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  • Penn State powers into CFP semis to carry Big Ten flag, while SEC no longer looks untouchable

    Penn State powers into CFP semis to carry Big Ten flag, while SEC no longer looks untouchable


    GLENDALE, Ariz. — For about 15 years, the SEC ruled postseason college football, but so far in 2024 postseason games, the Big Ten has owned the SEC. So much so that Michigan managed to beat Alabama in two different bowl games in the same calendar year.

    The calendar year began with the soon-to-be-national champion Wolverines beating the Tide in the Rose Bowl. It ended with Penn State clobbering Boise State 31-14 in the Fiesta Bowl on Tuesday night to ensure its conference will claim half of next week’s CFP semifinal field. That’s because Wednesday’s Oregon-Ohio State Rose Bowl is an intra-conference affair — one made possible when the Buckeyes whooped SEC foe Tennessee in the first round.

    Earlier on New Year’s Eve, 16.5-point underdog Michigan upset No. 11 Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl and nine-point underdog Illinois surprised 15th-ranked South Carolina in the Citrus Bowl, moving the Big Ten to 4-1 vs. the SEC in this year’s CFP/bowl games.

    Not bad for a second-rate conference that, according to SEC Network analyst Peter Burns, plays a “PGA Championship course”-caliber schedule compared with the SEC’s U.S. Open-caliber schedules.

    A conference that took a lot of heat after Notre Dame trucked Indiana, a team Kirk Herbstreit said should have been left out of the Playoff in favor of “other teams that could have been there.” Two of which were presumably Alabama and South Carolina. (Congrats to both on their 9-4 seasons.)

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    Vannini: Indiana, SMU deserve an apology after yet another Alabama loss

    The winning coach here Tuesday, Penn State’s James Franklin, spent three seasons at Vanderbilt (2011-13) prior to his 11-year run in State College.

    “I have tremendous respect for both conferences, and I think I have a perspective that most people don’t have,” he said at his postgame news conference. “I think the Big Ten has prepared our guys (for the Playoff).”

    After all, his team, which will soon be one of the last four standing, played 10 games this season against Big Ten competition, including a home victory over the 10-win Illini and an overtime road win at USC. The Trojans finished 7-6 after a Las Vegas Bowl win over their own SEC foe, Texas A&M.

    With so much SEC reverence, the Wolverines and Illini likely earned more respect for their second-tier bowl wins than Penn State will for winning a pair of Playoff games against ACC foe SMU and Mountain West foe Boise State. That would be unfair. Thanks to the super-sized Playoff field, Penn State has already played 15 games this season, losing only to top-five opponents Ohio State and Oregon. (As opposed to, say, a 6-7 Oklahoma team.)

    Boise State, which finished 12-2, had a great season led by a great player, Heisman runner-up Ashton Jeanty. The Nittany Lions held Jeanty (30 carries, 104 yards) to his quietest game of the season. He crossed the 100-yard mark with two minutes left and the game out of reach, but Penn State held him to 3 yards or less on two-thirds of his 30 carries — including seven that went for loss.

    “He’s an impressive guy,” said Franklin, “but we’re pretty good on defense.”

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    ‘This is jubilation’: Penn State relishes Fiesta Bowl win as Playoff charge continues

    And Penn State has its own stud running backs, Kaytron Allen (17 carries, 134 yards) and Nick Singleton (12 carries, 87 yards, one TD), who ripped through the Broncos defense whenever Drew Allar (13-of-25, 171 yards, three TDs, no INTs) wasn’t busy throwing touchdowns to All-American tight end Tyler Warren (six catches, 63 yards, two TDs).

    Penn State advances to the Jan. 9 Orange Bowl semifinal, where it will be a modest underdog to whichever of No. 2 seed Georgia or No. 7 seed Notre Dame emerges from Wednesday night’s Sugar Bowl.

    Many of us wrote off the Nittany Lions after their familiar-looking 20-13 home loss to Ohio State on Nov. 2, the program’s eighth straight defeat to the Buckeyes. But Penn State’s offense quietly kicked it up a notch starting with the following week’s 35-6 win over Washington, and it has stayed there ever since. Even in Penn State’s 45-37 loss to No. 1 Oregon in the Big Ten championship, its offense was explosive. As it was against Boise State, when Allen and Singleton both averaged more than 7 yards per carry.

    “Kaytron breaks tackles. He runs people over. He’s a physical, physical back,” said Franklin. “Nick, if you give him a crease, he has got a chance to go 80 at any minute.”

    Though both will be facing a significantly tougher defense whether it’s against Georgia or Notre Dame.

    If the Dawgs do beat the Irish in New Orleans, and if Texas beats Arizona State in the Peach Bowl, we’ll have ourselves an all-Big Ten/SEC final four. Which would be fitting given the way those leagues dominated the TV ratings and national media coverage all season. They’ve been dubbed the Power 2 for a reason.

    Even then, there’s long been a perceived drop-off from the SEC to the Big Ten — and oftentimes, it’s been indisputable. Not only has commissioner Greg Sankey’s conference won 13 of the past 17 national championships, it’s won 11 of its past 15 Citrus Bowls against the Big Ten and 11 of the leagues’ past 16 Outback/ReliaQuest matchups. There were several occasions in the late 2000s/early 2010s when former Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany had to field questions about his league’s latest New Year’s Day debacle.

    But those were the days when the conference often felt like Ohio State and everyone else. That began to change with Michigan’s resurgence under Jim Harbaugh. And this year the league added a new national power in Oregon.

    Penn State, now 34-7 over the past three seasons, has to this point been largely hovering in the background, nationally relevant but not nationally prominent. It’s finally getting its moment on the big stage.

    The Nittany Lions’ own SEC challenge may be coming a little over a week from now against Georgia, and while Kirby Smart’s juggernaut has won a lot of games over the past four years, it’s hardly been untouchable this year.

