james franklin

With the latest round of betting odds on who will win the 2024 Big Ten football championship coming out this week, Penn State finds itself in a typical position: Behind both Ohio State and Michigan, with Oregon having better odds as well, at least when it comes to public perception.
But, is that necessarily an accurate way to look at how the Big Ten is shaping up this fall?
On this week's edition of the Penn Stated podcast, hosts Donnie Collins and Sam Fremin discuss the odds, and why the Nittany Lions might be in a better position than many might think to finally break through at the top of the Big Ten standings for the first time in eight years come December.
They also continue to round out the All-James Franklin Team, honoring the top players at each position during the head coach's first 10 years at Penn State. This week, they break down two loaded positions: Receiver and linebacker.

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

Listen and subscribe on Apple podcasts

Listen and subscribe on Google podcasts

Listen and subscribe on Spotify

It sure seems that way, if the reaction to Penn State's typically benign "competitors of the day" for winter workouts is any indication. 
With backup quarterback Beau Pribula practically sweeping the honor from quarterbacks coach Danny O'Brien in the early going during workouts, many commenters on social media are wondering if that gives the sophomore any edge in a potential quarterback battle with starter Drew Allar this spring. Well, Penn Stated hosts Donnie Collins and Sam Fremin have some news for those of you looking forward to the backup quarterback knocking off the incumbent.
It isn't going to happen.
Donnie and Sam also delve deep into the decision to move star junior Abdul Carter from the linebacker spot to defensive end for the 2024 season; Which of the hosts thinks it still might not happen, and which is convinced it will wind up being a boon to the defense that has thrived on a consistent pass rush the past few seasons?
They both discuss the Board of Trustees' fumbling of backroom talks to name Beaver Stadium after former head coach Joe Paterno, and continue to build the current coach's All-Franklin team in the second segment - it's time to add the tight ends, offensive tackles and defensive tackles to the first and second teams - on a jam-packed episode of the podcast this week.

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

Listen and subscribe on Apple podcasts

Listen and subscribe on Google podcasts

Listen and subscribe on Spotify

Another week has passed, and college football has changed even more. That's the story of the game now, and it will continue to be for the foreseeable future.
On this week's episode of the Penn Stated podcast, hosts Donnie Collins and Sam Fremin discuss Bill O'Brien to Boston College, Chip Kelly to Ohio State, and more moves that wouldn't have been expected in college football as recently as just a few years ago. They also talk about James Franklin's thoughts on the subject from his winter workouts press conference on Tuesday.
What is the one area that needs to be fixed most for the health of the game in the free agency era? The answer Donnie and Sam provide might surprise you.
The guys also spend the second segment discussing the latest additions to their All-Franklin Team, and there are some potentially controversial ones as they pick their top cornerbacks, guards and centers. Who is the Penn State star one host insists wouldn't have made his team despite multiple years worth of All-Big Ten honors?
They also close with a tribute to near-Super Bowl MVP Ji'Ayir Brown, whose rookie season ended with a loss to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII.

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

Listen and subscribe on Apple podcasts

Listen and subscribe on Google podcasts

Listen and subscribe on Spotify

National Letter of Intent Signing Day -- the "traditional" one, anyway -- came and went rather silently for Penn State in 2024. But there was still plenty of recruiting talk on the latest edition of the Penn Stated podcast.
Hosts Donnie Collins and Sam Fremin broke down the fall of the February signing period and delved into the reasons why arguably the biggest non-gameday of the year in college football lost importance and will continue to do so. But in celebration of what the day used to be, they also further broke down Penn State's 2024 recruiting class that signed during the "early" signing period in December. Their focus: The handful of players in that class who did not yet enroll at Penn State. Which three do the hosts think have the best shot at enrolling during the summer and still seeing some playing time in the fall?
After that, they got down to the real business of the show: The long-awaited start of the selection process for the All-James Franklin team.
Donnie and Sam picked the first and second-team running backs and safeties in celebration of Franklin's recently completed 10th season as Nittany Lions head coach, and there may be a handful of surprises.
A particular NJCAA powerhouse based in Scranton might have a few names on the list already, too.
Find out who got the first spots on Donnie and Sam's All-Franklin team starting now...

