Penn State corner earns Shrine Bowl invite; projecting Lions' spot in first CFP rankings: Newsstand
Penn State news, notes, and updates for Oct. 31 include a look ahead to the first CFP rankings, an opportunity for Johnny Dixon, and more.
It’s time to dive into Tuesday’s top tweets and headlines about the Nittany Lions and college athletics.
Penn State news of the day
We start with an update on Penn State cornerback Johnny Dixon. The veteran Nittany Lion shared on social media that he has been invited to the Shrine Bowl. He will aim for a Senior Bowl invite, of course. But, it’s a good opportunity either way and recognition of his season to date. So far, he has 17 tackles (three for loss), two sacks, an interception, and three pass breakups.
In other news, the first College Football Playoff selection committee rankings come out at 7 p.m. ET tonight on ESPN. Multiple media outlets have put out their projections. Penn State is likely to slot in at either No. 10 or No. 11. ESPN has the Nittany Lions at the former spot.
“It’s one thing to struggle on the road against Ohio State; it’s another to nearly whiff at home against a 2-6 Indiana team,” Heather Dinich writes. “PSU avoided disaster on Saturday, but those are the types of performances that can hold the Lions back in the committee meeting room — especially without a statement win to help compensate for it.”
Top 10
- 1
Elko pokes at Kiffin
A&M coach jokes over kick times
- 2
Dan Lanning
Oregon coach getting NFL buzz
- 3Trending
UK upsets Duke
Mark Pope leads Kentucky to first Champions Classic win since 2019
- 4Hot
5-star flip
Ole Miss flips Alabama WR commit Caleb Cunningham
- 5
Second CFP Top 25
Newest CFP rankings are out
Yahoo, however, has the Nittany Lions at No. 11.
“The Nittany Lions are going to find themselves outside the top 10 thanks to an offense that is having a hard time recently,” it writes. ” Penn State got a couple of late gifts from Indiana in a 33-24 win as Drew Allar averaged less than seven yards a pass attempt once again. The Penn State defense wasn’t great on Saturday, but we’re giving them a pass. The offense needs to pick it up if Penn State is going to stay in contention for a New Year’s Six bowl game.”
Headlines of the day
Penn State-Maryland X factors: Will the Lions’ secondary bounce back against Taulia Tagovailoa?: Flounders, PennLive
T-Frank’s Film Room: Options abound for the Penn State offense vs. Indiana: BWI
Your Expectations vs. James Franklin’s Reality, All 22 of the Them: Poorman, Statecollege.com
Drew Allar, Penn State can build on close call: Bauer, BWI
Penn State’s Still in Big Ten Contention. But Is it a Contender?: Wogenrich, SI
New Jersey prospect Jermaine Kinsler picks up offer from Penn State during weekend visit: Snyder, BWI
Big Ten roundup | Upsets, near-upsets highlight eventful week for the conference: Haas, Daily Collegian
Quote of the day
“The visit was very good for my first time going to Pennsylvania. I came to Penn State Saturday morning, so I didn’t get a chance to see a lot of the campus or facilities. As soon as I arrived at the stadium, I went right in to meet with Coach [James] Franklin.
“A couple of things that stood out the most was meeting and getting an offer from Coach Franklin in person, along with other coaches. Another thing that stood out was the fans. As we were walking through the tunnel, a young kid called my name and came over to shake my hand. I thought that was so cool that he knew who I was.
–Class of 2026 New Jersey defensive lineman Jermaine Kinsler to BWI.
