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Josh Pate previews Penn State football’s chances against Ohio State and Michigan

The host of the widely popular college football talk show had plenty to say about the Nittany Lions.

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Penn State Football, Ohio State, Michigan, Josh Pate
Oct 15, 2022; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Nicholas Singleton (10) rushes in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

As with almost every season, 2023 for Penn State football will likely come down to two games – Ohio State and Michigan. How you feel about the Nittany Lions’ chances in these two matchups probably dictates where you land on the team for this fall. Win one or both games, and Penn State is a College Football Playoff contender. Lose both, and it’s back to where James Franklin has been many times before. In recent days, Josh Pate, host of the wildly popular national college football show Late Kick, provided an in-depth look at these two matchups, and discussed how he feels about Penn State overall. 

Josh Pate previews the Ohio State matchup

On an episode of his show Late Kick last week, Josh Pate previewed some of his marquee matchups for the upcoming season. When discussing the trifecta of key Big Ten games in Week 8, Pate highlighted the test that Ohio State’s offense will face against the Penn State defense.

“Ohio State will have played Notre Dame so far on the road,” Pate said. “…this [Penn State] is the best defense I think that they’ll face all year. And it’s the first time that we’ll, in conference play at least, get to see either Kyle McCord or [Devin] Brown, whichever one wins a starting quarterback job, against an elite defense.”

Pate continued his discussion of the game by noting Penn State’s chances could very well rest on the progression of likely starting quarterback Drew Allar through that point in the season. “Who is Drew Allar by week eight?” he said. “I keep talking to you about how the offense may take a little time to settle in. That’s why it’s a good thing their schedule is not front-loaded. Well, by week eight, I mean, we should, for better or for worse, we should know what we have there this year.”

Overall, Pate was bullish on the Nittany Lions’ chances to hang in the game. But ultimately, the outcome could be determined by where the game is played. “Over/under win totals: 9.5 for Penn State, 10.5 for Ohio State,” Pate concluded. “And the reason for that gap is probably this game and where it is. It’s in Columbus, Ohio.”

Can the Lions rebound against Michigan?

Pate then discussed Penn State’s game against Michigan in Week 11. Like Ohio State, Pate believes the Nittany Lions will also be Michigan’s first major test of the season. Much of this could have to do with the Nittany Lions’ mentality coming into the matchup.

“…a couple of weeks later, that’s when Michigan goes to Penn State,” he said. “Obviously, depending on the outcome of that Penn State/Ohio State game, we may see Penn State in do-or-die mode here.”

Then, much to the dismay of Nittany Lion fans, Pate went on to recap Penn State’s embarrassing 41-17 loss in Ann Arbor last season:

But you remember what happened in this game last year? Penn State fans do. Michigan fans do. What does the number 418 mean to you? Because that is how many yards rushing Michigan had against them. Not in this decade. Not in the history of the series or anything like that. They put 418 up on them on the ground last year. A little over seven yards per carry. It was a bloodbath. It was a splattering.”

While ultimately, he noted that the Wolverines will still be favored to win the game, Pate sounded confident in Penn State’s chances to make the game much more competitive this season. “What can change over the course of a year?” Pate asked. “Well, I’ll take the under on 418 rush yards for Michigan, but Michigan is still gonna be favored. Short favorite, but a favorite in that game right now.”

Penn State football: A-list attitude

In a different episode of the show later in the week, Josh Pate featured Penn State on his Mood Tracker segment. Essentially, this part of the show is designed to give a national audience a snapshot of a fanbase’s feelings leading up to a season.

For the Nittany Lions, Pate described the mood of James Franklin and the program as that of a B-list actor looking to become a star. Pate described Franklin’s performance at Penn State as a tier below the elite of college football. Much like a supporting actor looking to make it big, Pate echoed the desire among the fanbase to push up to that next level. 

For Pate, the way for Penn State to climb the ladder is clear. “How do you do it?” he asked. “Pretty simple. Beat Ohio State and/or Michigan and go to the playoff. Maybe even win you a playoff game. Hey, maybe even win you a title. But at least accomplish something that you haven’t already accomplished.”

Throughout these segments, it may sound like Pate doubts what James Franklin has in Happy Valley. Quite the contrary, as Pate has been very high on Penn State this offseason. But as he concluded his mood tracker segment by heaping praise on the program, Pate noted that there is still work to be done. 

