Mailbag 9.20.24 from Black Shoe Diaries | Mailbag

The forecast for Saturday is usually sunny with a excessive of 79 levels. What’s your estimate on the variety of butts in seats at the beginning of the sport (not PSU’s “attendance” determine), and at the beginning of the fourth quarter? I’m going with 60K and 30K.—Smee

I hate to interrupt it to you, Smee, however the forecast isn’t so sunny anymore:

Because of that, I guess your numbers are going to be fairly correct (although I’d in all probability go together with round 75k to begin). Thirty thousand to begin the fourth nonetheless appears about proper to me.

SP+ says Kent State can be a decide ‘em in opposition to Mount Union, a D3 workforce a 37 minute drive away from Kent State.

It’s admittedly early, however my stats say 2024 Kent State is way and away the worst FBS workforce since 2011.

2024 Kent State is the worst workforce Penn State has performed since…..2008 Coastal Carolina? 1984 William & Mary? 1983 Brown? What’s your guess?—ckmneon

I clearly am far from a PSU soccer historian and am not capable of pull a few of these groups out of a hat, however listed below are some choices I may give you:

2000 Louisiana Tech – a (dangerous) PSU workforce nonetheless gained 67-7. They misplaced to Stephen F Austin it double time beyond regulation – however afterward did solely lose by 11 to #4 Miami.

2003 Indiana – a (very dangerous) PSU workforce nonetheless gained 52-7; this was that Penn State squad’s lone convention win that yr, and Indiana’s solely convention win was a 17-14 house win over the winless Illini. The Hoosiers misplaced to UConn this yr – although that was one in all Randy Edsall’s finest groups.

2004 UCF – although PSU’s protection was superb this yr, their offense was horribad and but nonetheless scored 37 in opposition to UCF. The Golden Knights had been nonetheless within the MAC on this yr, and so they went winless on the season, together with giving up 48 factors to Buffalo in one in all solely two Bison wins on the yr. Woof. I believe we now have a winner.

If PSU “only” beats Kent State by, let’s say 30 factors. Should there be anger and frustration from the fan base by such a small margin, given the betting line? What would such a victory say about this system, or is that this simply one other a type of occasions the place stuff occurs, be taught from it and transfer on?—mrb23

I’m typically fairly pragmatic and extra understanding than a whole lot of of us. I’d be high-quality with a 30 level win – I believe after final week’s embarrassment in Knoxville, it doesn't matter what occurs there are going to be many PSU followers (and sports activities media members) who name Penn State’s efficiency disappointing. So be ready for unfavorable press, it doesn't matter what the end result is.

Why doesn’t Nick Saban assist his alma mater’s soccer workforce?—Smee

It’s so fascinating as a result of the one folks exterior his household who keep in mind that Saban is from West Virginia are West Virginians – and it will actually appear to cause that the one individuals who keep in mind that Saban went to Kent State are KSU alums.

Does Saban speak about going to Kent State in any respect? I actually needed to google it as a result of I wasn’t even positive.

With KJ out long run, how a lot does the protection regress?—swift_retribution

I don’t assume we’ll see any regression this week, as a result of it's Kent State and their offense is simply concerning the worst within the nation. Illinois the week after this, although, shall be a check; nevertheless, KJ was out the second half of the sport in opposition to Bowling Green, and that’s when the protection truly calmed down and remembered who they're. With two weeks to arrange, they’ll possible have schemed round Winston being out – and with one other week to arrange for the Illini, I’m selecting to hope that the coaches will put the workforce able for fulfillment with out KJ. It’s not like there’s not a plethora of expertise within the secondary, with or with out him – it’s simply placing the untested dudes again there able to succeed.

Below are Julian Fleming’s profession stats. Based on his two video games this yr, in the event you multiply that out to a 12-game season it equals profession lows in receptions and yards. At 14-games it’s nonetheless a profession low in yards. Given the quantity of dialog that ensued when he determined to grad switch to Penn State, I’d be shocked if he doesn’t start to get a couple of extra catches. But, the place do you anticipate he’ll find yourself on the finish of the season? I’m pondering someplace round 25 receptions and 300 yards.

