Blue and White Brothers

It's Thanksgiving week, and Tom and Andy talk about what they're looking forward to with Thanksgiving Dinner. Oh, and they also discuss the upcoming Michigan game and whether there's anything to look forward to on Saturday.

Show Notes:

- Penn State’s James Franklin says his goal of being first African-American coach to win a national title is important to himhttps://www.inquirer.com/college-sports/penn-state/penn-state-nittany-lions-james-franklin-goal-first-african-american-head-coach-to-win-national-championship-20191015.html

- Even Jim Harbaugh’s son is questioning his father's wardrobe 'journey'

https://saturdaytradition.com/michigan-football/even-jim-harbaughs-son-is-questioning-his-fathers-wardrobe-journey/

- The Internet Mocks Jim Harbaugh’s Ridiculous ‘Headset Boner’ Under His Mask

https://brobible.com/sports/article/jim-harbaugh-headset-boner-mask/

- 2016 Michigan OSU game where JT Barrett 4th and short play was reviewed and they got the call

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kfiF8zvWmc

- Jim Harbaugh bitterly disappointed

https://youtu.be/LM_OPM3QRu0

- WHAT IF: J.T. Barrett Was Ruled Short

https://www.si.com/college/michigan/football/michigan-football-what-if-jt-barrett-was-short-ohio-state-football-jim-harbaugh

- Zach Charbonnet and rumors of transferring

https://gbmwolverine.com/2020/11/17/michigan-football-rumors-swirl-zach-charbonnet-transferring/

Tom and Andy navigate the titanic disaster that is this current Penn State Football season—which began with such great expectations. Analogies abound in this episode as the boys discover the art of beating a dead horse in hopes of making sense of this historic collapse that we're witnessing before our very eyes. 

Now midway through the season, Tom and Andy talk about Penn State's upcoming battle against Iowa, a perennially tough matchup that presents an opportunity for a season-defining turnaround. Tom pours himself a tall bourbon to get him through the episode as the boys don’t even offer up a score prediction at the end.

Show Notes:

- Battle of Midway movies:

Midway (2019) with Woody Harrelson, Dennis Quaid, Aaron Eckhart, Luke Evans, Patrick Wilson, and Ed Skrein, among many others: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6924650/?ref_=kw_li_tt

Midway (1976) with Charlton Heston, Peter Fonda, and James Coburn, among many others: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074899/?ref_=kw_li_tt

- If you’re interested in checking out Hardcore History by Dan Carlin, check out episode 1 of Supernova in the East:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dan-carlins-hardcore-history/id173001861?i=1000415837465

- Steve Martin (Lucky Day) from The Three Amigos giving his El Guapo speech: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZoZ_4nNNn9M

- Monday Depth Chart: 

https://247sports.com/college/penn-state/LongFormArticle/Penn-State-Football-Depth-Chart-Iowa-game-154909621/

- Franklin’s Tuesday Press Conference:

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFgIU1labiw

Transcript: https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2020/11/17/21571388/james-franklin-press-conference-iowa-november-2020-misery-sean-clifford-will-levis

- Kirk Ferentz Press Conference:

Transcript: https://247sports.com/college/iowa/LongFormArticle/Everything-Kirk-Ferentz-said-on-Tuesday-Penn-State-Nittany-Lions-Iowa-Hawkeyes-154943594/#154943594_1

- 2018 Sean Clifford Article (1 free article before pay-wall): 

Penn State’s Perfect Backup Quarterback: Sean Clifford’s Folkloric Start

https://www.mcall.com/sports/penn-state/mc-spt-penn-state-football-quarterback-sean-clifford-20180919-story.html

- Andy from The Office punches hole in the wall: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwTJ08lb73Q

- The Perfect Storm (2000):

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0177971/

- 2004 Iowa at Penn State, the 6-4 Game:

https://www.espn.com/college-football/game?gameId=242970213

https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/11749605/happy-anniversary-iowa-6-4-win-penn-state

- 2002 Iowa at Penn State Game. A great comeback game after a brutal start. The refs screwed PSU multiple times, including in OT that led to JoePa chasing the ref down after the game:

https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2013/7/23/4548464/hidden-gems-penn-state-iowa-2002

https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=222710213

- Jason Oweh is the team’s second leading tackler behind Ellis Brooks. He has 27 total tackles to Brooks 31. Oweh has more than double the number of tackles that Shaka Toney has, which is 12.

