3-9?

[Calabrin]

After last week's debacle against Northwestern, many of us were speculating on the remaining schedule.

I think some people still had Iowa as a "maybe"?

Did anyone notice the similarities between the Iowa and Northwestern losses? Both by 1 point. Both ending when the PSU defense gave up a huge run and the opposition took a knee instead of scoring an easy TD? Cartoonishly bad play calls on offense to slam the coffin lid shut? The only thing that made the Iowa game worse was that Penn State coughed up a sizable lead.

Anyway...

Looking ahead, we still have Ohio State, Indiana, Nebraska, Michigan State, Rutgers.

We're currently 3-4. And in 3 weeks, we will be 3-6, because Ohio State and Indiana are both going to maul us and frankly, should be double-digit favorites.

Are Michigan State and Rutgers really WORSE than Northwestern? Seems unlikely.

3-6 is a damn-near guarantee. I think there's no way we're beating Nebraska, either. And I don't see any reason why I should believe Michigan State and Rutgers are somehow going to be wins. I previously said 3-9 was a possibility. Now I think it's the most likely outcome.

 

[rudedude]

Every football game has key drives/elements that impact game outcomes. Penn State has yet to overcome those issues in all 4 of the losses. I am not delusional, however, and don’t think these issues can be overcome, particularly now, with an inexperienced QB at the helm going in to face Ohio State and Indiana. The remaining games, let’s see. The other issue is I have no confidence in what AK brings to the table to get the offense through those key drives and plays. 3-9 is a reality. I wish we had been able to overcome the problems in the Northwestern and Iowa games. It wouldn’t look as grim.

 

[Bison13]

MSU sucks so does rutgres

 

[rudedude]

MSU sucks so does rutgres

Both away games so added pressure.

 

[Bvillebaron]

After last week's debacle against Northwestern, many of us were speculating on the remaining schedule.

I think some people still had Iowa as a "maybe"?

Did anyone notice the similarities between the Iowa and Northwestern losses? Both by 1 point. Both ending when the PSU defense gave up a huge run and the opposition took a knee instead of scoring an easy TD? Cartoonishly bad play calls on offense to slam the coffin lid shut? The only thing that made Iowa worse was that Penn State coughed up a sizable lead.

Anyway...

Looking ahead, we still have Ohio State, Indiana, Nebraska, Michigan State, Rutgers.

We're current 3-4. And in 3 weeks, we will be 3-6, because Ohio State and Indiana are both going to maul us and frankly, should be double-digit favorites.

Are Michigan State and Rutgers really WORSE than Northwestern? Seems unlikely.

3-6 is a damn-near guarantee. I think there's no way we're beating Nebraska, either. And I don't see any reason why I should believe Michigan State and Rutgers are somehow going to be wins. I previously said 3-9 was a possibility. Now I think it's the most likely outcome.

Although he was obviously to blame for everything else the Iowa game confirmed Franklin wasn’t meddling with Kotelnicki’s cartoonishly bad play calling. Gotta love that two QB scheme (really great way to develop Grunk huh?) and trying to trick ‘em by running a TE rather than a bell cow running back who averages over 7 yards per carry on 4th and 1

 

[LMTLION]

Although he was obviously to blame for everything else the Iowa game confirmed Franklin wasn’t meddling with Kotelnicki’s cartoonishly bad play calling. Gotta love that two QB scheme (really great way to develop Grunk huh?) and trying to trick ‘em by running a TE rather than a bell cow running back who averages over 7 yards per carry on 4th and 1

He also ran the wrong TE for that play. Obviously I would’ve run Allen, but if I had to run a TE, it would be Dickens. Reynolds hasn’t fully grown into a TE body yet.

 

[Moogy]

Fire Franklin!

 

[Wilbury]

After last week's debacle against Northwestern, many of us were speculating on the remaining schedule.

I think some people still had Iowa as a "maybe"?

Did anyone notice the similarities between the Iowa and Northwestern losses? Both by 1 point. Both ending when the PSU defense gave up a huge run and the opposition took a knee instead of scoring an easy TD? Cartoonishly bad play calls on offense to slam the coffin lid shut? The only thing that made Iowa worse was that Penn State coughed up a sizable lead.

