National Championship or bust?

[LandoComando]

Yep. He started at UCLA. But I don't care who you are, it takes a little time to get the experience of playing in big games against like talented teams. He's only 19 years old (he'll be 20 in May).

Very true--he gets to ease in a bit. Montana State, Oklahoma State and Northwestern. Great FCS school but Northwester and OK State are trending in the wrong direction. Then Oregon State which is tough just because it's Oregon State then us. I think we win that game especially with it being at home. They don't play Ohio State. Looks like a comfortable 10-2 or 11-1.

For the record, this is why I like a larger playoff--I care about how the team (and a young QB) is playing in November/December. They're all supposed to get better as the year goes on. Just survive early.

 

[rrdd2021]

are you talking about the two-loss 2024 OSU team and the sign-stealing UM 2023 team? I would argue the 24 team was lucky in that it was the expanded playoff year because they would not have made the old 4 team format.

My point is that the more teams involved - like the current 12-team Playoff which is great - the less luck involved - because the eventual NC will have to prove it with 4 wins on the field.

The 2024 OSU OL was a MESS in the last few games of the season (injuries) but they were still a top team and one that everyone didn't want to play. They proved that in the Playoffs beating 4 top 10 teams.

 

[LandoComando]

My point is that the more teams involved - like the current 12-team Playoff which is great - the less luck involved - because the eventual NC will have to prove it with 4 wins on the field.

The 2024 OSU OL was a MESS in the last few games of the season (injuries) but they were still a top team and one that everyone didn't want to play. They proved that in the Playoffs beating 4 top 10 teams.

This....Tennessee, undefeated Oregon, Texas and ND makes you deserving.

 

[PsuLIT]

Well one major betting site (MGM) has our odds the 5th most likely to win it all. Unfortunately, two of the four teams ahead of us are Ohio State and Oregon.

I think the schedule lines up pretty favorably. Big-10 is always a rugged run of games but the non-conference slate is weak, we get Oregon at home after a bye, and we get Ohio State after a bye. The West Coast trip to UCLA a week after Oregon could be tricky. And the away game at Iowa is always a challenge.

I think there are three critical questions that will determine if we can make a championship run this year:

First and most important, can Drew Allar finally play with consistency at the elite level that was predicted for him and can he do that against Oregon and Ohio State?

Second, will one of the wide receivers show the talent and speed to be a go-to guy for Drew?

Third, with a lot of talent but questionable depth on D, can we escape the year without major injuries on that unit?

I think we have a good shot at 10 wins and at least a realistic shot at 11 during the regular season. Beating the Bucks at the Shoe? I'll believe that when I see it.

Nah - we got this - knowles has a bone to pick!

 

[PsuLIT]

Until we show we CAN, your chest-thumping is laughable. History says we choke it up again.

Not chest-thumping - just good natured banter. I respect the OSU team and fans.

 

[rrdd2021]

This....Tennessee, undefeated Oregon, Texas and ND makes you deserving.

Yeah, the 12-team Playoff now gives teams a chance that might have had a slip up during the regular season or just outside the top 2 or 4 poll teams at the end of the year

The one big example I can allude to is the 1994 PSU squad - who I still consider the best PSU team I've ever watched. What if they had the 12-team Playoff back then? At least give teams like them a chance by proving it on the field - which they do in the current format

 

[rrdd2021]

I think they will be favorite in every game but Ohio state

A one or two loss PSU team will definitely be in the Playoffs again and then anything can happen. Could it be 3 NCs in a row for the B1G ?

 

[sdwcpa]

are you talking about the two-loss 2024 OSU team and the sign-stealing UM 2023 team? I would argue the 24 team was lucky in that it was the expanded playoff year because they would not have made the old 4 team format.

Fair point. However the 12 team playoff was not set up for just for OSU. Every team came into the 2024 season knowing the new rules. PSU had their share of luck in the seeding process getting a FAR easier path to the semis than either of the teams that beat them.

 

[bdgan]

At least give teams like them a chance by proving it on the field - which they do in the current format

I agree but so would an 8 team format. I know some people want to make it a 16 game playoff but not me. Too many games, injuries, and don't laugh but missed class time.

