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Neil Rudel's Commentary

No fake: Franklin shines in clutch

MINNEAPOLIS — Time for a little credit where it’s due. In 11 years at the helm of the Nittany Lions, James Franklin’s body of work has been excellent. He’s particularly adept at recruiting, program development, representation, communication, vision and so many of the aspects that go into being a highly successful coach in big-time football. Game management? That’s been another story. Franklin’s teams have shown a troubling penchant — especially at the biggest moments against the biggest opponents — for calling the wrong play at the wrong time and paying the ultimate ...

Once there, CFP will bring glamour game

By Neil Rudel nrudel@altoonamirror.com Some nitpicking as the Nittany Lions try to keep Minnesota from adding to its PSU upset resume: There are some intoxicating potential College Football Playoff scenarios looming, and Penn State is right in the thick of it. The current bracket is likely to experience movement based on the final two regular-season weeks of the season along with conference championship games. Penn State is No. 4 in the rankings and No. 6 in the bracket, and there’s a decent chance the Lions will remain there — if, of course, they can finish with wins over ...

Does PSU need to finish 11-1 to make the postseason?

First of all, thanks to those of you who expressed concern on my absence last week, wondering if I was sick. We wanted to give Andy an opportunity, so all is well. (And Cory will be back next week). Now, onto the question. In a word, absolutely. Unless Penn State wants to spend the next two-plus weeks profusely sweating out Selection Sunday (Dec. 8) about its place in the 12-team College Football Playoff field, it needs to win at Minnesota on Saturday. That would allow the Nittany Lions to maintain control of their own destiny. As Dec. 8 gets closer, understand there will be more ...

PSU playing like it’s on a mission

When it comes to evaluating the Nittany Lions, not this year but also previously under James Franklin, many across the country — myself included — have a tendency to point to what isn’t. That, of course, is tied to the Ohio State albatross. There’s no escaping that narrative, at least until it changes, but this season is providing another positive example of what is. With the clock nearing midnight on the regular season, and just two games left, Penn State stands at a sturdy 9-1, ranked No. 4 in the country and has at least matched expectations so far for 2024. The ...

Chance for Lions to get backups some action

Some nitpicking as the Nittany Lions try to stay focused at Purdue: n The Boilermakers have a history of upsetting top teams, especially at home. In total, Purdue has 17 wins over Top 5 teams, more than any other team in the history of the Associated Press poll, which began in 1936. The Boilermakers have seven wins against ranked opponents over the past six seasons, including three against teams ranked in the Top 3 (No. 2 Ohio State in 2018, No. 2 Iowa in 2021, No. 3 Michigan State in 2021). Penn State goes to West Lafayette ranked No. 4, and while the Lions should always be on ...

PSU lesson learned … better late than never

UNIVERSITY PARK — This was a hollow victory if there ever was one. A week after its goal-line offense was completely inept in the game of the year against Ohio State — twice getting nothing out of advances inside the 5 and losing by a touchdown — Penn State finished its first three ...