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

Listen and subscribe on Apple podcasts

Listen and subscribe on Google podcasts

Listen and subscribe on Spotify

Changes abound in college football, and of course, Penn State wasn't immune to them in the last week.
With special teams coordinator Stacy Collins off to Boise State, head coach James Franklin worked quickly to replace him by bringing in Vanderbilt's Justin Lustig. But the greater coaching chaos around the country obviously dwarfed the third coordinator change on Penn State's staff this offseason.
This week on the Penn Stated podcast, hosts Donnie Collins and Sam Fremin talked about what areas Lustig could make an immediate impact in Happy Valley, and why one less talked-about part of his position might actually be a boon for the coaching staff.
They also take a deep dive into Nick Saban's retirement at Alabama and the ripple effect associated with it around college football. When coaches talk about necessary change around the game, maybe the University of Arizona would be a good example to look toward.
Donnie and Sam also...finally...delve into some listener requests and talk about whether there should be a legitimate quarterback competition heading into 2024 after Drew Allar's performance in his debut season as a starter. The bottom line: Of course there should be. But, it also comes with a bit of advice. Calm down. And understand the importance of development, especially at the quarterback position.
All that -- and, of course, more! -- on the podcast this week.

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

Listen and subscribe on Apple podcasts

Listen and subscribe on Google podcasts

Listen and subscribe on Spotify

On a super-sized edition of the Penn Stated podcast, hosts Donnie Collins and Sam Fremin don't just talk about the many issues of the day surrounding the Nittany Lions and college football.
They break down the scary hypotheticals.

• What happens when the transfer portal doesn't bring in a difference-maker? Penn State battled that at receiver next year; Does that make it even more important for Julian Fleming to succeed in 2024?
• Is "fit" more important than "numbers?" Probably. But one can be measured, while the other is more an art.
• Is it a big deal that Kalen King couldn't risk injury in the Peach Bowl, but will at the Senior Bowl? To some, sure. But, should players who are sure-bet top picks really be playing any college games once they've established their draft stock?
• If former Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa is granted a fifth season of true NCAA eligibility, what does that mean for eligibility's very existence moving forward? Will we see professional college football players?

Oh, and Michigan won the national championship. Donnie and Sam talk about that, and what it means for Penn State football -- even if fans won't love the means by which the answer came about.

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

Listen and subscribe on Apple podcasts

Listen and subscribe on Google podcasts

Listen and subscribe on Spotify

There's a lot going on at Penn State and around college football, weeks after the regular season ended.
The transfer portal remains open.
Bowl prep is ongoing.
National Letter of Intent Signing Day is a week away, and coaches everywhere are trying to lock down their final verbal commitments on the recruiting trail.
Plus, in Happy Valley, there's the matter of finding someone to run the defense after Manny Diaz took the head coaching position at Duke last week.
On this week's episode of the Penn Stated podcast, hosts Donnie Collins (The Scranton Times-Tribune) and Sam Fremin (Citizens Voice) try to sort out as much of the goings-on as possible, focusing on the areas Penn State needs to address as the Peach Bowl approaches on Dec. 30.
It starts with finding a successor for Diaz: Does his familiarity with the roster and experience working alongside Diaz make current safeties coach Anthony Poindexter a favorite? Or, should head coach James Franklin look to the outside, for a bigger name with more recent results as a defensive coordinator?
But, Penn State also needs to get busy in the transfer portal, where they're hoping to host a slew of players on campus this weekend. Obviously, they need receivers, but who would be the best fits? And, what kind of message does it send to high school recruits if players who spurned Penn State in the past are asked to return?
Donnie and Sam also chat about which players on the current roster who are on the borderline between the NFL and returning would best be served coming back -- and which ones Penn State needs back the most.

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

Listen and subscribe on Apple podcasts

Listen and subscribe on Google podcasts

Listen and subscribe on Spotify

Penn State has its bowl destination. It has another berth in a New Year's Six game. It has another chance to build excitement for 2024 with a signature win.
Players have the transfer portal open, the right to reevaluate their current standing with a program, the chance to pursue something greater if they choose.
It's the week of opportunity around college football (unless you're Florida State, of course), and the Nittany Lions are in the thick of it.
On this week's episode of the Penn Stated podcast, hosts Donnie Collins (The Scranton Times-Tribune) and Sam Fremin (The Citizens Voice) discuss the Florida State dis, whether the CFP committee got that right, and whether Penn State should be playing Ole Miss at all (one of the hosts says it should be Oklahoma).
The also debate whether this is a "dangerous" matchup for a Penn State team that isn't going against a blueblood, is likely to be favored, and yet is facing a team with plenty of offensive weapons and an underrated defense that may be better than the nation thinks. In short: Would winning this game move the needle much for the Penn State fan base?
Donnie and Sam also discuss defensive end Chop Robinson's declaration for the NFL Draft and rank where he fits among Penn State ends of the last 30 years. 
Plus, as the transfer portal opens, they talk about why Penn State hasn't been as affected by the transfer portal as other programs have been this season, the ways they've used it better than anybody, and why head coach James Franklin is handling the challenges of program leadership in a more individual-focused era better than others in his position.

