Finebaum has Ohio State #1 in 2024...says he'll never 'believe in Penn State'

[Jerry]

The oily little SEC shill that he is. I saw the quote in an on3 article published today, but he apparently said it earlier this year.

No foggy idea what he's blathering about re Michigan. For my money, no way the Wolvies should be rated in the Top-10. Top-15 maybe...based solely on brand:

>>I don’t think it takes any imagination to say that Ohio State should be the preseason No.1...I’m still not sure who’s playing for Alabama. I can’t put Alabama in the top-five. I’d like Georgia, Ohio State. You’ll have to help me on Michigan. Will I ever believe in Penn State? No. So I’ll probably throw Texas in there.<<

 

[pnst81983]

The oily little SEC shill that he is. I saw the quote in an on3 article published today, but he apparently said it earlier this year.

No foggy idea what he's blathering about re Michigan. For my money, no way the Wolvies should be rated in the Top-10. Top-15 maybe...based solely on brand:

>>I don’t think it takes any imagination to say that Ohio State should be the preseason No.1...I’m still not sure who’s playing for Alabama. I can’t put Alabama in the top-five. I’d like Georgia, Ohio State. You’ll have to help me on Michigan. Will I ever believe in Penn State? No. So I’ll probably throw Texas in there.<<

No idea about Michigan but very honest answer on PSU based on last 10 years. No different than 95% of America believes

 

[bcspsu]

The oily little SEC shill that he is. I saw the quote in an on3 article published today, but he apparently said it earlier this year.

No foggy idea what he's blathering about re Michigan. For my money, no way the Wolvies should be rated in the Top-10. Top-15 maybe...based solely on brand:

>>I don’t think it takes any imagination to say that Ohio State should be the preseason No.1...I’m still not sure who’s playing for Alabama. I can’t put Alabama in the top-five. I’d like Georgia, Ohio State. You’ll have to help me on Michigan. Will I ever believe in Penn State? No. So I’ll probably throw Texas in there.<<

Based on the context, he’s talking about whether PSU should be placed in a preseason top 5; I have no problem with his doubt about PSU. Just based on a totally uneducated guess, I believe that PSU probably will be preseason 11 to 13.

 

[voltz99]

The oily little SEC shill that he is. I saw the quote in an on3 article published today, but he apparently said it earlier this year.

No foggy idea what he's blathering about re Michigan. For my money, no way the Wolvies should be rated in the Top-10. Top-15 maybe...based solely on brand:

>>I don’t think it takes any imagination to say that Ohio State should be the preseason No.1...I’m still not sure who’s playing for Alabama. I can’t put Alabama in the top-five. I’d like Georgia, Ohio State. You’ll have to help me on Michigan. Will I ever believe in Penn State? No. So I’ll probably throw Texas in there.<<

He thought harbaugh was a fraud too.

 

[wilbury]

The oily little SEC shill that he is. I saw the quote in an on3 article published today, but he apparently said it earlier this year.

No foggy idea what he's blathering about re Michigan. For my money, no way the Wolvies should be rated in the Top-10. Top-15 maybe...based solely on brand:

>>I don’t think it takes any imagination to say that Ohio State should be the preseason No.1...I’m still not sure who’s playing for Alabama. I can’t put Alabama in the top-five. I’d like Georgia, Ohio State. You’ll have to help me on Michigan. Will I ever believe in Penn State? No. So I’ll probably throw Texas in there.<<

He shouldn't believe in Franklin until he proves differently. I don't either. But the players love him and he isn't going anywhere.

 

[psu00]

Frankly, based on PSU under Franklin, I wouldn’t expect many, (outside of PSU fans), to put PSU in the top 5 or seriously consider them as a national championship contender:

- 1 win against Ohio St in 10 years.
- 4-16 against OSU and Michigan.
- 9-21 against OSU, UM, and Mich St.
- 2-4 against the SEC, (with losses to Georgia, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Mississippi).
- 12-26 against the top 25.
- 3-17 against the top 10.

Now, Franklin fans here will try to dismiss that but, nationally speaking, Penn State is seen as irrelevant as a title contender. A good team that will beat Indiana and Illinois but not the top tier teams. It doesn’t shock me when Finebaum says he’ll never believe in Penn State.

