The Obligatory PSU Podcast

Week 2 of the Penn State Berkey Creamery's Fantasy Flavor League kicks off with a playoff-worthy matchup of Cookies 'n Cream versus Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, and the Obligatory cast has thoughts. On the Penn State football front, James Franklin appears to have made some critical upgrades to his assistant coaching staff over the past couple years. The guys focus specifically on special teams coordinator Joe Lorig and offensive line coach Phil Trautwein, whose respective position groups could make or break a special season for PSU. Also, Chad Washington of the Fort Bend Herald rejoins the show (fresh from a Penn State Alumni Association Houston Chapter meeting) to talk about the end of Bill O'Brien's tenure in Houston and what might be next for the former Nittany Lions head coach. Creamery Fantasy Flavor LeagueHOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris BuchignaniGUEST: Chad Washington

It's October. We're getting real, live Penn State football this month! With the season approaching, Chris, Kevin, and Mailman kick around some potential storylines of interest - from the local in Happy Valley to all of college football - including how all the changes to James Franklin's staff might impact the Nittany Lions during this bizarre, COVID-shortened season. Chris plays moderator while Kev and Mike chime in on each topic. And per usual, Mike the Mailman has some sports betting Trends to Treasure for the weekend. Remember to log on and vote in the Penn State Berkey Creamery's Fantasy Flavor League.Creamery Fantasy Flavor LeagueHOSTED BY: Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris Buchignani

It's a grab bag of Penn State and college football topics as we get closer to once again enjoying Nittany Lions football Saturdays. James Franklin and staff continue their aggressive approach on the recruiting trail, so proactive, in fact, that they've offered a prospect in the Class or 2026. Scott Paterno began sharing a treasure trove of previously-unseen Joe Paterno footage on Twitter. With the bizarre 2020 college football season ramping up and fans of a Top 10 Penn State already scoreboard watching, it looks like the old adage that defenses are ahead of offenses early on in the season may be aging out. And don't forget: The Penn State Berkey Creamery's Fantasy Flavor League starts this week with Alumni Swirl vs. Scholar's Chip - log on and VOTE today! Creamery Fantasy Flavor LeagueHOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Kevin Horne, Chris Buchignani

The guys wrap up the conversation on college football recruiting, preview the Penn State Berkey Creamery's Fantasy Flavor League by dissecting the recipes and intangibles for Alumni Swirl and Scholar's Chip, and ponder whether Micah Parsons might not end up the last player sitting out for 2020 as Purdue's Rondale Moore announces his return to college football. Plus, Mike the Mailman's "certain to pay off 100% of the time they pan out" gambling trends for the weekend of September 26.HOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris Buchignani

Like it or not, recruiting is what separates the great from the elite in college football, and no less authoritative a source on Penn State's recruiting than James Franklin himself just called out the program's recent efforts there. Ryan Snyder of Blue White Illustrated joins the show to break down all the key news and narratives around the talent pipeline in Happy Valley. What impact has the COVID-19 pandemic had on college recruiting, at PSU and elsewhere? Who are some as-yet-unseen young stars set to break out in 2020's short season? What's been up with in-state recruiting? And is that 39th-ranked class of 2021 really as dire as the number makes it look? Ryan's got all the answers, and they'll probably make you feel at least a little bit better by the end!HOSTED BY: Mike Herr,Chris BuchignaniGUEST: Ryan Snyder

It may have taken some time, a lot of confusion, frustration, and a few false starts (and it may not even be a very wise idea!), but Penn State football is coming back, and dammit, we're gonna celebrate. The guys share their initial reactions to the announcement of an eight-game Big Ten season for 2020, start talking a little actual football, and give the things they're most excited to see in this most unusual upcoming campaign for the Nittany Lions. Plus, Mike the Mailman's eerily prescient gambling trends for the weekend of September 20.HOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris Buchignani

Does anyone have even the vaguest clue what is happening with Big Ten football in 2020? Doesn't seem like it. Not the cast of The Obligatory PSU Podcast. Not the endless stream of media talking heads and random program "insiders" on Twitter. Probably not even the people who are supposedly in charge of it (maybe them least of all). Recording as we all wait on the latest round of alleged "votes" that will perhaps finally determine the fate of Penn State football this season, Kevin, Chris, and Mike the Mailman commiserate over the uncertainty and the frustration of watching other teams play while the Nittany Lions are sidelined. Plus, Mailman spills the beans on his now-defunct 1-900 number.HOSTED BY: Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris Buchignani

With the NFL season upon us, the guys follow up on the last show about former Penn State players who survived cuts to make a professional roster by giving Brandon Noble a platform to share his own journey of Happy Valley to the pros. Like several current Nittany Lions, Brandon had to take the tougher path of an undrafted free agent. He explains the process of going from Big Ten champ and Fiesta Bowl MVP to a career in Dallas and Washington via Barcelona, Spain. Plus, Chris and Kevin purge their recruiting angst, and Mike the Mailman's got guaranteed-to-not-be-guaranteed gambling trends for the weekend of 9/12.HOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris Buchignani

