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Tag: Penn

  • College Football Playoff: SMU at Penn State – prediction, odds, expert picks, QBs, betting trends, and stats

    College Football Playoff: SMU at Penn State – prediction, odds, expert picks, QBs, betting trends, and stats

    Outside of a 18-15 Week 3 loss to a 10-2 BYU team, SMU (11-2) ran through their 60th ranked ACC schedule to go undefeated in conference play during their maiden Power Four campaign. A 28-27 victory over @Duke (9-3) carried the lowest win expectancy of SMU’s wins at 74%, which showcases the dominant nature of the Mustangs’ success. Their offense ranks 4th nationally in SP+ with their lethal pass attack placing 11th nationally in EPA/dropback and 9th in yards per successful dropback (17.7). The SMU rushing attack is clearly the weakest unit on the team, ranking 73rd in rush success rate and 118th in YAC (2.15). It couldn’t be any different on the defensive side, as their defensive front is holding opponents to 7.4 yards per successful rush (3rd in FBS) and an outstanding .75 yards before contact allowed (9th). The SMU secondary is also a sound unit that ranks 10th in pass success rate and 16th in QBR allowed.

    The Nittany Lions (11-2) cruised through the first half with their closest victory being a thrilling Week 7, 33-30 comeback win over @USC with PSU recording an 86%-win expectancy. Outside of that game, each of their other 10 victories carried near perfect 94%+ win expectations with Penn State demonstrating a comprehensive mastery of their B10 regular season schedule, aside from OSU of course. OC Andy Kotelnicki’s offense ranks 2nd in success rate, 5th in EPA/play and 2nd in marginal efficiency. There are flaws though as PSU’s offense lacks big play ability, ranking a dismal 92nd in yards per successful play and 63rd in yards per successful rush. The Nittany Lions Defense has been elite once again, ranking 7th in SP+ with their topflight secondary allowing just 5.2 yards per dropback (14th). Projected Top 10 2025 NFL Draft selection Abdul Carter leads a pass rush that ranks 25th overall with a 7.8% sack rate and 9th with a 42.3% pressure rate.

    NBC Sports has all the latest info and analysis you need, including how to tune in for kickoff, odds from BetMGM, player news and updates, and of course our predictions and best bets for the game from our staff of experts.

    Listen to the B1G Talk podcast with Todd Blackledge and Noah Eagle for the most compelling storylines across all of college football, with the biggest teams on the rise and the latest rankings!

    Game Details and How to watch the 2024 College Football Playoff: SMU at Penn State

    · Date: Saturday, December 21, 2024
    · Time: 12:00 PM EST
    · Site: Beaver Stadium
    · City: University Park, PA
    · TV/Streaming: TNT/Max

    Want to check out the other games on the College Football schedule this week? We’ve got you covered right here on NBC Sports with all the matchup, venue, game-time and TV/streaming info so you won’t miss any of the action!

    Game odds for SMU at Penn State

    • Moneyline: Penn State (-350), SMU (+270)
    • Spread: Penn State -8.5
    • Over/Under: 52.5 points

    The spread opened at Penn State -8 but has since inched up to -9 in some spots and could steam up to the key number of -10 by kickoff. PSU’s moneyline dropped at -298 and is up to a high of -350, while SMU has improved from +240 to +270. The game total opened at 52.5 but that has since spiked to a high of 54.

    NBC Sports Bet Best Bet

    NBC Sports Betting Analyst Eric Froton (@CFFroton) thinks:
    “SMU’s defense has allowed 24+ points in 7 games this year and have scored 28+ in all but one contest. Both teams were involved in competitive Conference Championship games that easily cleared their game total Overs. SMU showed that they can play from behind against a strong defense like Clemson, which is the likely scenario against Penn State’s extremely efficient offense that ranks 2nd in success rate. I think these two offenses execute well enough to clear the 52.5 game total, and think it steadily continues to increase as the game draws closer.”

    Listen to the Bet the Edge podcast as hosts Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick provide listeners with sharp actionable insight, market analysis and statistical data to help bettors gain more information before placing their wagers.

    Quarterback matchup for College Football Playoff – SMU at Penn State

    • Penn State: Five-star QB Drew Allar has been the unquestioned starter for the last two seasons after spending a one-year apprenticeship to Sean Clifford. Allar ranks 12th nationally with an 86th percentile PFF overall grade and has been exceptional navigating the pocket, rating 8th in FBS with a 71st% under-pressure grade. As a team, PSU ranks 2nd in passing success rate and is achieving first down yardage on 61.8% of their completions (6th). With Allar entering his third, and potentially final, season in Happy Valley, this may be Penn State’s best chance in the near future to secure a National Championship.
    • SMU: Heading into fall camp conventional wisdom had former four-star QB Preston Stone reprising his 2023 role as SMU’s starting quarterback. However, QB Kevin Jennings wowed the coaching staff in fall camp to the point that HC Rhett Lashlee committed to giving him reps in the season opener. That arrangement lasted three weeks until Jennings finally secured the starting job in their 18-15 loss to BYU. He went onto complete 66.1% of his throws for 3,072 yards, a 22-to-8 ratio and 8.8 yards per attempt which ranks 7th best among Power Four signal callers. He boasts advanced ability to escape the rush, as is evidenced by a 12.2% pressure-to-sack rate, and an 85.3 PFF passing grade.

