It’s turkey day, folks!

Thanksgiving at a Penn State household means good food, great company, and a 50/50 chance someone brings up James Franklin’s coaching record, campus and classes, or other touchy topics.

Holidays are all about harmony, but certain Penn State debates have a way of dividing even the closest families. Some topics can start a discussion that will take you down a long, long rabbit hole.

To avoid this, we’ve complied Penn State debates to steer clear of around the dinner table so you and your family can have a peaceful Thanksgiving dinner.

James Franklin’s Coaching & Record

Talking about James Franklin’s tenure is like trying to discuss politics — everyone has an opinion, and none of them are quiet. Maybe you’re frustrated about close losses or his inability to crack into the College Football Playoff. Maybe you think he’s exactly what Penn State needs to stay competitive. Either way, the discussion quickly turns into dissecting fourth-down decisions and 10-year contract extensions.

Downtown High-Rises

Downtown State College’s transformation into a hub for high-rises can be a hot topic. Do these shiny new buildings ruin the college-town vibe, or are they just making room for the growing student population? It’s best to save the development debates for your next stroll through College Avenue.

Stephen Nedoroscik Should’ve Won ‘Dancing With The Stars’

If you’re still upset over Penn State alum Stephen Nedoroscik getting robbed on “Dancing With The Stars,” you’re not alone. But unless you want to reenact his final performance between courses, it’s best to keep those passionate rants in your group chat, not Thanksgiving dinner. Not everyone’s as invested in ballroom drama as you are — even if it was a travesty.

Bagel Crust vs. Irving’s

Although both State College bagel shops have their die-hard fans, everyone has an opinion on whether Irving’s or Bagel Crust serves the better bacon, egg, and cheese and which bagels are better. Arguing about it over dinner might lead to strong words — or worse, someone slandering your go-to coffee order.

Basketball Should Always Be In Rec Hall

There’s a lot of nostalgia tied to the idea of moving Penn State basketball back to Rec Hall, where the gym’s atmosphere and student section gave the team a true home-court advantage. But logistics (like capacity and Big Ten regulations) make this dream a non-starter. It’s a fun thought, but not one worth derailing dessert for.

On-Campus Dining Is Better Than Downtown Food Options

Arguing that on-campus dining might actually be better than splurging at downtown restaurants is a bold take. Some might agree with the simplicity of Pollock’s huge buffet or East’s a la carte options. Others will scoff, defending their love for downtown staples like The Corner Room and El Jefe’s Tadashi. Either way, it’s better to enjoy mom’s turkey than dining hall banter.

Student Football Ticket System

The Penn State student football ticket system is the source of universal frustration. Whether you’ve got war stories about crashing servers or think there’s a better way to distribute tickets, everyone has an opinion. It’s a great conversation starter — just not during dinner when you’re trying to keep things light.

Blue Loop vs. White Loop

Which loop is better: blue or white? The answer probably depends on where you live, but any conversation about the loops inevitably shifts into complaining about delays, overcrowded buses, or that one time the driver totally ignored your stop. It’s a debate as endless as the loops’ routes.