Blue-White Breakdown | A Penn State Football Podcast from Pennlive.com

What is Penn State’s biggest question mark in 2020? Will the Lions offense change under a new offensive coordinator? Yetur Gross-Matos is a first round pick in an NFL mock draft from the Associated Press. And Penn State loses a commitment in its 2020 class. We’ll cover all those headlines on this edition of The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ricky Rahne has all the credentials to lead Old Dominion’s rebuild. His list of hires has begun with a Penn State grad assistant. Micah Parsons and Pat Freiermuth pick up All-America honors. Six Lions players were named to the Associated Press All-Big Ten team. We’ll cover all those headlines on this edition of The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Blitz: First down: Penn State is headed to the Cotton Bowl. --Is a matchup with Memphis something to be excited about? --What does a third New Year's six bowl in four years mean to the program? Second down: Ricky Rahne is moving on --The Lions second-year offensive coordinator accepted the Old Dominion job on Monday. --Is this a surprise, or maybe expected? Third down: Who could the Lions tab to replace Rahne? --Minnesota's Kirk Ciarrocca is a name to consider. Fourth down: Mailbag See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn State’s search for an offensive coordinator could get pricey. Penn State basketball scores a big win over No. 4 Maryland. Why not Penn State-Baylor for the Lions’ bowl matchup? And Memphis coach Mike Norvell won’t coach in the Cotton Bowl. We’ll cover all those headlines on this edition of The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn State’s Ricky Rahne takes the head coaching job at Old Dominion. A look at where Penn State could turn next for its next offensive coordinator. The Lions pick up a huge commitment from one of the nation’s top tight ends. And Penn State opens as a favorite over Memphis in the Cotton Bowl. We’ll cover all those headlines on this edition of The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn State is passed over for the Rose Bowl and is headed to the Cotton Bowl. We take a first look at the Memphis Tigers team the Lions will play when they get there. Penn State wraps up a big recruiting weekend. And James Franklin signs a six year contract extension. We’ll cover all those headlines on this edition of The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trace McSorley relives Penn State’s 2016 Big Ten title run. Yetur Gross-Matos is up for the National Defensive End of the Year award. Three Penn State commits get bumps in the latest Rivals national rankings. And Penn State basketball is 7-1 after cruising to a win over Wake Forest. We’ll cover all those headlines on this edition of The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Could Penn State’s James Franklin be on the verge of getting a contract extension? Pat Freiermuth was a SECOND-team All-Big Ten pick. Penn State to the Rose Bowl is getting mixed reviews from the experts, and where could Yetur Gross-Matos hear his named called in the NFL Draft? We’ll cover all those headlines on this edition of The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First down: PSU's change in offseason philosophy There is no way around it: James Franklin clearly saw the perception problem his program faced in regards to player uncertainty following the 2019 season, so he got it started early this year, with Pat Freiermuth and Michal Menet already announced their plans to return while Yetur Gross-Matos has declared for the Draft. Other decisions are pending, but no Lions raced into the transfer portal. Clearly, something changed, and it's working so far. Second down: Micah Parsons and the All-Big Ten defense team You'll have to check pennlive.com/pennstatefootball for the offense selections, but PSU was well represented on defense. Micah Parsons was the linebacker of the year. Will he win the Butkus Award? Third down: The bowl outlook now Where do Bob and Greg think the Lions are heading? A New Year's Six bowl seems likely, but will it be the Rose, Orange or Cotton? Fourth down: Mailbag See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn State stays at No. 10 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings. Two more key Lions announce their NFL decisions. Micah Parsons is the 2019 Big Ten linebacker of the year. And the Lions might have found their punter of the future. We’ll cover all those headlines on this edition of The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s next for Penn State as we kick off the month of December? And how important is the return of Pat Freiermuth in 2020? James Franklin hopes for a quick end to coaching rumors. And we get a little perspective on an overachieving 10-2 year for the Lions. We’ll cover all those headlines on this edition of The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn State finishes its season with a 10-2 record and a win over Rutgers. The Lions fight through a lull or two knock off the Scarlet Knights. Journey Brown proves once again he is Penn State’s most consistent back. And Jerry Palm from CBS Sports breaks down Penn State’s bowl possibilities. We’ll cover all those headlines on this edition of The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn State players and coaches celebrate Thanksgiving. A look inside Juwan Johnson’s decision to transfer to Oregon. Rutgers and Greg Schiano could be on the verge of a reunion after all. And Penn State basketball blows a big lead in a loss to Ole Miss. We’ll cover all those