Anyway...

Looking ahead, we still have Ohio State, Indiana, Nebraska, Michigan State, Rutgers.

We're current 3-4. And in 3 weeks, we will be 3-6, because Ohio State and Indiana are both going to maul us and frankly, should be double-digit favorites.

Are Michigan State and Rutgers really WORSE than Northwestern? Seems unlikely.

3-6 is a damn-near guarantee. I think there's no way we're beating Nebraska, either. And I don't see any reason why I should believe Michigan State and Rutgers are somehow going to be wins. I previously said 3-9 was a possibility. Now I think it's the most likely outcome.

I mean honestly who cares? It makes no difference whatsoever. The season is over and next year's team will be totally different so what's the point of speculating on how this season turns out?

 

[PSUFTG]

After last week's debacle against Northwestern, many of us were speculating on the remaining schedule.

I think some people still had Iowa as a "maybe"?

Did anyone notice the similarities between the Iowa and Northwestern losses? Both by 1 point. Both ending when the PSU defense gave up a huge run and the opposition took a knee instead of scoring an easy TD? Cartoonishly bad play calls on offense to slam the coffin lid shut? The only thing that made Iowa worse was that Penn State coughed up a sizable lead.

Anyway...

Looking ahead, we still have Ohio State, Indiana, Nebraska, Michigan State, Rutgers.

We're current 3-4. And in 3 weeks, we will be 3-6, because Ohio State and Indiana are both going to maul us and frankly, should be double-digit favorites.

Are Michigan State and Rutgers really WORSE than Northwestern? Seems unlikely.

3-6 is a damn-near guarantee. I think there's no way we're beating Nebraska, either. And I don't see any reason why I should believe Michigan State and Rutgers are somehow going to be wins. I previously said 3-9 was a possibility. Now I think it's the most likely outcome.

Time will tell. 3-6 does seem to be more likely than not.

But anyone who has observed Nebraska, Rutgers, and Michigan State has to be at least modestly "optimistic" that even a disheveled PSU squad has solid chances in those three games.
Rutgers is a dumpster fire, Michigan State may be firing their own coach soon (after just a couple years at the helm) and Nebraska? Ugh. SSDD for them.

 

[OUIrPSU]

Time will tell. 3-6 does seem to be more likely than not.

But anyone who has observed Nebraska, Rutgers, and Michigan State has to be at least modestly "optimistic" that even a disheveled PSU squad has solid chances in those three games.
Rutgers is a dumpster fire, Michigan State may be firing their own coach soon (after just a couple years at the helm) and Nebraska? Ugh. SSDD for them.

Ummm…we’re also a dumpster fire

 

[Chumboshifko1]

After last week's debacle against Northwestern, many of us were speculating on the remaining schedule.

I think some people still had Iowa as a "maybe"?

Did anyone notice the similarities between the Iowa and Northwestern losses? Both by 1 point. Both ending when the PSU defense gave up a huge run and the opposition took a knee instead of scoring an easy TD? Cartoonishly bad play calls on offense to slam the coffin lid shut? The only thing that made Iowa worse was that Penn State coughed up a sizable lead.

Anyway...

Looking ahead, we still have Ohio State, Indiana, Nebraska, Michigan State, Rutgers.

We're current 3-4. And in 3 weeks, we will be 3-6, because Ohio State and Indiana are both going to maul us and frankly, should be double-digit favorites.

Are Michigan State and Rutgers really WORSE than Northwestern? Seems unlikely.

3-6 is a damn-near guarantee. I think there's no way we're beating Nebraska, either. And I don't see any reason why I should believe Michigan State and Rutgers are somehow going to be wins. I previously said 3-9 was a possibility. Now I think it's the most likely outcome.

It's possible.

 

[PSUFTG]

Ummm…we’re also a dumpster fire

Obviously

 

[Big_O]

The fun will begin when the players start entering the portal and sit themselves down. Doesn’t the portal open for them this upcoming Sunday?

 

[KingLando]

I mean honestly who cares? It makes no difference whatsoever. The season is over and next year's team will be totally different so what's the point of speculating on how this season turns out?