 

[ryoder1]

Frankly, based on PSU under Franklin, I wouldn’t expect many, (outside of PSU fans), to put PSU in the top 5 or seriously consider them as a national championship contender:

- 1 win against Ohio St in 10 years.
- 4-16 against OSU and Michigan.
- 9-21 against OSU, UM, and Mich St.
- 2-4 against the SEC, (with losses to Georgia, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Mississippi).
- 12-26 against the top 25.
- 3-17 against the top 10.

Now, Franklin fans here will try to dismiss that but, nationally speaking, Penn State is seen as irrelevant as a title contender. A good team that will beat Indiana and Illinois but not the top tier teams. It doesn’t shock me when Finebaum says he’ll never believe in Penn State.

Yep, this lays out all the facts. In a nutshell he has a very difficult time beating teams with equal or better talent. Of course the Franklin defenders will say that no coach we could get to replace Franklin could do any better and all coaches minus Smart and Saban lose versus the top 10 teams.

 

[Obliviax]

He shouldn't believe in Franklin until he proves differently. I don't either. But the players love him and he isn't going anywhere.

Of course, what has Ryan Day done?

 

[PSU4U]

The oily little SEC shill that he is. I saw the quote in an on3 article published today, but he apparently said it earlier this year.

No foggy idea what he's blathering about re Michigan. For my money, no way the Wolvies should be rated in the Top-10. Top-15 maybe...based solely on brand:

>>I don’t think it takes any imagination to say that Ohio State should be the preseason No.1...I’m still not sure who’s playing for Alabama. I can’t put Alabama in the top-five. I’d like Georgia, Ohio State. You’ll have to help me on Michigan. Will I ever believe in Penn State? No. So I’ll probably throw Texas in there.<<

"The oily little SEC shill that he is."
That says it all but if we are to shut shills like him up, we have to win the big ones once in a while. Until then 10-2
9-3 seem to be the highwater marks.

 

[PurposePitch]

The oily little SEC shill that he is. I saw the quote in an on3 article published today, but he apparently said it earlier this year.

No foggy idea what he's blathering about re Michigan. For my money, no way the Wolvies should be rated in the Top-10. Top-15 maybe...based solely on brand:

>>I don’t think it takes any imagination to say that Ohio State should be the preseason No.1...I’m still not sure who’s playing for Alabama. I can’t put Alabama in the top-five. I’d like Georgia, Ohio State. You’ll have to help me on Michigan. Will I ever believe in Penn State? No. So I’ll probably throw Texas in there.<<

Doesn't seem like he said anything controversial, or irrationally anti-PSU, or irrationally pro-SEC, either.

Seems like he's "talking aloud" about potential preseason top 5 candidates and mentioning his reasoning in including/excluding some. I think it's quite reasonable to not include PSU in the top 5 because, despite the potential, they've had that potential before and not come through. So he'll wait until they prove it. Makes sense.

 

[Jerry]

Based on the context, he’s talking about whether PSU should be placed in a preseason top 5; I have no problem with his doubt about PSU. Just based on a totally uneducated guess, I believe that PSU probably will be preseason 11 to 13.

No idea about Michigan but very honest answer on PSU based on last 10 years. No different than 95% of America believes

Frankly, based on PSU under Franklin, I wouldn’t expect many, (outside of PSU fans), to put PSU in the top 5 or seriously consider them as a national championship contender:

- 1 win against Ohio St in 10 years.
- 4-16 against OSU and Michigan.
- 9-21 against OSU, UM, and Mich St.
- 2-4 against the SEC, (with losses to Georgia, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Mississippi).
- 12-26 against the top 25.
- 3-17 against the top 10.

Now, Franklin fans here will try to dismiss that but, nationally speaking, Penn State is seen as irrelevant as a title contender. A good team that will beat Indiana and Illinois but not the top tier teams. It doesn’t shock me when Finebaum says he’ll never believe in Penn State.

All fair points and hard to argue with.

