AKB, Does anyone have any experience with genealogy software such as Ancestry.com? Any shared experiences either positive or negative much appreciated.

Take on new OC, Fleming, and the future of NIL

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Since Paterno was such a huge figure at PSU, I had assumed that he would have had veto power over this. Dakich said that Paterno didn't want to join the Big Ten because he thought it would hurt recruiting -- he didn't think East coast recruits would want to play Illinois or Iowa.

What's ur pick anyone?

The 2024-25 lineup thread got me thinking ahead. Particularly as Cael hunts down Gable's NC record. With the wonderful embarrassment of riches we have here and coming in, where do they all fit over the next four year cycle? People smarter than me might be able to fit the puzzle together...particularly in the upper six weights. Anyone wanna try? All these guys have at least two years left....
Davis
Lilledahl
Desmond (2025)
Nagao
Kasak
SVN
Mesenbrink
Haines
Cunningham (2025)
PJ Duke (2025)
Facundo
Henckel (2025)
Barr
Sealey
Ryder
Mirasola x 2

Anthony Poindexter should have one of the strongest safety rooms in the Big Ten and the entire Power 4 this fall. What should fans be watching for this spring.

In March of 2020, Carter Starocci reached out to me and asked if I would create a graphic of him that said "2021 National Champion." I was initially hesitant - at that time he hadn't even wrestled an official match in a Penn State singlet - but he was polite in his ask and I wanted to support his confidence / belief in himself. I made the graphic, but never shared it publicly - which I would really regret exactly on year later when he took down Kemerer in sudden victory to win the 2021 National Championship. The story [and the confidence] did not end there...

You know all the main details, but if you have 4 minutes and 43 seconds you need to fill today, you can hear my version of the story here:

"Sweep the leg" was immoral, treacherous and villainous?

Dedicated to Jordan Burroughs and his lackeys.

I'm actively hoping his ego is writing checks his soon to be 36 year old body can't cash.

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In my opinion too many guys want to just shove, back up and take half shots on the edge to make it look like they're doing something. We all know they're trying to keep things close so they can get lucky and win on the only actual flurry of the match. To combat this I say we change the rule that if you haven't taken a committed shot in the first period your opponent won't be hit for stalling in the third. Force actual action in the first period or your opponent will be allowed to stall his ass off during the last two minutes. It will also let the ref put his whistle in his pocket and not make stupid decisions that ruin the sport.

Just spoke to and confirmed that Rivals 100 four-star wide receiver Quincy Porter will be on campus this Friday for an unofficial visit.

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Thought I just saw it on X? But not an official page.

This needs to be a rule change this season. Even in freestyle they underscore the number on the score board. Wrestlers need to know the actual score on the mat. Put the point up on the board after it gets to a minute. You can take the point back off when it goes under a minute. The only thing that it takes to do this is a clock operator who isn't a complete moron.

I haven't verified this but Byers said Kasak is only the 7th man to finish 3rd after a first round loss. The first man to do it was also a Nittany Lion: John Lange in 1998.

after Kasak lost, I told a friend even an All American finish would be extremely difficult, and a 3rd place finish pretty extraordinary. I didn't know it was that out of the ordinary.

...and Amazon gets wildcard game in 2025

Gerry DuLac of the P-G is reporting that the Steelers didn't like how he was handling the signing of Wilson.

What to soon?

The Three point TD was a big player, but realistically the biggest threat to 172.5 in the next decade is most likely the 2025 PSU squad.

I'll assume Carter doesn't come back neither Beau, but Kerk is a must.

We could be just as strong on paper as this past year if the right peices fall into place.

Also if you are being perfectly honest, the competition was watered down this past year, with all of the to teams quite imperfect specimens, each with critical gaps in their lineups.

Zero doubt Ohio State is on the way back and could have several national champions next year and beyond including heavyweight, hence the need for Kerk.

We may see Askren to Missouri or Wisconsin (you heard it here first), someone taking out the crazy Brands brothers for the better no doubt for that program.

In short if anything I suspect more parity where 110-140 points remains the standard for a top team including PSU after next year. So why might next year threaten 173+?

I am not saying this will be the lineup but forced to a view on maximum points at nationals (and very likely placings):

125. Lilledahl or Davis - top 4
133. Lilledahl or Davis - top 4
141. Kasak - top 2
149 SVN - top 2
157. Mesenbrink/Levi - top 2
165. Mesenbrink/Levi - top 2
174. Facundo - top 4+
184. Barr - top 4
197. Cochran/Marisola - top 8+
Hwt. Kerk - top 2

Scary even after losing two 4xers.

I actually hope this lineup happens but it is highly unlikely IMO. I didn't see Cael bouncing Nagao, as it's most likely one of our light hammers Redshirts. Beau may come back, but I hope we get Kasak at 141. I don't think Carter comes back under any circumstances, and man does that create down year problems, and if Kerk leaves were are lucky to AA at heavy at best.

In any case can anyone say 180?

Going to be a busy week in Happy Valley....

Tuesday:

'26 DE Kevin Ford Jr. (Duncanville - TX)*

Wednesday:
'25 S Aiden Manutai (Kahuku - HI)

Friday:
'25 QB Matt Zollers (Royersford - PA)*
'25 WR Cortez Mills (Homestead - FL)*
'25 WR Quincy Porter (Bergen Catholic - NJ)*
'25 OL Malachi Goodman (Paramus Catholic - NJ)*
'25 DE Landon Rink (Cy-Fair - TX)*
'25 DT Tommy Rupley (Belmont Hill - MA)
'26 OL Michael Gildea (Hun School - NJ)+
'26 QB Faizon Brandon (Grimsley - NC)+

Obviously, not! However, in going back to rewatch some matches today I stumbled on this single leg finish against Watters where he does the exact same thing as Plott. He cranks it longer and farther against the joint than Plott.

Linked the videos below for those who claimed to have never seen this common finish against a shin whizzer.

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The major difference is that Truax's knee pops and Watters' doesn't. Injuries suck, but we don't need to malign the intentions of hard working athletes.

After seeing all the challenges at Nationals, some just for a blow, the 1 point penalty for a lost challenge is a no brainer.