2020: 7 receptions; 74 yds; 0 TD

2021: 12 receptions; 86 yds; 1 TD

2022: 34 receptions; 533 yds; 6 TDs

2023: 26 receptions; 270 yds; 0 TD

2024: 1 reception; 3 yds; 0 TD–Smee

We’ll know extra after this week. If he can’t get open, or get first rate numbers, in opposition to a KSU workforce that has arguably the worst protection in FBS, then we’ll have each proper to be involved. I believe, and hope, a sport like this week’s shall be precisely what Fleming wants to achieve his confidence – and what Drew Allar wants to begin having extra confidence in extra cross catching choices.

Haven’t been as much as a sport in practically a decade. I've the possibility to get tickets for the UCLA sport. I've to examine the youngsters schedules to be sure that we are able to make it work however I'm hopeful.

So the query is that this – do I've ANY shot at getting a room or an Air BnB at this level for the sport within the group’s opinion? My spouse and I are ready, if wanted, to change driving duties for the return journey however we’d love to remain over. Is {that a} fantasy at this level?—Kilgore42

This query was initially requested in final week’s mailbag submit, nevertheless it was posed after I pulled all of the questions off the submit.

I simply regarded up resorts that weekend, and it appears to be like such as you’re in luck – there are some rooms nonetheless obtainable! But take into account that, along with the worth (rooms are round $800/evening proper now), there’s almost definitely a two-night minimal. Most State College resorts gained’t can help you simply keep on Saturday evening; if you wish to keep in, say, Altoona, although, you’d in all probability have first rate luck.

It’s higher that you just’re attempting for the UCLA sport than for Ohio State or Washington, although, as you’ll have extra choices.

When the schedule was launched and I noticed my beloved Lions can be coming SoCal to play the Trojans, I instantly purchased tickets. MY Nittany Lions in my yard!. Added bonus: I’m flying to State faculty the week earlier than for the UCLA sport. As Penn State and USC preserve successful (and I anticipate it to proceed for each), this sport will get bigger and bigger within the nationwide dialogue. Probably two prime 10 groups squaring off. This previous weekend I checked what I may get if I offered my tickets. As of proper now, I'd make $1000.00 revenue, if I offered immediately. Do I am going to the sport? Do I promote now? or do I wait and see how excessive they go in worth? It may probably pay for my UCLA journey.—Tmbgiants_3

The perils with ready are that they might truly lower in worth – particularly if PSU does the inexplicable and loses to, say, Illinois per week from now.

But possibly that’s an indication that you just’re meant to go? If I had been you, I’d in all probability set a (excessive) value in my head, that if the tickets hit I’d promote. If they don’t hit that value, you’re meant to go to the sport – if it does, it pays on your UCLA journey and also you’re meant to remain house.

Dedicated reader, however by no means remark (at the least not for the reason that BSD Degenerates participation ended). This isn’t associated to Kent St., however…

Looking at three tickets for Ohio State at Penn State. Budget acutely aware. Right now, solely seats underneath $275 (all in) are:

North Upper between rows 75-80 and South Upper between rows 72-79. South has the seating, however shall be within the shade and appears additional away.

Any actual distinction between these choices within the nostril bleeds or are all of them primarily the identical?

Buy now are simply wait to see the place issues shake out? Thanks for any opinions!—MoyePleaseHaveAnother

If I had been you, I'd possible go south higher deck. The facilities in that higher deck are a lot better, and also you don’t run the chance of being within the guests’ part. The draw back to the south higher deck is that you would be able to’t hear the Blue Band as effectively as a result of they’re going through away from you – however they’re micced and pumped all through the stadium in the course of the occasions they really do play anyway.

Sometimes it may be tremendous enjoyable to take a seat within the higher decks! The view might be phenomenal and you may see the holes on the strains open up earlier than anybody else. Good luck – I’m positive no matter you determine would be the proper alternative for you.