I wasn't interpreting his comment in the context of a top-5 preseason ranking, which we obviously won't have, but rather as a general knock on Penn State...but have to admit that even in the latter terms, it's at least understandable given the history of the last several years.

That said, I do think we may well crack the preseason top-10, which will buy you a cup of coffee at Starbucks...if you also have $2.80.

 

[bvillebaron]

The oily little SEC shill that he is. I saw the quote in an on3 article published today, but he apparently said it earlier this year.

No foggy idea what he's blathering about re Michigan. For my money, no way the Wolvies should be rated in the Top-10. Top-15 maybe...based solely on brand:

>>I don’t think it takes any imagination to say that Ohio State should be the preseason No.1...I’m still not sure who’s playing for Alabama. I can’t put Alabama in the top-five. I’d like Georgia, Ohio State. You’ll have to help me on Michigan. Will I ever believe in Penn State? No. So I’ll probably throw Texas in there.<<

Who gives a bleep about what this SEC shill believes indeed. Finebaum is living proof people with no talent get jobs like his.

 

[19333lion]

Paul F should try hang gliding with his ears.

 

[The Spin Meister]

Frankly, based on PSU under Franklin, I wouldn’t expect many, (outside of PSU fans), to put PSU in the top 5 or seriously consider them as a national championship contender:

- 1 win against Ohio St in 10 years.
- 4-16 against OSU and Michigan.
- 9-21 against OSU, UM, and Mich St.
- 2-4 against the SEC, (with losses to Georgia, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Mississippi).
- 12-26 against the top 25.
- 3-17 against the top 10.

Now, Franklin fans here will try to dismiss that but, nationally speaking, Penn State is seen as irrelevant as a title contender. A good team that will beat Indiana and Illinois but not the top tier teams. It doesn’t shock me when Finebaum says he’ll never believe in Penn State.

Yep, this lays out all the facts. In a nutshell he has a very difficult time beating teams with equal or better talent. Of course the Franklin defenders will say that no coach we could get to replace Franklin could do any better and all coaches minus Smart and Saban lose versus the top 10 teams.

A) Few Franklin fans would dismiss those facts and are actually very frustrated by them. And most acknowledge we are not elite at this point.


B) His game management has been widely criticized by just about everyone, including his staunchest supporters.


C) Two problems with getting new coach…..the first being his huge buyout contract. It was crazy to extend him for ten years and no changes will be made for at least two more years….unless he decides to step down which is highly unlikely. And getting a replacement that is a big improvement would be difficult. The only way would be to take a chance on a coach from a lower classification and hope he came make the leap. Then if he fails you have transitioned to an unstable carrousel.

 

[Hugh Laurie]

Hope I'm wrong but I don't see PSU even making the playoffs this year especially if they lose the opener in Morgantown. Two new coordinators, the loss of a number of key players in the draft, a lot of new untested players, and games with USC , Wisconsin, Washington, UCLA, and the other program we can never beat is going to be a tall order.

We're heading out to the Coliseum in October viewing at it as our NYD major bowl game come early. Again I hope I'm wrong but I'm not optimistic. Last year was suppose to be the year but the players and coaches failed the test.

 

[LMTLION]

Frankly, based on PSU under Franklin, I wouldn’t expect many, (outside of PSU fans), to put PSU in the top 5 or seriously consider them as a national championship contender:

- 1 win against Ohio St in 10 years.
- 4-16 against OSU and Michigan.
- 9-21 against OSU, UM, and Mich St.
- 2-4 against the SEC, (with losses to Georgia, Arkansas, Kentucky, and Mississippi).
- 12-26 against the top 25.
- 3-17 against the top 10.

Now, Franklin fans here will try to dismiss that but, nationally speaking, Penn State is seen as irrelevant as a title contender. A good team that will beat Indiana and Illinois but not the top tier teams. It doesn’t shock me when Finebaum says he’ll never believe in Penn State.

Let’s be honest. It may have been slightly better back then, but nationally we never got much respect, even in the Paterno years.

 

[The Spin Meister]

Let’s be honest. It may have been slightly better back then, but nationally we never got much respect, even in the Paterno years.

Yep, we were called the Beast of the East.

Translated : the best of the rest of them.

