The Nittany Dispatch: A Penn State Football Podcast

It was a day for the defense as Dominic DeLuca had two interceptions, including a pick six, and Tony Rojas had one that went for another pick six as the Nittany Lions stifled the SMU offense to earn a place in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals. Abdul Carter threw in numerous pressures and a sack as well as Dani Dennis-Sutton who helped terrorize Kevin Jennings in a huge win for James Franklin. Penn State’s offense struggled early but took over on the ground as Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen both averaged nearly seven yards per carry. Drew Allar could not find his receivers but made plays with his legs to help the cause as the Nittany Lions had a comfortable lead at the half. Future Fans: helping little kids become BIG fans, find out more at FutureFans.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The first round of the College Football Playoff is almost set to kickoff from Happy Valley on Saturday as SMU faces the Nittany Lions for a chance to advance. Audrey & Jon breakdown the matchup and what to expect on both sides of the ball as well as where Penn State has the advantage against the Mustangs. Will Drew Allar be able to buy time against the SMU front and how will the run game fair against one of the top run defenses in college football? How will Tom Allen’s defense matchup against Kevin Jennings and who else should fans keep an eye out for? Will Abdul Carter show up on the biggest stage and will a holding call ever be called? Tune in for predictions and everything you need to know heading into Saturday.  Future Fans: helping little kids become BIG fans, find out more at FutureFans.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If the anticipation of the playoff weren't enough, the Nittany Lions were all over the breaking news world over the last two days. The quarterback news out of Happy Valley dominated headlines and led to a commitment at wide receiver from Kyron Hudson but first Audrey & Jon discuss the news that Drew Allar will return to Penn State for the 2025 season leading to the departure of backup Beau Pribula. Pribula needed to make a decision and rightfully is moving on to get his opportunity but Penn State is in a tough spot now that they do not have the proven backup for the College Football Playoff run. All of this and the preview of the SMU game is still to come later this week. Future Fans: helping little kids become BIG fans, find out more at FutureFans.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Audrey & Jon return after recovering from their trip to Indianapolis to discuss the news out of State College as the Nittany Lions prepare for their matchup with SMU in the first round of the College Football Playoff. What players will Penn State be looking for out of the portal, how close was Andy Kotelnicki to leaving the Nittany Lions and how is James Franklin preparing for the playoff run? Plus, what are the departures that the Nittany Lions have already seen and how will they impact the team?

Audrey & Jon react to the selection of the Nittany Lions as the number six seed in the 2024 College Football Playoff. Penn State will host a first round playoff game against SMU in Beaver Stadium on Dec. 21st at noon ET. What is the path for James Franklin and his team? Can they make a deep run and how will they build off the Big Ten Championship offensive success? Will Drew Allar shine on the biggest stage and what adjustments will the defense need to make? Plus, will anyone ever call a hold on an offensive lineman against Abdul Carter?