Michigan State down key starter for Penn State game; Manny Diaz is a Broyles Award semifinalist: Newsstand
Penn State news, notes, and updates for Nov. 21 include Michigan State coach Harlon Barnett on the Lions, the latest from James Franklin, an honor for Manny Diaz, and more.
It’s time to dive into Tuesday’s top tweets and headlines about the Nittany Lions and college athletics.
Penn State tweets of the day
We start with a recap of yesterday’s dueling news conferences. Barnett, the Spartans interim head coach, and Franklin, the 10th-year leader of the Lions, both held their first news conference of game week on Monday. We’ll start with what Friday night’s host head coach had to say about the visitors.
The biggest takeaway is that starting center Nick Samac will be out. He will be replaced by center Dallas Fincher, who took over for him last week.
“He did a good job,” Barnett said of Fincher. “Dallas is a good football player. He has great attention to detail. He’s going to always try to execute to the best of his ability because he cares. He did a really good job. He’s going to be a good player for us, and I’m glad he’s on our team.”
Starting running back Nathan Carter could be back to face Penn State. But, that’s not yet clear.
As for Franklin, the big highlight from his 30-minute session with reporters focused on the status of quarterback Drew Allar.
Top 10
- 1Breaking
DJ Lagway
Florida QB to return vs. LSU
- 2
Dylan Raiola injury
Nebraska QB will play vs. USC
- 3
Elko pokes at Kiffin
A&M coach jokes over kick times
- 4New
SEC changes course
Alcohol sales at SEC Championship Game
- 5
Bryce Underwood
Michigan prepared to offer No. 1 recruit $10.5M over 4 years
“We expect Drew to go,” Franklin said. “Just like we planned on last week, I still think both of those guys will have roles. And, I think Beau will be ready to go. He did a great job. He didn’t flinch. And, went in and made plays like we expected him to make. We have not practiced yet since the game. But, all indications, I think we will be back to normal.”
In other news, Lions defensive coordinator Manny Diaz is one of 15 finalists for the Broyles Award. It goes to the best assistant coach in college football.
Headlines of the day
Penn State QB Drew Allar expected to play vs. Michigan State after injury vs. Rutgers: McGonigal, PennLive
As coaching carousel prepares to spin faster, Penn State coach James Franklin makes staff retention goals clear: Pickel, BWI
Penn State’s Latest Bowl Projections: Feeling Peachy?: Wogenrich, SI
Where did Penn State commits land in the latest On3 recruiting rankings release?: Fitz, BWI
After a Beau(t) of a Game vs. Rutgers, Poorman’s All-22 Signals What’s Next for Penn State: Statecollege.com
Q&A: Bekkem Kritza talks Penn State commitment and more: Fitz, BWI
Senior season evaluations lead to 2024 On300 rankings update: Power, On3
Quote of the day
“That whole staff, from coach Franklin all the way down, that’s really what I looked for. I know a lot of colleges, they like to tell you all the good stuff when you’re on a recruiting visit. They tell you all the good things, how good you are and things like that. With them, they told me the good things but also told me the things that I needed to work on. Having those coaches be honest like that, it doesn’t get any better than that on and off the field.”
–PSU Class of 2024 QB commit Bekkem Kritza on what put the Lions over the top.