 

[LMTLION]

Yep, we were called the Beast of the East.

Translated : the best of the rest of them.

The rest of them are even worse now. We are the only remaining football power north of the state of South Carolina on the east coast. Pitt and Syracuse are reduced . WVU is merely ok. BC is mediocre. Maryland and Rutgers were never good. Va Tech has not been relevant for years . UNC was ok over the last few years with the qb and has only been somewhat relevant a few times over the last 20 years.

 

[sss]

Not sure why people get riled up about something like this. The talking heads are correct the same amount of time as the average fan. They will not pick a new team to win it all until they do it. Show me one example of a talking head picking Clemson to win it all in their first year (non-Clemson writer excluded). After they win it they are mentioned as contenders until they don't make the playoffs a few years in a row. Same as Michigan. Remember all the jokes about Harbaugh's ceiling being 3rd, in the Big East.

 

[ryoder1]

A) Few Franklin fans would dismiss those facts and are actually very frustrated by them. And most acknowledge we are not elite at this point.


B) His game management has been widely criticized by just about everyone, including his staunchest supporters.


C) Two problems with getting new coach…..the first being his huge buyout contract. It was crazy to extend him for ten years and no changes will be made for at least two more years….unless he decides to step down which is highly unlikely. And getting a replacement that is a big improvement would be difficult. The only way would be to take a chance on a coach from a lower classification and hope he came make the leap. Then if he fails you have transitioned to an unstable carrousel.

I get it with the new coach risk and because of the dumb contract Barbour agreed to we are not firing him for a long time. I think the buyout would have to be under $20 million or maybe $10 million. Not sure how much is left on the contract, maybe $60 million so we are at a minimum 4 years away from a change in my opinion.

Back to the new coach and who we could get that is better. We certainly could go backwards with a new guy. I won't deny that and the risk always exists. My frustration is that at some point if his terrible record versus top 10 teams continues (he is currently 3-17) then you would be forced to make a change and there has to be someone out there that could do a little better at least.

 

[Jerry]

Hope I'm wrong but I don't see PSU even making the playoffs this year especially if they lose the opener in Morgantown. Two new coordinators, the loss of a number of key players in the draft, a lot of new untested players, and games with USC , Wisconsin, Washington, UCLA, and the other program we can never beat is going to be a tall order.

We're heading out to the Coliseum in October viewing at it as our NYD major bowl game come early. Again I hope I'm wrong but I'm not optimistic. Last year was suppose to be the year but the players and coaches failed the test.

They did fail the test...and honestly, I'm inclined to put that more on the coaches...the head guy and those on the offensive side of the ball in particular.

Yet hope springs eternal. We're losing some good players, but there's a lot of talent coming back. If the new coordinators install a system, especially on O, that helps Drew and the guys play to their potential while meshing as a unit, then we're going to be better than or equal to every team on the schedule, with the exception of Ohio State, and should at least make the playoffs.

If that doesn't happen, I think our head coach, who I've mostly defended over the years, is going to find himself having to answer some hard questions.

 

[bcspsu]

Let’s be honest. It may have been slightly better back then, but nationally we never got much respect, even in the Paterno years.

Yeah, but during the Paterno years, PSU actually shoved it back into their faces by often beating blue bloods in very important games; from the late 60s to the late 90s, PSU was one of the most prominent programs in college football. Even now, it's still probably in the top 10 in terms of importance.

 

[saturdaysarebetter2]

Hope I'm wrong but I don't see PSU even making the playoffs this year especially if they lose the opener in Morgantown. Two new coordinators, the loss of a number of key players in the draft, a lot of new untested players, and games with USC , Wisconsin, Washington, UCLA, and the other program we can never beat is going to be a tall order.

We're heading out to the Coliseum in October viewing at it as our NYD major bowl game come early. Again I hope I'm wrong but I'm not optimistic. Last year was suppose to be the year but the players and coaches failed the test.

If you really thought last year was supposed to be the year with a first-year starting QB going into Columbus where VERY FEW opposing QBs win, let alone first-year starters, and then facing ANOTHER top five team in Michigan with 44 seniors, you really don't know much about college football.