- 8-OF-19 - PENN STATE’S RED ZONE TOUCHDOWN RATE

Getting to the red zone hasn’t been Penn State’s issue, it’s finishing the job that has been the difference for the Nittany Lions. Penn State has been there 19 times and scored just eight touchdowns. On top of that, they have been in the red zone and gone without any points at all seven times, including twice in the fourth quarter on Saturday at Nebraska. The Nittany Lions’ 63.2 percent conversion rate is 123rd out of 126 FBS programs this season. The struggles have been a direct reflection of two major deficiencies so far this year. Penn State has just four rushing touchdowns in four games and two of those came from inside the red zone (and one, of course, came as a result of Indiana letting Ford into the end zone). Passing accuracy has been an issue all over the field for Penn State, but it’s been magnified in the red zone. That hasn’t been more apparent than last week against Nebraska, as the Nittany Lions finished 2-of-11 passing for 21 yards and no scores in the red area. For the season, Penn State is 12-of-28 passing for 107 yards and six touchdowns inside the 20. The windows get tighter, accuracy and touch are highlighted, and Penn State has come up mighty short in the red zone this season. Only Illinois has been worse in the Big Ten.

https://247sports.com/college/penn-state/LongFormArticle/Penn-State-Football-Stats-tell-the-story-Nittany-Lions-0-4-start-154936486/#154936486_6

Tom and Andy recap PSU-Nebraska, a game with some bright spots but one that ultimately puts them at 0-4 and feeding at the bottom of the Big Ten standings. They discuss some of the big developments in the game, including the benching of Sean Clifford in favor of Will Levis, and the continuation of defensive breakdowns. They also analyze some of the team's underlying issues and what needs to change going forward.

Tom and Andy try and shake off Penn State's disappointing 0-3 start and share some questions and insights about what we expect (and hope) to see Saturday against Nebraska. They also share some midweek news updates about Coach Franklin, the team depth chart, and Journey Brown.

Show Notes:

- James Franklin discussing being apart from his family and how it has effected him:

https://www.post-gazette.com/sports/psu/2020/11/10/penn-state-football-james-franklin-daughter-sickle-cell/stories/202011100136

- Roz Ellis, Iowa Field Hockey Coach: 

https://hawkeyesports.com/coach/roz-ellis/

- Journey Brown ends his football career for medically reasons:

https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/30299931/penn-state-journey-brown-retiring-football-due-heart-condition

- Maryland Terapins Covid outbreak causes Ohio State game to be cancelled:

https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/30298323/maryland-vs-no-3-osu-due-coronavirus

- 2002 #7 Nebraska at #25 Penn State (condensed to 10 minutes):

https://youtu.be/w7ecNS5JE5o

- Scott Frost only had 1 undefeated season at UCF in just his second season going 13-0 in 2017 with a Peach Bowl victory over Auburn (37-27). He left after that second season with the Golden Knights to take the job at Nebraska.

- Maryland freshman WR who thrashed PSU, Rakim Jarrett:

https://saturdaytradition.com/maryland-football/maryland-wr-hauls-in-big-honor-from-pro-football-focus/

- Penn State QB Sean Clifford set on following Heisman winner Joe Burrow’s path:

https://www.mcall.com/sports/penn-state/mc-spt-penn-state-football-cotton-bowl-follow-20191229-zjojflt4k5c2lo222xemiekvlm-story.html

What the heck was that? Tom & Andy try to make sense of Penn State's embarrassing 35-19 loss to Maryland, a game that wasn't nearly as close as the score indicates. Instead of picking the game apart, they go deep and try and figure out what is going on with this team and how they can possibly move forward from here.

Show Notes:

- mirth:

/mərTH/

noun

amusement, especially as expressed in laughter.

“Penn State’s 0-3 start shook Andy’s mirth"

- James Franklin’s family isn’t with him for the season:

https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/29360334/penn-state-james-franklin-leaving-family-florida-protect-daughter-health

- In 2004 Penn State was 2-7 entering the final 2 games of the season against Indiana and Michigan State. They were coming off 6 straight losses, none of which were blowouts. They rallied against Indiana with a goal line stand to maintain the lead and get the win 22-18 in Bloomington. Then they capped the season off with a decided victory against Michigan State 37-13. This led the team into the offseason for a strong run at a national title in 2005.

https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/penn-state/2004-schedule.html

There's a lot to be frustrated with, but Tom and Andy are trying to stay positive and keep the faith in this unusual and expectation-defying season.

Show Notes:

- The most yards KJ Hamler ever had in a game was 138 yards on 4 catches (1 TD) against Ohio State in 2018. He has had two games that are tied for the most touchdowns in a game with two touchdown catches. Both games were in 2019 against Idaho and Michigan. 