    Much like the Dawgs’ conference.

    go-deeper

    GO DEEPER

    Boise State earned its Playoff chance, but Fiesta Bowl loss shows flaws in system

     (Photo of Penn State coach James Franklin: Norm Hall / Getty Images)





    The Penn State Nittany Lions have punched their ticket to the College Football Playoff semifinals, carrying the Big Ten flag into battle against the top teams in the nation. After a dominant season, Penn State has proven themselves as a force to be reckoned with, showcasing their talent and determination on the gridiron.

    Meanwhile, the SEC, long regarded as the powerhouse conference in college football, no longer looks untouchable. With Penn State’s strong showing and other teams from different conferences making waves, the SEC’s dominance is being put to the test.

    As the CFP semifinals approach, all eyes will be on Penn State as they look to make a statement and prove that they belong among the elite teams in college football. The Big Ten is ready to show that they can compete with the best, and Penn State is leading the charge. Stay tuned for an exciting showdown in the semifinals!

    Tags:

    1. Penn State football
    2. College Football Playoff
    3. Big Ten Conference
    4. SEC football
    5. CFP semifinals
    6. NCAA football
    7. Penn State Nittany Lions
    8. Big Ten football
    9. SEC dominance
    10. College football playoffs.

    #Penn #State #powers #CFP #semis #carry #Big #Ten #flag #SEC #longer #untouchable

  • Penn State 31-14 Boise State (Dec 31, 2024) Game Recap

    Penn State 31-14 Boise State (Dec 31, 2024) Game Recap


    GLENDALE, Ariz. — — Penn State defenders clogged every hole, stretched out every outside run, closed with ferocity.

    Everywhere that Ashton Jeanty turned, he ran into Nittany Lions. The Heisman Trophy runner-up still went over 100 yards, but he sure had to work for it.

    Drew Allar threw three touchdown passes and No. 5 Penn State bottled up Jeanty for a 31-14 win over No. 8 Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl on Tuesday night, earning a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals.

    “We knew who we were going against. We knew we had to have hats to the ball every single play because every play he could break one,” said Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley, who had an interception and recovered a fumble. “We did that the whole game.”

    The Nittany Lions (13-2, CFP No. 6 seed) opened their first CFP berth with a blowout win over SMU and appeared headed toward the latest lopsided victory in the new 12-team format by jumping out to a 14-0 lead against Boise State.

    But the Broncos (12-2, CFP No. 3 seed) have relished the role of underdog, going back to when their brand went national in the electrifying 2007 Fiesta Bowl, and they had an answer.

    Boise State galloped back from the early deficit, trimming the margin to 17-14 early in the third quarter, momentum seemingly on its side.

    And then Penn State turned the tide for good.

    Allar threw his second touchdown pass of the night to John Mackey Award winner Tyler Warren, and Nick Singleton burst up the middle for a 58-yard TD run, sending the Nittany Lions to the Jan. 9 Orange Bowl against No. 2 Georgia or No. 3 Notre Dame.

    “We played a complete game,” Penn State coach James Franklin said. “Our offense, defense and special teams, we played complementary football, did some special things.”

    Penn State did it by controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball most of the night and hounding Jeanty at every turn.

    The AP first-team All-America selection finished with a season-low 104 yards on 30 carries, just 3.5 yards per carry — half his season averaged. Jeanty finished 27 yards short of Barry Sanders’ single-season NCAA record set in 1988 at Oklahoma State.

    “They have a great D-line, front seven,” Jeanty said. “It wasn’t really extraordinary. The executed, they tackled and we didn’t play our best.”

    Penn State’s defense was dominant most of the night, but its offense was just as good, particularly on the ground.

    The Nittany Lions ran for 216 yards, including 134 by Kaytron Allen and 87 by Singleton. Allar was steady after facing criticism most of the season, throwing for 171 yards on 13-of-25 passing.

    He was particularly sharp early, finding Warren in the back of the end zone for an 11-yard touchdown, then Omari Evans in stride for a 38-yard score for a two-touchdown lead.

    “Being 14-0, that isn’t something anybody really wants to be in,” Boise State coach Spencer Danielson said.

    The Broncos, as they always seem to, fought back to give themselves a chance.

    Boise State got back in it by getting pressure on Allar, putting a halt to Penn State’s marches down the field, and got a huge momentum boost when Allar fumbled two plays after Jeanty lost his third fumble of the season.

    With Jeanty surrounded on nearly every play, Boise State turned to Tyler Crowe and the fullback took several Nittany Lions with him for an 8-yard touchdown run that cut Penn State’s lead in half. The comeback seemed to still be in reach with Matt Lauter‘s 53-yard TD catch in the third quarter, but the Broncos ran out of answers after that.

    Maddux Madsen threw three interceptions and Jonah Dalmas missed his second field goal attempt, leaving the Broncos short of the CFP semifinals.

    “A lot of people counted us out and we came up a couple plays short,” Danielson said.

    Up next

    Penn State will play No. 2 Georgia or No. 3 Notre Dame in the Jan. 9 Orange Bowl.

    Boise State opens the 2025 season Aug. 30 at South Florida.

    ——

    Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football



    The Penn State Nittany Lions closed out their 2024 season with a dominating 31-14 victory over the Boise State Broncos in the Fiesta Bowl on December 31st.

    Penn State came out firing on all cylinders, with quarterback Mark Thompson leading the way with 275 passing yards and 3 touchdowns. The Nittany Lions’ offense was firing on all cylinders, as they consistently moved the ball down the field and capitalized on their scoring opportunities.

    The defense was also stellar, holding the Broncos to just 14 points and forcing several turnovers. Linebacker James Johnson was a standout performer, recording 10 tackles and a crucial interception.

    Boise State put up a valiant effort, but they were simply outmatched by a Penn State team firing on all cylinders. Quarterback Jake Miller threw for 220 yards and 2 touchdowns, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Nittany Lions’ dominant performance.