    SMU at Penn State: Betting trends & recent stats

    • Star Penn State TE Tyler Warren ranks 1st among Power Four tight ends with 112 targets. Penn State Tight Ends have produced 19 receptions of 20+ yards this season, 2nd-most among FBS programs.
    • RB Nicholas Singleton has rushed for 10 or more yards on 19.8% of 131 carries this season, 7th-best among qualified Power Four running backs. SMU’s defense has allowed 10+ yards on just 7.7% of carries this season, best among ACC defenses.
    • Penn State is 1-6 (.143) against the spread when allowing 100 or more rushing yards since the 2023 season, worst among Power Conference Teams. (Average: .432)
    • Penn State’s offense has thrown for 20 or more yards on 12.9% of 364 attempts this season, tied for 20th-best among FBS offenses. SMU’s defense allowed 20+ yards on just 7.1% of attempts this season, best among ACC defenses.
    • Penn State has tackled opponents for a loss on 195 of 807 rushing attempts (24% TFL%) since the 2023 season, best among Power Conference programs.
    • Penn State has allowed passes of 40+ yards on just 3 of 679 attempts since the 2023 season, best in FBS.
    • SMU has allowed a Completion Pct of 72% in the Red Zone this season– worst among Power Conference Teams.
    • WR Roderick Daniels has committed 6 fumbles this season, most among Power Conference skill players
    • SMU has allowed rushes of 10 or more yards on just 34 of 443 carries this season, 5th-best in FBS.
    • SMU’s offense has thrown for 3,471 passing yards in 13 games this season, 26th-best among FBS offenses. Penn State’s defense has allowed just 178.5 passing yards per game this season, 16th-best among FBS defenses.
    • SMU has allowed 106.5 yards from scrimmage per game to running backs this season, 4th-best among Power Conference Teams.
    • QB Kevin Jennings has completed 70% of passes (62 completions/89 net pass attempts) on 3rd down this season, 3rd-best among FBS Quarterbacks.

    BetMGM College Football Insights: National Championship

    “Oregon, Georgia and Texas are the favorites to win the College Football Playoff. We will be cheering for the chalk as all three of those teams are good results for the sportsbook.” – Cameron Drucker, Senior Trader, BetMGM

    Line movement (Open to Now)

    • Oregon +900 to +350
    • Texas +1000 to +350
    • Georgia +500 to +375
    • Ohio State +700 to +475

    Highest Ticket%

    • Ohio State 12.6%
    • Texas 10.7%
    • Georgia 9.6%

    Highest Handle%

    • Ohio State 15.9%
    • Alabama 13.1%
    • Georgia 13.0%

    Biggest Liabilities

    • Alabama
    • Colorado
    • Ohio State

    College Football talk is taking over Bet the Edge every Thursday throughout the season. BET THE EDGE is your source for all things sports betting. Get all of Vaughn Dalzell, Eric Froton, and Brad Thomas’ insights Thursdays at 6AM ET right here or wherever you get your favorite podcasts.

    Please bet responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline at 1-800-522-4700.

    Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff:

    • Jay Croucher (@croucherJD)
    • Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper)
    • Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports)
    • Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
    • Eric Froton (@CFFroton)



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  • What moves Penn State football could make in the 2024 transfer portal

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  • College Football Playoff expert picks: Alabama or SMU in last spot? Notre Dame, Texas or Penn State at No. 5?

    College Football Playoff expert picks: Alabama or SMU in last spot? Notre Dame, Texas or Penn State at No. 5?

    The SMU versus Alabama debate for the final at-large bid in the 2025 College Football Playoff has understandably stolen the spotlight entering Selection Sunday. There is also significant consternation about how the first few teams outside the top four conference champions will be decided. Ultimately, how the committee interprets those league title game results will have ripple effects throughout the field. 

    Let’s start with the debate over the final at-large bid.

    Alabama held that spot in last Tuesday’s penultimate CFP Rankings, and it looked in good shape to maintain that slot after CFP chairman Warde Manuel said the rankings were locked for teams not playing conference championship weekend.

    However, there was a doomsday scenario: Clemson pulling off an upset over SMU in the ACC Championship Game with the Mustangs playing well enough to warrant a spot in the field.

    Unfortunately for the Crimson Tide, that’s exactly what happened Saturday night. Clemson freshman kicker Nolan Hauser’s 56-yard walk-off game-winning field goal not only propelled the Tigers into the field as an automatic qualifier but gave SMU a more-than-reasonable chance to receive an at-large bid.

    SMU (11-2) has fewer losses than Alabama (9-3) but exists in a similar space as Miami (FL) in that it lacks resume-boosting wins. The Mustangs are 0-2 against top 25 opponents, while Alabama has a 3-1 record against teams, including a win over newly crowned SEC champion Georgia. Furthermore, Alabama’s strength of schedule (18th) is considerably better than that of SMU (75th) as the Tide’s opponents had a combined record of 82-50 while the Mustangs’ were 83-75. 

