Buckle up, Nittany Nation! In this raw, unfiltered episode of Hardcore Penn State Football, we dive headfirst into the chaos that's gripped Happy Valley as the 2025 season spirals into madness. With James Franklin's stunning midseason firing still sending shockwaves through the program—just days after a gut-wrenching 3-3 skid—Penn State heads into the lion's den at Kinnick Stadium for a brutal Week 8 clash against a surging Iowa squad (4-2) on October 18. Is this the rock-bottom revenge tour nobody saw coming, or the spark that reignites our playoff dreams? We break it all down with zero punches pulled.

Penn State vs. Iowa Preview: Trap Game or Total Meltdown? The Hawkeyes are rolling with a punishing ground attack—led by Xavier Williams' two-TD explosion last outing and QB Mark Gronowski's dual-threat nightmare fuel. Kinnick's nightmarish atmosphere under the lights (7 p.m. ET on Peacock) has crushed bigger dreams than ours. We dissect first time-starting QB Ethan Grunkmeyer, Interim HC Terry Smith's presser, and whether our D-line (shoutout Dani Dennis-Sutton's punt-block heroics) can stuff Iowa's rush before it stuffs us.

Franklin Out, Who's Next? Holy buyout, Batman—what a bloodbath! Franklin's pink slip (after a 104-45 tenure, a '24 playoff semi, and that elusive natty) joins a 2025 carousel on steroids: UCLA, Virginia Tech, Oklahoma State (RIP Mike Gundy), Arkansas (Sam Pittman gone), Oregon State, and even Stanford's wild Frank Reich interim experiment. Is Penn State boosters' cash vault eyeing a splash like Marcus Freeman, Matt Rhule, or Urban Meyer? We discuss who we have heard, who is real, and who is not. Whether you're tailgating in Iowa's cornfields or rage-scrolling from your Beaver Stadium man cave, this ep is your survival guide to the storm.

WE ARE... STILL HERE! Smash that like button, subscribe for weekly roasts, and drop your wildest coaching carousel predictions in the comments. Visit rhettcoblentz.com for your graphic design needs! #WeAre #PennStateFootball #nittanylions

WEEK 8 PICK'EM: https://forms.gle/Bd7xBWV6ZZy9XbCy9

In this explosive episode of Hardcore Penn State Football, we break down the Nittany Lions' stunning upset loss to Northwestern— a game that has fans reeling and questioning everything. Join host Shawn Kane & Cory Lestochi as we tackle the big questions head-on: James Franklin Gone, now who? We dissect the removal of James Franklin after this embarrassing defeat. Terry Smith will serve as the interim HC. We analyze his track record, fan reactions, and what the administration might be thinking.

Drew Allar Out for the Season: The heartbreaking news on our star QB—how did the injury happen, what's the prognosis, and who steps up next? We explore the depth chart, backup options, and how this blows up the offense. What Now? Looking ahead to the rest of the 2025 season: roster adjustments, upcoming matchups, recruiting implications, and strategies to salvage the year.

Can Penn State still make a bowl game, or is it rebuild time? Packed with expert analysis, hot takes, and your fan voicemails. If you're a die-hard PSU fan, you won't want to miss this raw discussion.

Smash that like button, subscribe for more unfiltered Nittany Lions coverage, and drop your thoughts in the comments—what's your take on Franklin being fired?

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WEEK 8 PICK'EM

In this episode of Hardcore Penn State Football, we preview the Nittany Lions' crucial matchup against Northwestern as they look to snap a frustrating two-game skid. Can Penn State turn things around and get back in the win column?

We break it all down, starting with why the biggest battle isn't the Wildcats—it's Penn State itself. From lingering injuries (Rojas, Donkoh) and mental lapses to execution errors that have plagued recent outings, we dissect how the team needs to overcome its own demons to regain momentum.

Next, we zero in on the second-biggest challenge: the linebacker corps. With Tony Rojas still sidelined and depth issues exposed, how will the defense hold up against Northwestern's running attack led by RB Caleb Komolafe (4 TDs in past 3 games) ? We analyze potential adjustments, key players stepping up, and what it means for stopping the run and pressuring the quarterback.