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

Listen and subscribe on Apple podcasts

Listen and subscribe on Google podcasts

Listen and subscribe on Spotify

Penn State made it official on Friday, announcing the hiring of former Kansas assistant coach Andy Kotelnicki as its next offensive coordinator.
The news broke Thursday, and Nittany Lions fans have largely been expressing their pleasure with the move since. So have the national writers and analysts who praise Kotelnicki for his creativity and innovation.
But, that doesn't mean there won't be questions about how successful he'll be at Penn State.
Penn Stated hosts Donnie Collins (Scranton Times) and Sam Fremin (Citizens Voice) break down the hire in a special episode of the podcast and discuss whether this is the home-run hire many think it will be.

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

Listen and subscribe on Apple podcasts

Listen and subscribe on Google podcasts

Listen and subscribe on Spotify

Mike Yurcich is gone. Penn State's Big Ten championships hopes are, too. James Franklin is under questioning. And the Nittany Lions are going to be under the microscope as the season winds down.
On this week's episode of the Penn Stated podcast, hosts Donnie Collins (The Scranton Times-Tribune) and Sam Fremin (The Citizens Voice) break down Franklin's decision to fire Yurcich and pursue his sixth offensive coordinator in 11 seasons.
What does it mean for Penn State's head coach, as he approaches what Sam calls the most critical hire of his tenure? And, what traits should he be looking for in the next coordinator? Donnie and Sam both give their thoughts on that, and make their picks.
Plus, they discuss why Yurcich failed to get the offense to reach the levels most expected he would, the negative fan reaction after the loss and...of course...2-point conversions and the value of common sense.

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

Listen and subscribe on Apple podcasts

Listen and subscribe on Google podcasts

Listen and subscribe on Spotify

Today’s Sports Daily covers all your plays from this past weekend, James Franklin can’t win the big one, Jimbo Fisher will make $76 million to not coach A&M into the ground, 5 game winners in the NFL, & the Steelers are a mirage.

Music written by Bill Conti & Allee Willis (Casablanca Records/Universal Music Group)

Ads:

BetOnline – Promo Code: Bleav for 50% Welcome Bonus on your first deposit

SPYGATE (JIM'S VERSION): This Michigan cheating scandal keeps getting worse and worse. What does that mean for the future of the Wolverines' program? WHAT WAS THAT?!: Both teams played about as bad as possible, but Ohio State pulled away in the end. Should James Franklin be on the hot seat for his inability to beat the Buckeyes?

Be a part of our sports community on Chalkboard: https://links.chalkboard.io/join-board/NDAy/TGM3OXRSenROaVZMeEpaZFh5ZGpmWkp5Y1lqMg==

Sign up for Underdog Fantasy: https://play.underdogfantasy.com/p-jake-maltese

Use promo code "BIAS" to have your first deposit matched up to $100!

It's the question most Penn State fans have been wrestling with since the Nittany Lions lost the latest in a long line of existential struggles against Ohio State last Saturday, and frankly, they should be used to the feeling by now.
Penn State's 11-game winning streak and circled the drain yet again against the Buckeyes, leaving the rest of what once was viewed as a potential breakthrough season very much in doubt.
Penn Stated hosts Donnie Collins (Scranton Times-Tribune) and Sam Fremin (Citizens Voice) talked about many of the issues that now surround a program that just can't seem to get past the top-level teams in the Big Ten. Even when it seems as if it has every reason to believe it should.
They give their thoughts on whether fans should have belief in the program as it stands right now. They also delve into their thoughts on who is most to blame for the latest Buckeyes defeat, and who is getting too much of the blame. Is head coach James Franklin the right man for the job, and should one poorly-coached loss change that?
Should this be a defining moment for quarterback Drew Allar, who did not play well?
As usual, there are a lot of questions with this program.
And, the answers aren't as easy to come by.

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

Listen and subscribe on Apple podcasts

Listen and subscribe on Google podcasts

Listen and subscribe on Spotify

00:00 - Intro

1:17 - (2) Michigan - Michigan State recap

8:08 - (7) Penn State - (3) Ohio State recap

16:20 - Minnesota - (24) Iowa recap

21:46 - Wisconsin - Illinois recap

25:43 - Rutgers - Indiana recap

28:08 - Northwestern - Nebraska recap

31:48 - (14) Utah - (18) USC recap

The date that has been circled for months is almost here.
For Penn State, it's the day that means everything.
With the No. 7 Nittany Lions preparing for its annual existential struggle against No. 3 Ohio State on Saturday in Columbus, Penn Stated hosts Donnie Collins and Sam Fremin discuss every angle of the Big Ten's biggest game to this point in the 2023 season. The winner will be positioned to face Michigan in the de facto Big Ten East championship game in November, but for Penn State, the game feels bigger.
It feels like a moment in time.
Like an opportunity to make another step long awaited since the Nittany Lions last defeated Ohio State in 2016, since head coach James Franklin's now famous "elite" speech in 2018.
Donnie and Sam look at the impact of quarterback Drew Allar, playing in his first-ever national-spotlight game on the road -- and in his home state. They talk about the strengths, and rare weaknesses, of the Buckeyes offense. And, they give their predictions on who will win and what will be the biggest reason why.