    The SMU case? Well, it went undefeated during ACC regular-season play (8-0), and its two losses are nowhere near as bad as Alabama’s 21-point defeat to 6-6 Oklahoma (in which Bama scored 3 points) or its road loss to 6-6 Vanderbilt. SMU’s wins against Louisville and Pittsburgh were notable at the time, too. 

    If Alabama ranked a spot above Miami in the penultimate CFP Rankings, one could surmise it deserves to hold the same spot when compared head-to-head against SMU given the argument is identical. And that may be exactly what happens!

    However, SMU finished as a Power Four conference runner-up in a tightly-contested ACC title game it lost 34-31. If the CFP Selection Committee completely dropped SMU out of the field, it would set a dangerous precedent for conference championship games, which are generally major money makers for leagues. It would essentially incentivize teams to not seek out those opportunities so as not to lose and potentially fall all the way out of the playoff field.

    Alabama got the benefit of the doubt last season as it received the final spot over undefeated Florida State in a decision that still roils the ACC. This time around, the ACC has a better chance of bouncing an SEC team out for the last at-large bid. 

    How will the top three at-large bids shake out?

    The committee doesn’t simply have to decide what to do with ACC championship loser SMU. It also needs to figure out where to put one-loss Notre Dame, SEC runner-up Texas and Big Ten runner-up Penn State. The Fighting Irish were No. 4 in the penultimate CFP Rankings, while the Longhorns were No. 2 (slated for a first-round bye with an SEC win) and the Nittany Lions placed No. 3 as the second Big Ten team behind No. 1 Oregon.

    Texas (11-2) lost to Georgia, 24-19, in the first SEC title game to reach overtime, a contest the Longhorns easily could have won. Penn State (11-2) fell to the Ducks in a one-score 45-37 loss. And then you have Notre Dame (11-1), which did not play Saturday but in theory could slide up if Texas and Penn State both move down.

    Texas’ only two losses are to Georgia, giving it the best defeats of the group; however, Penn State’s two losses (Ohio State, Oregon) are in the same neighborhood. Notre Dame has by far the worst loss to Northern Illinois (7-5), a seventh-place MAC team. That it came at home, too, making it the worst loss of any CFP contender. 

    The ‘Horns are 0-2 against top 25 opponents, a major knock on their resume. The Nittany Lions hold a singular top 25 win (No. 19 Illinois), while the Irish only possesses one top 25 win over AAC champion Army West Point (No. 24). Army’s win Friday night over Tulane only strengthens ND’s argument. 

    Just like with Alabama and SMU, it will be interesting to see whether the committee chooses to penalize teams that competed in league title games, especially ones that were extremely close. Notre Dame has been steadily moving up the rankings in recent weeks, and there’s an argument it should jump Texas and Penn State. It almost certainly would in a normal week. 

    However, in this scenario, it feels more likely that the committee will keep Texas and Penn State ahead of Notre Dame. That’s not an insignificant decision, either, given how the field is shaping up.

    If Notre Dame ends up as the No. 7 seed, that sets up a possible quarterfinal against No. 2 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl. If Notre Dame instead receives the No. 5 or No. 6 seed, it would likely play Boise State or Arizona State in a quarterfinal.

    The tougher question will be how the committee weighs Texas versus Penn State. The resumes are fairly similar, and both lost marquee conference championship games by single scores. Texas was ranked higher than Penn State entering Saturday night, which might end up being the slight edge that puts the ‘Horns in the No. 5 seed.

    Keep on reading for expert picks on slots No. 5-7 in the College Football Playoff field along with which team our CBS Sports college football writers believe will receive the final at-large bid. You can also check out a complete slate of 2024-25 bowl projections from bowls expert Jerry Palm.

    College Football Playoff projection

    The top two seeds of the CFP are all but a formality after Oregon remained undefeated by beating Penn State in the Big Ten Championship Game and Georgia knocked off Texas for the second time this season to win the SEC Championship Game. Boise State (Mountain West) and Arizona State (Big 12) will be the other conference champions who receive byes given Clemson (ACC) has three losses.

    While there is an argument that the Sun Devils should be the No. 3 seed above the Broncos, ASU was ranked five spots lower in the penultimate CFP Rankings. As such, bowls experts Jerry Palm and Brad Crawford both agree the top four seeds — each receiving first-round byes — will shake out as follows:

    1. Oregon (13-0)
    2. Georgia (11-2)
    3. Boise State (12-1)
    4. Arizona State (11-2)

    College Football Playoff expert picks

    Here’s how our college football staff would vote in the key spots — choosing teams Nos. 5-7 and the last at-large bid in the field — if they were members of the CFP Selection Committee.



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  • Oregon vs. Penn State picks, odds

    Oregon vs. Penn State picks, odds

    It has been 52 years since an NFL season ended with an undefeated team. It has been nearly five decades since Bobby Knight’s Hoosiers completed their perfect season. 

    In college football, it is commonplace. 

    Michigan ran the table last season, the fifth national champion in six years to go undefeated. In six of the past nine national title games, both teams entered unbeaten. The BCS era (1998-2013) produced 19 perfect seasons. 

    This season has been an unusually chaotic mess. The highest-ranking teams have been as untrustworthy as any group since the 2007 season, which featured the only two-loss national champion (LSU) of the modern era. 