When James Franklin arrived at Penn State, he listed preparing his players for a shot at the NFL among his top goals, and the program has had great success sending alumni to the next level. With the 2020 NFL season about to commence, numerous Nittany Lions survived cuts to make pro rosters and practice squads: against-the-odds warriors like Trace McSorley and Jason Cabinda, decorated vets such as Sean Lee and Robbie Gould, and young stars set to break out in the likes of Miles Sanders and Chris Godwin. Friend of the show Chris "Buzzsaw" Adamski of TribLive.com joins Chris, Kevin, and Mike the Mailman for a deep dive into who made the cut where and the stories around their football careers thus far. Buzzsaw gives insight on the four Nittany Lions in Pittsburgh Steelers camp: Marcus Allen, Stefen Wisniewski, Saeed Blacknall, and DeAndre Thompkins. HOSTED BY: Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris BuchignaniGUEST: Chris "Buzzsaw" Adamski

After plowing through the festering heap of college football "news" from this week - from unsolicited phone calls from the POTUS to unfounded Twitter rumor-mongering from oddly-named accounts - the guys move to swapping stories and fondly recalling their favorite traditions and rituals of a game week in Happy Valley. Brandon goes in depth about the experiences of his playing days and how the team prepared to play in Beaver Stadium. It's a brief return to simpler times with lots of nostalgia and Kevin's excellent edutainment on the unwritten etiquette of student section "popcorning."HOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris Buchignani

Thanks to pretrial action for a lawsuit that presumably stands little chance of actually succeeding in court, we can finally confirm that there was, in fact, a vote by university leaders to cancel the 2020 Big Ten season, that it was 11-3 in favor, and (probably) that Penn State's Eric Barron joined with the majority. So why did it take the threat of litigation to squeeze this info out of the conference, and what was the point of hiding this information in the first place? The guys discuss the conferences unfathomably bad bumbling of the cancellation announcement and what might explain it. Elsewhere, Brandon is badly sunburned; Mike the Mailman's #MaskUpOrPackUp video racks up clout, and Chris does his best to make enemies of the entire listening audience by saying nice things about Jim Delaney, while Kevin explains to Chris why he's wrong.HOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris Buchignani

What better time for a classic Obligatory digression than the pretend start of a non-existent football season? As the gang assembles (like The Avengers, but very different) to begin filming Season 5 of The Obligatory PSU Pregame Show (game optional in 2020), Chris, Mike the Mailman, and Kevin (actually joining from the car ride back to Happy Valley) link up to record the podcast. Predictably, the conversation quickly takes a few left turns and, before you know it, we're all deep down the rabbit hole of bar lines, local regulations, college town pedestrian plazas, and "State College Elections for Dummies." It's silly, non sequitur, and full of the sorts of vaguely Penn State-relevant info you never knew you wanted... in other words, our format. Enjoy! HOSTED BY: Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris Buchignani

Place your bets. Mike the Mailman sets the official Obligatory over/under on weeks until Penn State becomes the latest to make the move to remote learning. With students returning to Happy Valley and bringing the bad press with them - East Halls twerking parties, suspended fraternities, and the student body president calling for online classes on CNN - Brandon, Chris, Kevin, and Mailman spend time talking about the complex lose-lose situation facing the University's leadership and students. Of course, they also begin tackling the miserable truth of an Autumn without Nittany Lions football (not for the last time, rest assured) and the inexplicable, bumbling incompetence with which the unprecedented and controversial move to cancel the season was announced by the Big Ten.HOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris Buchignani

Some technical issues held up release of this latest episode, recorded literally as the first news of the Big Ten season's cancellation reached the public. The late-breaking news fit perfectly, however, with the knowledge and background of previously-scheduled guest Dr. Scott Kretchmar, a distinguished Penn State emeritus professor of Kinesiology. Dr. Kretchmar reacts to the prospect of a Fall without football in Happy Valley and beyond alongside Chris, Noble, and Mailman, offering perspective on what it may mean from numerous angles, including that of the fans. The conversation then shifts to the changing landscape of college athletics and the potential for a sea change on the heels of a crazy 2020. Specifically, the panel digs into the #WeAreUnited PAC-12 Players Tribune letter. Scott offers the benefit of his academic background and years representing Penn State's faculty to the NCAA, while Brandon gets fired up defending the value of the college football experience.Dr. R. Scott Kretchmar, a retired professor and former chair in Penn State's Department of Kinesiology, is one of the leading sports philosophers in the country. He is a founding member and former president of the Philosophic Society for the Study of Sport and past president of the Philosophic Academy of the National Association for Sport and Physical Education and American Academy of Kinesiology and Physical Education. He has published several books and papers and been recognized with numerous awards throughout his career. He also served as Penn State's faculty representative to the NCAA for many years.HOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Mike Herr, Chris BuchignaniGUEST: Dr. R. Scott Kretchmar