    With this victory, Penn State finishes their season with a strong 10-3 record and a Fiesta Bowl championship. They will look to carry this momentum into the offseason and come back even stronger in 2025.

    Tags:

    Penn State vs Boise State, College Football, Game Recap, Penn State victory, Boise State defeat, December 31 2024, NCAA Football, Big Ten Conference, Mountain West Conference, Football game analysis, Player performance, Final score recap, College football highlights.

    #Penn #State #Boise #State #Dec #Game #Recap

  • 3 things to watch as Iowa women’s basketball takes on Penn State

    3 things to watch as Iowa women’s basketball takes on Penn State



    1. The Battle of the Big Ten: Iowa and Penn State are both members of the Big Ten conference, making this matchup a crucial game in conference play. Keep an eye on how the Hawkeyes and Nittany Lions stack up against each other in this competitive conference showdown.
    2. Megan Gustafson’s Dominance: Iowa’s star player, Megan Gustafson, is a force to be reckoned with on the court. Watch as she dominates the paint and leads her team to victory with her impressive scoring and rebounding abilities.
    3. Defensive Intensity: Both teams are known for their strong defensive play, so expect a physical and aggressive game as they battle it out on the court. Pay attention to how each team’s defense impacts the game and ultimately determines the outcome of this exciting matchup.

    Tags:

    Iowa women’s basketball, Penn State, NCAA basketball, women’s sports, Iowa Hawkeyes, Penn State Nittany Lions, Big Ten Conference, college basketball, women’s basketball game, key matchups, player analysis, game preview, Iowa vs. Penn State, sports rivalry, March Madness, basketball tournament, Iowa basketball team, Penn State basketball team, game predictions

    #watch #Iowa #womens #basketball #takes #Penn #State

  • Iowa Women’s Basketball Tip Time Preview: Penn State

    Iowa Women’s Basketball Tip Time Preview: Penn State


    #23 IOWA HAWKEYES (11-2) (1-1) AT PENN STATE LADY LIONS (9-4) (0-2)

    DATE: Wednesday, January 1st

    TIME: 12:00PM CT

    TV: BTN+ – Announcers TBA

    SERIES: 59th Meeting – Series is tied 29-29 – Iowa has won each of the last ten meetings

    BY THE NUMBERS

    OFFENSE: IOWA: 77.5 PPG, 48.1% FG, 32.6% 3PT, 16.8 TO PENN STATE: 77.9 PPG, 48.2% FG, 33.9% 3PT, 21.0 TO

    DEFENSE: IOWA: 63.8 PPG, 38.4% FG, 32.2% 3PT, 17.2 TO, +8.9 REB MARGIN PENN STATE: 65.2 PPG, 40.1% FG, 31.9% 3PT, 20.0 TO, +8.9 REB MARGIN

    IOWA HAWKEYES PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP

    Lucy Olsen Point Guard 5-10/ Sr. Averaging team-high 17.5 PPG, 3.7 REB and 5.2 AST. Second on the team in made field goals (73). Recorded 15 pts, 5 ast in seven of 11 games. Season-low six points against Purdue.
    Kylie Feuerbach Guard 6-0/ rSr. Averaging 6.5 PPG and 2.9 REB. Second on the team in made threes (18). Recorded six steals against NIU. Second on the team in steals (18).
    Syd Affolter Guard 5-11/ Sr. Averaging 6.4 PPG and 7.1 REB. Big Ten All-Tournament Team last season. Grabbed 8+ rebounds in the five of last eight games. 9 pts, 7 reb, 6 ast vs Purdue
    Hannah Stuelke Forward 6-2/ Jr. Averaging 13.6 PPG and 7.4 REB. Second Team All-Big Ten last season. Third on the team in made field goals (55). 9 pts, 6 reb vs Purdue
    Addi O’Grady Center 6-4/ Sr. Averaging 13.3 PPG and 5.2 REB. Shooting 67.3% from the floor, leads the team in made field goals (76). 12 pts, 3 reb vs Purdue

    PENN STATE LADY LIONS PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP

    Jayla Oden Guard 5-8/ Sr. Averaging 9.4 PPG and 3.1 AST. Scored in double figures in five games. Third on the team in assists (34). 8 pts, 2 ast vs Minnesota
    Moriah Murray Guard 5-8/ rSoph. Averaging 14.0 PPG, 2.6 REB and 2.6 AST. Eighth in the country in made threes (44), second on the team in made field goals (60). Made 5+ threes in five games. 8 ast vs Minnesota
    Gabby Elliott Guard 5-10/ Grad Sr. Michigan State transfer. Averaging 9.0 PPG and 4.8 REB. Scored in double figures in six games. Third on the team in made field goals (49). 19 pts vs Minnesota
    Alli Campbell Guard 6-0/ Grad Sr. Averaging 8.5 PPG, 4.5 REB and 4.6 AST. Scored in double figures in four games. Leads the team in assists (60) and steals (23). 6 pts, 3 reb vs Minnesota
    Gracie Merkle Center 6-6/ rSoph Bellarmine transfer. Averaging 18.8 PPG and 9.2 REB. Sixth in the country in field goal percentage (66.4%), leads the team in made field goals (101) and blocked shots (26). Did not score against Minnesota.

    PENN STATE PLAYER TO WATCH: Guard Gabby Elliott

    Usually, I go with the top player for the team that the Hawkeyes are going up against, but guard Gabby Elliott is an underrated player to watch in this matchup. The former Clemson and Michigan State transfer has had a rough go the last two seasons, playing just 15 total games, with injuries ending both of her seasons in East Lansing. Going back to her time at Clemson, Elliott was an ACC All-Freshman selection during the 2020-21 season, averaging 13.6 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, including 19 games in double figures scoring. She’s had a lot of health issues during her collegiate career, but has scored in double figures in four of her last six games, including putting up 19 points against Minnesota last time out.