    The reigning champs (Michigan) suffered as many losses in their first seven games as they had the previous three years. The most dominant team of the decade (Georgia) lost as many games as it had the previous three seasons. The most dominant team of the generation (Alabama) lost its aura without Nick Saban, with its most losses in 14 years. 

    Following a decade when no playoff team had more than one loss, the 12-team field could include as many as eight teams with multiple losses — including Alabama (9-3) — and conclude with one of the least-celebrated champions of the era. 

    Unless Oregon is the last team standing. 

    Following Ohio State’s loss to Michigan, No. 1 Oregon (12-0) — the nation’s top-ranked team for seven straight weeks — has finally become the betting favorite for the national championship, a decade after losing the first College Football Playoff title game. 

    The Ducks have been building toward this moment. Under Dan Lanning — who won a national championship as an assistant at Alabama and another as Georgia’s defensive coordinator — Oregon went 10-3 in his first season. The Ducks went 12-2 last season, with those losses coming by a total of six points against the national championship runner-up (Washington). 

    This year’s group has won by an average of nearly 20 points per game, defeating No. 6 Ohio State, No. 10 Boise State and No. 21 Illinois. Oregon again boasts one of the best offensive lines in the nation, allowing just five sacks in its past 10 games. Graduate transfer — and one-time Heisman favorite — Dillon Gabriel became the NCAA’s all-time leader for total touchdowns. The Ducks defense ranks among the top 10 units in the nation, most recently recording 10 sacks against Washington, while limiting star running back Jonah Coleman to three yards rushing. 

    The choice in the Big Ten title game is simple: Oregon (-3.5), the most consistent team in the country, or James Franklin, who has ridden an ultra-soft schedule to his 21st meeting at Penn State against a top 10 opponent (2-18). 

    Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin reacts during the third quarter of Penn State’s home victory over Maryland on Nov. 30, 2024. AP

    Western Kentucky (+3.5) over JACKSONVILLE STATE

    The Hilltoppers on Saturday knocked off the Gamecocks, whose coach, Rich Rodriguez, is surrounded by rumors he will soon leave the program. Even if Jacksonville State quarterback Tyler Huff — a game-time decision — returns from an ankle injury, the dual-threat quarterback will be limited in what he does best in the rematch. 

    Unlv (+4) over BOISE STATE

    The Broncos won last year’s Mountain West Championship with ease against UNLV. This season, Boise State went to Las Vegas and left with a win. UNLV, though, has the ingredients to pull the upset, with a top-15 run defense that held Heisman candidate Ashton Jeanty to his worst performance of the season (3.9 yards per carry). The Broncos deserved a chance to play for a national championship under Chris Petersen, but now carry the weight of Idaho against a team with eight straight road wins. 

    Black Knights quarterback Bryson Daily runs with the ball during Army’s 29-24 home win over UTSA on Nov. 30, 2024. Danny Wild-Imagn Images

    ARMY (+4.5) over Tulane

    A team stacked with players raised below the Mason-Dixon Line won’t enjoy the freezing temperatures beside the Hudson River. The tougher team will be made clear in the trenches, where Tulane’s defensive line has been pushed around in all three of its losses, allowing an average of 211 yards rushing. In leading the nation’s best ground game, Bryson Daily will wrap up his incredible career at West Point with an unforgettable AAC Championship performance. 

    Arizona State (-2.5) over Iowa State

    The Cyclones achieved their first 10-win season in school history, with one of the softest schedules in the Big 12 and the league’s top-scoring defense, averaging nearly two takeaways per game. The Sun Devils, tied for seventh in the nation in fewest turnovers, would be wise to ride criminally under-discussed star running back Cam Skattebo against a defense ranked 112th against the run. 

    Miami (Ohio) (-3) over Ohio

    Sixth-year Redhawks quarterback Brett Gabbert will claim his third MAC title (second consecutive). Miami’s 30-20 win in the rivalry in October is more impressive than the box score suggests, having allowed a pair of garbage-time touchdowns to the Bobcats. 

    Carson Beck throws a pass during the second half of Georgia’s win over Florida on Nov. 2, 2024. AP

    Georgia (+2.5) over Texas

    The Longhorns faced one team this season that currently has a number next to its name. That game, in Austin, ended with Georgia handing Texas the worst home loss, 30-15, of a No. 1 team in 42 years. The Bulldogs received their wake-up call in the eight-overtime thriller against Georgia Tech and will find the form of the team with three double-digit wins over potential playoff teams (Texas, Tennessee, Clemson). Carson Beck has recovered from his midseason slump, throwing 11 touchdowns with no interceptions in the past three games. He carries an 8-3 career record against ranked teams into a de facto home game in Atlanta. 

    Marshall (+5.5) over LOUISIANA

    The Thundering Herd can limit how much Louisiana’s explosive offense has the ball, with a ground game averaging nearly 200 rushing yards per game. Defensive lineman Mike Green can also disrupt the Cajuns’ rhythm, entering a half-sack shy (16) of the most in the nation. Marshall is 4-0 against the spread as an underdog this season. 


    Betting on College Football?