The first week of August brought more Penn State and college football news than we've had in like three months - from the release of the Nittany Lions' 2020 schedule to the announcement that the Beaver Stadium bleachers will be empty for the games. Micah Parsons opted out; the Big Ten's players united, and a PSU starter blocked Kevin on Twitter. The guys welcome in one of the hardest workers on the Penn State beat - Thomas Frank Carr - to break it all down. T-Frank, as he's known on the radio, is the Program Director of ESPN Radio 103.7 and 1450 as well as the producer and co-host for Sports Talk with Steve Jones. He also is a feature writer for Blue White Illustrated, doing film analysis for Penn State Football games and recruiting. T-Frank also fills various roles within Pro Football Focus, including data collection, and is working towards becoming an analyst for the company.HOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris BuchignaniGUEST: Thomas Frank Carr

Enough of these wide-ranging conversations with interesting guests; time to get back to the basics of Obligatory. With Brandon Noble off for the day, Mailman, Kevin, and Chris get the stage to themselves. A conversation that begins with technical glitches and discussion of frozen pizza commercials from 30 years ago strays into an explanation from Kevin about the fascinating backstory behind some of Penn State baseball's alumni (or a "possible alumnus" in one case) and the curious history of a not-especially-successful program. Discussion often turns to the state of persistent flux surrounding college football in 2020, and the guys spend time considering what may (and should) happen with Penn State's thousands of dispossessed season ticket holders (and their already-collected money).The Nittany Nation Facebook post on Bill Beaver referenced by Kevin: https://www.facebook.com/groups/689428887757833/permalink/3496332003734160/HOSTED BY: Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris Buchignani

Mark Wogenrich has covered Penn Sate football since 1999, as the long-time Nittany Lions beat reporter for The Morning Call in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and most recently for Sports Illustrated’s Penn State channel. Mark joins Brandon, Chris, and Mailman to sift through the shifting signals and steamed hams regarding the chances for college football in 2020. After the requisite (obligatory?) conclusion that no one knows anything for sure, the conversation shifts to Mark's article on James Franklin's time at Penn State and the remarkable program resurgence he has overseen. There's perspective and insight from someone with over two decades spent reporting about Penn State football, some crackpot amateur psychoanalysis from Chris, and a little nostalgia for a simpler time not long past, when Joe Paterno might chew out a reporter during his press conference, but would also host the media for wine and SuePa's best cheesecake on the back porch at McKee Street.HOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Mike Herr, Chris BuchignaniGUEST: Mark Wogenrich

It's never a bad time to welcome in the hosts of our sister podcast "Let's Talk Penn State." Steve Garguilo and Tim Buckley join the show to talk about the process of producing a Penn State-centric show with even less football content than Obligatory, their days in the Penn State Blue Band, becoming the go-to podcast of Appalachian State fans everywhere, and the unfortunate, inevitable cancellation of the 2020 college football season. Come for banter between old friends; stay for the can't-miss Twitter recommendation at the end.Appalachian State is "Hot! Hot! Hot!" https://youtu.be/pVENWl8uBegLet's Talk Penn State Investigates: Hot! Hot! Hot! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-talk-penn-state/id1305484061?i=1000418690317 Check out the premiere of Dr. Kirk French's "Land and Water Revisited" Friday, July 24, 2020 7pm Eastern on YouTube Livehttps://www.landandwaterrevisited.org/HOSTED BY: Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris BuchignaniGUESTS: Tim Buckley, Steve Garguilo of Let's Talk Penn State

A Texas native, Chad Washington picked Penn State site unseen after meeting a campus recruiter. After arriving in Happy Valley, he experienced snow, wrote for the Daily Collegian, and like so many others, quickly embraced life a Nittany Lion. After graduation in 1998, Chad worked for outlets like CNN and Gannett Newspapers and covered the college football programs at Houston, Rice, Louisiana-Lafayette and LSU. Currently, he writes news and sports for the Fort Bend Herald (a suburban Houston newspaper), covering mostly high school and college football along with the NFL's Houston Texans. He is also an at-large board member of the Penn State Alumni Association Houston Chapter. He talks with the guys about learning to love Penn State basketball, covering Bill O'Brien and local fan sentiment around the former Lions coach, along with the wholly unique institution that is Texas high school football and the almost unthinkable prospect that it may not be played in 2020. HOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris BuchignaniGUEST: Chad Washington

With decades of passionate Penn State fandom and, in the case of Brandon Noble, five years wearing the Blue and White followed by a decade in the pros, the guys have witnessed a lot of incredible talents suit up for both the Nittany Lions and their opponents. In this installment, they reminisce about some of their favorites, from PSU greats like Aaron Harris and Courtney Brown to loathed, but respected enemies like Juice Williams, Orlando Pace, and Antwaan Randle El. Few of sports fandom's simple pleasures are better than indulging in a good "hey, remember some guys" conversation that takes you back to fun times appreciating incredible efforts from your favorite, and even not-so-favorite, players, and few times for that indulgence are better than now, amidst the uncertainty of our times when the chance to make more such memories in 2020 remains very much in doubt. Enjoy the diversion and maybe a chance to educate yourself on the greatness of some college players past.Aaron Harris Penn State Highlights: https://youtu.be/TCicgnC6WLUAntwaan Randle El IU Highlights: https://youtu.be/4Ynm1xKY_tgHOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris Buchignani