- Jahan is in pretty good territory tying for second all time in Penn State history with 3 TD catches in a game. The last Penn State Wide Receiver to have 3 TDs in a game was DaeSean Hamilton against Indiana in 2017. Tight end Pat Freiermuth also caught 3 TD’s last year against Michigan State. Outside of those two players and Jahan Dotson, there are only 5 other Penn State receivers who have caught 3 TD’s in a game: Allen Robinson (two times in 2012 against Navy and Indiana), Deon Butler (Michigan State 2008), Joe Jurevicious (Louisville 1997), Bobby Engram (Rutgers 1995), and Freddie Scott (Temple 1994). Bobby Engram stands alone at the top with the most TD catches in a game for PSU with 4 against Minnesota in 1993. 

- https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/projection

“Other Words from projection

projectional \ prə-​ˈjek-​shnəl , -​shə-​nᵊl \ adjective”

- Urban Meyer on playing in Beaver Stadium during a whiteout:

https://www.elevenwarriors.com/ohio-state-football/2020/10/117598/urban-meyer-believes-penn-states-white-out-is-a-7-to-10-point-advantage-it-wont-have-this-week

- Locksley and Penn State head coach James Franklin spent three seasons together at Maryland, from 2000 to 2002. Locksley coached the running backs, Franklin the wide receivers.

https://www.centredaily.com/sports/college/penn-state-university/psu-football/article235382857.html#:~:text=Locksley%20and%20Penn%20State%20head,p.m.%20Friday%20(on%20FS1)

- 2016 Penn State at Pitt:

https://www.sbnation.com/2016/9/10/12873134/drop-throw-doom-penn-state-pitt-pittsburgh-college-football

Tom and Andy discuss the misery of losing the opener against Indiana in dysfunctional fashion. They work their way through all the glaring issues that they saw as Indiana burst Penn State’s chance at an undefeated season. By the end of their Indiana review, they point out the silver linings that they gleaned from the loss as we look ahead to next week’s Mount Everest opponent, Ohio State. An Ohio State team that looks every bit the title contender that we all thought they were. 

Show Notes:

- DraftKings to reportedly refund losing Penn State wagers after controversial loss to Indiana: 

https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-football/news/draftkings-refund-losing-penn-state-wagers-loss-indiana/15xl6d34zugh31afcazwermjms#:~:text=DraftKings%20is%20refunding%20all%20ML,site%20credits%20within%2024%20hours.&text=The%20controversy%20from%20Saturday's%20game%20arose%20on%20the%20final%20play.

- 2021 Recruiting Rankings: 

https://247sports.com/Season/2021-Football/CompositeTeamRankings/

- Justin Fields continues to look elite: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2914889-justin-fields-opens-heisman-campaign-in-style-as-no-5-osu-dominates-nebraska

It's finally here—game week 2020. Like James Franklin, this episode is all about Indiana, Indiana, Indiana, Indiana! Tom and Andy start with a few final preseason updates, looking at roster changes and late-breaking player news. Then they take a look at Indiana and what sort of game they expect to see from their first opponent of the season. They end with their game and season predictions, if only Tom will let Andy sign off!

From the show:

First things first: just after we finished recording, it was reported that Journey Brown may be unavailable for the entire 2020 season due to an undisclosed medical issue. Apparently Andy jinxed it, and we are truly sorry, Journey. But in all seriousness, we wish Journey the best and hope whatever is going on is not as bad as it seems right now.

Here are some of the other things discussed in the show—

• Notable body transformations: https://247sports.com/college/penn-state/LongFormArticle/Penn-State-football-season-2020-roster-updated-153019967/#153019967_1

• Micah Parsons is listed at 6’3” 245lbs. Brandon Smith is listed at 6’3” 244lbs, a 1 one pound difference between the two. Micah is bigger by one measly pound, but bigger nonetheless. 

• Anthony Adams was 5’11.5” 299lbs as of the 2003 draft. His Instagram handle is @spiceadams 
• Antonio Shelton’s Instagram handle is @_groovy55

• Drug related issues resolved for trio of players: https://247sports.com/college/penn-state/Article/Penn-State-trio-resolve-drug-related-cases-Devyn-Ford-Caedan-Wallace-Sal-Wormley-153173619/

• Apparently I’m not the only one who thought Garrett Sickles played with his hair on fire: https://www.ydr.com/story/sports/college/penn-state/football/2016/10/25/he-played-his-penn-state-hair-fire/92724500/

• College Football Playoff will NOT expand: https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-football-playoff-wont-expand-to-eight-teams-despite-proposal-from-pac-12-for-2020/

• Current AP Top 25 Poll: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll

• James Franklin Indiana Tweet: https://twitter.com/coachjfranklin/status/1317940295460335618?s=20

• Dirty Rotten Scoundrels Ruprecht the monkey boy clip (Oklahoma bit at 5:10, Cork on fork bit at 6:01): https://youtu.be/eF8QAeQm3ZM

• Antwaan Randle El Indiana career statistics: https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/antwaan-randle-el-1.html