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

Listen and subscribe on Apple podcasts

Listen and subscribe on Google podcasts

Listen and subscribe on Spotify

After the bye week, Penn Stated podcast hosts Donnie Collins (Scranton Times-Tribune) and Sam Fremin (Citizens Voice) return with plenty to discuss as the No. 6 Nittany Lions host UMass on Saturday.
Most of it, they freely admit, is absolute nonsense.
Head coach James Franklin's comments on nonconference scheduling made quite a national stir this week - centered in especially sensitive Michigan, as usual - but Donnie and Sam discuss whether it's much ado about nothing, the sign of things to come that might not be the best thing for college football, or both.
Of course, since everyone is talking about it, they discuss how a badly worded question at a press conference can still be a good question about what the future might hold for Penn State's offense.  Even if it makes Franklin's skin curl.
And, they spend the second segment bantering about their own hot takes on Penn State, the Big Ten and the college football world. 
Does Sam think James Franklin can ever win a national championship?
What does Donnie think is the worst division in major college football?
And, is college football as a whole really going down a path that's better than the one that hardly ever provided the nation with a definitive champion?
All that and more on this week's Penn Stated.

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

Listen and subscribe on Apple podcasts

Listen and subscribe on Google podcasts

Listen and subscribe on Spotify

Penn State-Iowa might be the second-most important rivalry in the Big Ten these days, and this weekend, it gets the White Out treatment at Beaver Stadium.
On this week's episode of the Penn Stated football podcast, hosts Donnie Collins and Sam Fremin discuss the potential for this matchup to be an emotional one after their charged 2021 matchup. Of what two games from the past did that one remind Donnie and Sam, and do they think head coach James Franklin won't give what happened that night at Kinnick Stadium a second thought this week?
They also broke down the 30-13 win over Illinois last Saturday. The defense was dominant, but what position on the offense concerned them the most?
And for good measure, Donnie and Sam delved into that ever-pressing question: If James Franklin were for some reason to leave Penn State at the end of the season -- which isn't going to happen, so stop even thinking about it -- should the Nittany Lions consider bringing Deion Sanders in to run the show?

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

Listen and subscribe on Apple podcasts

Listen and subscribe on Google podcasts

Listen and subscribe on Spotify

He is a team captain.
A walk-on turned scholarship recipient.
A special teams maven.
A valuable linebacker who someday may be a starter.
But most of all, Wyoming Area grad Dominic DeLuca is "a nice guy."
That's a rare compliment in football, but teammates say DeLuca's attitude has helped unite the team and make him one of the most respected members of the locker room.
So this week, on the Penn Stated podcast, hosts Donnie Collins and Sam Fremin talk about the value DeLuca's outlook on his own career and the game has on the team, and the adulation he has received from his Pick-6 in the win over Delaware last weekend.
Donnie and Sam also debate:

• The potential pitfalls -- if there are any, of course -- of inserting different players in the starting lineup and playing more and more players on a weekly basis. 
• Head coach James Franklin's insistence that defensive coordinators should be prepared for backup quarterback Beau Pribula to play more when the game is on the line. Sure, he can run and is off to a nice start in relief. But is taking the ball out of Drew Allar's hands really what the Nittany Lions should be doing?
• What are AP Poll voters telling Penn State by moving teams ranked behind them ahead of them in back-to-back polls?
• The winners of the weekly Penn Stated Unsung MVP awards on offense, defense and special teams.

All this and more on the latest Penn Stated.

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

Listen and subscribe on Apple podcasts

Listen and subscribe on Google podcasts

Listen and subscribe on Spotify

There's a lot to talk about around the Penn State football program as June settles in, and Penn Stated host Donnie Collins hits on the biggest topics in this week's episode.

• Adjustments to the schedule make for a rather historic broadcast of an otherwise run-of-the-mill game against Delaware.
• A big recruiting weekend draws three solid prospects to Happy Valley and nets verbal commitments from each of them. What does that say about the state of the program right now?
• An intriguing prospect who signed as part of the 2023 recruiting class is no longer with the team. 
• And head coach James Franklin's comments on expected starting quarterback Drew Allar in an ESPN article published early in the week should draw plenty of attention -- and maybe even some concern -- from Penn State fans. Find out why Donnie thinks the Nittany Lions might be putting too much of the focus on their sophomore quarterback.

All that and more in this week's episode of Penn Stated.

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

Listen and subscribe on Apple podcasts

Listen and subscribe on Google podcasts

Listen and subscribe on Spotify