It appears to be fairly apparent that Billy Napier goes to get fired from the Florida Gators head teaching place. I learn in one other thread that the James Franklin is leaving Penn State rumors are going to begin up once more, this time for Gainesville. Making this transfer can be a very good transfer for Franklin if his purpose above all else is to win a nationwide title. I'm positive that Gator followers are going to spend extra money on soccer than Nittany Lion followers. I wouldn’t blame him in any respect for leaving. He’s achieved an important job getting PSU again from the Sandusky scandal. By all accounts he has served Penn State with Success and Honor. How would you're feeling if he decides to depart Penn State for Florida or every other faculty with a fan base that's equally devoted to successful?—Gerry Dincher

There are far greater names proper now that Florida would go after – beginning with Lane Kiffin and together with Mario Cristobal, who’s teaching this yr’s premiere program in among the finest recruiting states within the nation.

What would make this job engaging to Franklin? There’s so many packages you’d must compete with in your state and in your convention – greater than even Penn State now that divisions in each the Big Ten and SEC have been demolished. And although the SEC hasn’t formally acknowledged which groups are the protected rivals of which, Penn State not having any is actually engaging – whereas Florida will possible must play UGA and FSU (lol this yr, others not a lot) yearly. That’s robust to do in a rebuild, as robust if not harder than OSU.

Are there extra NIU – Notre Dame sort upsets this yr than regular?—Smee

I don’t assume there are extra this yr, it’s simply recency bias speaking. I imply, simply two years in the past, Marshall marched into South Bend and beat a prime ten Notre Dame! Not prime 5 Notre Dame, however #8 remains to be fairly up there.

I do assume it’s too early to inform. I’m not likely a fan of calling upsets as big offers this early within the season – as a result of we don’t understand how good these preseason ranked groups truly are (as a result of preseason polls are bullshit). FSU beating Cal this week would possibly truly be an upset itself, however dropping to Georgia Tech week 0 was thought-about an upset!

Ask me once more in two months.

Follow as much as final week’s Pac12 query, how lengthy earlier than Cal and Stanford say oops and transfer again to the Pac?—JayMPSU

So far it’s labored out effectively for them, so it’ll possible take a couple of years. For Stanford, particularly, the non-football sports activities would possibly make the distinction – with out every other first rate womens volleyball packages within the Pac, is that basically a convention that Stanford desires to be in?

Who would be the subsequent invitees to the PAC?—LarzLion

UNLV looks like a no brainer to me, to assist seize the Vegas television market.

Though I really feel like San Jose State and Utah State aren't any brainers, because the convention may rebrand because the PAC State (or State PAC).

What are the highest 5 bands to type after 1980 and earlier than 1995? If you could develop the record to 50 bands that's okay–PSU1979dude

This is a extremely fascinating thought train!

With their current (questionable that it'll truly final) reunion, I’ll say Oasis must be one in all them. Though which may be my very own recency bias talking…

Nirvana completely needs to be up there as effectively, contemplating the impression that they had (and proceed to have) on the music scene, particularly in Seattle. I’ll additionally add in Bon Jovi to this record – I’m shocked, however they didn't type earlier than 1980, so make your record. They get a whole lot of flack as a result of their followers are usually feminine and so they have a poppier sound than a whole lot of conventional rock bands, however excited about impression (and the truth that it is a PSU weblog and one in all their hits is performed in each house Penn State soccer sport), they must be included on this record.

Which leaves two extra spots. I believe one must be Metallica – their impression on steel and rock can’t be overstated. And hear, I’m simply going to go fully out of left discipline and decide my private favourite who might be not anybody else’s – silverchair. I simply love them and have since their first album got here out. I keep in mind listening to their third album on my walkman whereas strolling between courses on PSU’s campus, and that’s simply such an important (private) reminiscence for me.

Which do-it-yourself baked good is your favourite and why?—Gerry Dincher

It depends upon who’s making the baked good, to be trustworthy. If it’s my sister, she makes completely superb desserts and I’m not even positive what can be my favourite (in all probability one thing with peanut butter). If it’s my mother, it’s her pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.

One of my finest associates, PSUGirl, is a incredible baker too and I nonetheless dream concerning the chocolate brioche she made for a tailgate – and her do-it-yourself pretzel rolls are phenomenal. As for baked items that I make myself, I like a very good butter biscuit (it’s a consolation meals for me) and I’m going to attempt to make pizzelles this fall…want me luck!