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Neil Rudel

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 ...

Lions now 4-0 but fall short of ‘standard’

UNIVERSITY PARK — James Franklin has a statistical priority list that he recites to the media after each game. They include which team wins the explosive plays, the penalty and turnover battles, drive-start position and now the middle eight minutes (last four of the second quarter and ...

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 ...

Nittany Lions’ victory is reason to dance

James Franklin has seen too many coaches who live their lives in misery regardless of the outcome. That’s why he often says he and the Nittany Lions “are going to enjoy winning.” That was definitely the case Saturday as Penn State went into Auburn and came away with a convincing 41-12 victory at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The lengthy postgame scene was reminiscent of a season-ending bowl victory in a southern venue with the Blue Band blaring and Nittany Lions’ fans basking in the moment. Franklin circled the field, slapping five with anybody and everybody. The team posed ...

Franklin not shying away from tough decisions

PSU at Auburn When Saturday, 3:30 p.m. Line: Auburn is 2.5-point underdog TV: CBS Radio: TOONA 1430-AM & 99.7-FM By Neil Rudel nrudel@altoonamirror.com It’s pretty obvious the last two seasons didn’t sit well with James Franklin. Nor should they. As the Nittany Lions ...

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 ...