Sorting through the blue and white mailbag while hoping you’ll make a contribution this season:
Hi, Neil:
I wish I could be a fly on the wall in during practices/meetings this week to see how they are regrouping and adjusting for Washington.
Namely, why are we running it up the gut three times in the red zone and then throwing a ball into triple coverage on fourth down? And on first-and-goal, we throw a jump ball fade — when our receivers are already underperforming?
So many questions, very little answers.
We looked really undisciplined against Ohio State — jumping offsides, the unsportsmanlike penalties from repeat offenders, looking downright confused on D.
Here’s hoping it’s not too late to at least move Carter back to middle linebacker where he belongs.
Lauren Lingenfelter Hollidaysburg
Hi, Lauren:
Carter moved to DE because the money is greater for edge rushers at the next level.
But in addition to him not being able to stay onside, Linebacker U. came up short on a replacement.
Neil:
Penn State lost on Saturday because they failed to score an offensive touchdown, despite being first and goal twice.
However, it was still another high stakes, close game with controversial officiating calls that could have swung momentum at a minimum — and it sure gives the conspiracy theorists more fuel for their fire.
College football officiating needs to be organized nationally, not by conference.
It was in the best interests of the Big Ten for OSU to win that game on Saturday, and employees of the Big Ten refereed the game.
Not much hope that the ineffective and impotent NCAA could ever pull that off, but it would be a good look to have that perceived bias out of the way.
Don Carlino
PENN STATE MAILBAG GAME FACTS
Rudel vs. the oddsmakers
Line: Penn State is a 13.5-point favorite.
Inside the line: Washington is 0-4 on the road straight up and vs. the spot … Over-under is 45.5 … Total has gone under in eight of Huskies’ last 10 games and in five of Lions’ last six games … Nits are 1-4 in their last five vs. spot … PSU is 13-6 against number in its last 19 games as favorite. (Source: Odds Shark).
Prediction: Penn State 26, Washington 17
Prediction record: 8-0
PSU vs. line: 3-5
Prediction record vs. line: 4-4
Kennett Square
Don:
The official who worked the hardest was the one lugging around the replay machine.
Actually, I thought they got most of the key calls right — after review and reversals — except I’m not sure about the midfield fumble, which was key.
Though the stakes are high in these kinds of matchups, I don’t believe in conspiracy theories. These people are human.
And it was pointed out in the broadcast that a couple of them had officiated national championship games.
Neil:
The indignant “I own that … that’s on me” from CJF are meaningless and have run their course.
He repeatedly fails in game-day leadership and decision making in getting us to the next level, and we should let him go.
Many a school have done just that and not looked back.
Some people say that if he weren’t our coach, he’d be on our top-five list in looking for a new one.
I, for one, would like to see us find the phone numbers and call the other four so we can have the level of success to match our talent.
Terry Hisey Gwynedd Valley
Terry:
Earlier in his career, Franklin didn’t “own” the losses.
So he’s making progress in accepting blame. Then again, he’s getting
good practice.
Neil:
It was really nice of Penn State to pay tribute to Joe Paterno by running the ball up the middle three plays in a row from the 3.
Tim Frank Huntingdon
Tim:
Penn State added to its collective goal-line legacy — Alabama in 1978 and again in 1981 and Michigan in 1993 are the most blatant examples.
A number of people commented on how this game reminded them of the 1978 Sugar Bowl.
There were two plays from the 1 — Matt Suhey (who looked like he was in) on third down and Mike Guman on fourth.
Alabama sold a lot of framed photos of the fourth-down attempt, making Guman — a heckuva player and a heckuva guy — even more famous.
Neil:
Your list of the top 10 wins over Ohio State had the 1964 game way too low.
If I remember correctly, Ohio State had a total two first downs. Also, Woody Hayes was the speaker at Penn State’s postseason banquet.
Paraphrasing, he said, “Penn State made one mistake, and they fell on it for a touchdown.” PSU’s first TD was a fumble recovery in end zone.
