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Neil Rudel's Commentary

Stats don’t lie: Lions trampled

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — James Franklin apologized for a tardier-than-usual arrival to the post-game press conference Saturday. He said he first wanted to see the statistics. They were even worse than what he watched unfold as Michigan rushed for 418 yards — the third-highest total ever against a Penn State team — and bludgeoned the Nittany Lions, 41-17, before 110,812 at Michigan Stadium. “I’m not happy with that number,” he said. “At all.” Penn State was manhandled on both sides of the line of scrimmage as unbeaten Michigan (7-0) rolled up 563 total yards, ...

Highs & Lows

By Neil Rudel nrudel@altoonamirror.com ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Following are the highlights and lowlights from Penn State’s 41-17 loss to Michigan on Saturday at Michigan Stadium: Play of the game: After stopping Penn State on fourth-and-6 from the Michigan 39, the Wolverines’ Blake Corum raced 61 yards for a touchdown and a 31-17 lead with 7:20 left in the third quarter that pretty much ended the game. Offensive player(s) of the game: Michigan’s offensive line. Defensive player of the game: Michigan cornerback D.J. Turner made four tackles, broke up a pass and had a ...

Diaz’s ‘presence’ inspires defense for Penn State

By Neil Rudel nrudel@altoonamirror.com Manny Diaz’s father, Manny Sr., is the former mayor of Miami (2001-09) who remains a statewide leader in Florida politics. Both are used to addressing groups — whether it’s a city or a group of constituents or a football team. “When my ...

Defense saves PSU’s turnover-prone offense

UNIVERSITY PARK — Penn State took a step backward Saturday. The Nittany Lions were inept offensively, turning the ball over five times, but rode their defense to a 17-7 victory over Northwestern before 105,524 on a rainy day at Beaver Stadium. “I understand the challenges the offense can face on a rainy day,” defensive tackle and team leader P.J. Mustipher said. “That’s why we have a defense. We have their backs, and they have ours.” Penn State’s defense allowed just 31 rushing yards and drew seven punts. The Lions opened the game by forcing five straight ...

Highs & Lows

By Neil Rudel nrudel@altoonamirror.com UNIVERSITY PARK -— Following are the highlights and lowlights from Penn State’s 17-7 victory over Northwestern on Saturday at Beaver Stadium: Play of the game: On fourth-and-goal from the PSU 1 with the Nittany Lions up 17-7, P.J. Mustipher stuffed a Ryan Hilinski quarterback sneak with 11:51 remaining. The play symbolized Penn State’s defensive effort. Offensive player of the game: Parker Washington caught four passes for 73 yards and a returned a punt for 12. Defensive player of the game: Lion safety Ji’Ayir Brown made six ...

Fitzgerald deserves patience

By Neil Rudel nrudel@altoonamirror.com Some nitpicking as the Nittany Lions prepare to complete the pre-bye portion of their schedule: Northwestern has proven over its history to be among the tougher jobs in the Big Ten. With its rigid academic standards, lack of tradition and top-notch facilities — though that’s going to change — Northwestern has struggled to consistently beat the upper level of the Big Ten. In that regard, what Pat Fitzgerald has accomplished has been remarkable. Now in his 17th season, Fitzgerald is 110-93, including a pair of Big Ten West ...