Shining a ray of Sunshine into dark times. Shane McGregor, who is easily Happy Valley's most recognizable and beloved scout team quarterback, thoughtfully reflects on his five-year (2008-12) journey as the "Forrest Gump" of Penn State football - on the sidelines, in the meeting rooms, and behind the scenes for perhaps the most eventful stretch of Penn State football history, spanning Joe Paterno's last contender to Bill O'Brien's Iron Lions. From the funny to the thought-provoking, these stories from a lifelong fan who chased his dream will brighten the day of any Penn State fan and remind you what makes the Nittany Valley a special place worth loving.HOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris BuchignaniGUEST: Shane McGregor

College football author and journalist Matt Brown (not to be confused with State College's own college football author and journalist Matt Brown) specializes in covering the deeper stories behind the usual headlines in college football. He joins the Obligatory crew to shed light on a number of issues set to impact the sport's near and long-term future, including COVID-19 and impending decisions about the 2020 season at all levels of football, a potential fissure between the Power 5 conferences and the NCAA, and federal legislation granting student athletes the right to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights. Formerly in charge of SB Nation's college football properties, Matt is also the author of "What If?: A closer look at college football's great questions" and publishes his own weekly college football newsletter, "Extra Points with Matt Brown." Subscribe to Matt Brown's "Extra Points" newsletter: https://mattbrown.substack.com/HOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris BuchignaniGUEST: Matt Brown

In this extended holiday weekend episode, the Obligatory crew welcomes back Chris "Buzzsaw" Adamski of TribLive.com to break down and analyze the carefully chosen words of Penn State Athletic Director Sandy Barbour's latest press conference. What hints, if any, were offered about the fate of college football in 2020 and fan attendance at Beaver Stadium? What media member has the most interesting Zoom background? Is Sandy better at dodging questions than Bill O'Brien? In addition to having fun with these and other topics, Brandon explains the distinctions among line positions to Mike the Mailman, the guys talk about BTN's All-Decade team and whether Allen Robinson is State's GOAT receiver, and Kevin speaks out in solidarity with the staff of Olive Garden in Cranberry. #WeAreAs noted in this episode, here is the GoFundMe set up to help the family of the late Juan Garcia, the Penn State student who has died from complications due to COVID-19: https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-loving-memory-of-juan-garciaHOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris BuchignaniGUEST: Chris "Buzzsaw" Adamski

In 2020, the Penn State Alumni Association - the largest dues-paying college alumni association in the world - celebrates 150 years of connecting Penn Staters with their alma mater and each other. In this episode, good friend of the show Paul Clifford, now in his fourth year serving as Alumni Association CEO, joins Mailman, Kevin, and Chris to talk about the journey that brought him here to Happy Valley to serve in this critical role and some lessons learned along the way. The guys talk Penn State sports, Penn State spirit, and Penn State in the age of COVID-19. True to form, Kevin manages to land a few snarky jabs whenever the openings present. Paul's roles in coordinating the efforts of the Alumni Association and serving as its most visible personality are critical in shaping and holding together the fabric of the Penn State community. We hope this will be the first of many visits to Obligatory to talk with him about the place and school we all love.Join the Penn State Alumni Association: https://www.alumni.psu.edu/ HOSTED BY: Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris BuchignaniGUEST: Paul Clifford

In the best of times, a nostalgic walk back down State College's version of memory lane is an enjoyable distraction. These days, after months of quarantine and social distancing and with the complexion of Penn State's 2020 fan experience very much in flux, the diversion is all the more welcome. Brandon, Chris, Kevin, and Mailman each share recollections of some of their favorite Happy Valley restaurants, bars, and hangout spots from their college days or after that have since disappeared. While a few stalwarts like the Corner Room and The Phyrst have persisted for many decades, most staples of college life - even seemingly implacable ones like The Rathskeller or Ye Olde College Diner - have come and gone. We hope you manage to make the trip to Happy Valley this Fall, even if we're all rooting on the home team from bars and pop-up viewing spots, but until you're back home, here's a fun reminder of what makes the place so special from four loyal Nittany Lions who love it.Playland Arcade (State College, PA): https://youtu.be/5bW9mDniB8cHOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris Buchignani

