When catching up with family or friends around the holidays, it’s sometimes tough to avoid an argument. Certain topics always seem to slip into conversations that kill the mood and bring the tensions up just a bit too far. Whether it’s politics, religion, or Penn State Football, it’s always good to know what debates to avoid at the Thanksgiving dinner table.

To help you keep the good times rolling on Thanksgiving night, and to help you avoid any unwanted arguments with your relatives who graduated from Penn State long ago, we’ve compiled a list of Penn State-related debates to avoid at the dinner table.

Should Sean Clifford Have Started Against Illinois?

After Penn State’s meltdown loss to Iowa, many fans prayed for the return of quarterback Sean Clifford. However, when Clifford returned, he wasn’t at full strength, and the Nittany Lions got shocked by an unranked Illinois team.

Was this the right call? We’ll never know. Either way, don’t bring it up at dinner. This is a debate that almost all Penn State fans have an intense opinion on, and that could spark a heated argument at the Thanksgiving table.

Does The HUB Have A Clear ‘Front’?

The debate over which side of the library is the front is one of the most prolific disputes amongst Penn Staters. But the debate over the HUB’s front is much more complex. Some believe that the HUB’s front is the upper entrance off of Pollock Road, but some believe that the famed HUB Lawn frames the front.

If only it were that simple. We’ve heard some people debate whether the HUB even has a front, or if it is a metaphorical “circle” of sorts. Whatever the case, this debate has too many sides for people to take…just the like HUB. Steer clear of this one.

James Franklin’s New Contract

Clearly, the most heated debate amongst Penn Staters right now, bringing up James Franklin’s 10-year contract at Thanksgiving dinner would likely be the end of all other conversations for the night.

There are clear pros and cons to the extension, but many Penn State fans are committed to their side of the argument and would practically fight to the death to defend their points. Make sure the butter knives and gravy boats are out of reach if this gets brought up. It could get messy.

What’s The Best Bar In State College?

Everyone’s got an opinion on this one, and you can bet no one will feel the same way.

Your geezer grandpa will probably vouch for the Skeller. Your dad might recall late-night trips to Zeno’s. Current students would probably go on and on about Champs and Doggie’s.

Bottom line? Everyone’s got their mind made up, and it’s definitely not changing on a whim at Thanksgiving.

What If Christian Veilleux Had Stepped In At Iowa?

While Ta’Quan Roberson has potential and a lot of natural talent, the backup quarterback clearly struggled with the pressure and chemistry with his offensive line during the Nittany Lion’s loss to Iowa. To contrast that, true-freshman Christian Veilleux stepped up and shined in Penn State’s win against Rutgers.

Analyzing the “what ifs” of any sport is dangerous and pointless. The fact of the matter is, Penn State chose not to make any adjustments in its slow, painful loss to Iowa, and no matter how long you and your family debate the issue at the turkey table, you’ll never be able to know what could’ve happened.

Favorite HUB Food Spot?

This is an argument that certainly could get heated. Inherently, this seems like a harmless discussion. There are just a couple options, and you wouldn’t think that people would get passionate about their personal preferences.

While I think Team Panda would certainly have early numbers, be wary of an alliance between Team Sbarro and Team Slim Chickens. That could present an issue for Panda Express lovers. Your older Penn Staters would definitely spend time talking about what the HUB had a few decades ago, too.