Thank you. No difference now what happens...we're out of the playoff. Just playing for pride. Maybe they can ruin someone's season.

 

[Calabrin]

MSU sucks so does rutgres

So does Northwestern.

And UCLA.

 

[Calabrin]

Although he was obviously to blame for everything else the Iowa game confirmed Franklin wasn’t meddling with Kotelnicki’s cartoonishly bad play calling. Gotta love that two QB scheme (really great way to develop Grunk huh?) and trying to trick ‘em by running a TE rather than a bell cow running back who averages over 7 yards per carry on 4th and 1

It's not just that he was mindlessly putting Smolik in there (11 times!!) it's that all of Smolik's plays were runs. What is the point of that? If you're going to put a different QB in there, but he never gets to throw the ball...?

This seems like the offensive scheme of a man with a blindfold and a dart board.

 

[Nittering Nabob]

The fun will begin when the players start entering the portal and sit themselves down. Doesn’t the portal open for them this upcoming Sunday?

I don't think it opens until a week after PSU names a permanent replacement coach (interim doesn't trigger the portal window)

 

[Nitt1300]

I expect 3-9 may be the new normal for a few years

 

[SleepyLion]

It's not just that he was mindlessly putting Smolik in there (11 times!!) it's that all of Smolik's plays were runs. What is the point of that? If you're going to put a different QB in there, but he never gets to throw the ball...?

This seems like the offensive scheme of a man with a blindfold and a dart board.

They didn't want him throwing on tape. Saving it for the "big games".

 

[Erial_Lion]

This reminds me of the predictions in 2020 that we’d go 0-9.

 

[AvgUser]

I’m holding to my 4-8 crystal ball.

There IS enough talent on the field for something good to somehow happen And to overcome the OC/DC tendencies.

 

[Mufasa94]

So does Northwestern.

And UCLA.

Different levels of sucks. NW and UCLA have won B1G games besides against PSU.

MSU and RU are at the PSU level. Either is capable of underperforming our boys on any given day.

 

[Calabrin]

I’m holding to my 4-8 crystal ball.

There IS enough talent on the field for something good to somehow happen And to overcome the OC/DC tendencies.

I love that if we pick up 1 more win on the season, that's "overcoming" in some sense.

This team was ranked #2 in the nation!

We're not even at the end of October, and 4-8 seems like some degree of triumph.

 

[barry j fenchak]

Maybe we can get to a nice bowl game.

 

[slwlion01]

Maybe we can get to a nice bowl game.

Weed Eater bowl no longer avbl.

 

[barry j fenchak]

Weed Eater bowl no longer avbl.

Pinstripe still exist? Nothing like freezing your asss off while enjoying the big rotten apple.

 

[lemonears]

I’m holding to my 4-8 crystal ball.

There IS enough talent on the field for something good to somehow happen And to overcome the OC/DC tendencies.

Naw. I think we have enough talent to be 5 - 7. I predict we beat Rutgers and Michigan State. The talent is there and Terry Smith will motivate them for these two winnable games.

 

[PSUFTG]

Naw. I think we have enough talent to be 5 - 7. I predict we beat Rutgers and Michigan State. The talent is there and Terry Smith will motivate them for these two winnable games.

I doubt that anyone cares all that much whether it ends up 3-9. 4-8. 5-7. 6-6.....
Obviously, losing to either Rutgers or Michigan State would almost require the team to TRY to lose.
But, also, if PSU loses, at home, to Nebraska, that would require a true meltdown.

Gotta' figure they get to 6-6 unless there is a complete mutiny and "quit" taking place (FWIW: I could certainly see a lot of "quit" out of some of the current coaching staff - we have probably seen some of that already - but one would hope the team on the field doesn't do the same)

 

[lemonears]

I doubt that anyone cares all that much whether it ends up 3-9. 4-8. 5-7. 6-6.....
Obviously, losing to either Rutgers or Michigan State would almost require the team to TRY to lose.
But, also, if PSU loses, at home, to Nebraska, that would require a true meltdown.