Who knows what the Beaver Stadium attendance policy will look like come this Fall? As the cast's optimism levels about ticket availability continue to seesaw from week to week (hour to hour?), Brandon talks about the multiple risks - strategic and otherwise - of replacing absent crowd noise with live microphones at field level during game broadcasts. The gang also heaps some well-deserved praise on James Franklin for the remarkable job he has done at Penn State, but Chris and Kevin, confronted with a listener question, explain how their support for Coach Franklin doesn't rule out persistent frustration with State's seemingly-annual loss to a team with inferior coaching and less talent.Big Ten coach rankings 2020: James Franklin stays at the top, but Ryan Day closes the gap: https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/big-ten-coach-rankings-2020-james-franklin-stays-at-the-top-but-ryan-day-closes-the-gap/HOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris Buchignani

Plans. Everybody has them, as Mike Tyson once said, until they start getting punched in the face. Well, "everybody" except maybe Noble, Chris, Kevin, and Mailman. And sometimes plans are overrated. For this installment, the guys just smashed "Record" and left the rest to fate, resulting in a fun and wide-ranging conversation that ended up covering a lot of ground. There's some college football talk about early enrollments, graduate transfers, and the portal. Kevin explains the two top behaviors for identifying "old people" and his attempt to Jedi mind trick Penn State's survey about Fall attendance at Beaver Stadium (Kev gives his "official" prediction on 2020 stadium capacity). Mailman shares some listener questions and PSU trivia. And there's even a half-assed explanation of why Chris edits out the swear words from the podcast. It's beautiful nonsense at its best. Hope you enjoy! #WeAreHOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris Buchignani

There's something to be said for 5 to 15 in the college football rankings as the most miserable, polarizing, and frustrating zone to inhabit in all of sports. Your team is recruiting well, developing talent, winning lots of games (into the double digits near-annually), and regularly playing in top tier bowl games. Your squad occupies a position that would be the envy of 90% of fans in the sport, and yet a large segment of yours are perpetually cranky, ready to fire the coach, and even consider their team to be a "failure." This is the unforgiving reality of the playoff era, where every team with a legit shot at the final four ratchets up the pressure with each year it fails to get there. You can call it "a good problem to have" (and you'd probably be right), but Penn State is lucky enough to face this "problem." The guys use the respite of the offseason to dig into implications of this paradox - for the Nittany Lions and all of college football.Articles referenced in this episode:10 CFB teams most ready to break through for a national title: https://247sports.com/LongFormArticle/College-football-teams-national-championship-drought--147742149/Updated 4-year recruiting rankings for all 130 teams, where the SEC completely dominates: https://www.sbnation.com/college-football-recruiting/2019/2/7/18215228/college-football-recruiting-rankings-2019-classCollege football teams with the most NFL draft picks since 2000: https://www.ncaa.com/news/football/article/2020-04-27/college-football-teams-most-nfl-draft-picks-2000HOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris Buchignani

Everything is confusing, uncertain, and, for the most part, terrible. In such volatile times, the Obligatory crew retrenches to the one thing for which they are (arguably) qualified, creating a few moments of levity and camaraderie that offer listeners some respite from what feels like an unending barrage of bad news and depressing images. Life in Happy Valley continues, so Kevin reports back on the surreal experience of The Phyrst's post-quarantine midnight opening. Penn State defensive lineman Damion Barber became the latest Nittany Lion to enter the transfer portal, and the guys discuss the diminishing concerns over such departures. Chris explains his "hot take" that he maybe doesn't care if Penn State ever wins another championship in football. Nothing seems good right now, but meaningful progress is rarely comfortable. We hope we can afford you a few opportunities to relax and smile along the way. Be safe, and take care of each other. #WeAreHOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris Buchignani

After many weeks of mostly pessimism over the fate of college football in 2020, the dark clouds seems to be quickly parting, and now at least a somewhat normal season seems to be the most likely outcome. With the credible prospect of football on the horizon, Brandon, Chris, Mailman, and Kevin relish the chance to engage in groundless speculation over what the Fall might bring to Happy Valley? Will Beaver Stadium have fans? If so, how many, and who gets in? Will there be tailgating? Will the highly-anticipated road game with Virginia Tech take place, and will there be enough people in the stadium to make "Enter Sandman" intimidating? In other news, Kevin joins the podcast from the road, as he drives from Pittsburgh to State College to make the 12:01 AM opening of The Phyrst on Centre County's first official day "in the Green." HOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris Buchignani

Always a welcome guest on any Obligatory property, Penn State's resident professor of “Booze and Culture” Dr. Kirk French, who was recently honored as one of six University-wide recipients of the George W. Atherton Award for Excellence in Teaching (despite his association with our show!), rejoins the show to talk about wrapping up the semester and adapting his recent documentary film release in the time of COVID-19. Many of us are finding the time to reconnect with old friends, and the guys are no exception. After years of goofing around with Brandon, Kevin, Chris, and Mailman, Kirk is pretty much an honorary member of the cast, so when they were all able to (virtually) reunite, the conversation quickly and unsurprisingly sprawled out all over the place, from the spike in sales of locally-sourced liquor to an anthropologist's view of quarantine culture. Here's hoping these deep digressions offer some thoughtful escapism from troubling times. Stay safe! #WeAreCheck out Kirk's last appearance on the podcast: https://share.transistor.fm/s/1a03940cHOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris BuchignaniGUEST: Kirk French

