BlueWhite Tailgate Pawcast: Penn State Football
SportPenn State beat writers Frank Bodani of the York Daily Record and Mike Gross of LNP Group along with former television sportscaster Andrew Kalista dive into Penn State football with preview, predictions and insight on the Nittany Lions as they navigate a new look Big Ten and look to finally take the next step by roaring into the expanded college football playoffs.
Siste episoder av BlueWhite Tailgate Pawcast: Penn State Football podcast
- BlueWhite Tailgate S2 Ep20: PSU Coaching Hot Board, The Buckeyes, & Who Wins a Title First: Franklin or PSU (01:01:34)
Penn State limps into Columbus looking to rebound and prove it that this team can still hang with the best. Do the Nittany Lions have a real shot against Ohio State? Andrew, Mike, and Frank dig into what has to go right for the Blue & White to have a shot at the Shoe. The guys also discuss how Terry Smith has adapted to his new leadership role and what changes are starting to take shape on offense. News flash, the program has an entirely new attitude inside the walls. The conversation heats up as the crew tackles the big-picture question — Who wins a championship first: James Franklin or Penn State ? The guys dive into the debate over what open and projected open coaching jobs which college football are the best comparing Penn State’s position to programs like LSU, Florida, Florida State, Oklahoma and others in the spotlight.Coaching rumors swirl as the guys assess the top candidates on the market — Joe Brady, Brian Hartline, Urban Meyer, Matt Campbell, and Matt Rhule — and discuss which names could realistically find their way to Happy Valley. The gang takes a closer look at what makes Ohio State’s wide receiver room so dominant, and why Hartline’s name keeps emerging as a potential coaching star Penn State fans should keep an eye on.It’s a packed episode full of passionate debate, insight, and honest talk about where the Nittany Lions stand heading into a defining moment in their season.Email the show at BlueWhiteTailgatePawcast@gmail.com
- BlueWhite Tailgate: "Producer Jesse" talks PSU Coaching Hot Board, James Franklin & PSU Perception (01:12:36)
Penn State may have a bye week but there is plenty to talk about. "Producer Jesse," Jesse Myers of the Josh Pate College Football Show, joins Penn State beat reporter Mark Wogenrich of Penn State on SI to discuss the Penn State coaching hot board.Who is falling in the minds of Penn State fans and who is rising? Are fans setting themselves up for disappointment? The guys join Mike Gross and Andrew Kalista as they discuss the timing of Pat Kraft making the move. Is this good economic sense and did Kraft do James a favor?James Franklin went on College GameDay for some softball questions. What do we think of the interview?All that and more on this edition of the BlueWhite Tailgate Pawcast. Email the show at bluewhitetailgatepawcast@gmail.com.
- New Coach Same Result: Lions Fall in Iowa City in Familiar Fashion (00:23:08)
Frank Bodani and Mike Gross Join Andrew Kalista as they breakdown the loss from Iowa City. Once again Penn State has a late lead, once again the defense finds a way to let it slip away. Penn State has big plays with Kaytron Allen on the sideline again and play calling has lettermen upset. What has to change inside the Penn State football building? Let us know in the comments and subscribeemail the show at BlueWhiteTailgatePawcast@gmail.com
- BlueWhite Tailgate Pawcast S2 Ep18 Franklin Out, Iowa Preview, Letterman Great talks Program (00:59:02)
James Franklin is out as the head coach at Penn State. His 11 plus seasons come to an end after a loss to Northwestern extends Penn State's free fall to three straight games. As fan apathy began to take hold, Penn State AD Pat Kraft decided to make a move. In comes Terry Smith as the head coach as the Lions get set to head to Iowa. How did Penn State get to this point? Were there warning signs that should have been picked up on? Was this decision too quick? Who will be the next man to lead the Blue & White?We dive into as much as much as you possibly can in an hour long show. Joining us along the way, Stephen Pitts, the former Vice President of the Penn State Football Letterman's Club joins the show. Pitts, a former standout running back for the Lions, talks about the role the Lettermen have during times of change, what he sees in the current state of Penn State football, and what it will take for the next head coach to lead the Lions into the future. An episode of reason amid a sea of turbulent waters all around Penn State football. Email the show bluewhitetailgatepawcast@gmail.com
- Lions in free wall with Northwestern disaster: Is this James Franklin's final game as Penn State head coach? (00:16:30)
Mike Gross and Andrew Kalista react to another face plant by the Nittany Lions at home. It feels like this game sealed the fate of head coach James Franklin. It truly does feel that way. Let us know in the comments and email the show at bluewhitetailgatepawcast@gmail.com
- BlueWhite Tailgate Pawcast S2 Ep 17 Franklin's Future, Can Lions Turn It Around vs N'Western? (00:52:40)
Penn State and James Franklin seem to be in a free fall and the path forward is murky at best.In this episode Mike, Frank and Andrew address fans' concerns with the media, you make like that segment or you may hate it but we give it a fair shake. The gang also addresses the pressure now coming from the national media and how this is much different than 2016 and 2021. We dive into Pat Kraft's mind. how he goes about addressing the issues. There still is a season to be played and yes, believe it or not 10-2 is still possible because games have to be played. Does this team have the heart to rise up and compete or will it wilt and become a bunch of individuals? What needs changed in the program asap? Are there too many distractions?No matter what happens going forward questions will always remain. Even if Penn State made the playoffs can the trust between Franklin and the fanbase ever truly be restored?Thanks for listening and joining the conversation at bluewhitetailgatepawcast@gmail.com.