• Michael Penix Jr. Indiana information: https://iuhoosiers.com/sports/football/roster/michael-penix-jr-/14628

• Pro Football Focus pre season QB rankings: https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-quarterback-rankings-all-130-fbs-starters

• The last time Ohio State lost to Indiana was in 1988 when Indiana won 41-7

• 11/17/2018 Maryland almost beat Ohio State, but ultimately lost 52-51

• Updated Penn State Roster: https://gopsusports.com/sports/football/roster

• Throwback uniform breakdown: https://www.roarlionsroar.com/penn-state-football/2017/06/2354/power-ranking-penn-states-throwback-uniforms-liam-neeson

• Jonathan Sutherland is number 0: https://www.si.com/college/pennstate/football/penn-state-football-jonathan-sutherland-jersey-zero

Tom and Andy have a riveting discussion about Penn State's special teams, including the progress they made in last year, and how they hope the team will build on it this year. They also talk through the season ahead, noting the big games, major uncertainties, and huge expectations they have for the upcoming season.

From the Show:

Hugh Freeze coached Liberty against Syracuse from his hospital bed in 2019. They lost 24-0.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2019/08/31/hugh-freeze-hospital-bed-liberty-syracuse/2182312001/

Joe Paterno’s last game on the sidelines was on October 15th, 2011 against Purdue. Penn state won the game 23-18. Joe started the game on the sideline. Then went up to the press box at half time. He would never coach a game from the sidelines again. He was dealing with a hairline fracture in his hip from a sideline collision during warmups. https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/6844675/joe-paterno-shoulder-hip-injured-sideline-collision-penn-state-nittany-lions-practice

JoePa’s 409th victory sealed with an Illinois missed FG as time expired with help from the student section in a snowy Beaver Stadium.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGzGePvKbGs&feature=emb_logo

Special Teams:

Blake Gillikin: He was named a freshman All-American by ESPN. He was named as a first-team Academic All-American twice. He is only the 12th two-time Academic All-American in Penn State History. Gillikin's Academic All-America honor is the 67th for Nittany Lion football program, which ranks second in Division I football history (FBS and FCS). He was a rare two-time captain at Penn State, and won several team awards for his leadership. And he was named Big Ten Sportsman of the Year. He is also incredibly intelligent, maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA in kinesiology. It’s like having a coach AND doctor on the field. Gillikin is the first Penn State punter to be named Academic All-American.

Joe Lorig, Special Teams Coordinator: "Number one we try to learn from other people's mistakes you know," Penn State special team's coordinator Joe Lorig said last week. "I put together a teach clip cut up every week for our guys and you know like we were gonna watch three today. Two from the Texas Tech Texas game, but you're seeing a lot of special teams mistakes across the country you know I think it's a product of not having spring football."

Jordan Stout: His 79.5% touchback rate was a program-best over the past 10 seasons.

His 12 touchbacks against Idaho in the opening game last season were due in large part to the fact that Penn State crushed the Vandals 79-7.

Punting hang-time: Punter Pat McAfee has the official unofficial longest hang-time at 5.6 seconds. 

Blake Gillikin helped Penn State beat Ohio State 24-21 in 2016. Without Blake Gillikin’s heads up play to take a safety on a bad snap, PSU might not have won the game.

Jake PineGARRRRRRR. You’ll start saying it too. 

Chris Stoll, Long Snapper awarded scholarship (video): https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2020/10/9/21510129/penn-state-long-snapper-chris-stoll-awarded-scholarship

Season Overview:

First three game times announced: 

https://www.roarlionsroar.com/penn-state-football/2020/10/7235/kickoff-times-ohio-state-indiana-michigan-tv-network-big-ten

TCU’s hideous alternate uniforms: 

https://www.uniswag.com/blog/tcu-alternate-uniforms

Florida’s probably even more hideous alternate uniforms:

https://uni-watch.com/2017/10/10/so-much-for-draining-the-swamp-gators-to-go-full-gator/

Couldn’t track down the video of the the PSU abomination helmets from James Franklins office during an interview he gave on ESPN.

Penn State lost to Maryland at Beaver Stadium 20-19 on November 1st, 2014. It was Penn State’s first game with Maryland as a new member of the Big Ten. James Franklin was the head coach. We hadn’t played them since 1993 when we beat them 70-7. Penn State holds an overall record of 40-2-1 against Maryland.

Bill O’Brien’s first year coaching was in 2012, not 2013. 

Penn State last lost to Iowa in 2010, not in 2015, as Andy so horribly stated. We lost that game in Kinnick equally as horribly, 24-3.

Penn State is 9-14 against Michigan all time. With a 3-11 record in the Big House. Our last win in Ann Arbor came in 2009 by a score of 35-10. 

People from New Jersey are apparently called New Jerseyites. Who woulda thunk it?

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