And, of note, and unbelievable in today’s world, players voted not to go to a bowl game. I think that was last
time or next to last time they got to vote.
Ira Miller Morton Grove, Illinois Ira:
Thanks for the history lesson.
You’re right — Woody and Rip Engle had an agreement that the loser would speak at the other team’s banquet.
Neil:
Would you mind if I use your Peacock sign-in to watch the game since you will be working? You may receive some criticism/trouble for doing this, I get it, I totally get it, but just know I will own it all!
Michael A. Farabaugh Hollidaysburg
Michael A.:
I’ve assigned this to my grandson because he helps me watch the NFL’s Thursday night games.
You get it!
Neil:
We’ve witnessed a season of gimmick “O” lineups and trick plays against lesser teams.
But with the biggest game of the year at stake the best we can muster is … run up the middle, run up the middle, run up the middle, then force a pass on fourth down?
Somewhere Bear Bryant has to be asking, “Didn’t you guys learn anything?”
Dave Semler Reedsville
Dave:
On the Friday afternoon prior to the 1981 game, PSU helped arrange a press conference with the Bear, who was on the verge of breaking Amos Alonzo Stagg’s record of 314 wins (a mark Joe later broke).
It was right there in your backyard — the Holiday Inn in Burnham, where some of the visiting teams stayed. And when the stately Bear walked in the room, with his presence and deep voice, I realized for the first time that God wore a hat.
Neil Rudel will respond to brief questions and comments in Gameday. You can email him at nrudel@altoonamirror.com and follow him on Twitter/X @ neilrudel.
WASHINGTON (5-4) AT
PENN STATE (7-1) KICKOFF: 8 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Beaver Stadium
RANKINGS: Penn State is ranked 6th in the AP Top 25 and 7th in the LBM Coaches Poll. Washington is not ranked in either poll, but did receive votes in the AP Top 25.
Penn State was ranked 6th in the initial College Football Playoff rankings, which were released Nov. 5.
COACHES: James Franklin is 95-40 in his 11th season at Penn State and 119-55 overall. Jeff Fisch is 5-4 in his first season at Washington. He is 22-26 in five total seasons, including three seasons at Arizona from 2021-23.
SERIES HISTORY:
Penn State is 3-0 all-time against the Huskies. The last win came in the 2017 Fiesta Bowl, 35-28. PSU also defeated Washington in the 1983 Aloha Bowl, 13-10 (Source: Winsipedia).
TV: Peacock
RADIO: ESPN Radio
1430 WVAM. Steve Jones and Jack Ham handle call, beginning at 6:30 p.m. The game is carried locally on WRKY-FM (104.9), WBUS-FM (99.5), WLUI-AM (670), WLUI-FM (92.9), WZBF-FM (106.1), WDBF-FM (106.3), WKSB-FM (102.7), STAR-FM (100.9), and WAYC-AM (1600).
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Neil Rudel
MIRROR GAME BREAKDOWN
Chris Masse analyzes the matchups vs. Washington
PENN STATE WASHINGTON
If James Franklin is such a great recruiter why can he never find a marquee wide receiver? Or is that he does find them but just doesn’t coach them well? Either way, three catches from 49 yards by receivers against Ohio State is pathetic. And once again the offensive line was pushed around in the biggest game of the year. Lather, rinse, repeat.
This unit was gutted, especially up front, following last year’s national championship runner-up run. It broke out late against USC and topped 20 points for the first time in three games. Mississippi State transfer quarterback came to Washington after finishing fourth alltime in SEC career touchdown passes and second in yards. He’s fourth among Big Ten passers in yards.
Speaking of, as usual the defense couldn’t get a big stop when it was needed most, and only a fumble at the goal line prevented Ohio State from putting the game away earlier. Buckeyes running out clock with five minutes left is unacceptable. This is a very good defense, but it showed it’s not great against Ohio State … again.
