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Neil Rudel's Commentary

Season brightens PSU’s future

PASADENA, Calif. — The significance of Monday’s decisive Rose Bowl victory wasn’t lost on Nick Singleton. Meeting reporters under the bleachers in a sprinkling rain, the Nittany Lions’ star freshman running back, whose electric 87-yard touchdown was one of the key plays in the 35-21 win over Utah, saw the game for what it was: A statement on Penn State’s immediate future. “A win like that means a lot going into next year,” Singleton, who rushed for 120 yards and two touchdowns on just seven carries, said. “Hopefully we’ll rank up a little higher, but it means a lot ...

Clifford writes great last chapter

PASADENA, Calif. — Sean Clifford saved his best for last. The Nittany Lions’ senior quarterback endured an up-and-down six-year career, especially in big games, but he was outstanding in leading a 35-21 victory over Pac-12 champion Utah in the Rose Bowl on Monday. Clifford completed ...

Nittany Lions see Rose Bowl as springboard to bigger things

By Neil Rudel nrudel@altoonamirror.com LOS ANGELES — Center Juice Scruggs is leaving the Nittany Lions after today’s Rose Bowl. But he has a prediction about his teammates on his way out. “I’m calling it now,” he said during Rose Bowl preparations against Utah (5 p.m., ESPN). “I think they’re going to reach the playoffs next year.” For that to happen, a reasonable starting point would be beating a respected Utah team that is the Pac-12 champion for two straight years. Though the Lions must replace Scruggs, their top tight end in Brenton Strange, leading ...

Diaz presence has inspired Lions’ defense

LOS ANGELES — Not that logic always prevails when analyzing college football, but you would think Penn State’s best chance to upset Utah in the Rose Bowl — yes, the Nittany Lions are 2-point underdogs — it would be with a strong defensive effort. The Utes average 40 points per game, eighth best in the country, and are fresh from a 47-point uprising in the Pac-12 championship game against Southern Cal. And without their best receiver, Parker Washington, it’s unlikely Penn State can win a shootout. Led by veteran quarterback Cam Rising, Utah scored 40 or more points seven ...

Outgoing seniors for Lions to bloom in Rose

By Neil Rudel nrudel@altoonamirror.com Some pre-game Rose Bowl notes before heading west: Penn State tight end Brenton Strange became the latest Nittany Lion to announce that he’ll be entering April’s NFL Draft. Strange made 32 catches this season and 70 for his career and will be a significant loss. For the first half of the season, he was the Lions’ best offensive player, and he should be an intriguing NFL prospect since he’s also a capable blocker who can also run after the catch. Strange marks the second PSU player in the past week to express similar intentions, ...

Rudel: Franco had immaculate legacy, on field and off

Franco Harris’ sudden passing — terribly shocking because he was set to have his number 32 retired Saturday as part of Pittsburgh’s 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception — was a body blow to so many of us. Though the Steelers have had other Hall of Fame players of Harris’ stature in terms of what they meant to the team’s success, it was Franco, more than anyone, who galvanized a region and helped turn Pittsburgh into the City of Champions. His remarkable effort, situational awareness and hustle to snag the last-gasp deflected pass at his shoetops against the ...