Finally, the big question on offense: Will they finally take control? After inconsistent play-calling and underutilized weapons, we explore if Drew Allar and the unit can dictate the pace, get Kaytron Allen more involved, and exploit Northwestern's vulnerabilities for a dominant performance. Tune in for expert breakdowns, bold predictions, and what this game means for the rest of the season. If you're bleeding blue and white, smash that like button, subscribe for more, and sound off in the comments Visit rhettcoblentz.com for your graphic design needs! #WeAre #PennStateFootball #nittanylions

WEEK 7 PICK'EM

In this episode of Hardcore Penn State Football, we dive deep into the Nittany Lions' heartbreaking 42-37 loss to UCLA. We kick things off by breaking down how the defense struggled to get off the field, allowing the Bruins to control the clock and convert key third downs that kept drives alive far too long.

Next, we explore the massive impact of linebacker Tony Rojas's injury and how it completely shifted the identity of the Penn State defense, leaving gaps in run stopping and pass coverage that UCLA exploited relentlessly.

On the offensive side, quarterback Drew Allar delivered a performance that was more than good enough to secure a win—efficient passing, smart decisions, and clutch throws under pressure. But why isn't running back Kaytron Allen getting more touches? We dissect the play-calling, his underutilization in the ground game, and what it means for the backfield moving forward.

Join us for raw analysis, fan reactions, and our take on what Penn State needs to fix before the bye week. If you're a die-hard Nittany Lion, hit that subscribe button, like the video, and drop your thoughts in the comments.

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WEEK 7 PICK'EM

Join us for the latest episode of Hardcore Penn State Football as we dive deep into the Nittany Lions' upcoming clash with UCLA this weekend! In this preview, we break down the massive shakeup at UCLA with the recent firing of their head coach and what it means for the Bruins' strategy and morale heading into Happy Valley. Can Penn State bounce back and move forward after that tough loss to Oregon? We discuss the mental reset, key player adjustments, and how the team can channel that setback into fuel for a dominant performance. Plus, we explore potential changes on offense – from play-calling tweaks to lineup shifts – that could unlock PSU's full potential against a vulnerable UCLA defense. Special guest Rich Scarcella from the Reading Eagle joins the show to share his expert insights, insider scoops, and predictions for the game. Don't miss this must-watch episode for every Penn State fan! Hit that LIKE button if you're ready for a big win, SUBSCRIBE for more Hardcore breakdowns, and drop your game predictions in the comments below. Visit rhettcoblentz.com for your graphic design needs! #WeAre #PennStateFootball #nittanylions