 

[psu00]

Let’s be honest. It may have been slightly better back then, but nationally we never got much respect, even in the Paterno years.

There were up and down periods to be sure, but generally PSU was respected. People can debate years X, Y, and Z they should have been ranked higher but there were also years where PSU was ranked highly and underperformed as well. Preseason rankings (from what I could find for the Paterno years)-

Preseason ranked top 5- 1968 (#4), 1969 (#3), 1972 (#5), 1978 (#3), 1983 (#4), 1995 (#4), 1997 (#1), 1999 (#3).

Preseason ranking 6-10- 1970 (#7), 1973 (#7), 1974 (#8), 1975 (#6), 1976 (#10), 1979 (#7), 1981 (#9), 1982 (#8), 1986 (#6), 1991 (#7), 1992 (#8), 1994 (#9), 2009 (#9).

Preseason ranking 11-15- 1971 (#14), 1977 (#13), 1984 (#11), 1987 (#11), 1989 (#12), 1996- (#11), 1998 (#13).

 

[bcspsu]

There were up and down periods to be sure, but generally PSU was respected. People can debate years X, Y, and Z they should have been ranked higher but there were also years where PSU was ranked highly and underperformed as well. Preseason rankings (from what I could find)-

Preseason ranked top 5- 1968 (#4), 1969 (#3), 1972 (#5), 1978 (#3), 1983 (#4), 1995 (#4), 1997 (#1), 1999 (#3).

Preseason ranking 6-10- 1970 (#7), 1973 (#7), 1974 (#8), 1975 (#6), 1976 (#10), 1979 (#7), 1981 (#9), 1982 (#8), 1986 (#6), 1991 (#7), 1992 (#8), 1994 (#9), 2009 (#9).

Preseason ranking 11-15- 1971 (#14), 1977 (#13), 1984 (#11), 1987 (#11), 1989 (#12), 1996- (#11), 1998 (#13).

Even last season, PSU was ranked in the top 5 going into the Northwestern game on the basis of beating WVU and Iowa at home, and playing an inconsistent game at Illinois. Therefore, I would argue that PSU was shown a great amount of respect up to that point in the season.

 

[psu00]

If you really thought last year was supposed to be the year with a first-year starting QB going into Columbus where VERY FEW opposing QBs win, let alone first-year starters, and then facing ANOTHER top five team in Michigan with 44 seniors, you really don't know much about college football.

I hear ya but there were many sunshine posters here last year who were absolutely convinced PSU was going to split with OSU/ Mich, (if not have a good chance to win both), and make the playoff.

 

[saturdaysarebetter2]

I hear ya but there were many sunshine posters here last year who were absolutely convinced PSU was going to split with OSU/ Mich, (if not have a good chance to win both), and make the playoff.

Very true. Unrealistic expectations from unrealistic individuals.

 

[PSU4U]

The oily little SEC shill that he is. I saw the quote in an on3 article published today, but he apparently said it earlier this year.

No foggy idea what he's blathering about re Michigan. For my money, no way the Wolvies should be rated in the Top-10. Top-15 maybe...based solely on brand:

>>I don’t think it takes any imagination to say that Ohio State should be the preseason No.1...I’m still not sure who’s playing for Alabama. I can’t put Alabama in the top-five. I’d like Georgia, Ohio State. You’ll have to help me on Michigan. Will I ever believe in Penn State? No. So I’ll probably throw Texas in there.<<

OK he has never had much good to say about PS so I'm not shocked but I'm not so sure he's right about OSU. They better beat MI this year or they will be looking for a new head coach.

 

[bcspsu]

I hear ya but there were many sunshine posters here last year who were absolutely convinced PSU was going to split with OSU/ Mich, (if not have a good chance to win both), and make the playoff.

Going into the season, I believed that we would beat Michigan at home and lose to OSU on the road; I never thought that Michigan would be the unbeatable team that they turned out to be. Even leading into the Michigan game, I thought that we had a good chance to win that game because in the previous week, Allar played great on the road against Maryland, and the defense was a constant. I do believe that PSU would've beaten OSU last season at home.

