The Obligatory PSU Podcast

What impact will college football playoff expansion have on Penn State?

Show Notes

Once upon a time, Joe Paterno's Penn State Nittany Lions were the new kid on the college football block, struggling to earn respect among the established titans of the sport while battling entrenched stereotypes about the inferiority of "Eastern football." It felt like a rigged game in which even going undefeated wasn't nearly enough. Today's Group of Five conference contenders - Boise State, UCF, Cincinnati - face a similar uphill climb, but the coming expansion of the college football playoff may finally afford these programs and their frustrated fans a chance to escape the on-deck circle. Meanwhile, Old State has long since graduated to the ranks of the bluebloods, and the move to 12 teams has far different implications for the Lions and their current head coach in the pursuit of a coveted national title. From opening doors for the sport's scrappy underdogs to impacting - positively, we hope - everything in Happy Valley from recruiting to the fans' psyches, we further explore the near-future of college ball in the chaotic playoff era.

"Taking 'The Walk' with James Franklin" by Ben Jones of StateCollege.com: https://www.statecollege.com/penn-state-football-taking-the-walk-with-james-franklin/

Part 1 of our Playoff Expansion discussions: https://share.transistor.fm/s/b75ef3e6

HOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Mike Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris Buchignani

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What is The Obligatory PSU Podcast?

The Obligatory PSU Podcast features wide-ranging discussions of Penn State sports, Nittany Lions football in particular, and all things Penn State and Happy Valley from the cast of The Obligatory PSU Pregame Show: Former Penn State and NFL defensive lineman Brandon Noble (’92-97), campus icon Mike “the Mailman” Herr, Mount Nittany Conservancy Board Secretary Kevin Horne, and seven-time Sam's Club Member Chris Buchignani. Along with a rotating cast of characters from around State College and across Nittany Nation, the guys focus on the stories, issues, and personalities surrounding the Blue and White fan experience.

The Obligatory PSU Podcast delivers fun and insightful commentary on the teams, University, and place that are beloved by many thousands of students, alumni, and fans. There’s no pretense of objectivity or “journalistic” distance here; these guys are here because they care, and their Penn State knowledge and love shine through in every installment. The goal is to touch on a broad variety of topics relating to the Nittany Lions in conversations that are frequently funny and occasionally profound, all while enjoying a few (or more) adult beverages. If you’ve got Penn State in your blood, you’ll enjoy sharing the journey with us.