WEEK 6 PICK'EM

Buckle up for the Hardcore Penn State Football Podcast as we unpack the gut-wrenching 30-24 double-overtime loss to No. 6 Oregon in Week 6's White Out thriller at Beaver Stadium! In front of a shattering 111,015 fans clad in white, the Nittany Lions (3-1, 0-1 Big Ten) fought valiantly in a rematch of last year's Big Ten Championship but couldn't overcome offensive woes, a toothless defense, and another signature defeat for James Franklin. Oregon (5-0, 2-0) extends its regular-season Big Ten win streak to 12, but PSU's playoff dreams took a hit. We're dissecting the film, the what-ifs, and the path forward—because even in defeat, We Are! Drew Allar’s rollercoaster season hit a devastating low in the White Out spotlight, completing just 18-of-35 passes for 212 yards, 2 TDs, and one crushing interception—a game-sealing pick on his first throw of the second overtime that handed Oregon the win. The senior flashed poise with a 42-yard bomb to Devonte Ross and a clutch two-minute drill to tie it late, but his streaky arm (underthrows to Trebor Peña, forced throws into double coverage) and footwork issues under pressure from Oregon’s front seven led to a season-low 51% completion rate. After 722 yards and 7 TDs through three games, Allar’s boom-or-bust pattern is now a glaring concern—can he lock in before Ohio State, or is this the regression we feared? Penn State’s vaunted defense, which suffocated Nevada, FIU, and Villanova, was shockingly passive against Oregon’s tempo offense, mustering only one tackle for loss while allowing 428 total yards and 5.2 yards per carry. The unit bent but rarely broke—holding the Ducks to 3-of-12 on third downs but lacked the disruptive edge from Zuriah Fisher (just 2 tackles) and Tony Rojas (8 stops but no splash plays). In double OT, Oregon’s explosive runs and Dante Moore’s poise exposed coverage lapses, leading to back-to-back TDs. Under DC Jim Knowles, this was a wake-up call: Where was the swarm we saw in the shutouts? James Franklin’s 4-12 lifetime record against top-10 foes (now 4-13 after this gut-punch) looms larger than ever, as Oregon blew a 17-10 fourth-quarter lead and but PSU couldn’t close in OT despite a roaring White Out crowd that forced two false starts on the Ducks. Franklin’s conservative calls—settling for Ryan Barker’s career-long 49-yarder early and punting on 4th-and-2—drew post-game heat, and his teams’ 1-5 mark in OT games since 2014 feels cursed. Despite a gritty comeback capped by Kaytron Allen’s 4-yard OT TD run (he and Nicholas Singleton combined for 142 rushing yards), Franklin admitted the execution fell short. With a loaded schedule ahead, can he finally exorcise these October demons and salvage a playoff run? Hats off to Oregon’s dynamic duo—head coach Dan Lanning schemed a masterpiece, bottling PSU’s run game (3.8 yards per carry) with aggressive blitzes and tempo shifts that neutralized the Lions’ O-line. Transfer QB Dante Moore was unflappable in the cauldron, going 22-of-30 for 285 yards and 3 TDs (including a 25-yard OT dagger to Gary Bryant Jr. and an 8-yarder to Dierre Hill Jr.), while adding 42 rushing yards to cap a 54-point-per-game Ducks offense. Lanning’s staff turned the White Out into a house of horrors for Penn State, proving Oregon is the Big Ten’s new alpha and a legit national title contender. Respect earned—now how does PSU respond? The loss drops PSU to No. 7 in the AP Poll, but with winnable games against UCLA and Northwestern next, there’s time to climb back into playoff contention. We’re analyzing the offensive line, debating Allar’s benching buzz, and previewing how the D-line can rediscover its edge.

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Get ready for the Hardcore Penn State Football Podcast as we preview the electric White Out clash between No. 3 Penn State and No. 6 Oregon this Saturday, Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC’s Big Ten Saturday Night! The 3-0 Nittany Lions, fresh off blowouts over Nevada (46-11), FIU (34-0), and Villanova (52-6), face their toughest test yet in a rematch of last year’s 28-24 Big Ten Championship thriller. With Beaver Stadium set to erupt in the 2025 White Out, this game could propel PSU back to No. 1 and cement their playoff path. Joined by special guest Donnie Collins, we’re breaking down Drew Allar’s defining moment, James Franklin’s big-game legacy, and why the line of scrimmage will decide it all. #WeAre ready—let’s dive in! This is it—Drew Allar’s chance to silence doubters under the White Out lights. The senior QB has shown flashes of brilliance (722 yards, 7 TDs, 65.3% completion through three games) but struggled with streaky play, including a costly pick against Villanova. Facing Oregon’s top-15 secondary, led by young but talented corners, Allar must stay poised to hit Kyron Hudson and Trebor Peña downfield while avoiding the turnovers that plagued PSU’s 0-2 record against top-10 teams last year. A clean game could vault Allar into Heisman talks and prove he’s the QB to lead Penn State to a national title. We’re analyzing his progress post-BYE and what he needs to do to outduel Oregon’s dual-threat signal-caller. James Franklin is 4-12 against top-10 opponents since 2016. With a 3-0 start and a defense allowing just 5.7 points per game, this is Franklin’s chance to flip the narrative in a game Vegas lists as a slight Penn State favorite. Can he scheme up a plan to exploit Oregon’s 20% explosive play rate while keeping PSU’s offense (averaging 44 points) humming? We’re debating Franklin’s game plan, from leaning on Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen’s ground attack to unleashing DC Jim Knowles’ turnover-hungry defense (6 forced turnovers in 2025). We’re pumped to have friend of the podcast Donnie Collins, veteran Penn State beat writer and co-host of Penn Stated, drop by for exclusive insights! Donnie breaks down the X’s and O’s, focusing on Drew Allar's performance. He’ll also share stories from covering PSU’s iconic White Outs and weigh in on whether Allar’s poise and Franklin’s play-calling can outmatch Dan Lanning’s Ducks, who enter 4-0 after crushing foes 162-30. Visit rhettcoblentz.com for your graphic design needs! #WeAre #PennStateFootball #nittanylions