headlines on this edition of The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wide receiver Justin Shorter is no longer listed on Penn State’s roster. PennLive staff and special guests make their Penn State-Rutgers picks. Bob Flounders breaks down the matchup between the Lions and Scarlet Knights. And David Jones looks back at what could have been with Penn State’s 2019 season. We’ll cover all those headlines on this edition of The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First down: The transfer portal talk begins --Justin Shorter is reportedly considering leaving the Lions. --What does it mean, and is this just the beginning? Second down: Does PSU have a QB controversy? --Sean Clifford is a game-time decision for this weekend's matchup with Rutgers? --After Will Levis led three scoring drives at OSU, some are asking: Is there a QB controversy. Is it a legitimate question? Third down: Bowl talk --After PSU is No. 10 in the latest Playoff rankings, where will it likely end up? --No matter the location, the Lions are primed to go to a big bowl. Is James Franklin under-appreciated even though he's on the verge of another 10-win season? Fourth down: Mailbag See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn State wide receiver Justin Shorter reportedly hits the transfer portal. Sean Clifford is a game-time decision for Saturday’s Rutgers game. James Franklin responds to an accusation from a former team doctor. And the Lions roll out their depth chart for their final regular season game. We’ll cover all those headlines on this edition of The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn State is a huge favorite over Rutgers in its final game. Micah Parsons is a finalist for the Butkus Award. Too much went wrong for the Lions to pull of the upset at Ohio State. And Penn State’s seniors are among the X-factors this weekend. We’ll cover all those headlines on this edition of The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn State players remain optimistic about the future of the program. The Lions slip in the latest AP and USA Today coaches polls. The grades are in from Penn State’s 28-17 loss at Ohio State. And the Rose Bowl could still be in play as the Lions go into their season finale. We’ll cover all those headlines on this edition of The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn State massive 18 point underdog, Lion's defense will struggle trying to contain diverse Buckeyes' attack, silly season is starting early in the coaching world, winter weather for Saturday's game. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn State’s James Franklin calls Ohio State one of the most talented teams he has ever seen. Ohio State has a steep advantage over Penn State in Bob Flounders’ position by position breakdown. The Lions have no shot to win on Saturday, according to ESPN’s David Pollack. And the College Football Playoff committee chairman explains why the Lions are ranked No. 8 in the country. We’ll cover all those headlines on this edition of The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First down: Is Penn State-Ohio State a talent-equal contest? -Buckeyes coach Ryan Day thinks so, but is he just saying that, or is it true? -Which parts of the Lions' roster must step up most if victory is possible? Second down: The QB battle is of utmost importance -It's especially interesting, too, because James Franklin spent time talking this week about losing out on Fields, who once decommitted from PSU to sign with Georgia before ultimately transferring to OSU. Bob and Greg discuss the Buckeyes passer and how Sean Clifford can hold his own for the Lions. Third down: What is Pat Freiermuth's future? --The sophomore tight end is a star in Penn State's offense, and he may have to play a huge role Saturday at Ohio State. No extra motivation is needed, but he will play after being snubbed from the Mackey Award semifinalists list. He also could head to the NFL after just two more regular season games plus a bowl game. Fourth down: Mailbag See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn State moves up in the College Football Playoff rankings. Quarterback Sean Clifford says he received death threats after the Lions lost to Minnesota. James Franklin updates KJ Hamler’s status for Ohio State. And Franklin also looks back on his recruitment of Justin Fields. We’ll cover all those headlines on this edition of The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn State’s offensive tackles will be on the spot at Ohio State. KJ Hamler’s health will be a key storyline for the Lions. Justin Fields details how he went from Penn State commit to Georgia and Ohio State. And Penn State-Rutgers has a kick time. We’ll cover all those headlines on this edition of The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn State sees no change in its national ranking after beating Indiana. The Lions are 19-point underdogs in their showdown with Ohio State. Run defense made the difference in a 34-27 win over Indiana. And “College GameDay” will be in Columbus for Lions-Buckeyes. We’ll cover all those headlines on this edition of The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Penn State picks are in for Saturday’s Indiana game. Big Ten refs might not be as unfair to Penn State as you might think. James Franklin describes the pros and cons of a passionate fan base, and the Lions land on one ESPN writer's “Bottom 10” list. We’ll cover all those headlines on this edition of The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ohio State’s Chase Young will return from suspension for Penn