The things we do for breadsticks... In this installment of the podcast, a full episode's worth of the sort of absurdity that could only emerge from our uniquely absurd times, Kevin Horne recounts his brush with viral social media fame stemming from his blow-by-blow live Tweeting of a very chaotic Mother's Day at the Cranberry Township Olive Garden. Packed with the types of digressions beloved by the Obligatory faithful (and bemusing to all others), from the perils of being named "Karen" in 2020 to the literal interpretation of Giant Eagle, this is an especially lighthearted installment of the show that is sure to make you chuckle. Kevin tells his story and describes the interesting aftermath. Enjoy. Stay safe. Stay sanitized. Stay home. Congrats to the Penn State Class of 2020. #WeAreHOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris BuchignaniKevin's Original Thread: https://twitter.com/KevinHornePSU/status/1259594232844746756With Anonymous Employee Context: https://imgur.com/gallery/pT77ATLInterviewed by WTAE: https://www.wtae.com/article/customer-live-tweets-restaurant-wait-experience-goes-viral/32438430?fbclid=IwAR0lav5qKmXhk_0NOvp8knh7D8LaFESbV2k2dGDwrJnjiYsXMTRp_KU1uI4#

The live experience of college football sets it apart from most other sports. There are few other settings where you can experience something as thrilling as the Penn State White Out. With some extra time on their hands and ample "air time" to fill, the guys seized the chance to reflect and swap stories from some of the best times they've had seeing the Nittany Lions play in person. Mike, Chris, and Kevin all talk about memorable road trips and unforgettable games played at Beaver Stadium, while Brandon talks about some of the best moments he had on the field. Enjoy. Stay safe. Stay sanitized. Stay home. #WeAreHOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris Buchignani

For many Penn State fans, one of the highlights of the entire quarantine came last week when NBC Sports replayed the 1987 Fiesta Bowl, Penn State's dramatic upset victory over to Miami to claim its second national title. The guys talk about that game, the experience of watching it back in 2020, hearing stories from former players on the Alumni Association livestream, and whether they can get into replays of old games. Elsewhere, Kevin gets lots on hiking trails behind the Arboretum; Brandon Noble sets his parents' car on fire, and Chris explains how Penn State nicknamed its positions on defense. Enjoy. Stay safe. Stay sanitized. Stay home. #WeAreHere's the Michael Weinreb article referenced in the show: The Night College Football Went to HellHOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris Buchignani

Before launching our upcoming multi-episode look back at great Penn State football from the past, the guys take a customary spin through all manner of nonsensical, non sequitur distractions and digressions. After an extended detour into topics ranging from Kevin's quarantine crankiness levels to traffic patterns at the grocery store, the boys finally come around to some college football talk. There will be a lot of speculation, investigation, and prognostication over the coming months (and years) following the NCAA's announcement that college football players will soon be allowed to personally profit from their name, image, and likeness rights. It will surely prove a watershed moment that launched a thousand thinkpieces, podcasts, etc., but here the guys begin their very first contemplation of how it might monumentally alter the sport's balance of power. Enjoy. Stay safe. Stay sanitized. Stay home. #WeAreHOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris Buchignani

In a time when the sports world has been turned completely upside down, the NFL Draft continues on undeterred (even though it will be on Zoom), and several Nittany Lions will look to hear their names called over the course of the three-day event. In this episode, the guys welcome back Eric Galko of Optimum Scouting to break down the prospects for Penn State's crop of draft-eligible players. While defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos appears destined for a first-round selection with receiver KJ Hamler to follow in rounds two or three, a lot of intrigue surrounds how many more Lions may go in the draft's later stages. Eric gives his thoughts on the outlook for Robert Windsor, John Reid, Steven Gonzalez, Cam Brown along with other potential undrafted free agents and former Penn Staters like Juwan Johnson and Tommy Stevens. Stay safe. Stay sanitized. Stay home. #WeAreHOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris BuchignaniGUEST: Eric Galko

Derek Shuman is a Penn State senior who has been the viceroy (i.e. Editor-in-Chief) of Penn State Barstool for most of his college career, a time period that has seen the account's social media following grow to nearly a quarter million, the most of any Barstool college account in the country. From Pottsville, PA, Derek will be joining the mothership of Barstool in New York after graduation as a social media intern. He joins the guys to share his fascinating Penn State story - a journey from legacy aerospace engineering student to social media mastermind that included plenty of unforgettable experiences, among them partying with the Jonas Brothers at Champs Downtown. Over the last several years, Derek has channeled and amplified the vibe and voice of Penn State campus life to greater success than anyone in the game. It was a pleasure to hear his reflections on that experience and stories from the field. Enjoy this story from a true Nittany Lion who successfully discovered and chased a dream here in Happy Valley. Stay safe. Stay sanitized. Stay home. #WeAreHOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris BuchignaniGUEST: Derek Shuman