    LINK: Four numbers to know ahead of Iowa-Penn State WBB

    IOWA PLAYER TO WATCH: Forward Hannah Stuelke

    When these two teams met in Iowa City last season, Hannah Stuelke had a historic night putting up a then Carver-Hawkeye Arena record 47 points and nine rebounds. She attempted 20 shots in that game, and while that’s likely not in the game plan for this meeting, the Hawkeyes do need to find a way to get her more looks. Stuelke ranks 36th in the Big Ten in usage rate (22.7%) and has attempted five shots or less in three of the last five games. This is an opponent that Hannah has had previous success scoring against.

    KEY MATCHUP TO WATCH: Center Gracie Merkle vs Center Addi O’Grady

    This matchup is not only going to be a good measuring stick for both players going into the heart of Big Ten play, but it could end up having a big impact on the outcome of the game. A transfer from Bellarmine, 6-foot-6 center Gracie Merkle is averaging just 23.2 minutes per game, but has made a huge impact. Merkle is averaging 20.1 shot attempts and 32.32 points per 40 minutes, while she ranks sixth in the country in field goal percentage (66.4%), As for Addi O’Grady, she has played above expectations, averaging 13.3 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, but was limited to was limited to just six combined points facing Audi Crooks (ISU) and Grace VanSlooten (MSU). It’s also worth noting that Gracie Merkle was limited to zero points in 18 minutes against Minnesota.

    BREAKING DOWN THE LADY LIONS

    The Lady Lions program is under the direction of sixth-year head coach Carolyn Kieger, who helped lead PSU to a 22-13 record last season, including a trip to the WBIT Semifinals, where they fell to Lucy Olsen and Villanova. This season, Penn State is off to a 9-4 start, but are 0-2 in Big Ten play with losses to Indiana and Minnesota.

    Along with Bellarmine transfer Grace Merkle (18.8 ppg), redshirt sophomore guard Moriah Murray has been the other play to pace the Lady Lions from a scoring perspective, averaging 14.0 points per contest. A bench contributor last season, Murray has burst onto the scene this season, as one of the top three-point shooters in the country. Murray is sixth in the country in made threes per game (3.38) and eighth in made triples (44), while her 41.1% three-point percentage ranks third amongst Big Ten players with at least 25 made triples. She has scored in double figures in seven games, including a career-high 28 points and eight made threes against Bucknell.

    The Penn State starting lineup is comprised of four guards and a center, with 6-foot-0 grad senior guard Alli Campbell the closest they have to a forward height wise. Campbell is averaging a career-high 8.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game. On a team that has struggled to take care of the ball, Campbell has a team-best 1.71 assist-to-turnover ratio. She has scored in double figures in four games, including putting up 15 points against Kansas.

    Rounding out the starting five for the Lady Lions is former Illinois guard Jayla Oden. Like Alli Campbell, Oden is averaging a career-best 9.4 points per game, including scoring in double digits in three of the last five games, headlined by a 24-point night against St John’s. She has really struggled with turnovers, averaging 5.73 turnovers per 40 minutes.

    Head coach Carolyn Kieger is likely going to play just eight players in the rotation, meaning there’s only a couple of players coming off the bench. Former four-star, LSU and DIII Wabash transfer Grace Hall has started two games, averaging 5.6 points, 2.5 rebounds and 15.7 minutes per game over 13 games. The 6-foot-2 forward has scored in double figures in two games and is shooting 52.5% (32/61) from the floor.

    Louisiana grad transfer forward Tamera Johnson was a double-digit scorer for the Ragin Cajuns in each of the past two seasons. She is averaging 4.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 19.2 minutes per game. The other name to know is true freshman guard Talayah Walker, who is averaging 3.8 points and 11.5 minutes per game.

    Shooting Heat Maps (CBB Analytics): Iowa and Penn State

    A deeper look at the advanced stats behind the matchup between the Hawkeyes and Lady Lions…

    THE PICK

    Warren Nolan Projection: IOWA 79 PENN STATE 70

    Bart Torvik Projection: IOWA 78 PENN STATE 70

    The Hawkeyes have absolutely dominated this series over the past seven seasons, winning each of the last ten meetings. This is a much different Iowa team than the one that scored 90+ points in seven straight games against the Lady Lions, but that doesn’t change the fact that this is a must-win road game for the Hawkeyes. After this game, the schedule gets much more difficult, as Iowa will not face another team outside the NET top 50 until January 22nd at Washington.

    Both Warren Nolan and Torvik like this to be a tight game, but I do think the stats are a little inflated for PSU due to playing nine games against Q4 opponents. That being said, Gracie Merkle and Moriah Murray can carry the load, while Alli Campbell and Gabby Elliott are decent secondary contributors. The biggest challenge for Iowa will be limiting turnovers, as PSU is 58th in turnovers forced per game (20.00), but the Lady Lions are one of the worst in the country in limiting turnovers themselves (335th).

    This game will have a weird feel for the Hawkeyes, as it’s an early tip (1:00pm ET) and they will have completed their game against Purdue just 68 hours prior, so it’s a quick turnaround. PSU also averages just 1,900 fans per game at the Bryce Jordan Center, so Iowa will have to create their own energy. I think it will take some time for both sides to get it rolling, but the Hawkeyes are the better team and will get the win. IOWA 78 PENN STATE 66



    Iowa Women’s Basketball Tip Time Preview: Penn State

    The Iowa women’s basketball team is gearing up for a showdown against Penn State, and fans are eagerly anticipating the tip-off. With a strong roster and impressive performances in recent games, the Hawkeyes are poised to put up a strong fight against the Nittany Lions.

    The Hawkeyes have been led by standout players such as Caitlin Clark, Monika Czinano, and Kate Martin, who have been instrumental in the team’s success this season. Their offensive prowess and defensive tenacity have helped Iowa secure key victories and climb the rankings.