Huskies came up huge against USC, producing fourth-quarter stops from the 1 and 14-yard lines, while preserving win. Coached by Steve Belichick (Bill’s son), the unit ranks fifth among Big Ten teams in yards and points allowed, although USC gained 459 yards. Linebacker Carson Bruener is sixth in Big Ten with 67 tackles and three interceptions.
Ryan Barker remains golden, going 8-for-8 on field goal tries, while drilling a 44-yarder to make it four-point game in third quarter. He seems pretty unflappable thus far, and one wonders how he wasn’t the starter from the opening game. Riley Thompson remains 15th among 16 Big Ten punters, and his three punts of 50 or more yards is tied for last.
Some Washington fans might say kicker Grady Gross has been disgustingly bad this season. He is just 13-of-20 on field goal tries and has been spotty at best past 30 yards, missing six of his kicks beyond that mark. Punter Jack McCallister is just one spot above Thompson on the conference punting list although he doubles his amount of 50-yard punts.
COACHING/INTANGIBLES
Big Game James is now 1-10 against Ohio State with eight straight losses. So many of them are close defeats and so much of those go back to coaching. When he has the talent advantage, Franklin’s teams win. When it’s a toss up, they do not. If one is satisfied being good but not elite that’s fine. If not, it’s a problem.
First-year coach Jedd Fisch worked wonders at Arizona, guiding a team which won one game in his 2021 debut season to 10 wins and an Alamo Bowl win, while being named a Coach of the Year finalist. He served as quarterbacks coach for the Patriots but had the unenviable task of taking over after Tom Brady left. The results were a mixed bag.
Prediction: Washington is 5-0 at home and 0-4 away from there. That does not bode well, especially with this being a White Out game. Heads up, Penn State fans. Washington is not ranked among the Top 10, so your team should be in good shape. Penn State 30, Washington 14
Brian Carson County Observer Editor
Penn State 35, Washington 21
The Huskies have to make the long flight to the East coast to take on an angry Nittany Lions squad. Penn State will have no problem with a jet-lagged Washington team.
SENTINEL STAFF PREDICTIONS
Greg Williams Sentinel Reporter
Penn State 31, Washington 21
Penn State finally landed in the “L” column on Saturday, falling to Ohio State at home for the eighth consecutive time to the Buckeyes. They should rebound with a win in week 11. After all, these are the same dogs, er Huskies, that played Michigan in the national championship game a year ago.
Kenny Varner Sentinel Correspondent
Penn State 42 , Washington 14
I wouldn’t want to be the Huskies Saturday night at Beaver Stadium. After a tough battle with Ohio State. Look for the Nittany Lions to come out with a vengeance and take things out on Washington. Defensively the Nittany Lions will dominate the line of scrimmage. Drew Allar will have a sizzling day through air and the running game will provide a nice balance. With the fans and the White Out game in prime time, I feel this one won’t even be close.
Chris Masse is a sports writer for the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, a sister paper of the Mirror and part of Ogden Newspapers.
White Out game feels like a consolation prize
When the season started, Penn State football fans clamored for a night-time White Out game, and this week they’ve got what they wanted.
Now, though, some are doubly disappointed with what they’ve got.
The game against Washington on Saturday night was selected as the White Out game because it was clear from the start of the season that last week’s game against perennial powerhouse Ohio State would be played at noon.
Rights holder Fox strongly indicated Ohio State-Penn State would be its primary game last week because noon games draw big ratings and viewership numbers for the network.
It was the correct decision for its business model three days before the election.
Plus, while the White Out has special meaning for Penn State fans and seems telegenic enough, it’s not really something that moves the needle in terms of getting people to watch a game. Matchups drive ratings and viewership, not promotions.
So, Penn State looked at its options at the start of the season and might have been influenced a little by a vocal minority of fans on social media.
Those people loudly and repeatedly suggested the Homecoming game against Illinois should not be selected for the White Out, and that basically left UCLA or Washington.
Picking Washington and
expecting even a 3:30 p.m. start would have meant a good portion of the game would have been contested under the lights — seemingly prime conditions for a stadium full of fans wearing all white.