- Is the the end of James Franklin at Penn State? UCLA embarrasses Lions 42-37 (00:24:53)
Penn State is out coached, out played, and disorganized for 60 minutes against an 0-4 UCLA team. Is this the end of James Franklin at Penn State? At least two of us believe so.Email the show at BlueWhiteTailgatePawcast@gmail.com
- BlueWhite Tailgate Pawcast S2 Ep 16: has Penn State peaked? Where do the Lions go from here? (01:08:49)
Penn State once again fell flat in a big game? Drew Allar once again essentially ended a game with an interception? Where does Penn State go from here? Can they bounce back and do they have a legitimate shot at a national title or has this program peaked under James Franklin?Are we overreacting to the double OT defeat?Former Penn State OL and member of the 1994 undefeated Big ten Championship team Keith "Goon" Conlin joins us to talk OL issues, scheme, leadership and much more as we move on from Oregon. Email the show bluewhitetailgatepawcast@gmail.com
- BlueWhite Tailgate Pawcast: Talkin' Hoops Preview with Penn State Head Coach Mike Rhoades (00:50:51)
A special hoops edition of the BlueWhite Tailgate Pawcast as we talk ball with Penn State Basketball head coach Mike Rhoades. We dives into the continued growth of the program as Rhoades looks to build a consistent winner in Happy Valley and the challenges he faces. Rhoades talks culture, toughness and the style of play a young Nittany Lions squad will bring to the court this season.With so many new faces in the program this year team chemistry is a must for the squad. How have they come together during the preseason and what will the roster development look like this season?The Big Ten conference slate is always challenging what does coach want to see from his squad as the season progresses.Gross and Kalista also dive into what fans can do to help this program mature. They also discuss if Penn State basketball can become that extra revenue generator that AD Patrick Kraft desires.
- Instant Reaction: #2/3 Penn State Falls to #6/5 Oregon (00:14:03)
An all to familiar scene taking place at Beaver Stadium as Penn State falls to a top ten ranked opponent. This time it is Oregon coming out on top 30-24 as Drew Allar is picked off in overtime to end this one for the Nittany Lions. Mike and Andrew go through the game and cover as many talking points as possible from high above Beaver Stadium. What are your thoughts? Share them at bluewhitetailgatepawcast@gmail.com
- BlueWhite Tailgate Pawcast S2 Ep 15 Is Oregon a Must Win? O.J. McDuffie talks WR Attitude (01:01:17)
It is put up or shut up time. Finally! Penn State hosts Oregon in a White Out showdown in Beaver Stadium. The story lines are endless. Can James Franklin finally win a big game against a formidable foe? Is this a must win game for Penn State? Is this the most important game since 2017 for Penn State?Is Drew Allar ready to show he truly is the top QB in the nation? Is the Penn State defense and Jin Knowles ready for prime time? Will the weak non-conference schedule come back and bite Penn State?These are questions and we attempt to answer them before the showdown Saturday night in the house that Paterno built. With a prime time game we needed a prime time guest, who better than legendary Penn State wide receiver O.J. McDuffie joins the show. The freshest juice in Miami talks about what it takes to be a great receiver in today's game and the attitude that the great ones have every time they step on the field. McDuffie also talks about his time with the Dolphins and his relationship with Dan Marino. O.J. takes us back to 1991 and the special memories that that unit created on. their way to #3 ranking and a dismantling of Tennessee in the Fiesta Bowl. We also chat about the recognition and respect the Penn State program has in South Florida, dive into NIL and also the strength of the Penn State alumni base in a wide ranging interview with one of Penn State's greatest players. Juice also ranks his top five Penn State wideouts of all time. To be a part of the show email BlueWhiteTailgatePawcast@gmail.com
- BlueWhite Tailgate Pawcast S2 Ep.14: Bye Week Musings, Jim Knowles and Position Grades (01:02:33)
Penn State is on a bye this week, but that doesn't mean there isn't work to be done! As James Franklin would say "it's a work week," and here at BlueWhite Tailgate Podcast we get to work with what we saw at practice on Tuesday. James Franklin spoke to the media after practice and had some "telling" words for what he expects to see with young players as they develop. What does mom and dad have to do with this? Jim Knowles spoke with the media over zoom on Wednesday and we find out he evaluates himself and the progression of the linebackers. Did you know he coached against Oregon twice last year? Seems like we should ask about the Ducks and our Mike Gross does. Finally it is time for some grades.Take listen and let us know what you think BlueWhiteTailgatePawcast@gmail.com
- Instant Reaction: Penn State's Up and Down Day against Villanova (00:05:23)
Penn State defeated Villanova 52-6 on Saturday in Beaver Stadium. The BlueWhite Tailgate Podcast guys react to what they saw take place on the field from high above in the press box and also at field level. Andrew and Mike give their instant reaction after talking with the players in post game and hearing from head coach James Franklin.