 

[Dixi]

I believe most will agree PSU received the prime spot in the bracket last year. What are the odds of that type of luck in consecutive seasons?

Unfortunately, I have zero confidence in James Franklin as a big game coach.

 

[joeaubie21]

Unfortunately, I have zero confidence in James Franklin as a big game coach.

Do you have confidence in beans?

 

[NealPaige]

Do you have confidence in beans?

Was watching B10 Network last night as they reviewed the OSU spring game. Howard Griffith said that Penn State should not only expect to compete for the B10 championship, but for the national championship as well...despite some attrition. Barring injuries to ONE critical position, and we all know that's Allar, I'm so excited at the potential to end the drought. We have better than decent depth at every position, WRs will be better.

 

[joeaubie21]

I sme

Was watching B10 Network last night as they reviewed the OSU spring game. Howard Griffith said that Penn State should not only expect to compete for the B10 championship, but for the national championship as well...despite some attrition. Barring injuries to ONE critical position, and we all know that's Allar, I'm so excited at the potential to end the drought. We have better than decent depth at every position, WRs will be better.

l smell troll.

Aside from fart.

 

[rrdd2021]

I agree but so would an 8 team format. I know some people want to make it a 16 game playoff but not me. Too many games, injuries, and don't laugh but missed class time.

Didn't burst into a loud laugh but I did chuckle a little bit

 

[bcspsu]

Didn't burst into a loud laugh but I did chuckle a little bit

I ask this in all honesty, but do many of these players, especially the stars, even go to class anymore? I know that many of the potential draft picks don’t even remain on campus after the season ends, but rather go to Florida and other warm places to work out.

 

[rrdd2021]

I ask this in all honesty, but do many of these players, especially the stars, even go to class anymore? I know that many of the potential draft picks don’t even remain on campus after the season ends, but rather go to Florida and other warm places to work out.

Probably very few. I get a kick out of how some fans on message boards claim that their school does things the right way on the academic side. And you hear that claim at all of the major CF powers. Just comical

 

[JWB389]

I ask this in all honesty, but do many of these players, especially the stars, even go to class anymore? I know that many of the potential draft picks don’t even remain on campus after the season ends, but rather go to Florida and other warm places to work out.

I think I posted this before, but Travis Hunter was live in State College for the Gameday broadcast on ESPN this past season. I guess it was the OSU GAME. One of the announcers asked him to walk the audience through his daily schedule. He proceeded to detail his daily schedule, step by step. Not once did he mention class or studies. Nothing.

 

[bcspsu]

I think I posted this before, but Travis Hunter was live in State College for the Gameday broadcast on ESPN this past season. I guess it was the OSU GAME. One of the announcers asked him to walk the audience through his daily schedule. He proceeded to detail his daily schedule, step by step. Not once did he mention class or studies. Nothing.

That doesn’t surprise; I would’ve been more surprised if he had mentioned that he attended any classes. With that said, I’m over that and don’t have a problem with it, as they basically are de facto employees of the schools now rather than student-athletes.

 

[Wallace Breen]

No--no it's not. Oregon isn't as good. Ohio State isn't as good. And it's unlikely Indiana will be as good--how's it tougher?
The non-conference schedule, which you can't exclude, is beyond laughable

On paper this schedule is much much stronger than 24, which was the easiest slate we have played since before joining the Big Ten and probably since the 70s. Comparing 25 to 24, a weakened OSU and Oregon are still much better than we are in all likelihood. At worst, they will be on par with 24 Notre Dame. Oregon might be better. OSU upgraded their DC. A weakened Iowa and Indiana would still be better than 11 teams we played last year during the regular season and better than every team we beat by a decent margin. The non-conference schedule is weaker, but it has been weak every year so who cares.

 

[wilbury]

On paper this schedule is much much stronger than 24, which was the easiest slate we have played since before joining the Big Ten and probably since the 70s. Comparing 25 to 24, a weakened OSU and Oregon are still much better than we are in all likelihood. At worst, they will be on par with 24 Notre Dame. Oregon might be better. OSU upgraded their DC. A weakened Iowa and Indiana would still be better than 11 teams we played last year during the regular season and better than every team we beat by a decent margin. The non-conference schedule is weaker, but it has been weak every year so who cares.