It was logical, but it soured a bit in the past week.
On the heels of the loss to Ohio State, the Washington game was selected for an 8 p.m. kickoff — the latest-starting November home game in a decade and a half, and likely ever — and the game will stream exclusively on Peacock.
So, Penn State fans got what they want — a night-time event, but it probably feels a little less special, and fewer of the blue-andwhite faithful might be able to watch the game because it’s on a streaming service.
It’s the second Peacock-exclusive game for Penn State. The first was the second game of the 2023 season, a home game against Delaware.
Supportive Steve
In the immediate aftermath of the loss to Ohio State, disappointed or downtrodden Penn State fans could turn to one man, as always, to keep things in perspective.
To keep the big picture in focus. And to offer some positive spin. Steve Jones, the play-by-play man on the Penn State Sports
TV/RADIO COMMENTARY
Worth watching
Iowa at UCLA 9 p.m. Friday Fox
Georgia at Ole Miss
3:30 p.m. Saturday ABC
Michigan at Indiana 3:30 p.m. Saturday CBS
Alabama at LSU 7:30 p.m. Saturday ABC
Network, offered appropriate praise to Ohio State, stood by an officials’ decision on a controversial call and, most of all, worked to keep Penn State fans calm last Saturday afternoon.
He was generally fair and honest, and his logic was not flawed. He was doing his job and doing it well.
Whenever he does that, though — and it happens about once a season, often after the Ohio State game — it’s a fine line to walk, with whatever message Jones shares sounding both apologetic and correct at the same time.
The most recent spin was about pools.
Honest, he focused on the need for Penn State to stay out of the “two-loss pool” in regard to the College Football Playoff.
Of course, he’s correct. A oneloss Penn State team probably remains safely in the 12-team playoff field. But with two losses Penn State’s chances might be more uncertain.
So, the Nittany Lions need to finish strong and without a loss against what remains — home games against Washington and
Maryland (Nov. 30) and road trips to Purdue (Nov. 16) and Minnesota (Nov. 23).
Solid shows
Belated kudos to all the pros associated with Big Noon Kickoff and College GameDay, who visited Penn State last week. Their presence was appropriate given the stature of the Ohio State-Penn State matchup, and both shows generally delivered under less-than-ideal circumstances — including tight production areas (with both located right next to the Bryce Jordan Center) and even tighter production schedules, which seemed to hamper both a bit.
Finally, for as much as the loss probably stung for those associated with the Penn State football program, and for some die-hard fans, few programs in the country get the opportunity to be the center of the college football world as Penn State did last week.
Many of the familiar national narratives about Penn State were probably reaffirmed as a result of the pregame shows — and especially the game itself —
but at least those national narratives exist.
For better or worse, the program continues to be relevant in a way that only a handful of programs appreciate.
Notable
ö The post-game interaction between coach James Franklin and a vocal fan as the coach left the field last week got some pretty big play on social media, and it was a bad look for Franklin. Any criticism is highly personal, but at some point, a coach just has to not hear things. He usually has state police troopers and a Penn State officer around him when he exits the field, and they keep him safe from harm, even though it’s hard to imagine there’s a lot. Still, he needs to keep from harming himself with self-inflicted problems.
ö Probably not the wisest timing for the College Football Playoff to roll out its first set of rankings on Election Day, right? Then again, maybe it was just the diversion that many people needed from other news and results that will almost assuredly drag on a bit.
ö Not sure what exactly it will be, but there’s some special moment Saturday night that’s supposedly been months in the planning and, if you’re inside Beaver Stadium, you’ll know it when you see it.
Sampsell covers the broadcast end of Penn State football for Gameday. He can be reached at stevesampsell@ gmail.com.
Steve Sampsell
CFP field: Keep eyes on Notre Dame vs. Army
For those with different levels of interest, college football in early September is something of a pleasant diversion from a variety of summer-centric activities.
By the first week of November, however, college football is serious business for all.