- BlueWhite Tailgate S2 Ep13: Are You Concerned? PSU's Inconsistent Start + PSU Voice Joe Putnam (01:00:22)
Penn State is 2-0 on the season. They have not dominated or looked anything like how they ended the 2024 campaign. Are you worried? Are you relaxed? Should you be freaking out? Frank, Mike and Andrew take you around the swirl of emotions right now in Nittany Nation and find reasons to be optimistic and yes, concerned.Game 2 was a shutout, but it exposed recurring offensive issues that the Lions need to address. Has this start told us anything about Drew Allar? Will this offensive line find their groove before the Lions face their first true test in Oregon? Can Penn State clean up its inconsistencies, red-zone stalls to avoid any speed bumps? The defense has looked good, yes they have given up yards but they continue to make plays. Is this defensive line ready for prime time? Do the guys see Chaz Coleman as the next Courtney Brown? Some of us are rational while some are trapped in a prison of emotions. Take a listen and find out. Don't miss one of the premier voices in college athletics Joe Putnam as he joins the show. Putnam talks Penn State history, his role as PA announcer at Beaver Stadium and the many roles he plays in Penn State athletics and the greater State College community.As always, reach out to the show and let your opinions be heard at: BlueWhiteTailgatePawcast@gmail.com
- BlueWhite Tailgate Pawcast S2 Ep12: PSU bites Nevada, What's Next & Former Captain Joins the Show (00:57:38)
Penn State opened up their season with a convincing win. History was made in more ways than one for the Nittany Lions.What was up with James Franklin and the white hat after the game? That isn't the only question for the Blue and White though. While the wideouts were impressive, why did Penn State struggle in the run game? Should there be a concern? We hear from WR Trebor Pena on the communication with Drew Allar.We also get defensive as Jim Knowles walks out of Beaver Stadium after a cool and calm performance. Zane Durant tells us where he got those soft hands from and what he saw from the young defensive line mates.Joining the show is former Penn State Captain and three year letter winner OL Mike Malinoski. The Schuylkill County product from Shenandoah Valley H.S. talks coaching todays high school athletes, what made the 1994 O-line to be so good after a strong close in 1993, and what he sees from this group in this iteration of Nittany Lions. Malinoski also takes us back to Shenandoah to talk about what else but their famous kielbasi.This episode should inspire some tailgate foodies!!!
- BlueWhite Tailgate: Penn State Season Preview, Nathan Stupar Talks Linebackers and PSU's Top LB's (01:07:58)
The wait is over and Penn State's march to their ultimate goal of a national championship begins Saturday against Nevada. The #2 ranked Nittany Lions seemed poised to make this an historic season. As camp breaks, what did James Franklin say that has surprised us? What freshman have the green light early on? Who is the breakout player that Nittany Lions sees step up?These are some of the topics and questions that Frank Bodani, Mike Gross and Andrew Kalista get into on this season preview episode. Who has the Lions winning the Big Ten and who has an undefeated regular season with some postseason heartbreak?Joining the show this week is former Penn State Linebacker and eight year NFL vet Nathan Stupar. The State College native talks about his expectations for this season, and what he likes about the leadership of the squad. Stupar also dives deep into his career at Penn State and the grind that it took for him to earn and keep a roster spot in the NFL.Stupar also talks past Penn State linebackers, would some of Penn State's best be able to play in today's game? Which linebacker had that craziness on the field? We close out the show with some predictions for the week and also our ranking of the top Linebackers to play at Penn State. Is the list dominated by modern era players or do historical players top the list? Listen and find out!Follow us all season long with weekly updates. Contact the show at BlueWhiteTailgatePawcast@gmail.com.