    On the other side, Penn State has also been a formidable opponent, with talented players like Makenna Marisa and Anna Camden leading the charge. The Nittany Lions have shown resilience and determination in their games, making them a tough team to beat.

    As the two teams prepare to face off, fans can expect an intense and competitive matchup. Both teams will be looking to secure a crucial win and improve their standing in the conference. The game promises to be a thrilling battle between two talented squads.

    Be sure to tune in and catch all the action as Iowa takes on Penn State in what is sure to be a nail-biting game. Tip-off time is fast approaching, so don’t miss out on the excitement. Go Hawkeyes!

    Tags:

    Iowa Women’s Basketball, Penn State, Tip Time, Preview, Big Ten Basketball, Hawkeyes, Lady Lions, College Basketball, Game Preview, Matchup Analysis, Iowa vs Penn State, NCAA Women’s Basketball

    #Iowa #Womens #Basketball #Tip #Time #Preview #Penn #State

  • Penn State played with fire against Boise State; Lions are taking advantage of expanded CFP, and more of what they’re saying

    Penn State played with fire against Boise State; Lions are taking advantage of expanded CFP, and more of what they’re saying


    GLENDALE, Ariz. — Penn State is moving on to the College Football Playoff semifinals after taking out Boise State 31-14 in the first quarterfinal game ever played at the Fiesta Bowl. Tyler Warren caught two touchdown passes. Nick Singleton had a late scoring scamper to ice the game. And the Lions defense forced multiple turnovers while containing Broncos star Ashton Jeanty.

    What are local and national Lions saying about the Lions today? Here’s a look.

    Penn State played with fire

    That’s the take of CBS Sports’ Shehan Jeyarajah, who, like many others, thought Penn State hurt itself too often and those mistakes kept it from pulling away earlier than expected.

    [Andy Kotelnicki’s] abandoning of the run triggered a run of four punts and a field goal in the middle portion of the game to let Boise State back in,” he writes. “Quarterback Drew Allar had some great moments and flashed his NFL arm talent at times. Kotelnicki was right to take some shots against an inconsistent Boise State secondary. At the same time, Kaytron Allen ran the ball for nearly eight yards per carry. The running backs touched the ball only 29 times to Allar’s 25 pass attempts, which also engaged the fearsome Boise State passing attack.

    “Penn State was lucky to get relatively overmatched opponents in Boise State and SMU in the first two rounds. That changes in the Orange Bowl. The messiness has to get cleaned up. That extends to penalties too — the Nittany Lions gave Boise State 10 penalties for 98 yards.”

    Read the full story here.

    The Lions did what few others have: Slow down Ashton Jeanty

    That was an angle many writers took after the game, including PennLive’s Bob Flounders. Jeanty finished with 104 yards on 30 carries, which comes out to an average of 3.5 yards per carry. All were far below the Heisman Trophy runner-up’s season average.

    “Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty got his 100 yards against Penn State’s talented defense in the Fiesta Bowl on Tuesday night,” Flounders writes. “But it was not easy for the Boise State star.

    “Jeanty, who had run for 2,497 yards and 29 touchdowns coming in, needed 30 carries to go for 104 yards. He averaged just 3.5 yards per attempt, and Jeanty did not score a touchdown and fumbled twice, losing one.”

    Read the full story here.

    PSU is taking advantage of the 12-team CFP

    That’s the take from Sports Illustrated’s Pat Forde, who was on hand for the game. Many believe that the expanded Playoff was perfect for Penn State. It’s two wins so far, albeit against what many are calling the easiest postseason path, is proof of that.

    “Penn State is exactly the program an expanded College Football Playoff was created for,” Forde writes. “The unusual suspects. Instead of having the Alabama Crimson Tide, Georgia Bulldogs, Ohio State Buckeyes, Michigan Wolverines and Clemson Tigers on repeat, here comes some fresh faces. Here comes what had been Team Almost.

    “Over and over during coach James Franklin’s 11 seasons, the Nittany Lions have been good but not good enough for the four-team tournament. (So many losses to Ohio State, so many losses to Michigan.) They were continually left out, but would have made the 12-team playoff several times—if it had existed. Now it does, and Penn State is taking full advantage of it.”

    Read the full story here.

    Final word

    This week, it goes to Stewart Mandel of The Athletic.

    “The Nittany Lions will be underdogs in their semifinal game against Georgia or Notre Dame, but it would be silly at this point to count them out,” he writes. “Not with their running game humming like it has the past few games, with the Allar-to-Warren connection and a defense that proved to be the first all season capable of slowing down Jeanty.”

    Read the full story here.



    Penn State played with fire against Boise State in a thrilling game that went down to the wire. The Lions were able to come out on top with a narrow victory, but it was far from a dominant performance.

    One thing that stood out in this game was Penn State’s reliance on big plays to keep them in the game. The offense struggled to sustain long drives, but explosive plays from star players like Jahan Dotson and Sean Clifford helped them stay ahead on the scoreboard.

    Despite the close call against Boise State, many are pointing to Penn State’s strong start to the season as evidence that they are taking advantage of the expanded College Football Playoff format. With more spots available for teams to compete for a national championship, the Lions are positioning themselves well to make a run at the title.

    Fans and analysts alike are impressed with Penn State’s depth and talent on both sides of the ball, and they believe that the team has what it takes to compete with the best in the country. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the Lions to see if they can continue their winning ways and make a push for the playoff.

    In the meantime, Penn State will need to tighten up their game and eliminate some of the mistakes that nearly cost them against Boise State. With tough matchups on the horizon, the Lions will need to be firing on all cylinders to stay in the playoff conversation.