So your over/under on wins is?

 

[Wallace Breen]

So your over/under on wins is?

Too early to say really. Let's see what happens between now and August.

 

[Hotshoe]

A little rich coming from a fan of a team that is 1 fortunate bounce on a blocked FG away from a 13 year losing streak to OSU

You're funny. Penn State dominated the 2nd half of that game. You're also forgetting about your fortune in the first half. Don't forget all the bullsh&t calls you've gotten over the years including last year when you were down 10-0 and got gifted an
PF for no reason.

 

[olelion]

Penn State is projected to have a great year in 2025. We have 2 of the top three RBs in the nation, a veteran QB with NFL caliber height and arm, a top DC and a very bright OC, and a veteran OL. I was very disappointed, as most were, that we lost to Notre Dame, but looking back, it was great being in the discussion right up until the end of the season, and we had two exciting playoff games. That being said, what are your expectations for 2025?

bust

 

[Wallace Breen]

You're funny. Penn State dominated the 2nd half of that game. You're also forgetting about your fortune in the first half. Don't forget all the bullsh&t calls you've gotten over the years including last year when you were down 10-0 and got gifted an
PF for no reason.

Please stop with the nonsense. It was a good call. 2014 was a long time ago. The fact of the matter is we are getting more than our share of calls.

 

[CanGeeB]

On paper this schedule is much much stronger than 24, which was the easiest slate we have played since before joining the Big Ten and probably since the 70s. Comparing 25 to 24, a weakened OSU and Oregon are still much better than we are in all likelihood. At worst, they will be on par with 24 Notre Dame. Oregon might be better. OSU upgraded their DC. A weakened Iowa and Indiana would still be better than 11 teams we played last year during the regular season and better than every team we beat by a decent margin. The non-conference schedule is weaker, but it has been weak every year so who cares.

not a jim knowles fan, but how do you figure patricia is an upgrade?..he wasn't running the pats defense, belichick was..he's an average coach at best, just like every other belichick assistant who has gone on to flop...day must have some sort of prior relationship, that job is way too attractive to hand it to a suspect DC...

 

[Wallace Breen]

not a jim knowles fan, but how do you figure patricia is an upgrade?..he wasn't running the pats defense, belichick was..he's an average coach at best, just like every other belichick assistant who has gone on to flop...day must have some sort of prior relationship, that job is way too attractive to hand it to a suspect DC...

Patricia is a better coach. And yes, he did run the Pats defense for several years and a couple of titles. While a number of the Pat's titles have huge asterisks next to them, his didn't. Furthermore, the nuances he brought to New England are picture perfect for the current semi-pro dumpster fire that college football has become. That is the scarier part. He isn't a system coach like Knowles and will roll with the punches of player departures, kinda like Kirby Smart did as the DC at Bama when he made major adjustments year after year depending on who stayed and who left.

 

[CanGeeB]

Patricia is a better coach. And yes, he did run the Pats defense for several years and a couple of titles. While a number of the Pat's titles have huge asterisks next to them, his didn't. Furthermore, the nuances he brought to New England are picture perfect for the current semi-pro dumpster fire that college football has become. That is the scarier part. He isn't a system coach like Knowles and will roll with the punches of player departures, kinda like Kirby Smart did as the DC at Bama when he made major adjustments year after year depending on who stayed and who left.

well, i guess we shall find out..however, it's well known that belichick had his fingers all over the defense, so not sure where you're getting the idea that patricia was running anything..as a lion's fan, his time in detroit was replete with stories about him trying to act like belichick, putting his chest out and demeaning players ala belichick..he was the sole reason the lions traded away slay to philly for nothing, because slay wouldn't take his attitude..was shocked philly brought him in at all..he's not a great X and O coach, and all reports from every stop is that he tries to bully players..i laughed when they hired him at osu, but sure, i'll grab my popcorn and watch..

