Penn State jumps Ohio State in power rankings; Olu Fashanu set for matchup with NFL Draft implications: Newsstand
Penn State news, notes, and updates for Sept. 13 include the Nittany Lions jumping up in college football power rankings, a look at a key position battle to watch in this weekend’s matchup with Illinois, and more.
It’s time to dive into Wednesday’s top tweets and headlines about the Nittany Lions and college athletics.
Penn State tweets of the day
We start with new college football power rankings. On3 moved Penn State up a spot to No. 2 in its Big Ten power rankings after two weeks. Previously, the Nittany Lions were behind Michigan and Ohio State. ESPN did the same, as it moved head coach James Franklin’s team up to No. 6 and the Buckeyes down to No. 7.
In other news, ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr., picked two players who will face off in the Penn State-Illinois game this Saturday as one of his top matchups of the weekend for draftniks to watch.
“Week 3 will feature hulking Illinois defensive lineman Jer’Zhan Newton facing off on several snaps against top-ranked offensive tackle Olumuyiwa Fashanu as Penn State visits Champaign. Newton is used at right end a bunch, though his future will be at defensive tackle.
“Will he be able to get by Fashanu, who has a chance to be a top-three pick in April? Both usually dominate on Saturdays, so this will be fun to watch.”
Top 10
- 1Breaking
Lamont Butler
UK stat out vs. UT
- 2
Ohio State deficit
Buckeyes athletic department financial shortfall
- 3New
Jay Bilas
SEC Tourney tougher than NCAA Tournament
- 4
Mark Sears' mother reacts
Alabama PG's mom on son's benching
- 5Hot
Top 25 players in CFB
Ranking the best players ahead of 2025 season
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The two sides meet at Noon ET on FOX. Penn State is a 14.5-point favorite.
In other news, Penn State lost a commitment from four-star Class of 2025 offensive lineman Jaelyne Matthews on Tuesday. He had previously been committed to the Lions since January.
Headlines of the day
How Drew Allar is still growing as Penn State’s starting QB, on and off the field: McGonigal, PennLive
PSU, Drew Allar, prep for first road test as date with Illinois looms: Pickel, BWI
A Few Ways PSU Could Use Beau Pribula That Actually Make Sense: Jones, StateCollege.com
Penn State coach James Franklin details the why behind Olu Fashanu’s low snap count against Delaware: Pickel, BWI
Penn State’s highest scoring games of James Franklin era: Woloson, Daily Collegian
T-Frank’s Film Room: Penn State freshmen who stood out against Delaware: Carr, BWI
Illinois football vs. Penn State betting lines and picks: Woodcock, FanSided
PSU wrestling offseason notes: Schedule updates, Senior Worlds preview, and more: Pickel, BWI
Quote of the day
“I think [Illinois does] a lot of different things. They have a lot of big guys up front, size; it’s going to be a challenge this week. First Big Ten game on the road, it’s not going to be easy by any stretch. It’s going to be a challenge.
“We need to stay in tune with us and keep working on the small things because at the end of the day the small things add up to the big things. They’re a really good defense. It’s going to be a huge challenge for us this week.”
–PSU QB Drew Allar on the Illinois game.