They’ve got the highest-rated quarterback they’ve ever had there. They got an incredible 1-2 tandem in the backfield. They’ve got a ton of experience along their offensive line. They have got an exceptional defense and an exceptional defense coordinator…they love the staff. I love the staff. They are recruiting very, very well. In other words, all of the ingredients are there for you to become an A-lister this year. You just have to get it done.



Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and insights on your favorite Penn State athletics. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email us at basicbluesnation@gmail.com or direct message us on our social media. It’s due to your support that we can become one of the market’s fastest-growing Penn State sports outlets!

FOOTBALL

Penn State football: CFB analyst claims Nittany Lions are ready to beat Ohio State, Michigan

According to a major analyst, this could be the year for Penn State football.

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Nov 5, 2022; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) runs the ball past Indiana Hoosiers linebacker Dasan McCullough (0) during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

Rarely in the history of Penn State football under James Franklin has there been such an overwhelming sense of anticipation as there is now heading into the 2023 season. Just a year ago, fans held a wide range of expectations, but not a single soul could have predicted that the Nittany Lions would conclude the season with an impressive 11-2 record, securing a top 10 ranking and clinching a victory in the Rose Bowl against the PAC-12 Champions. A prominent college football analyst, JD Pickell of ON3, recently stated that Penn State is poised to finally surpass both Ohio State and Michigan in the Big Ten.

Hype is building for Penn State football

It is no secret that Penn State football is widely regarded as one of the premier teams in college football at present. The Nittany Lions boast an abundance of talent from last year’s roster, which was among the nation’s finest, despite losses to Michigan and Ohio State.

In order to elevate themselves to the next level and establish their position as contenders for the Big Ten title and the College Football Playoff, it is imperative for Penn State to conquer both the Buckeyes and Wolverines.

According to Pickell, the upcoming 2023 season presents a perfect opportunity for Penn State football to achieve all of these objectives.

JD Pickell says Penn State might be ready to beat Michigan, Ohio State in 2023

Here is what ON3 analyst JD Pickell had to say on his show, The Hard Count, about Penn State football and their hopes of climbing back to the top of the Big Ten in 2023.

“They’re getting a lot of hype now and for good reason,” Pickell said. “What would Penn State fans typically say going into last season? ‘Really good roster. Nick Singleton, we’re excited about him, but we just don’t know with Sean Clifford. How far can Sean Clifford take us?’”

“There was a feeling around Penn State that Sean Clifford was a really good quarterback, but was he a really great quarterback? Was he gonna be enough for you to beat Michigan and Ohio State? The eventual answer to that question was not necessarily was Penn State good enough collectively — Sean Clifford included — to beat Michigan or Ohio State in 2022.”

Pickell further highlighted key players in the Penn State football lineup, including Drew Allar, Olu Fashanu, Kalen King, Nick Singleton, and others, as compelling reasons to be optimistic about the Nittany Lions’ prospects this upcoming season.

He concluded his analysis by affirming that the necessary components for success are already in place for James Franklin and his coaching staff as they prepare for the 2023 season: all the pieces of the puzzle have come together for the Nittany Lions.

“All these things on paper are aligning for Penn State to go and slay the dragon,” he said. “To go and beat Ohio State. To go beat Michigan. That’s the mission now for Penn State.”



Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and insights on your favorite Penn State athletics. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email us at basicbluesnation@gmail.com or direct message us on our social media. It’s due to your support that we can become one of the market’s fastest-growing Penn State sports outlets!

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FOOTBALL

2023 Penn State football coaching staff adds NFL experience to its ranks

This week, the 2023 Penn State football coaching staff added more NFL experience to its ranks.

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2023 Penn State football coaching staff, Ola Adams
Nov 20, 2021; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin looks on from the sideline during the third quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Rutgers 28-0. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

Earlier this week, the 2023 Penn State football coaching staff made a notable addition with the inclusion of Ola Adams. Adams, previously an assistant with the Denver Broncos and a seasoned defensive play-caller for the Villanova Wildcats, brings valuable experience and expertise to the Nittany Lions as they prepare for their upcoming campaign.