 

[ryoder1]

Patricia is a better coach. And yes, he did run the Pats defense for several years and a couple of titles. While a number of the Pat's titles have huge asterisks next to them, his didn't. Furthermore, the nuances he brought to New England are picture perfect for the current semi-pro dumpster fire that college football has become. That is the scarier part. He isn't a system coach like Knowles and will roll with the punches of player departures, kinda like Kirby Smart did as the DC at Bama when he made major adjustments year after year depending on who stayed and who left.

Dude you are just an utter and complete bozo.

Here is your script...

-Franklin is a lousy coach as is all assistants
-Our talent level is not so good
-Allar is not that good
-O Line sucks
-Defense will be pathetic especially on the line and at LB
-We lose 4 or 5 games minimum for sure....every season from now to eternity
-Franklin will never win a big game
-We get lucky with getting the benefit of the doubt on all close calls
-Ohio State and Michigan rarely get the benefit of a close call
-Michigan didn't really cheat, it wasn't bad at all what they did

Just copy and paste this in every one of your posts.

Now go back to listening to Hail to the Victors.

 

[Zouavelion5]

Dude you are just an utter and complete bozo.

Here is your script...

-Franklin is a lousy coach as is all assistants
-Our talent level is not so good
-Allar is not that good
-O Line sucks
-Defense will be pathetic especially on the line and at LB
-We lose 4 or 5 games minimum for sure....every season from now to eternity
-Franklin will never win a big game
-We get lucky with getting the benefit of the doubt on all close calls
-Ohio State and Michigan rarely get the benefit of a close call
-Michigan didn't really cheat, it wasn't bad at all what they did

Just copy and paste this in every one of your posts.

Now go back to listening to Hail to the Victors.

Would probably find flaws in the 94 offense

 

[olelion]

Penn State is projected to have a great year in 2025. We have 2 of the top three RBs in the nation, a veteran QB with NFL caliber height and arm, a top DC and a very bright OC, and a veteran OL. I was very disappointed, as most were, that we lost to Notre Dame, but looking back, it was great being in the discussion right up until the end of the season, and we had two exciting playoff games. That being said, what are your expectations for 2025?

I expect them to win ten or so games as they have done for most of the past several years. But a national championship? Nope, can't see it. There always seems to be something lacking that prevents them from achieving greatness. Lately it has been WR, not long ago it was OL and/or RB.

 

[PsuLIT]

I expect them to win ten or so games as they have done for most of the past several years. But a national championship? Nope, can't see it. There always seems to be something lacking that prevents them from achieving greatness. Lately it has been WR, not long ago it was OL and/or RB.

Is this the reason Franklin struggles to beat top ten opponents? Most teams have weaknesses but still have success. Everyone knows about his 1 or 2 bonehead calls during games, but I don't think that can explain it. Is it a combination of factors? Why is it that Franklin can't win the big game?

 

[sdwcpa]

The opportunities have been there.
If I had to put it on one thing it is the inability to make the big plays at the most important moments. The goal line stand at the end of the OSU game. 4th and 5 against OSU a few years ago. The Interception at the end of the ND game.

 

[PsuLIT]

The opportunities have been there.
If I had to put it on one thing it is the inability to make the big plays at the most important moments. The goal line stand at the end of the OSU game. 4th and 5 against OSU a few years ago. The Interception at the end of the ND game.

Is Franklin making those calls? I would say in big moments, great head coaches make those calls, so either way, it would be his failure.

 

[PurposePitch]

Patricia is a better coach. And yes, he did run the Pats defense for several years and a couple of titles. While a number of the Pat's titles have huge asterisks next to them, his didn't. Furthermore, the nuances he brought to New England are picture perfect for the current semi-pro dumpster fire that college football has become. That is the scarier part. He isn't a system coach like Knowles and will roll with the punches of player departures, kinda like Kirby Smart did as the DC at Bama when he made major adjustments year after year depending on who stayed and who left.

Patricia is such a better coach that everyone hates him, and when he was brought back to the Pats, where he was the alleged DC (everyone knows Belichick ran that side of the ball) in his first go-round, he was brought back on the offensive side of the ball ... where he failed miserably.

Come on, dude ... we all know you're an anti-PSU troll ... but at least put some effort into it.

 

[94LionsFan]

Scored too fast…

 

[AWS1022]

Too early to say really. Let's see what happens between now and August.

7-5….bwahaha.