Breaking News

Neil Rudel

Revamped schedule helps PSU football

By Neil Rudel nrudel@altoonamirror.com Penn State has spent a portion of its Big Ten existence — now since 1993 — wondering whether it was an equal member or still pledging the conference. In that regard, news this week that the league has reworked the Nittany Lions’ 2022 football schedule came as a surprise. As the 2021 was careening out of control, going from 5-0 to six losses in the last eight games and a full faceplant of 7-6, the PSU narrative shifted to 2022 and probably the most murderous six-game stretch to open a season ever. The first six weeks, with no bye, ...

TAMPA — With their defense gutted by players who couldn’t wait to leave Penn State one game early and take their chances in the NFL Draft, the Nittany Lions’ only chance in the Outback Bowl was for their offense to carry the load. It didn’t. In fact, the defense, minus six ...

Defections further dampen year for PSU football

By Neil Rudel nrudel@altoonamirror.com TAMPA — The year was 1997, and a once-promising season was torpedoed by a November swoon, which was followed by the suspension of a couple key players for various indiscretions. Suffice to say the Penn State camp was none too pleased, even though the Nittany Lions still landed in the Citrus Bowl for a matchup with Florida featuring name-brand coaches Joe Paterno and Steve Spurrier. Nonetheless, when he grabbed a flip card in the media lounge a couple hours before the game, Budd Thalman, the Lions’ sports information director, summed it ...

What’s up for PSU in ’22? Peek ahead

Tangelo opts out As expected, Penn State defensive tackle Derrick Tangelo has opted out of Saturday’s Outback Bowl against Arkansas (noon, ESPN2). Tangelo marks the Lions’ fifth defensive starter to forgo the game, joining Arnold Ebiketie, Jaquan Brisker, Ellis Brooks and Brandon Smith. Standout receiver Jahan Dotson is also passing up the game to focus on the NFL Draft. Coach James Franklin said offensive tackle Rasheed Walker, who is out with an injury, will be replaced by Olu Fashanu in the game. By Neil Rudel nrudel@altoonamirror.com It’s been a most eventful year ...

Pry’s ascent is coronation for family

By Neil Rudel nrudel@altoonamirror.com Brent Pry will be introduced as Virginia Tech’s head football coach today in Blacksburg, Virginia. What a day it is for him and the entire Pry family. Altoona natives Jim Pry and his wife Kathy were both 18 years old when Brent was born. “We ...

Franklin can’t run from reality

James Franklin curtly interrupted a postgame questioner Saturday about Penn State not producing a 100-yard rusher this season. “Year’s not over,” he shot back. Well, yes, James, it is. The Nittany Lions’ 30-27 loss in the snow to Michigan State at Spartan Stadium doesn’t preclude a bowl trip, but it sucked the last bit of life out of the program and for sure the fan base for 2021. Maybe Franklin wants to go into some John Belushi rant — “Over? It’s not over until we say it is!” The reality is this team will begin to be dismantled as early as today. Likely, ...