2023 Penn State football coaching staff adds NFL experience with new hire

Under the leadership of James Franklin, the 2023 Penn State football coaching staff has undergone several minor changes, but the recent addition of Ola Adams stands out. Adams, who previously served on the coaching staff of the Denver Broncos, has joined the Penn State Nittany Lions as a defensive analyst in preparation for the 2023 season.

Adams’s background in the NFL proves to be an invaluable asset for James Franklin, especially considering the talent and potential carried by the Nittany Lions in their upcoming schedule. Before his tenure with the Broncos, Adams served as the defensive coordinator for the Villanova Wildcats at the Division 1 FCS level, which adds to his credibility as he joins James Franklin’s staff.

As an analyst, Adams’s role will not involve direct involvement in play-calling or player development. Instead, his extensive knowledge and experience will be utilized in analyzing film, scouting players, and evaluating opponents. The addition of Adams strengthens the Penn State football program with another NFL-minded individual, further enhancing their prospects.

The Nittany Lions face high expectations this season, and Adams’s presence on the coaching staff alleviates some of the pressure on the 2023 Penn State football coaching staff as they approach summer training and the opening game against West Virginia on September 2nd.



Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and insights on your favorite Penn State athletics. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email us at basicbluesnation@gmail.com or direct message us on our social media. It’s due to your support that we can become one of the market’s fastest-growing Penn State sports outlets!

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Penn State football updates roster with new enrollees

Penn State gave us our first look at the newest additions to the Nittany Lions football team.

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April 15, 2023. Tyler Warren (44) and Theo Johnson (84) join the Penn State team in singing the alma mater following the 2023 Blue-White Game. Credit: Grace Carella // Basic Blues Nation.

Nearly halfway through the first summer session of classes, Penn State football has welcomed a slow trickle of new enrollees over the last month. Last week, the football program updated its roster with the numbers and measurables for the newest additions to the Nittany Lions football team. While the roster will likely be updated again before the start of the 2023 season, this update provides us our first glimpse at the progress made by these players since we last saw them on the field with a previous school or on the recruiting circuit.

Penn State football unveils numbers, lists heights and weights for new enrollees

Last week, Penn State updated its official roster for the 2023 season with the new enrollees who have arrived on campus recently. In addition to the four transfers who joined the team in May, Penn State also listed the eight freshmen from the class of 2023 who arrived in the last several days. The roster includes updated heights and weights for the new enrollees, as well as the number each will wear this fall for the Nittany Lions:

  • Tyriq Blanding (DT), freshman – No. 39; 6-1, 265 pounds.
  • Dante Cephas (WR), transfer – No. 3; 6-0, 180 pounds.
  • Audavion Collins (CB), transfer – No. 29; 5-11, 175 pounds.
  • Alonzo Ford (DT), transfer – No. 50; 6-2, 280 pounds.
  • Kaveion Keys (LB), freshman – No. 48; 6-2 195 pounds.
  • King Mack (S), freshman – No. 9; 5-10; 175 pounds.
  • London Montgomery (RB), freshman – No. 24; 5-10; 180 pounds.
  • Joseph Mupoyi (DE), freshman – No. 56; 6-5; 240 pounds.
  • DaKaari Nelson (S), freshman – No. 8; 6-3; 200 pounds.
  • Trey Potts (RB), transfer – No. 23; 5-9; 215 pounds.
  • Andrew Rappleyea (TE), freshman – No. 87; 6-4; 235 pounds.
  • Cam Wallace (RB), freshman – No. 26; 5-9; 175 pounds.

Some highlights of the roster update include transfer Alonzo Ford, who Penn State has listed as shorter and nearly 10 pounds lighter than Old Dominion had him last season. Incoming freshmen London Montgomery and Cam Wallace will need to bulk up to catch the rest of the running back room, with both weighing in at 180 pounds or less. Finally, Andrew Rappleyea comes in with a solid frame for an incoming freshman at 6-4, 235 pounds.

More on the way

The final pieces from Penn State’s class of 2023 will arrive on campus this summer before the start of fall camp. There are four more signees who will join the team before the 2023 season, including Jameial Lyons (DE), Chimdy Onoh (OL), Mason Robinson (DE), and Carmelo Taylor (WR).



Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and insights on your favorite Penn State athletics. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email us at basicbluesnation@gmail.com or direct message us on our social media. It’s due to your support that we can become one of the market’s fastest-growing Penn State sports outlets!

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