- BlueWhite Tailgate Pawcast: Talking Polls and Camp, Knowles & Connor Talk LB (01:02:38)
The AP poll and coaches polls have dropped and Penn State is not a preseason #1! Andrew Kalista predicted the Lions would be, but the hype around Manning at Texas was too much to overcome as Penn State fell just five points short of #1. We aren't complaining, but we dive into the poll and see what has surprised us. Camp continues for the Lions in a hot and steamy State College. We hear from Zane Durant about the motivation staying high in these dog days of summer. New DC Jim Knowles talks everything on the defense including who he trusts! Not many at the LB position apparently. Knowles also tells us what he is looking for as players compete for a spot in the rotation. Former AA LB Dan Connor is in his first year taking over the position. Dan has a chat comparing his development as a player at Penn State to him developing as a coach Jim Knowles relies on and trusts to implement his defense.As kick-off nears, we dive deep on the BlueWhite Tailgate pawcast.Want your thoughts heard? Email the show at: BlueWhiteTailgatePawcast@gmail.com.
- BlueWhite Tailgate Pawcast S2 Ep9: Lavar Arrington Talks Everything Penn State Football 2025 (00:49:38)
Penn State has massive expectations in 2025. One man who knows a thing or two about expectations, hype, and meeting those expectations is Penn State great Lavar Arrington. For nearly an hour, Arrington hits on a variety of topics from the team to NIL and the legacy of the "Grand Experiment." The All-American and All-Pro dives deep on the BlueWhiteTailgate podcast with the guys as he gives us his impressions of DC Jim Knowles. Is the media making too much of how difficult his defense is to run? The great LB dives deep into the X's and O's with this years Penn State squad. What sets this defense apart from other past schemes? Does Arrington see a weak spot on the team?Lavar also talked about his legacy with the Blue & White. How did his #11 become a symbol worn by great defensive players and maybe the most well known number at Penn State? Making sure to pay homage to #31 and LB greats that have worn that jersey, Arrington talks about his conversations with Tom Bradley and setting his own path, the Stix City nickname, the talks with NaVorro Bowman, Micah Parsons, Brandon Bell and Abdul Carter. How does Arrington see the allocation of the number playing out in the future?Did you know the man known for the Lavar Leap was once a prized D-1 basketball coach for some of America's biggest programs? You do now and Arrington tells some great stories of his basketball days. Want your thoughts heard? Email the show at BlueWhiteTailgatePawcast@gmail.com.
- BlueWhite Tailgate Pawcast S2 Ep8 - Who is the Preseason #1 & Landon Tengwall Brings US Behind Inside his Wall (00:59:48)
The calendar turns to August and the hype train is full steam ahead for Penn State in 2025. Who do you have as the preseason number one team in the nation? At least one among Andrew, Frank and Mike sees Penn State being ranked #1 in the AP poll. Former Penn State offensive lineman Landon Tengwall, who is building a media empire featuring his Behind the Wall podcast and College Football Show joins the discussion. Mike, Frank, Landon and Andrew dive into it all. Is James Franklin a better coach than Ryan Day? Does Penn State have a better staff than the Buckeyes? Is it a national championship or bust for the Lions? How is the Lions D going to implement the Jim Knowles defense? Who can Penn State ill afford to lose to injury this year if they want to compete for the championship? These are just some of the questions the guys dive into in a wide ranging show.Email the show and join the conversation at BlueWhiteTailgatePawcast@gmail.com
- BlueWhite Tailgate Pawcast S2 Ep7- James Franklin Embraces Expectations, Not Vegas Vibe (00:49:16)
The heat is up and we mean way up as Penn State hits Big Ten Media Days in Vegas. The only thing hotter than the temps are the expectations around the 2025 Nittany Lions. At Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, Penn State was represented by James Franklin, QB Drew Allar, OL Nick Dawkins, and S Zakee Wheatley. Frank, Mike and Andrew dive right into Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti continuing to advocate for four automatic bids each for the Big Ten and SEC in the CFP and what about this idea for a play-in round in the CFP to "connect" the regular season to the postseason?Penn State was the star of the show on the strip. as the preseason hype has peaked. The KGB gang talks about everything from preseason Big Ten honors for a trio to the Lions being tabbed the top team in the conference and country by multiple outlets. How does James Franklin handle the pressure? Well he pushed back on preseason rankings, emphasizing: “Rankings don’t matter the work does.” He urged focus on daily grind over headlines. All that and more in this edition of the BlueWhite Tailgate Pawcast.Email the show at bluewhitetailgatepawcast@gmail.com