State. The Lions have matchup advantages in a number of areas against Indiana. A top Penn State recruit has pushed back his decision date. And James Franklin dishes on how to get more from his No. 3 receivers. We’ll cover all those headlines on this edition of The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First down: Breaking down James Franklin's vent session --The coach went on a long monologue to close his Tuesday news conference. --What does it mean now, and also in the future? Second down: Penn State in the CFP --The Lions were No. 9 in this week's CFP top-25. Minnesota was No. 8, Ohio State was No. 2, and Indiana was unranked. --What are the Lions likely bowl destinations? Third down: Prime player update --Bob and Greg give the latest on Noah Cain, Sean Clifford, and more important Lions ahead of a visit from the Hoosiers. Fourth down: Mailbag See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn State falls to No. 9 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings. Coach James Franklin addresses the press on Tuesday. Tom Allen has the highest of praise for the Nittany Lions program. And Penn State updates its depth chart for the Indiana game.We’ll cover all those headlines on this edition of The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn State opens as a 14-point favorite against visiting Indiana. More disruption will be required to bounce back against the Hoosiers. The Lions’ bowl picture changes after the loss to Minnesota, and Penn State’s latest commit explains why he chose the Lions.We’ll cover all those headlines on this edition of The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn State falls in the Associated Press and Coaches polls. Penn State’s defense was outwitted and outplayed by Minnesota. PennLive’s Bob Flounders grades the Lions in their loss to the Gophers, and Greg Pickel comes to the defense of offensive coordinator Ricky Rahne. We’ll cover all those headlines on this edition of The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Penn State-Minnesota picks are in. Kirk Herbstreit and Todd Blackledge have plenty of good things to say about the Lions. James Franklin talks about the College Football Playoff rankings, and Judge Culpepper is a Penn State player on the spot at Minnesota. We’ll cover all those headlines on this edition of The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn State-Ohio State has an official kickoff time. The College Football Playoff committee explains how the Lions got their No. 4 ranking. PennLive’s Bob Flounders breaks down the Penn State-Minnesota matchup, and David Jones answers the question: why on earth would James Franklin want the Florida State job?We’ll cover all those headlines on this edition of The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn State coach James Franklin is leery about Minnesota's big and talented offensive line and also its trio of receivers who are fast and athletic. The Lions can match up with both, however, on what looks to be a cold but otherwise calm day weather-wise in Minneapolis. Here's how this week's PSU clash will play out. Player(s) on the spot: Penn State cannot let Golden Gophers QB Tanner Morgan sit back and pick the secondary apart, because if given time, his pass catchers will get open and the host will score. The pass rush is in the spotlight, then, and it's already down a man with Antonio Shelton suspended for the week after he was ejected at Michigan State for unsportsmanlike conduct two weeks ago. PJ Mustipher and Rob Windsor must step up to fill the void and keep Morgan uncomfortable early and often. Don’t be surprised if: A big early lead for the Lions turns into a nail-bitter of a game by the fourth quarter. It just seems to be the team's M.O., at this point, and while a bye week helped limit the offensive lulls against Maryland, this Minnesota team is much better than the Terps and can exploit the Lions' weaknesses if given the opportunity too. PSU puts it away ultimately, though, to improve to 9-0. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn State makes its debut in the first run of the College Football Playoff rankings. Noah Cain and John Reid are expected to play at Minnesota this weekend. The Lions’ official depth chart features a handful of interesting changes, and James Franklin has a response to rumors connecting him to open coaching jobs. We’ll cover all those headlines on this edition of The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Snow is in the early forecast for Penn State-Minnesota. The Gophers' big wide receivers are X-factors against the Lions. James Franklin is listed among the candidates for the open Florida State job, and PennLive’s David Jones offers his Penn State-Minnesota take in the latest edition of his Big Ten Power Poll. We’ll cover all those headlines on this edition of The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn State is a 6 1/2-point favorite at Minnesota this weekend. PJ Mustipher tops a list of five Lions to watch over the next four weeks. Penn State could be loaded in 2020, and Sean Clifford's play is one of eight key takeaways from the Lions 8-0 start. We’ll cover all those headlines on this edition of The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