WEEK 5 PICK'EM

Welcome back to the Hardcore Penn State Football Podcast for our ultimate hype show ahead of No. 3 Penn State's electric White Out clash with No. 6 Oregon on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC's Big Ten Saturday Night! Fresh off a 3-0 start with blowouts over Nevada (46-11), FIU (34-0), and Villanova (52-6), the Nittany Lions head into this rematch of last year's Big Ten Championship (which PSU won 28-24) as slight favorites in a game that could catapult them to No. 1. Beaver Stadium will transform into a sea of white under the lights, with over 108,000 fans creating college football's most intimidating atmosphere. We're breaking down keys to victory, special guest insights, and why this is must-win for James Franklin's squad. It's back where it belongs—primetime against a top-10 powerhouse! The 2025 White Out, turns West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium into a deafening whiteout spectacle. PSU is 13-8 all-time in White Outs, including six straight wins since 2019, and Oregon's players have already called it a "bucket-list game." Expect fireworks, synchronized chants, and a crowd that rattles even the most seasoned Ducks. This isn't just a game; it's a statement to reclaim Big Ten dominance after Oregon's 13-1 campaign last year. We're thrilled to welcome Dale Bliss, Autzen Zoo writer, for an in-depth chat on this matchup! Bliss provides a behind enemy lines look at the Oregon Ducks, who won their rivalry game last week with ease. Forget the hype—victory comes down to the trenches in this heavyweight slugfest. Penn State's elite D-line, led by Dani Dennis-Sutton (4 sacks, 3 forced fumbles) and a disruptive Zane Durant, must neutralize Oregon's explosive offense, which has averaged 54 points per game while crushing foes 162-30 to start 4-0. On the flip side, PSU's O-line faces Lanning's aggressive front—can they avoid the missed assignments that plagued early drives and give Allar clean pockets? Drew Allar vs. Oregon's secondary: will they let him run the ball? PSU's secondary vs. Ducks QB Dante Moore. Special teams shoutout: Gabe Nwosu's leg and Ryan Barker's boot could flip field position in a close one. With both teams unbeaten, a Lions W vaults them to No. 1 and sets up a monster Ohio State rematch.

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#WeAre #PennStateFootball #nittanylions

WEEK 5 PICK'EM

Join the Hardcore Penn State Football Podcast as we break down No. 2 Penn State’s commanding 52-6 victory over Villanova in Week 3 at Beaver Stadium! The Nittany Lions surged to 3-0 behind a ferocious defense and a balanced offensive attack, piling up 500+ total yards while limiting the Wildcats to just 182. With a well-timed BYE week ahead of the Big Ten opener against No. 6 Oregon, this blowout keeps PSU firmly in the playoff conversation—but not without some lingering concerns. We’re unpacking the film, the highlights, and what needs fixing to stay elite. Let’s roll! Drew Allar put up solid numbers against Villanova—24-of-32 for 280 yards and three TDs—but his streaky tendencies reared their head again, including a first-half interception on a forced checkdown that Omari Bursey snagged for the Wildcats' lone early momentum shift. Allar bounced back with dimes to Trebor Peña (23-yard TD) and Kyron Hudson, but the boom-or-bust pattern—elite lasers mixed with underthrows and hesitation under light pressure—has fans asking: Has he regressed from preseason hype, or is this just Week 3 rust against an FCS foe? With Oregon's pass rush looming, Allar's consistency will be make-or-break. Penn State’s defense is a juggernaut, holding Villanova to 2-of-12 on third downs, 3.2 yards per carry, and forcing two turnovers in a near-shutout effort (Villanova's garbage-time TD came with zeros on the clock). True freshman CB Jahmir Joseph emerged as the star, snagging his first career interception—a great baiting of the QB—and returning it 49 yards for a back-breaking pick-6. Tony Rojas added two sacks, Zuriah Fisher terrorized the edges, and the unit’s physicality was on full display. Under DC Jim Knowles, this group is swarming, turnover-prone, and absolutely terrifying—is it the best in the country?BYE Week Focus: What Must PSU Improve Before Oregon? The 52-6 thrashing was fun, but the BYE offers prime time to polish rough edges. Offensively, the line still whiffed on a few assignments, leading to stalled red-zone drives (though Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen combined for 160 rushing yards and three TDs). Third-down conversions ticked up to 7-of-14, but efficiency in two-minute drills needs work to counter Oregon’s tempo. Defensively, run fits were solid, but coverage lapses allowed a late score—nothing major, but details matter against top-10 talent. Special teams? Ryan Barker nailed three field goals (45, 42, and 28 yards), and Gabe Nwosu averaged 58 yards on punts. Coach Franklin’s offseason to-do: O-line cohesion, Allar’s footwork, and depth reps to keep the D fresh. Get it right, and PSU could be unstoppable. Subscribe for all things Hardcore Penn State Football as we recharge for Big Ten dominance.