What better time to stir the pot than during a global quarantine? With all four of the Obligatory cast back together again, the guys take on some sacred accepted "truths" of the Penn State community and argue that, in fact, they're more misconception and myth. Mailman wants football fans to lose to their fixation on winning, while Chris insists you need to stop obsessing over "4th and 5." But to no one's surprise probably, Kevin has the spiciest take when he challenges the notion that Penn State has "great" sports fans. In other news, Brandon Noble becomes a cable news/PSU social media celebrity, and Mike the Mailman recounts the time he got a call from the Postmaster General. Hate mail is still interaction, and isn't that something we're all craving more than ever? So have at it, Nittany Nation. We do our best this time out to be unlikable (more than usual) for your aggravation and entertainment. Enjoy! And stay safe. Stay sanitized. Stay home. #WeAreHOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris Buchignani

Time spent alone with your thoughts (and without any sports) during quarantine affords the opportunity to ponder the answers to life's big questions. In this episode, the guys (minus Mailman) talk about the York Daily Record's coverage of Brandon's work delivering food to frontline healthcare workers and then dive into a few such questions: With Bill O'Brien struggling to win in the playoffs and earning enemies in Houston, is he re-shaping his legacy - within the Penn State fanbase and everywhere else - for the worse? Do we, or should we, even care? Would a one-month "social media quarantine" prompt a comeback for human sanity in the same way a month of everyone staying home has sparked some environmental restoration? Was Christian Hackenberg ever that good? Should hockey teams start using 600-lb. goalies (think about it; this could work!)? We hope you enjoy listening to the conversation as much as we enjoyed having it and that we can offer a pleasant distraction in uncertain times. Stay safe. Stay sanitized. Stay home. #WeAreHOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Kevin Horne, Chris Buchignani

Perhaps no two-year span in the history of Penn State football held a greater combination of good, bad, unforgettable, regrettable, remarkable, and confusing than 2013-2014. This time period saw arguably the greatest game in Beaver Stadium history in State's four-overtime win over Michigan in 2013 along with its biggest road upset (by point spread) versus Wisconsin in that same year. It also included a laundry list of embarrassing losses. Bill O'Brien left. James Franklin arrived. The team struggled with roster depth resulting from unprecedented sanctions, but also saw those restrictions begin getting rolled back. To reflect on it all, the guys welcomed Buchignani's fellow student radio alum Chris "Buzzsaw" Adamski of TribLive.com, who covered the team during those years before transitioning to the Pittsburgh Steelers beat. Stay safe. Stay sanitized. Stay home. #WeAreHOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris BuchignaniGUEST: Chris "Buzzsaw" Adamski

Another week spent sheltering at home, and we can happily report that Mike the Mailman is safe and sound. In this episode, the gang fields Twitter questions from the audience (keeping fully on-brand, not a single serious or Penn State sports-related one in the bunch) while also trading stories on their respective observations of supermarket conditions and alcohol availability amid self-imposed isolation. They also talk coping strategies in a world without sports. We hope some time spent with these four friends trying to keep each other sane through crazy times lifts your spirits and brightens your day. Stay safe. Stay sanitized. Stay home. #WeAreHOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris Buchignani

Nobody wants to be the one who infected Mike the Mailman with coronavirus, so social distancing it is. For the first time in a long time, the full cast of The Obligatory PSU Pregame Show gets together on the podcast to catch up and commiserate on the most unusual state of world affairs. From Kevin's choice to ride out the contagion holed up on the New England coast to the gang's sense of disappointment at the loss of a promising Penn State sports season, the boys give voice to the mixture of mundane and profound woes afflicting us all right now. Brandon talks about what will be necessary to ramp back up into a college football season (fingers crossed) without Spring ball or perhaps even a conventional Summer session, plus how it might have been easier back in the tougher, #gritty days of yore. This is the first of many dispatches from isolation for the Obligatory cast. We're happy to be back and here for you - please bear with the audio quality as we work to improve it. Stay safe. Stay sanitized. #WeAreHOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris Buchignani

Way back in 1989, Penn State students first invited an increasingly-recognizable campus postal worker to deliver mail to the dancers at the annual Dance Marathon (held in the White Building). Over three decades later, Mike the Mailman is still doing THON Mail Call. After Mike tells some stories about how the process has evolved into the massive operation that now happens each year at the Bryce Jordan Center, the guys move on to Penn State's surprising basketball season and seamlessly transition into a series of wholly unrelated digressions, classic Obligatory style.HOSTED BY: Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris Buchignani

Most Penn Staters have heard of the unsolved murder in the Pattee Library stacks, but few know the whole story. This week, the guys sit down with true crime author Derek J. Sherwood to discuss his books "Who Killed Betsy? Uncovering Penn State University's Most Notorious Unsolved Crime" and "Nittany Nightmare: The Sex Murders of 1938-1940 and the Panic at Penn State." Enjoy this not-to-be-missed exploration of Happy Valley's sparse, but grisly history of unsolved crime. Spoiler Alert: Everyone is a suspect; even a certain, seemingly-squeaky clean former campus postal employee.HOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris BuchignaniGUEST: Derek J. Sherwood