James Franklin tells some terrific stories about his time on the recruiting trail. Micah Parsons is the clear top dog on a fast and furious Penn State defense. The bye-week recruiting calendar takes shape for Franklin and his staff. And Big Ten coaches share their favorite musical acts. We’ll cover all those headlines on this edition of The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn State coach James Franklin goes in-depth on Jayson Oweh’s potential. Paul Finebaum from the SEC Network supports “College GameDay” going to Minnesota next week. Wednesday was a big recruiting day for Franklin and his staff, and PennLive’s David Jones wonders if Franklin gets enough credit. We’ll cover all those headlines on this edition of The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First down: How will the Lions enjoy their bye? --Penn State is 8-0, just like everyone expected, and now gets a bye heading into a matchup with undefeated Minnesota. --Greg and Bob discuss the season to date, recall key moments, and share their thoughts on the most important bye adjustments. Second down: Lions down a starter heading west --Antonio Shelton was suspended one game after spitting in the direction of a Michigan State player in last weekend's win. --Did James Franklin make the right call? And who will need to step up and replace him? Third down: Keys to a strong November --What must the Lions do to beat Minnesota, Rutgers, and Indiana as favorites, and maybe upset Ohio State as a road underdog? Fourth down: Mailbag See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Urban Meyer sees a Penn State team with speed that rivals Ohio State’s. Antonio Shelton will be suspended for the Minnesota game. The Gophers REALLY want College GameDay to come to town. And the NCAA will allow its student-athletes to benefit from their own name, image and likeness. We’ll cover all those headlines on this edition of The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn State’s showdown at Minnesota has an official start time. The Lions’ latest bowl projections and Big Ten title odds are out. Jayson Oweh and Blake Gillikin won weekly awards from the Big Ten. And PennLive’s Bob Flounders look at key storylines going into Penn State’s bye week. We’ll cover all those headlines on this edition of The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The grades are in from Penn State’s 28-7 win over Michigan State. The Lions are on the move into the top-5 of this week’s AP poll. A young Penn State pass-rusher is showing big-time promise. And James Franklin feels the emotion after conquering Michigan State. We’ll cover all those headlines on this edition of The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn State could be a contender for the College Football Playoff. Even so, the Lions are on upset alert in East Lansing this weekend. Special teams penalties are under the watchful eye of James Franklin, and Penn State plans to burn the redshirt of another true freshman. We’ll cover all those headlines on this edition of The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Penn State-Michigan State picks are in. PennLive’s Bob Flounders takes a look inside the Lions-Spartans matchup. Penn State’s James Franklin offers an explanation for the lulls of his offense. And Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio shares his thoughts on Saturday’s matchup in East Lansing. We look at those headlines on today’s Penn State Update. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

First down: Getting to the bottom of the Noah Cain story --The running back doesn't play as much as many feel he should. Why? And will it change moving forward? --James Franklin offered some insight, but what did it really tell us? Second down: What's with the lulls on offense? --Is it just a little inconsistency, or is it a big problem moving forward? --What can the Lions do to improve and move the ball more consistently throughout games? Third down: Can PSU finally top Michigan State? --The last two years have featured close Lions losses. What must happen differently this time around to ensure a victory? --Michigan State appears to be a mess from the outside with six players in the transfer portal. Will they show up or rollover? Fourth down: Mailbag See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

James Franklin goes in-depth on why Noah Cain wasn’t used more in the Michigan game. Micah Parsons is barely scratching the surface of his immense talent. Franklin is the 11th-highest paid coach in the country. And Jim Harbaugh is reportedly considering a return to the NFL. We’ll cover all those headlines today on The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

K.J. Hamler is your Big Ten offensive player of the week. We look at the highlights and lowlights from the win over Michigan. Penn State could be Pasadena-bound. And the Lions roll out their updated depth chart for Michigan State. We’ll cover all those headlines today on The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn State is moving up again in the national polls following a win over Michigan. Why did James Franklin freeze out freshman RB Noah Cain? Jim Harbaugh has some choice words for the officials, And Penn State is getting another Clifford on campus in 2021. We’ll cover all those headlines today on The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn State could be on upset alert when Michigan comes to town this weekend. James Franklin explains why Penn State doesn’t wear white uniforms for its Whiteout games. Urban Meyer is glad he won’t be in Happy Valley this week, and Brent Pry addresses rumors linking him to head coaching opportunities. We’ll cover all those headlines today on The Penn State Update podcast. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Penn State-Michigan picks are in; PSU defense a big test for Wolverines’ run game See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices