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Men’s World Cup just around the corner

All soccer fans are eagerly awaiting the 22nd edition of the Men’s World Cup in Qatar — the first time the Cup championship has been played in the Middle East. Group play kicks off on Sunday, Nov. 20 and runs through Friday, Dec. 2. The round of 16 will be Dec. 3-6, quarterfinals on Dec. 9-10, semifinals Dec. 13-14, third-place game on Dec. 17 and the final is set for Dec. 18. France is coming in as defending World Cup champions. There will be 32 teams competing for the title — that will move to 48 in 2026. USA will be playing in Group B with England, Iran and Wales. It begins ...

Nittany Lions right ship with ‘complete game’

UNIVERSITY PARK — What a difference a week — and an opponent — can make. If last week’s drubbing at Michigan was Penn State at its worst, Saturday night’s turnaround and 45-17 victory over Minnesota at Beaver Stadium showed the Nittany Lions at their best. Sustained blocking ...

As Nits regroup, team leadership magnified

Some nitpicking as the Nittany Lions attempt to regroup from their whooping at Michigan: n Tonight is a referendum on the team’s leadership — James Franklin’s ability to regroup the troops emotionally and especially on the defensive side of the ball. Minnesota is a run-first team, featuring Mo Ibrahim, and even more so with starting quarterback Tanner Morgan (concussion) questionable. N Most figured defensive coordinator Manny Diaz would only be at Penn State for one season and then move on to another head-coaching job. But if the Lions don’t shore up their run defense tonight ...

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, ...

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, ...

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 ...