The final month of the regular season is traditionally highlighted by an array of circle-the-date contests that feature teams which are competing for spots in the College Football Playoff.
There aren’t as many of those marquee matchups this month as might be expected.
The biggest surprise is that the postseason fortunes of multiple teams are riding on the outcome of the Army-Notre Dame game on Nov. 23.
Notre Dame (7-1), ranked 10th in the latest Associated Press rankings and saddled with the upset loss to Northern Illinois, will enter the game against No. 18 Army (8-0 overall) with no margin for error. As an Independent, the Irish will not have a conference championship game appearance to support their cause, so they need to run the table.
Let’s assume that the Irish win out and are rewarded with one of the 12 spots in the CFP field. The Group of Five is guaranteed one selection, and it’s likely that the four participants in the Big Ten and SEC championship games will also lock up spots.
will be the seventh and eighth teams.
tion committee could divide the
Jim Caltagirone
remaining four at-large spots between the Big Ten and SEC, which currently have eight teams combined among the Top-12.
The ACC and Big 12 each have one team ranked in the Top-12 — No. 4 Miami (9-0) and No. 9 BYU (8-0), respectively.
At No. 8, Indiana (9-0) is the lowest-ranked of the four Big Ten teams in the Top-10. The Nov. 23 game between the Hoosiers and No. 3 Ohio State (7-1) will determine if Indiana’s pursuit of a Big Ten title is the stuff of fantasy or inspiration.
The other Big Ten team is Penn State at No. 6.
A Notre Dame loss to Army establishes the possibility that the ACC or Big 12 could land two selections in the CFP, if either Miami or BYU finishes the regular season undefeated and is then upset in the conference championship game.
Upset losses last weekend by Texas A&M, Iowa State, Clemson and Kansas State demonstrated that every game in November is critical for a CFP contender, not just the Top-25 contests.
bama on Saturday, Georgia with Tennessee on Nov. 16 and Texas A&M with Texas on Nov. 30 will help sort things out for the SEC title game.
Nits’ misery has company
Ohio State’s dominance over Penn State is not unprecedented among teams that are perennial national powers.
In all 10 meetings between Oklahoma and Nebraska from 1972 to 1980, including the 1979 Orange Bowl, both teams were ranked in the Top 11. The Sooners won nine times.
From 2000 through 2004, Oklahoma defeated Texas five straight times. Again, the lowest ranking of either team entering those games was 11th.
The Buckeyes beat Michigan 15 times in 16 meetings between 2004 and 2019. Both teams were nationally-ranked in eight of Ohio State’s wins.
Worth
howlin’
about
With three games remaining, Connecticut (6-3), playing as an Independent, has already doubled its win total from last year (3-9). The Huskies scheduled opponents from five FBS conferences for this season.
Connecticut, now in its
an FCS Independent.
The losses were to Maryland of the Big Ten and Duke and Wake Forest of the ACC.
Quotable
“We came here absolutely believing we would win the game. We played like that, but we just made mistakes that will cost you a football game against anybody, let alone against one of the top-ranked teams in the country.”
—Duke head coach Manny Diaz after Miami turned all three of Duke’s interceptions into touchdowns in a 53-31 Hurricanes victory
“I get asked a lot, ‘How’s the team doing with all the hype and all the pats on the back,’ and all I know is how they work when no one’s watching. Bloody Tuesday, workday Wednesday, our guys are out there on The Blue, in the cold, working their tails off to improve, and that’s a testament to leadership we have on this team.”
— Boise State head coach Spencer Danielson after his team, No. 12 in the latest AP rankings, defeated San Diego State to improve to 7-1 overall
“I thought our guys did a pretty good job of winning 1-on-1s. To me, that’s the difference. Instead of gaining 4, you have the ability to run through some trash and gain
snapping a seven-game losing streak
Notable
ö Michigan’s record in games against the No. 1-ranked team in the country, based on AP rankings, fell to 3-17-1 after a 38-17 loss to Oregon.