Gotta' figure they get to 6-6 unless there is a complete mutiny and "quit" taking place (FWIW: I could certainly see a lot of "quit" out of some of the current coaching staff - we have probably seen some of that already - but one would hope the team on the field doesn't do the same)

I think Sutton and Singleton quit after Oregon. They both have been useless ever since that loss.

 

[PSUFTG]

I think Sutton and Singleton quit after Oregon. They both have been useless ever since that loss.

I wouldn't argue that point

 

[Chumboshifko1]

I think Sutton and Singleton quit after Oregon. They both have been useless ever since that loss.

Looks like the whole team was alienated.

 

[BUFFALO LION]

This reminds me of the predictions in 2020 that we’d go 0-9.

But at least then there were extenuating circumstances and we had a realistic knowledge that things would get better and improve, which they did. Now we are in a crapshoot situation coach wise where Kraft never bothered to double check the revised recruiting calendar and the new guy could conceivably have an empty roster.

 

[Erial_Lion]

But at least then there were extenuating circumstances and we had a realistic knowledge that things would get better and improve, which they did. Now we are in a crapshoot situation coach wise where Kraft never bothered to double check the revised recruiting calendar and the new guy could conceivably have an empty roster.

From a recruiting standpoint, why would it make a difference? All of those 2027 and future recruits would need to be recruited again anyways with a new coach. And any of the 2026 kids would put themselves back on the market once we switch coaches.

There are thousands of kids transferring every year. The new coach will have no shortage of options when the time comes to fill a roster.

 

[KingLando]

But at least then there were extenuating circumstances and we had a realistic knowledge that things would get better and improve, which they did. Now we are in a crapshoot situation coach wise where Kraft never bothered to double check the revised recruiting calendar and the new guy could conceivably have an empty roster.

People are being overly dramatic regarding the roster next year. It will all be fine. We're not the only program that fired a coach and many more will follow. The 2026 class loses importance due to the portal and the next coach likely won't want everyone that Franklin wanted.

Plus if we hire a current HC he can bring guys with him as they'll have the chance to portal.

Also I don't discuss recruiting but I have zero concerns. Some of decommits were going to bolt even if Franklin stayed. Starting with a certain RB

 

[JVP_Yahweh]

The underclass kids contemplating the portal are gonna want to put some decent film out there to use as leverage at their next place so there that. The seniors, not so much. It's likely a lot opt out of post season

 

[WaffleShopper]

The underclass kids contemplating the portal are gonna want to put some decent film out there to use as leverage at their next place so there that. The seniors, not so much. It's likely a lot opt out of post season

I don’t think anybody on the team will be playing in the postseason.

 

[mh-larch]

I think Sutton and Singleton quit after Oregon. They both have been useless ever since that loss.

I think Singleton quit before the season even started.

 

[MontereyLion]

6-6

 

[PSU4U]

After last week's debacle against Northwestern, many of us were speculating on the remaining schedule.

I think some people still had Iowa as a "maybe"?

Did anyone notice the similarities between the Iowa and Northwestern losses? Both by 1 point. Both ending when the PSU defense gave up a huge run and the opposition took a knee instead of scoring an easy TD? Cartoonishly bad play calls on offense to slam the coffin lid shut? The only thing that made the Iowa game worse was that Penn State coughed up a sizable lead.

Anyway...

Looking ahead, we still have Ohio State, Indiana, Nebraska, Michigan State, Rutgers.

We're currently 3-4. And in 3 weeks, we will be 3-6, because Ohio State and Indiana are both going to maul us and frankly, should be double-digit favorites.

Are Michigan State and Rutgers really WORSE than Northwestern? Seems unlikely.

3-6 is a damn-near guarantee. I think there's no way we're beating Nebraska, either. And I don't see any reason why I should believe Michigan State and Rutgers are somehow going to be wins. I previously said 3-9 was a possibility. Now I think it's the most likely outcome.

I don't think it really matters at this point. Next year you will not recognize this program, and this year will be in the rearview mirror hopefully a distant memory.

On Nebraska since Rhule accepted a new contract with them that runs through 2032 he will come in looking to kick our azz just to prove a point. If we can win only one game going forward I want it to be that game.

 

[barry j fenchak]

I do miss the huge volume of wild scenarios that would put us in the natty game via the BIG title game.