    Smu (-2.5) over Clemson

    The line opened with the Tigers as the favorite, but the brand name isn’t fooling anyone anymore. No. 17 Clemson (9-3) has no business being anywhere near the playoff, reaching the ACC Championship without earning one win over any of the other six teams with a winning record in the conference. SMU’s (11-1) elite defensive front will keep the offense of Clemson — averaging less than 21 points in its past four games — scuffling. 

    Best bets: Oregon, Unlv, Arizona State 
    This season: 111-98-1 (17-24-1) 
    2014-23 record: 1,272-1,206-30

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  • No. 6 Penn men’s soccer falls to UMass 1-0 in NCAA tournament

    No. 6 Penn men’s soccer falls to UMass 1-0 in NCAA tournament


    11-24-24-mens-soccer-v-umass-erica-jiang-2
    Penn men’s soccer lost to UMass on Nov. 24.
    Credit: Erica Jiang

    A successful season for Penn men’s soccer comes to a disappointing close, with an unexpected upset 1-0 loss in the NCAA tournament. 

    Penn men’s soccer (14-3-2, 7-0 Ivy) faced off against the University of Massachusetts Amherst (12-3-4, 5-2-1 Atlantic 10). With the No. 6 seed following an at-large NCAA bid, Penn hosted the game at Rhodes Field, but fell with a loss in the single-elimination tournament.

    The first half was defined by a back-and-forth struggle for clean possession, but neither team had the opportunity to get a shot off. UMass applied a lot of pressure, particularly favoring the right side of the field. Its offensive push led to seven shots in the first half of play, but none would connect. 

    After a shot attempt by forward Alec Hughes, sophomore goalkeeper Phillip Falcon III saved the ball. But an attempted roll to his teammate was intercepted by Hughes dangerously close to the goal. With Falcon off the line, Hughes fired a shot that bounced off the crossbar. The ball rebounded straight back to forward Johan Feilscher who leapt to head the ball in the goal. 

    The only thing standing between him and the goal was senior defender Leo Burney. He hopped along the goal line with Falcon drawn out. Burney headed the ball out, sending it flying out of the Quakers’ area.

    Burney’s save is indicative of his performance as Ivy League Defender of the Year. He and the rest of his senior class had taken home multiple conference awards, including midfielder Aaron Messer, defender Ben Do, and forwards Brandon Curran and Stas Korzeniowski — the latter of whom shared the title of Ivy League Offensive Player of the Year. 

    “They’re a really interesting group, and each one of those pieces feeds the other,” coach Brian Gill said. “Leo and Stas sometimes get the most notoriety, [but] I think all seven of the [seniors] contributed to their special quality as a group.”

    The teams entered the second half of play tied 0-0, but there was a quick push by the Minutemen. A series of headers in the box ensued, and Hughes found the top left of the net after just two minutes of play to give the Minutemen the lead and only goal of the game at the 47th-minute mark. 

    Following this goal, UMass dominated control for the first ten minutes of the half, but the momentum then switched to Penn, which maintained possession for the majority of the remaining time and was knocking on UMass’ doorstep. 

    The Quakers had good ball movement and saw many crosses into the box, but for each one, a Minuteman was there to clear it. In a burst of energy and drive to keep their season alive, the Quakers got off nine total shots in the half, but all went off target or were blocked by goalkeeper Alex Geczy. Unfazed by taunts from the Quaker faithful behind him, Geczy had seven saves, including five in the second half. 

    In the 71st minute, it looked like Penn’s patient efforts might pay off when a shot by senior forward Stas Korzeniowski from just outside the six found the bottom left of the goal. Unfortunately for Penn, Korzeniowski was called offside, which was confirmed by review. 

    Penn never gave up hope, continuing to control play with persistent offensive efforts. The team had good looks with late-game corners, totaling four for the day, but UMass interrupted every attempt toward the goal until the final buzzer sounded.

    Despite not moving forward in the NCAA Tournament, the senior class’ careers were marked by a turnaround since its freshman season, where it only won one Ivy game. Now it finishes as three-time regular season conference champions, leaving a lasting legacy for its younger teammates.

    “There’s like that expectation, to want to be in these kinds of games, [and] to want to be able to compete for conference championships, and so anytime you’re able to kind of start to turn that corner, it’s typically going to be because those messages take hold with groups, they start to raise their own standards and expectations,” Gill said in regards to the seniors’ impact. 

    Penn finishes the season with an impressive resume, including two defeats over then-nationally ranked teams Pitt and Hofstra and its third straight Ivy League regular season championship. 

    “There’s a finality you can’t prepare for,” Gill said. “Hopefully the guys will look back and really appreciate the accomplishments … We don’t get this game here in this tournament without having those successes.”



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  • Hockey Recap: Michigan’s offense fired on all cylinders in sweep of Penn State

    Hockey Recap: Michigan’s offense fired on all cylinders in sweep of Penn State

    After a week off, the Michigan men’s ice hockey team returned for a road series against Penn State. The Wolverines were able to continue their positive momentum with an offensive barrage over two games, earning a pivotal series sweep.

    Here’s a rundown of all the action from State College.

    It was Penn State that got off to a fast start in Friday night’s game. The Nittany Lions got an early power play thanks to a Josh Eernisse boarding penalty and scored about a minute into the game to go up 1-0. Michigan wasn’t deterred, however, after going in an early hole. The Wolverines responded with four unanswered goals in the first period to take a 4-1 lead into the locker room.

