I get it. You really, really don't think of Rutgers as a rival to Penn State. If you haven't heard, just check any message board discussing the Monday announcement that this season's game against Rutgers will be played at night. And you aren't "wrong." Penn State picking up 23 wins in 25 meetings doesn't exactly scream competitive rivalry. But 25 games covers a lot of time. 25 games also covers a lot of different versions of Penn State and Rutgers football.
It's a position that has helped shape the perception of the program for decades. Some of the nation's best linebackers call State College home every year, replacing an elite linebacker who now calls the NFL home. Penn State has plenty of talent this year but question still remains. Who's next?
Bill O'Brien reinvented how Penn State fans thought the tight end position could be used and it has been an area of interest ever since. The good news for Penn State is that there is plenty of talent coming back into the fold. There is work left to be done, but some of the best talent on the offensive side of the ball could come from this bunch.
James Franklin is actually a pro at pro-style offenses. He does want duel threats – as in players who want to win. The duel-threat moniker that has been hung on him is somewhat of a misnomer. Proof positive: Jake Zembiec.
Penn State is in a good place and a bad place with quarterbacks heading into spring practice. On the one hand, Christian Hackenberg returns for a third year behind an allegedly improved offensive line. Other than that though the question remains: Who is the next starting quarterback at Penn State? If by chance Hackenberg returns for a senior season that question won't need to be answered, but unless Penn State is starting a true freshman next year, the next man up is either transferring in, or already on this roster.
Potter County Senior Judge John Leete issued a ruling Monday that represents a victory and a defeat for both sides of the ongoing Paterno-NCAA lawsuit.