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Fake FG exposes Franklin

By Neil Rudel nrudel@altoonamirror.com UNIVERSITY PARK — James Franklin has many excellent qualities. He’s a strong communicator, leader and an accomplished recruiter in addition to being a terrific representative of Penn State and college football. But when you get to the day of the game and need spontaneous in-game strategy, well, let’s just say it’s not his strong suit. Whether it’s not calling timeout when he should, or bizarre calls with the game on the line, there have been too many head-scratching situations that have contributed to Penn State sinking into the state ...

In Michigan, Lions face ‘benchmark’

Since Penn State joined the Big Ten, the Nittany Lions were always going to be judged on how they did against their two perceived peers — Ohio State and Michigan. And while their 29-year experience has seen other programs rise and have success, Wisconsin and Michigan State, Iowa and occasionally Northwestern or Minnesota, there’s only three places that seat 100,000-plus and can boast national championships over the past 40 years. That’s one reason why James Franklin pulled back the curtain a bit in response to a thoughtful question from StateCollege.com’s Ben Jones the other ...

Ammo shortages could affect hunters

The statewide bear season opens next Saturday, followed by the beginning of the regular deer season the weekend after that. Each of these ranks among the most popular events for many Pennsylvania hunters each year. Having worked in the sporting goods business for many years in my younger days, I well remember lots of busy days in November as hunters lined up to buy every piece of gear imaginable in preparation for the upcoming hunting season, from a pair of gloves to a new rifle or scope. Although I somewhat enjoyed being part of the fray back then, I can’t say I miss those hectic ...

It could be banner black bear season

Statewide, the black bear season opens Nov. 20 and ends Nov. 23, extended seasons for WMU 4D is Nov. 27 to Dec.4, also part of deer season. So this will be a busy, noisy deer and bear season this year. This year could be the best black bear season in Pennsylvania’s history. The Game Commission says that we have at least 550,000 bears in the population, perhaps more. We’ve been hearing this song for quite awhile now. And sure enough some really big bruins have been harvested in recent years. The weather has not been bad so far this year so probably few bears have headed for winter ...

Raiders exceeding their own drama

LAS VEGAS — Their $100 million coach is gone, his career destroyed by emails as vile as they were disturbing. The team president who spearheaded the Raiders’ move to Las Vegas is looking for a new job, too, after reportedly botching some tax payments. Their wide receiver of the future now has a future that likely includes prison after a woman died in a fiery crash he caused by driving drunk. The other first-round draft pick from last year was sent packing this week after a video surfaced of him, gun in hand, threatening someone’s life. The Raiders have always had issues, but ...

Clifford: Lions have proven they can’t win without him

Who is Penn State’s MVP (Most Valuable Person) so far this season? By Neil Rudel nrudel@altoonamirror.com You’ve noticed the phrasing to allow for a member of the coaching or support staff. And Cory’s nomination of Brent Pry makes sense. Pry has been a pillar of stability, an invaluable right-hand man to James Franklin since arriving in 2014, and his defense has played at a high level almost all year. Plus he’s an Altoona guy so I’m partial there, too. But Penn State’s 2021 MVP (most valuable player/person) is Sean Clifford. When Cory was taking a poll a ...