 

[PSU4U]

Going into the season, I believed that we would beat Michigan at home and lose to OSU on the road; I never thought that Michigan would be the unbeatable team that they turned out to be. Even leading into the Michigan game, I thought that we had a good chance to win that game because in the previous week, Allar played great on the road against Maryland, and the defense was a constant. I do believe that PSU would've beaten OSU last season at home.

Cheating helps.

 

[ryoder1]

Finebaum has no confidence in Franklin and why should he? All his comments about Franklin and Penn State are basically negative because we can"t beat OSU or Michigan. Nobody would pick us in the top 5 and especially Finebaum.

 

[bcspsu]

Cheating helps.

It doesn't hurt, but good coaching and execution also help and that Michigan team had both. Regardless of the cheating, that team simply wasn't going to lose last season.

 

[Jerry]

OK he has never had much good to say about PS so I'm not shocked but I'm not so sure he's right about OSU. They better beat MI this year or they will be looking for a new head coach.

Agreed...but I can't see Ohio State losing to Michigan this year. The Buckeyes are loaded. Michigan lost a large number of key guys -- 13 players drafted by the NFL -- and their head coach too. Plus the game's at the Shoe.

 

[joeaubie21]

The oily little SEC shill that he is. I saw the quote in an on3 article published today, but he apparently said it earlier this year.

No foggy idea what he's blathering about re Michigan. For my money, no way the Wolvies should be rated in the Top-10. Top-15 maybe...based solely on brand:

>>I don’t think it takes any imagination to say that Ohio State should be the preseason No.1...I’m still not sure who’s playing for Alabama. I can’t put Alabama in the top-five. I’d like Georgia, Ohio State. You’ll have to help me on Michigan. Will I ever believe in Penn State? No. So I’ll probably throw Texas in there.<<

Feinbum isn't worth the time.

 

[PSUWrestlingFanSince2011]

He's right until we prove him wrong

 

[The Spin Meister]

Going into the season, I believed that we would beat Michigan at home and lose to OSU on the road; I never thought that Michigan would be the unbeatable team that they turned out to be. Even leading into the Michigan game, I thought that we had a good chance to win that game because in the previous week, Allar played great on the road against Maryland, and the defense was a constant. I do believe that PSU would've beaten OSU last season at home.

That was one of the craziest games of the modern era. Watch just the first qtr and it looks like we win as their passing game was getting absolutely destroyed. Our guys were so fast that the QB couldn’t throw, often lost 10-15 yds, and was getting hammered. The announcers were saying he wouldn’t make it to halftime.

Then about the middle of 2nd qtr they quit passing and just ran it down our throats. Only attempted one single pass the entire second half….. and that one was negated by a penalty.

Never saw a big game with good weather between major powers in which one of teams had zero official pass attempts in a half.

Have to give credit to their acting coach for having the balls to call such a game.

 

[NJPSU]

Why do people expect a Top 5 team when our recruiting classes are rarely if ever in the Top 5?

Our NIL is nowhere near Top 5 level which why we see guys like King Mack poached and our recruiting not at an elite level.

 

[rrdd2021]

Agreed...but I can't see Ohio State losing to Michigan this year. The Buckeyes are loaded. Michigan lost a large number of key guys -- 13 players drafted by the NFL -- and their head coach too. Plus the game's at the Shoe.

I read that Michigan also lost their top six 2023 OL which many considered to be the strength of their team

 

[bcspsu]

I read that Michigan also lost their top six 2023 OL which many considered to be the strength of their team

They’re due for a major course correction this season.

 

[Waltwam]

A) Few Franklin fans would dismiss those facts and are actually very frustrated by them. And most acknowledge we are not elite at this point.


B) His game management has been widely criticized by just about everyone, including his staunchest supporters.


C) Two problems with getting new coach…..the first being his huge buyout contract. It was crazy to extend him for ten years and no changes will be made for at least two more years….unless he decides to step down which is highly unlikely. And getting a replacement that is a big improvement would be difficult. The only way would be to take a chance on a coach from a lower classification and hope he came make the leap. Then if he fails you have transitioned to an unstable carrousel.

Well , he did say he'd resign if they don't make the playoffs this year.