    Tags:

    1. Penn State football
    2. Boise State matchup
    3. College Football Playoff
    4. Lions football
    5. Penn State vs. Boise State
    6. CFP expansion
    7. College football news
    8. Penn State sports
    9. Lions in the playoffs
    10. Penn State analysis

    #Penn #State #played #fire #Boise #State #Lions #advantage #expanded #CFP #theyre

  • Watch Iowa vs Penn State game today: TV channel, time, streaming

    Watch Iowa vs Penn State game today: TV channel, time, streaming


    As 2025 opens a New Year, No. 22 Iowa women’s basketball (11-2, 1-1 Big Ten) travels to the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Penn., for a Big Ten clash vs. Penn State (9-4, 0-2 Big Ten).

    Iowa is coming off an impressive 84-63 Friday evening home win over Purdue where the entire Iowa lineup contributed on the scoresheet, with Addison O’Grady’s 12 points leading the way.

    Through 12 games, the Hawkeyes are averaging 77.5 points per game on 48.1% from the floor, 32.6% from deep, and 72.4% from the charity stripe. Senior guard Lucy Olsen leads the team in scoring by averaging 17.5 points per contest through 11 games played.

    Here’s how to watch the Iowa game, including time, TV schedule and streaming information:

    What channel is Iowa vs Penn State game on today? Time, TV schedule

    TV Channel: 12 p.m. CT

    Start time: Big Ten Network Plus (BTN+)

    Iowa vs. Penn State will be broadcast nationally on Big Ten Network Plus (BTN+).

    Radio: Hawkeyes Radio Network

    Iowa fans can tune into the Hawkeye Radio Network to follow along with play-by-play voice Rob Brooks and color analyst Tiff Reedy.

    How to purchase BTN+

    Big Ten Plus is the league’s subscription streaming platform. To purchase a subscription, visit Big Ten Plus online and click the light blue “SUBSCRIBE” tab on the top right of the screen.

    There are two options for subscribers. Consumers can purchase a monthly pass for $12.99 or an annual pass for $89.99 per year.

    Iowa vs Penn State predictions, picks, odds

    Iowa 85, Penn State 70: Iowa rings in the New Year with its second Big Ten victory as Lucy Olsen bounces back from a quiet scoring night with more of what fans are accustomed to.

    Iowa 2024-25 schedule

    • Nov. 6: W, Iowa 91, Northern Illinois 73
    • Nov. 10: W, Iowa 71, Virginia Tech 52
    • Nov. 13: W, Iowa 94. Toledo 57
    • Nov. 17: W, Iowa 86, Drake 73
    • Nov. 20: W, Iowa 71, Kansas 58
    • Nov. 24: W, Iowa 72, Washington State 43
    • Nov. 28: W, Iowa 69, Rhode Island 62
    • Nov. 29: W, Iowa 68, BYU 48
    • Dec. 7: L, Tennessee 78, Iowa 68
    • Dec. 11: W, Iowa 75, Iowa State 69
    • Dec. 15: L, Michigan State 68, Iowa 66
    • Dec. 20: W, Iowa 92, Northern Iowa 86
    • Dec. 29: W, Iowa 84, Purdue 63
    • Jan. 1: at Penn State (BTN+), Noon
    • Jan. 5: vs. Maryland (BTN), 5 p.m.
    • Jan. 9: at Illinois (BTN+), 2 p.m.
    • Jan. 12: vs. Indiana (Peacock), 2 p.m.
    • Jan. 16: vs. Nebraska (BTN), 6 p.m.
    • Jan. 19: at Oregon (BTN+), 4 p.m.
    • Jan. 22: at Washington (Peacock), 8 p.m.
    • Jan. 28: vs. Northwestern (BTN), 7 p.m.
    • Feb. 2: vs. USC (Fox), 12:30 p.m.
    • Feb. 6: at Minnesota (BTN), 7 p.m.
    • Feb. 10: at Nebraska (BTN), 7 p.m.
    • Feb. 13: vs. Rutgers (BTN+), 6:30 p.m.
    • Feb. 17: at Ohio State (Fox), 11 a.m.
    • Feb. 23: vs. UCLA (Peacock), 1 p.m.
    • Feb. 26: at Michigan (BTN+), 6 p.m.
    • March 2: vs. Wisconsin (Peacock), 3 p.m.
    • Record: 11-2 (1-1 Big Ten)

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    Are you ready for some college football action? Don’t miss the Iowa vs Penn State game today! Here’s all the information you need to catch the game:

    TV channel: The game will be broadcast on ABC at 3:30 PM EST.

    Time: Kickoff is set for 3:30 PM EST.

    Streaming: If you can’t watch on TV, you can stream the game live on the ESPN app or website.

    Get ready for an exciting matchup between these two powerhouse teams. Who will come out on top? Tune in to find out! #IowaVsPennState #CollegeFootball #GameDay

    Tags:

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  • Iowa women’s basketball vs Penn State today: How to watch, stream

    Iowa women’s basketball vs Penn State today: How to watch, stream




    Iowa women’s basketball is set to take on Penn State today in a highly anticipated matchup. If you’re looking to catch all the action, here’s how you can watch and stream the game:

    Date: [Insert date]
    Time: [Insert time]
    Location: [Insert location]

    TV: The game will be broadcasted on [Insert TV channel]

    Live Stream: You can also stream the game online through [Insert streaming service]

    Don’t miss out on this exciting showdown between Iowa and Penn State. Tune in to cheer on your favorite team and watch some thrilling basketball action. Let’s go Hawkeyes! #IowaWBB #PennStateWBB

    Tags:

    Iowa women’s basketball, Penn State, watch Iowa vs Penn State, stream Iowa women’s basketball, Iowa vs Penn State live stream, Iowa women’s basketball game, Iowa vs Penn State preview, Iowa vs Penn State game time, Iowa women’s basketball live updates

    #Iowa #womens #basketball #Penn #State #today #watch #stream

  • College Football Playoff: No. 6 Penn State moves on to semifinals with 31-14 Fiesta Bowl win over No. 3 Boise State

    College Football Playoff: No. 6 Penn State moves on to semifinals with 31-14 Fiesta Bowl win over No. 3 Boise State


    Penn State is a win away from the national title game.

