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 ...
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 ...
By Neil Rudel nrudel@altoonamirror.com Some of the inductees into the Mount Aloysius Athletic Hall of Fame were doubly surprised to learn of their recognition. For one, they didn’t know the Mount’s new hall existed, let alone that they were selected as inaugural selections. “I ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