- BlueWhite Tailgate Pawcast S2 Ep6: McKenna brings PSU to New Heights, Coach Cawley Awarded ESPY (00:54:56)
Talkin' Hockey Valley in JulyMike, Frank, and Andrew welcome Penn State Author and writer Ben Jones to the show to talk Penn State Hockey as Gavin McKenna commits to the Lions. What does this generational talent mean for expectations for next season? Is there more pressure on Penn State to make this marriage work out? Penn State's program has had a meteoric rise in the decade since Pegula Ice Arena was built, what is the driving force behind their success since they dropped the puck against Army in the first game? All that and more with Ben Jones. Penn State football topics on the docket includes a fan email that says we need to evaluate all QB's the way we evaluate Drew Allar.Most importantly we talk Penn State volleyball and the ESPY Awards with head coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley as she is awarded the Jim Valvano Perseverance Award for her courageous fight against cancer. email the show at bluewhitetailgatepawcast@gmail.com
- BlueWhite Tailgate Pawcast S2 Ep5: The Tides of Recruiting & PSU Wrestling in the news (00:50:19)
Contact the show at BlueWhiteTailgatePawcast@gmail.comThe tides of recruiting are as unpredictable as the Drake Passage. Top recruiting targets that seem like a lock suddenly bolt across the country spurning the home state school.A week later a long shot decides to make a pledge. Part of that intrigue is what makes college football great all year long.The world of recruiting continues to evolve and Penn State over the past few weeks has experienced both the highs and the lows.We dive right into the discussion regarding James Franklin's class of 2026.Penn State wrestling is dominating the headlines and social media. media but not in. a good way. A former champion, Aaron Brooks, faces adversity with an illness and then makes a mistake that costs him off the mat.A report out of State College from the Collegian puts Carter Starocci's name in the headlines for some wrong reasons. Frank, Mike and Andrew discuss the report.
- BlueWhite Tailgate Pawcast S2 Ep4: Zack Mills talks playing QB at PSU & ranking PSU's best QB's (00:59:14)
It is the slowest time of the year for Penn State football, the recruiting trail has unfortunately gone quiet but we can still make some noise with the Blue & White. Former Penn State quarterback Zack Mills joins the show to talk some ball. How does the former QB1 see the development of Drew Allar coming along and what steps he sees Drew taking in his final off season? Mills dives into how he sees Penn State being perceived by recruits and schools in the DC area. Zack also talks about the current state of college football. After a chat with Mills the guys go through and discuss Penn State's best signal callers from the Big Ten era and also all time. Where does your favorite player rank? Take a listen and find out! Join the conversation at BlueWhiteTailgatePawcast@gmail.com
- BlueWhite Tailgate S2 Ep3: College Football Playoff Whats Next (00:56:14)
contact the show: bluewhitetailgatepawcast@gmail.comThe College Football Playoff has undergone some changes. No more conference champions earning an undeserved first round bye. Now the top four teams to finish the season will actually be rewarded the path they deserve. And as we are headed for a 16 team playoff, we debate if this Is good for college football? Will the Big Ten and SEC control eight of those spots? Is that fair and will it leave good teams out who aren't considered "major material." Are we headed to an era where only major brands get in? The guys also talk James Franklin and staff's recent media availability. What was interesting? Frank tells us Terry Smith has high praise for one of his guys and Mike has a chat with Dan Connor.Plus a little basketball recruiting for Penn State and coach Mike Rhoades.
- BlueWhite Tailgate Pawcast S2 Ep2 Offseason Workouts - Fact or Fiction - Best PSU DBs (00:58:52)
contact the show at bluewhitetailgatepawcast@gmail.comThe long wait of the offseason drags on what is there to talk about? Well Frank, Mike and Andrew play a little "Fact or Fiction" with five questions heading into this year.Will James Franklin shred his reputation nationally?Will Drew Allar be a top 5 QB at Penn State of all-time?Those are just two of the questions we pose in our hypotheticals for the 2025 year. We also talk to Rob Oshinskie of Victory Sports and Fitness. A former GA at Penn State, Rob has worked with many athletes at the NFL, MLB level, and plenty of Penn State athletes find their way to his gym as well as high level D1 recruits. We pick Rob's brain on the edge every athlete is looking for and how these players train away from campus. Finally a little discussion about the best Penn State defensive backs of all-time. Where is Joey Porter Jr, Darren Perry and the like rank. That and more on the BlueWhiteTailgate Pawcast--