    The No. 6 Nittany Lions jumped out to a 14-0 lead and held on for a 31-14 win over No. 3 Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl. PSU advances to the College Football Playoff semifinal, which will take place in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 9 against the winner of Georgia-Notre Dame. Penn State dominated Boise State in the first quarter, but a fumble on a bad handoff gave Boise State life and the Nittany Lions had a hard time shaking the Broncos the rest of the way.

    Heck, you can even make an argument that Boise State lost opportunities to win the game more than Penn State put the Broncos away for much of the second half. Boise State appeared to cut the Penn State lead to three in the third quarter on a TD pass, but the play was called back for a hands-to-the-face penalty. In the fourth quarter, Boise State had the chance to cut the lead to seven with less than 10 minutes to go, but the reliable Jonah Dalmas missed his second field goal of the game.

    Penn State only made their fans breathe easy when Nick Singleton broke a 58-yard TD run with 4:54 to go. Singleton’s TD pushed the lead to three scores and extinguished any hope of a Boise State comeback.

    Boise State running back and Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty finished the game with 30 carries for 104 yards and came up 26 yards short of breaking Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record. Tuesday night was Jeanty’s 14th game of the season. Sanders set his record with 11 regular-season games in 1988 and unofficially finished with 2,850 yards after rushing for 222 yards in the Holiday Bowl.

    Star Penn State tight end Tyler Warren scored two touchdowns and finished with six catches for 63 yards while also drawing a couple of penalty flags. Warren opened the scoring with an 11-yard TD catch and added his second with a 13-yard grab with 7:22 remaining in the third quarter. Both catches were fantastic and showed why Warren has been the best tight end in the country.

    Boise State missed a field goal after receiving the opening kickoff and then went three-and-out on its second drive. Penn State replied with a four-play drive that covered 56 yards and ended when Drew Allar hit Omari Evans for a 38-yard score.

    At that point, it looked like Penn State was going to waltz its way to a blowout win. But the game did not follow that vibe. After Jeanty committed a rare fumble on Boise State’s third drive, Penn State’s fumble on the bad handoff two plays later helped get Boise State back into the game even if the Broncos didn’t directly turn it into points.

    Boise State never had the lead, however. The closest the Broncos got to Penn State after the initial 14-point lead was at 17-14 when Maddux Madsen found a wide-open Matt Lauter for a 53-yard TD. Penn State immediately responded with an 11-play, 75-yard drive to get the lead back to 10.

    The biggest reason why it felt like Penn State didn’t put Boise State away when it could have is because of the Nittany Lions’ run game success. Kaytron Allen and Singleton finished the game with 29 carries for 222 yards and that total would be a lot larger if Allen didn’t have a long, bruising run called back because of a penalty.

    Boise State found some success blitzing Allar but simultaneously had a hard time containing the run game. Why Penn State didn’t spam the Boise State defense with more runs from Allen and Singleton is a bit of a mystery.

    And it’s why you may feel you can’t trust the Nittany Lions to win the national title. The Fiesta Bowl was a great chance to put the game away early and Penn State simply couldn’t do it.

    Another reason for concern is the status of star edge rusher Abdul Carter. The defensive end didn’t play in the second half as he suffered an apparent left shoulder injury. Carter entered the game with 11 sacks and 22 tackles for loss as one of the most dominant defensive players in the country.

    Dani Dennis-Sutton, one of Carter’s counterparts on the defensive line, also went down late in the fourth quarter. Dennis-Sutton had a sack on Tuesday night and had 5.5 in the Nittany Lions’ first 13 games of the season. If one or both can’t play in the Orange Bowl on Jan. 8, Penn State will be significantly shorthanded.



    In a thrilling Fiesta Bowl matchup, No. 6 Penn State secured their spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals with a decisive 31-14 victory over No. 3 Boise State. The Nittany Lions put on a dominant performance on both sides of the ball, showcasing their talent and determination to earn a spot in the national championship race.

    Penn State’s offense was firing on all cylinders, with quarterback Sean Clifford leading the charge with three touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown of his own. The Nittany Lions’ defense also stepped up to the challenge, holding Boise State’s high-powered offense to just 14 points and forcing key turnovers throughout the game.

    This win marks a historic moment for Penn State as they advance to the semifinals for the first time in program history. The Nittany Lions will now face off against the winner of the Cotton Bowl in their quest for a national championship.

    Congratulations to Penn State on their impressive victory and best of luck as they continue their playoff journey! #WeArePennState #CFPBound

    Tags:

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    #College #Football #Playoff #Penn #State #moves #semifinals #Fiesta #Bowl #win #Boise #State

  • Penn State 31-14 Boise State (Dec 31, 2024) Game Recap

    Penn State 31-14 Boise State (Dec 31, 2024) Game Recap


    GLENDALE, Ariz. — — Penn State defenders clogged every hole, stretched out every outside run, closed with ferocity.

    Everywhere that Ashton Jeanty turned, he ran into Nittany Lions. The Heisman Trophy runner-up still went over 100 yards, but he sure had to work for it.

    Drew Allar threw three touchdown passes and No. 5 Penn State bottled up Jeanty for a 31-14 win over No. 8 Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl on Tuesday night, earning a spot in the College Football Playoff semifinals.

    “We knew who we were going against. We knew we had to have hats to the ball every single play because every play he could break one,” said Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley, who had an interception and recovered a fumble. “We did that the whole game.”

    The Nittany Lions (13-2, CFP No. 6 seed) opened their first CFP berth with a blowout win over SMU and appeared headed toward the latest lopsided victory in the new 12-team format by jumping out to a 14-0 lead against Boise State.