ö Ashton Jeanty has rushed for at least 127 yards in all eight of Boise State’s games this season. He leads the nation with 1,525 rushing yards.
ö Xavier Restrepo became Miami’s all-time leading receiver in a victory over Duke last weekend. Restrepo caught eight passes for 146 yards and three touchdowns, raising his career total to 2,573 career yards.
ö Oklahoma State (3-6 overall), the only team without a win in Big 12 play (0-6), must win its final three games to play in a bowl game for the 19th consecutive season. Losers of six in a row, the Cowboys will finish out the regular season against TCU (5-4 overall), Texas Tech (6-3) and No. 21 Colorado (6-2). Oklahoma State has never experienced a winless Big 12 season since the conference’s transformation from the Big Eight in 1996.
ö Toledo (6-3 overall) of the Mid-American Conference defeated Eastern Michigan, 29-28, to become bowl eligible for the 15th consecutive season. Toledo has -
ber of Penn State’s sports information department, comments on the national scene for Gameday. He can be reached
MISCELLANEOUS
SCORING
four highest-ranked conference champions will be seeded Nos. 1-4 and receive a first-round bye. Seeds 5-12 will play each other in the first round. The higher-seeded teams will play host in their first round games.
84 Peter Gonzalez WR 6-2 203 Fr. Mars, Pa. Pittsburgh Central Catholic
85 Luke Reynolds TE 6-4 241 Fr. Westford, Mass. Cheshire Academy (Conn.)
86 Jason Estrella WR 6-2 193 R-Jr.
86
88
PENN STATE NITTANY LIONS
RECORD KEY PLAYERS
CONFERENCE: Big Ten CONFERENCE RECORD: 4-1
OVERALL RECORD: 7-1
2024 SCHEDULE
Aug. 31 at West Virginia W, 34-12
Sept. 7 Bowling Green W, 34-27
Sept. 21 Kent St. W, 56-0
Sept. 28 Illinois W, 21-7
Oct. 5 UCLA W, 27-11
Oct. 12 at USC W, 33-30 OT
Oct. 26 at Wisconsin W, 28-13
Nov. 2 Ohio St. L, 20-13
Nov. 9 Washington 8 Nov. 16 at Purdue 3:30
Nov. 23 at Minnesota TBA Nov. 30 Maryland TBA
RECORD
CONFERENCE: Big Ten
CONFERENCE RECORD: 3-3
OVERALL RECORD: 5-4
2024 SCHEDULE
Aug. 31 Weber St. W, 35-3
Sept. 7 E. Michigan W, 30-9
Sept 14 at Washington St. L, 24-19
Sept. 21 Northwestern W, 24-5
Sept. 27 at Rutgers L, 21-18
Oct. 5 Michigan W, 27-17
Oct. 12 at Iowa L, 40-16
Oct. 26 at Indiana L, 31-17
Nov. 2 Southern Cal W, 26-21
Nov. 9 at Penn St. 8
Nov. 15 UCLA 6
Nov. 30 at Oregon TBD
Andy Kotelnicki, Offensive coordinator
Tom Allen, Defensive coordinator/LBs
Justin Ludwig, Special teams/OLBs/Nickels
Anthony Poindexter, Co-DC/Safeties
Ty Howle, Co-Offensive Coordinator/Tight ends
Deion Barnes, Defensive line
Ja’Juan Seider, Asst. HC/Co-OC/RBs
Terry M. Smith, Asst. HC/def. recruiting/CBs
Marques Hagans, Off. recruiting coord/WRs Phil Trautwein, Offensive line
WASHINGTON HUSKIES
Steve Belichick, Defensive
Robert Bala, Inside linebackers
Jimmie Dougherty, Pass game coord./QBs
Scottie Graham, Running backs Jason Kaufusi, Run game coord./defensive line Jordan Paopao, Tight ends/special teams coord.
Richardson, Cornerbacks Vinnie Sunseri, Safties
BILL BETTWY’S STATE OF PSU
Week 11 conference standings
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