    Penn State chipped away with another power play goal halfway through the second period to make it a 4-2 game. Michigan and Garrett Schifsky responded with a power play goal of their own to push the score to 5-2. Penn State put up another goal shortly before the end of the period and entered the third within striking distance.

    At the start of the third, Penn State’s comeback was in full effect, as Reese Laubach found the back of the net less than a minute into the period. Matt DiMarsico scored his second goal of the game just a few minutes later. All of a sudden, the game was tied at 5-5. Late in the game though, Michigan’s Michael Hage played the hero, and scored a wrap-around goal to give Michigan a 6-5 lead, which would be the final score of the game.

    On Saturday night, it was Penn State getting off to a fast start once again. Dane Dowiak scored twice within the first 65 seconds of the game, while Reese Laubach added a power play goal halfway through the first period to get an early 3-0 lead. Michigan wouldn’t go quietly, though, as William Whitelaw, Jacob Truscott, and Evan Werner all scored before the period’s end. Penn State added another as well, entering the break with a 4-3 lead.

    The second period was where Michigan gained control. Tyler Duke and T.J. Hughes scored back-to-back goals to put Michigan up 5-4. Penn State’s J.J. Wiebusch countered to tie the game at 5-5. Michigan’s Philippe Lapointe found the back of the net in the closing minutes of the second to make sure Michigan went into intermission up 6-5.

    From then on, it was all Wolverines. T.J. Hughes scored three more goals in the third period, two of which were on the power play, giving him a total of four on the night. Michael Hage took advantage of another Penn State penalty with a power play goal of his own. Penn State’s Aiden Fink had a power play goal as well, but it wouldn’t be enough, as Michigan won comfortably by a 10-6 final score.

    With the victories this weekend, Michigan has now won six games in a row and stands at 9-2-1 on the season and 4-0-0 in Big Ten play. Michigan will return to action this weekend for a home-and-home series against Western Michigan, with Game 1 in Kalamazoo on Friday and Game 2 at Yost on Saturday.

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  • Penn State football, James Franklin prediction vs Minnesota in Big Ten

    This lofty Penn State football defense has one box yet to check this season.

    Something that could make life a lot easier when it goes on the road Saturday against a rested, prepared and plucky opponent, the Minnesota Golden Gophers (3:30 p.m., CBS).

    This Nittany Lion defense, led by new coordinator Tom Allen, has been increasingly effective in most every facet the past month. It’s up to No. 4 nationally in total yards allowed (only 272.6 yards per game). It’s No. 5 in stopping the run. It’s No. 6 in yielding points.

    Penn State (9-1, 6-1 Big Ten) just hasn’t been very good at taking the ball away from its opponent.

    The Lions have forced only 12 turnovers in 10 games − middle of the pack among the nation’s 133 teams. The lone standout has been safety Jaylen Reed (three interceptions).

    Nov 16, 2024; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton (33) and defensive end Abdul Carter (11) celebrate a sack during the first quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

    Meanwhile, Minnesota (6-4, 4-3 Big Ten), for all of its hot and cold play, has been remarkably consistent and efficient at taking the ball away on defense (20 forced turnovers) and protecting it on offense (eight turnovers). The Gophers have already intercepted 16 passes.

    It’s an intriguing factor that could tilt a game the Lions have no business losing. They are a 12-point favorite. They are more talented, deeper and productive than Minnesota in most every major factor.

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  • Women’s Ice Hockey Heads to #12 Penn State

    Women’s Ice Hockey Heads to #12 Penn State

    THIS WEEK
    Women’s ice hockey (2-9-1, 1-1-0 AHA) heads to Pennsylvania to take on #12 Penn State (9-3-0, 2-0-0 AHA).
     
    GAMEDAY INFORMATION
    GAME 1 Date/Time: Friday, November 15 – 1:00 PM CST.
    GAME 2 Date/Time: Saturday, November 16 – 12:00 PM CST.
    Location: Pegula Ice Arena – University Park, Pa.  
    Live Video: Big Ten + (Game One) | Big Ten + (Game Two)
    Live Stats

    LAST TIME OUT

    Lindenwood split their series against St. Thomas, falling in game one 7-2. In game two, Lindenwood would be able to rebound, scoring six goals in a 6-1 victory over the Tommies.

     

    Highlights:

    • Morgan Neitzke recorded her 100th career point in the series against St. Thomas. Neitzke is the first ever Lion to reach this milestone. The Michigan native also led the Lions in points on the weekend with four.
    • Maegan Cronan and Josey Dunne recorded their first career goals in a Lindenwood uniform.
    • Catherine Hodgins registered her first career win in net for the Lions, making 33 stops on one goal against.  

     
    STATISTICAL LEADERS
    Points – Neitzke (9), Sidney Jackel (7), Sydney Rarick (5)
    Goals – Neitzke (4), Gigi Pora (3), four tied (2)
    Assists – Three tied (5), Ellie Muscedere (3), four tied (2)
    +/- – Four tied (0)
    Powerplay Goals – Three tied (1)
    Short-Handed Goals – N/A
    Game Winning Goals – Pora (2)
    Blocked Shots – Dunne (35)
    Saves – Anna LaRose (194)
    Save Percentage – Hodgins (.929)
    Goals Against Average (GAA) – Hodgins (2.25)
     
    PREVIEW
    The Lions are looking to find the win column for the third straight week versus nationally ranked Penn State. Lindenwood is looking to continue their success on the offensive side of the puck, scoring six goals in their last game played.