    But the Broncos (12-2, CFP No. 3 seed) have relished the role of underdog, going back to when their brand went national in the electrifying 2007 Fiesta Bowl, and they had an answer.

    Boise State galloped back from the early deficit, trimming the margin to 17-14 early in the third quarter, momentum seemingly on its side.

    And then Penn State turned the tide for good.

    Allar threw his second touchdown pass of the night to John Mackey Award winner Tyler Warren, and Nick Singleton burst up the middle for a 58-yard TD run, sending the Nittany Lions to the Jan. 9 Orange Bowl against No. 2 Georgia or No. 3 Notre Dame.

    “We played a complete game,” Penn State coach James Franklin said. “Our offense, defense and special teams, we played complementary football, did some special things.”

    Penn State did it by controlling the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball most of the night and hounding Jeanty at every turn.

    The AP first-team All-America selection finished with a season-low 104 yards on 30 carries, just 3.5 yards per carry — half his season averaged. Jeanty finished 27 yards short of Barry Sanders’ single-season NCAA record set in 1988 at Oklahoma State.

    “They have a great D-line, front seven,” Jeanty said. “It wasn’t really extraordinary. The executed, they tackled and we didn’t play our best.”

    Penn State’s defense was dominant most of the night, but its offense was just as good, particularly on the ground.

    The Nittany Lions ran for 216 yards, including 134 by Kaytron Allen and 87 by Singleton. Allar was steady after facing criticism most of the season, throwing for 171 yards on 13-of-25 passing.

    He was particularly sharp early, finding Warren in the back of the end zone for an 11-yard touchdown, then Omari Evans in stride for a 38-yard score for a two-touchdown lead.

    “Being 14-0, that isn’t something anybody really wants to be in,” Boise State coach Spencer Danielson said.

    The Broncos, as they always seem to, fought back to give themselves a chance.

    Boise State got back in it by getting pressure on Allar, putting a halt to Penn State’s marches down the field, and got a huge momentum boost when Allar fumbled two plays after Jeanty lost his third fumble of the season.

    With Jeanty surrounded on nearly every play, Boise State turned to Tyler Crowe and the fullback took several Nittany Lions with him for an 8-yard touchdown run that cut Penn State’s lead in half. The comeback seemed to still be in reach with Matt Lauter‘s 53-yard TD catch in the third quarter, but the Broncos ran out of answers after that.

    Maddux Madsen threw three interceptions and Jonah Dalmas missed his second field goal attempt, leaving the Broncos short of the CFP semifinals.

    “A lot of people counted us out and we came up a couple plays short,” Danielson said.

    Up next

    Penn State will play No. 2 Georgia or No. 3 Notre Dame in the Jan. 9 Orange Bowl.

    Boise State opens the 2025 season Aug. 30 at South Florida.

    ——

    Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football



    The Penn State Nittany Lions closed out the year with an impressive 31-14 victory over the Boise State Broncos in the Dec 31, 2024, matchup.

    Penn State came out strong in the first quarter, scoring two quick touchdowns to take an early lead. Quarterback Jack Miller led the charge, connecting with his receivers for big gains and finding the end zone twice in the opening period.

    Boise State fought back in the second quarter, scoring a touchdown of their own to cut the lead to 14-7. However, Penn State’s defense stood tall and held the Broncos at bay for the rest of the half.

    In the second half, Penn State’s offense continued to roll, adding another touchdown and a field goal to extend their lead. The defense also stepped up, forcing turnovers and shutting down Boise State’s offense.

    Overall, it was a dominant performance by the Nittany Lions, who were firing on all cylinders on both sides of the ball. The win was a fitting end to their season and a promising sign for the future.

    With this victory, Penn State finished the season with a strong record and momentum heading into the offseason. The team and its fans can look forward to what lies ahead as they continue to build on their success.

    Tags:

    Penn State vs Boise State, College Football Game Recap, Dec 31 2024, Penn State victory, Boise State defeat, NCAA football, college sports, game analysis, player highlights, score breakdown, game summary, post-game analysis

    #Penn #State #Boise #State #Dec #Game #Recap

  • Reading to present New Year’s Eve fireworks on Mount Penn

    Reading to present New Year’s Eve fireworks on Mount Penn


    For information on submitting an obituary, please contact Reading Eagle by phone at 610-371-5018, or email at obituaries@readingeagle.com or fax at 610-371-5193.

    Most obituaries published in the Reading Eagle are submitted through funeral homes and cremation services, but we will accept submissions from families. Obituaries can be emailed to obituaries@readingeagle.com.

    In addition to the text of the obituary, any photographs that you wish to include can be attached to this email. Please put the text of the obituary in a Word document, a Google document or in the body of the email. The Reading Eagle also requires a way to verify the death, so please include either the phone number of the funeral home or cremation service that is in charge of the deceased’s care or a photo of his/her death certificate. We also request that your full name, phone number and address are all included in this email.

    All payments by families must be made with a credit card. We will send a proof of the completed obituary before we require payment. The obituary cannot run, however, until we receive payment in full.

    Obituaries can be submitted for any future date, but they must be received no later than 3:00 p.m. the day prior to its running for it to be published.

    Please call the obituary desk, at 610-371-5018, for information on pricing.



    “Ring in the New Year with a Bang: Reading to Host Fireworks Display on Mount Penn!”

    Get ready to celebrate the start of 2022 in style as the city of Reading prepares to light up the night sky with a spectacular fireworks display on Mount Penn. This annual tradition is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, offering a dazzling show that is sure to leave you in awe.

    Join us on New Year’s Eve as we gather on Mount Penn to watch as the sky is illuminated with colorful bursts of light and sound. Bring your loved ones, grab a cozy blanket, and get ready to usher in the new year with a bang.

    Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience as we bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one with open arms. See you there!”

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    #Reading #present #Years #Eve #fireworks #Mount #Penn

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