstanding relationships and rivalries to the Big Ten featuring Ohio State and Michigan. That doesn’t mean we’ve all liked it, but we’ve seen it for its advantages and generally accepted it — evidenced by Beaver Stadium continuing to be full and setting attendance records. Yes, the ...