Breaking News

Cory Giger

PSU point-counterpoint: Who should start at quarterback this weekend?

At least vs. Minnesota, here’s a vote for Allar By Neil Rudel nrudel@altoonamirror.com I say Drew Allar. Sean Clifford was injured enough at Michigan last week that he didn’t finish the game — a 41-17 rout. Many have clamored for Allar to replace Clifford, who has not played well in three straight games and endured difficult stretches in others (Purdue, Ohio U). Clifford hasn’t played poorly; he just hasn’t played all that well — which exemplifies his body of work over his long career. Since leading PSU to an 8-0 start way back in 2019, ...

Is it more important to defeat Michigan or Ohio State?

A win over Michigan would be the first step By Neil Rudel nrudel@altoonamirror.com Since it’s probably too much to ask to win both this year, I’m going to say Michigan. Ohio State has proven to be a cut above Penn State and, other than Michigan’s victory over the Buckeyes in 2021, the rest of the Big Ten. A split would put the Nittany Lions on track to finish 11-1, which would keep them on the edge of the College Football Playoff, and certainly beating the Buckeyes would move the needle for the selection committee. But that’s even less likely if Penn State loses to ...

Point-counterpoint: What is your prediction for Penn State in October?

Feels like Lions are better, seeing 3-1 over next four By Neil Rudel nrudel@altoonamirror.com Sean Clifford said earlier this month the Nittany Lions “want to win every game this season.” While that may be obvious, it was also a surprising disclosure considering the team’s 11-11 record of the last previous two years — with Clifford at the helm. Penn State is not in an unusual position. For the fifth time in the last six seasons — 2020 being the lone outlier — the Nittany Lions have started 4-0 or better. And now that the appetite has been whet, everyone is pointing ...

Do you agree with James Franklin’s stance on non-conference scheduling?

Auburn series, SEC foe benefit Lions’ program By Neil Rudel nrudel@altoonamirror.com The entire Nittany Nation seemed to love the two-year series with Auburn — the outcomes, the interaction with War Eagle fans and visiting their outstanding venue. Except, that is, the one person whose vote matters most. James Franklin didn’t take long to water down the idea of future relations with not only Auburn but seemingly the entire SEC. Asked after the Lions’ 41-12 domination on Saturday if he’d like to see more home-and-home games “like this” — Auburn had never hosted a ...

Lots to love about Curve this season

By Cory Giger sports@altoonamirror.com There’s a phrase that’s used a lot in minor league baseball, and it’s a good description of this year’s Curve season: Organizational win. The Curve compiled an overall record of 71-66. They went 33-36 in the first half of the Eastern League season, then played much better in the second half, going 38-30, but still missed out on the playoffs. From a record standpoint, none of that is overly impressive. Not for a franchise that’s used to success, having made the playoffs nine times and winning two league championships. Everybody ...

Through two games, what is your top concern for Penn State?

Defensive line needs to establish its presence By Neil Rudel nrudel@altoonamirror.com Penn State is averaging 40 points per game and has allowed just one touchdown in the last five quarters so today’s question is a bit of an exercise in splitting hairs. But even at 2-0 with a nice comeback win on the road over Purdue and a domination of Ohio University, the Nittany Lions have room for growth. To be the elite program James Franklin aims to build, the Lions must measure themselves not against Ohio U. or even Purdue but Ohio State and Michigan. Which is why my top concern at ...