    This will be the 49th and 50th meeting between both teams. Penn State currently leads the all-time series 32-10-6. Lindenwood has not defeated Penn State, since the 2017-2018 season, and the Lions currently sit on a 12-game losing streak versus the Nittany Lions. In the last meeting, Lindenwood fell 6-1 to Penn State (January 27, 2024­).

     

    Penn State in the AHA preseason poll was picked to finish first. Penn State through 12 games is 9-3-0, picking up two wins over Syracuse in their last series played. Tessa Janecke leads the Nittany Lions in points with 14 (5g-9a). Maddy Christian leads Penn State in goals with seven. Katie DeSa has played nine games in net for the Nittany Lions, compiling a record of 6-3-0, picking 147 saves on 14 goals against, for a save percentage of .913, and a goal against average of 1.6.

     

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  • Penn State football playoff prediction | Penn State Football News

    Penn State football playoff prediction | Penn State Football News

    Penn State took care of business with a 35-6 White Out win over Washington on Saturday night, but other top teams didn’t fare as well.

    A pair of top-five squads went down, and other teams in the playoff race sustained losses, leading to some shuffling in the College Football Playoff picture.

    Here’s where things stand after another action-packed weekend of college football.

    Conference autobids

    After being dead-even last week, Oregon pulled away as a slight betting favorite to win the Big Ten. If the Ducks can avoid an upset the rest of the way, they’d finish at 13-0, locking up the No. 1 overall seed in the playoffs.

    After Georgia’s embarrassing loss to Ole Miss, the Bulldogs are no longer the favorite to represent the SEC. Texas is now the heavy favorite to win the conference and earn the No. 2 seed, despite previously losing to Georgia 30-15. After picking up their second loss, the Bulldogs have the sixth-best odds to win the SEC and will need other teams to lose just to make the championship game.

    The ACC champion is positioned to grab the third seed in the bracket. Despite a loss to unranked Georgia Tech, Miami still remains the favorite to win the ACC at 12-1 and slot in at No. 3 overall. SMU and Clemson are also in the mix, but as it’s been for most of the season, the Hurricanes are the team to beat.

    From the Big 12, BYU still sits as the favorite to win the conference after squeaking past unranked Utah in “The Holy War” on Saturday. Though they slotted at No. 9 in the initial College Football Playoff Rankings last week and will likely remain in that range, they’d get the No. 4 seed due to winning the conference.

    First-round hosts

    In the next tier, the Big Ten is expected to have a heavy influence. If Ohio State falls in a rematch to Oregon in the Big Ten title game, which is the most likely scenario assuming the Buckeyes beat Indiana in two weeks, they’d be in the mix for the No. 5 seed.

    The committee has previously stated teams won’t be “unduly punished” for losing a conference championship game, meaning it would be hard for Indiana or Penn State to pass Ohio State even if the Buckeyes lose to Oregon again.

    The Buckeyes are favorites over the Hoosiers and would hold head-to-head wins over them and the Nittany Lions, creating a ceiling of No. 6 for Penn State and Indiana.







    PSU Football vs. Ohio State, Khalil Dinkins misses

    Tight end Khalil Dinkins (16) misses a touchdown pass on fourth down during the Penn State football game against Ohio State on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 in Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pa. The Buckeyes beat the Nittany Lions 20-13.




    Since the Nittany Lions face a tougher strength of schedule, they’d likely get the nod over the Hoosiers for No. 6, though Indiana’s performance against Ohio State will play a role.

    Additionally, Texas A&M and Tennessee are the frontrunners to face Texas in the SEC championship, though the Aggies will face the Longhorns in the regular season and Tennessee has a tough test remaining against Georgia.

    Texas A&M has a slightly better chance to make the SEC championship before losing to the Longhorns, likely locking in a No. 7 seed, behind Penn State but ahead of No. 8 Indiana.

    First-round road trips

    Teams on the bubble of the playoff include Georgia, Tennessee, Notre Dame, Alabama, SMU, Ole Miss and Boise State, and all have interesting cases.

    It’ll likely come down to splitting hairs, but Tennessee is a 10-point underdog against Georgia, which would be its second loss. A key win over Alabama may keep the Volunteers in the picture, though.

    Georgia now has its second loss but should win out and finish 10-2. With a win over Texas and potentially over Tennessee, it’d be hard to boot the Bulldogs from the bracket.

    Notre Dame sits at 8-1 and is favored to win out, but has a weaker strength of schedule, which was reflected in the first College Football Playoff Rankings with a No. 10 spot. Wins in the last three games likely won’t do much to move the needle, and the Fighting Irish won’t have the opportunity to play in a conference championship as an independent team.

    Alabama already has two losses, but has key wins over Georgia and LSU, and is favored in its remaining three games. It would be hard to see the committee leaving out the Crimson Tide, unless they stumble along the way and pick up a third loss.