Week 4 Pick'em

Join the Hardcore Penn State Football Podcast as we preview No. 2 Penn State’s Week 3 clash with Villanova at Beaver Stadium! Coming off a 2-0 start with a dominant 34-0 shutout over FIU, the Nittany Lions face an FCS opponent in Villanova, but with a massive Big Ten opener against No. 4 Oregon looming, this game is all about execution and momentum. We’re diving into what Penn State must do to stay sharp, why this tune-up matters, and how some of the AP Poll voters still hav the Lions reigning supreme at No. 1. Let’s break it down! After an inconsistent offensive showing against FIU—marked by Drew Allar’s 57.6% completion rate and a sluggish 3-of-12 third-down conversions—Penn State can’t afford to sleepwalk through this one. Coach James Franklin emphasized cleaning up the offensive line’s missed assignments and boosting the run game led by Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen. Expect Allar to target Kyron Hudson, Trebor Pena and Devonte Ross early to build rhythm. Can the Lions deliver a crisp, mistake-free performance to send a message before Oregon? This matchup is Penn State’s last chance to iron out kinks before hosting No. 4 Oregon in a Big Ten blockbuster that could shape their playoff path. The defense, led by Dani Dennis-Sutton and a resurgent Zuriah Fisher, has been lights-out, forcing turnovers and holding opponents to 354 combined yards over two games. Freshman DE Chaz Coleman’s emergence adds depth, but Villanova’s balanced attack will challenge PSU’s ability to stay disciplined. Offensively, it’s about consistency—can Allar shake off Week 2’s woes, and will the O-line finally gel? We’re analyzing how this game sets the stage for the Ducks and what Franklin’s staff must prioritize. Despite some offensive hiccups, some of the AP Poll voters remain all-in on Penn State, holding the Nittany Lions at No. 1 for the third straight week. The shutout of FIU and Week 1’s 46-11 rout of Nevada have voters sold on PSU’s elite defense and upside, even with Oregon, Ohio State, and Texas nipping at their heels. We’re debating whether the Lions deserve the top spot, how their résumé stacks up, and what a dominant win over Villanova could do to solidify their ranking before the Big Ten gauntlet begins. Will Gabe Nwosu’s booming 70-yard punt from Week 2 flip the field again? Can Ryan Barker stay perfect on field goals? And which under-the-radar players—like S Antoine Belgrave-Shorter or RB Cam Wallace—might steal the show? We’re breaking down matchups, sharing our score predictions, and discussing how PSU NEEDS to demolish VIllanova. Plus, live listener Q&A, Allar’s ceiling, and whether this team is truly playoff-ready. Tune in now for the full preview—We Eat! Don’t miss our analysis, bold takes, and all things Penn State as we gear up for Villanova and beyond. Ensure you are subscribed! #WeAre #PennStateFootball #nittanylions

WEEK 3 PICK'EM