Ben Jones is a Happy Valley native who launched onto the scene as an on-the-ground student reporter during the early days of the Sandusky scandal and has spent nearly a decade covering Penn State sports for StateCollege.com. Ben writes a regular column for the site and covers football, men's basketball, and men's ice hockey, the subject of his book Happy Valley Hockey. After years of faux-antagonism with Kevin on Twitter, the guys finally found a time to sit down with Ben and spin through it all. Enjoy this discussion that covers a range of PSU sports-related topics with one of veterans of beat.HOSTED BY: Kevin Horne, Chris BuchignaniGUEST: Ben Jones

The new year is bringing what may be one of best Winter/Spring sports seasons for Penn State in many years; the men's ice hockey team is ranked in the top 10 and poised for a postseason run at the Frozen Four, while the men's basketball team has seen its first top 25 appearance in a quarter-century, and fresh off a home pasting of #21 Ohio State, stands a great chance of joining in March Madness for the first time since 2011. David Eckert, who provides insightful coverage of both sports for Blue White Illustrated, joins Chris and Mike Levine, back for another week, to cover a range of topics pertaining to both teams, from basketball's path to the Big Dance to hockey's opportunity for "home ice" playoff games in Allentown.HOSTED BY: Chris BuchignaniGUESTS: David Eckert, Mike Levine

Back again, and still better than nothing. #Obligatory kicks off its 2020 podcasting season with a look back at 2019. Penn State entered the season on the heels of an underwhelming 2018 season that saw the Lions finish 9-4 with a Citrus Bowl loss to Kentucky, seeking to replace program legend Trace McSorley at QB (first with Tommy Stevens and eventually Sean Clifford). With their third 11-win finish in four seasons, another New Year's Six Bowl victory, a Top 10 final ranking, and a new contract extension for head coach James Franklin, indicators point toward positivity and stability. Chris Buchignani is joined to by friend of the show and fellow LION 90.7fm radio alum Mike Levine as they revisit their 2019 season preview and break down the successes and failures of an encouraging year in Happy Valley.HOSTED BY: Chris BuchignaniGUEST: Mike Levine

Penn State's path to Pasadena still looks open after the final week of the regular season, but did a decidedly lackluster showing at home versus lowly Rutgers imperils the Lions' New Years Six chances if the Badgers somehow end up in the Rose Bowl? How might chaos over Championship Weekend impact State's postseason destination? Could the Lions somehow miss out on the New Year's Six altogether? After commiserating over PSU's pedestrian effort against the Scarlet Knights, Chris and Mike the Mailman bring in an expert to bring order to the chaos. Jen Krippel from Collegiate Athletic Travel, a national leader in comprehensive bowl travel packages, breaks down the various bowl scenarios, including a few surprises.HOSTED BY: Mike Herr, Chris BuchignaniGUEST: Jen Krippel, Collegiate Athletic TravelSupport the Show | Patronize Our Awesome Sponsors | Get Great StuffCollegiate Athletic TravelManscaped.com - 20% Off Your Order + FREE Shipping w/ Promo Code: BIGHEADS

The Nittany Lions traveled to Columbus and, as the script called for, left in defeat. The manner in which they were defeated however - by a comparatively narrow margin (the 21-point underdogs lost by 11) and having finally forced the Buckeyes into a four-quarter game - left many fans with a good feeling about Penn State's bowl prospects and season overall. Chris, Kevin, and Mike the Mailman wrap up Ohio State weekend, touching on the play of State's defense and a potential QB controversy, before moving on to a review of the season as a whole and an assessment of State's potential bowl destinations. Befitting an opponent of their stature, there is little to no discussion of Rutger.HOSTED BY: Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris BuchignaniSupport the Show | Patronize Our Awesome Sponsors | Get Great StuffCollegiate Athletic TravelManscaped.com - 20% Off Your Order + FREE Shipping w/ Promo Code: BIGHEADS

Over the last several years, Penn State and Ohio State have played in some of the most entertaining and memorable games in all of college football, and now the Nittany Lions and Buckeyes are set to run it back with a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game up for grabs. Although PSU's playoff aspirations are still very much in play, the path to the postseason runs through Columbus and perhaps the nation's most complete team. Chris and Brandon take a lengthy detour to delve into the recent news story surrounding Sean Clifford's brush with social media trolls before bringing in Kevin to straddle the line between pessimism and realism in assessing underdog Penn State's chances of pulling the upset.HOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Kevin Horne, Chris BuchignaniSupport the Show | Patronize Our Awesome Sponsors | Get Great StuffCollegiate Athletic TravelMyBookie.AG - Match Your First Deposit Up to 50% Promo Code: LATEFEESManscaped.com - 20% Off Your Order + FREE Shipping Promo Code: BIGHEADS