    SMU is 8-1 and clearly doesn’t have the respect of the committee with a No. 13 ranking. But with three more wins in the regular season and a close loss to Miami in the ACC title game, the Mustangs could play their way into a No. 10 or No. 11 seed.







    Battle for Bowl Week, Helmets and Trophy

    Penn State and Ole Miss helmets sit next to the Peach Bowl trophy and Battle for Bowl Week belt at the Battle for Bowl Week dinner on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023 at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Ga.




    Ole Miss was ranked No. 16 by the playoff committee last week, but a win over Georgia should change that. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Rebels in the top 10 this week, and remaining games against Florida and Mississippi State should be easy victories. A 10-2 Ole Miss squad from a good conference with a win over Georgia and two losses by three points each would likely earn a nod into the postseason near the bottom of the bracket.

    The Group of Five conferences are guaranteed one autobid into the dance, and Boise State remains the heavy favorite to lock down that spot. The Broncos were ranked No. 12 last week, and the only other G5 school in the rankings was Army at No. 25, though the Black Knights can either rise or drop significantly depending on their matchup against Notre Dame.

    The Broncos won again on Saturday, and their only loss remains a 37-34 defeat against No. 1 Oregon. If they can run the table and finish 12-1, they’re a virtual lock to take the No. 12 seed, if not higher.

    Most likely scenario:

    Based on the current landscape and last week’s College Football Playoff Rankings, a likely scenario involves Penn State earning the No. 6 seed and hosting No. 11 Tennessee for their first meeting since 2007 and first ever at Beaver Stadium. The winner would earn the right to face No. 3 Miami in the semifinals.

    1. Oregon

    2. Texas

    3. Miami

    4. BYU

    5. Ohio State

    6. Penn State

    7. Texas A&M

    8. Indiana

    9. Notre Dame

    10. Georgia

    11. Tennessee

    12. Boise State

    MORE FOOTBALL CONTENT

    Penn State bounced back this weekend with a 35-6 throttling of Washington after losing its f…

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  • Tyler Warren ‘a great example of what a Penn State football player is,’ posts record-breaking game | Penn State Football News

    Tyler Warren ‘a great example of what a Penn State football player is,’ posts record-breaking game | Penn State Football News

    Everyone says records are made to be broken, and one was when Drew Allar found Tyler Warren from Washington’s 3-yard line for a 2-yard gain late in the fourth quarter, giving Warren the Penn State single-season record for receiving yards by a tight end.

    The previous record was held by Mike Gesicki, who recorded 679 receiving yards in 2016. Warren left the Nittany Lions’ 35-6 win over the Huskies with 681.

    “To be in that conversation with as many great tight ends who have played here and that I’ve played with is special to me,” Warren said. “That’s kind of what makes it special to me is knowing the guys that have been here and how talented Penn State tight ends are, so that’s kind of why (the record) means so much to me.”

    Warren didn’t only break Gesicki’s single-season receiving yards record, he also broke Gesicki’s record for most single-season receptions by a tight end in Penn State history with 58.

    Those aren’t the only records Warren has broken this season — James Franklin said there’s “about 33 more.” As a result of his record-breaking season, Warren was named a semifinalist for the John Mackey Award, given to the nation’s top tight end, and a finalist for the Paul Hornung Award, given to the most versatile player in college football.

    “I don’t see how this guy doesn’t win the Mackey Award and the Paul Hornung award,” Franklin said. “They would be proud of that guy representing their award. He does everything right on and off the field, he’s done it that way since he stepped on campus, so just a great example of what a Penn State football player is.”

    After losing to Ohio State last week, one of the biggest complaints Penn State fans had was the lack of involvement from Warren. The Nittany Lions had the ball inside the 5-yard line and didn’t attempt to get the ball into the tight end’s hands once, something Franklin said Penn State should’ve done.

    To remedy that, Penn State gave Warren the ball at the goal line twice. The first time, Warren jumped over the entire Washington defensive line to put the ball across, which he joked was a bit scary, but the end result was all that mattered.

    “I was up there for a little while. There’s a point where I was getting a little worried,” Warren said. “I did have to stretch out a little bit, but getting six points in that situation is what we want to do, so I was happy with it.”

    Warren tallied his second rushing touchdown of the game on Penn State’s next drive, and finished the contest with three rushes for seven yards on top of eight catches for 75 yards.

    “Obviously you can see how many ways we got him involved today, run-game wise, pass-game wise and even some of our option stuff,” Allar said. “We just try to get him involved in the game plan as much as we can, because we know what type of player he is and how much he helps our offense just generate explosive plays in general.”

    Warren has cemented himself as a Penn State great, but the work doesn’t stop for the senior, who was disappointed with his fumble in the third quarter and a few other plays.

    “(I think the offense) did a great job,” Warren said. “In the second half, that’s on me stopping that first drive with that fumble, so that’s something I got to work on.”

    Regardless, Warren showed Saturday what’s been clear all season — the sky’s the limit for the senior tight end, who the Nittany Lions are always trying to involve.

    “He’s our best playmaker on offense and the best tight end in the country,” Allar said. “We’re going to get him involved in the game somehow, in some way, in some form or capacity … Just getting him easy completions. He’s hard to bring down. There weren’t many cases where one guy brought him down today.”

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