BlueWhite Tailgate Pawcast

BlueWhite Tailgate S2 Ep20: Coaching Hot Board, The Buckeyes, & Who Wins a Title First: James or PSU

Penn State limps into Columbus looking to rebound and prove it that this team can still hang with the best. Do the Nittany Lions have a real shot against Ohio State? Andrew, Mike, and Frank dig into what has to go right for the Blue & White to have a shot at the Shoe. The guys also discuss how Terry Smith has adapted to his new leadership role and what changes are starting to take shape on offense. News flash, the program has an entirely new attitude inside the walls. The conversation heats up as the crew tackles the big-picture question — Who wins a championship first: James Franklin or Penn State ? The guys dive into the debate over what open and projected open coaching jobs which college football are the best comparing Penn State’s position to programs like LSU, Florida, Florida State, Oklahoma and others in the spotlight. Coaching rumors swirl as the guys assess the top candidates on the market — Joe Brady, Brian Hartline, Urban Meyer, Matt Campbell, and Matt Rhule — and discuss which names could realistically find their way to Happy Valley. The gang takes a closer look at what makes Ohio State’s wide receiver room so dominant, and why Hartline’s name keeps emerging as a potential coaching star Penn State fans should keep an eye on. It’s a packed episode full of passionate debate, insight, and honest talk about where the Nittany Lions stand heading into a defining moment in their season. Email the show at BlueWhiteTailgatePawcast@gmail.com

BlueWhite Tailgate S2 Ep19: "Producer Jesse" talks PSU Coaching Hot Board, Franklin & PSU Perception

Penn State may have a bye week but there is plenty to talk about. "Producer Jesse," Jesse Myers of the Josh Pate College Football Show, joins Penn State beat reporter Mark Wogenrich of Penn State on SI to discuss the Penn State coaching hot board. Who is falling in the minds of Penn State fans and who is rising? Are fans setting themselves up for disappointment? The guys join Mike Gross and Andrew Kalista as they discuss the timing of Pat Kraft making the move. Is this good economic sense and did Kraft do James a favor? James Franklin went on College GameDay for some softball questions. What do we think of the interview? All that and more on this edition of the BlueWhite Tailgate Pawcast. Email the show at bluewhitetailgatepawcast@gmail.com.

BlueWhite Tailgate Pawcast S2 Ep18 Franklin Out, Iowa Preview, Letterman Great talks Program

James Franklin is out as the head coach at Penn State. His 11 plus seasons come to an end after a loss to Northwestern extends Penn State's free fall to three straight games. As fan apathy began to take hold, Penn State AD Pat Kraft decided to make a move. In comes Terry Smith as the head coach as the Lions get set to head to Iowa. How did Penn State get to this point? Were there warning signs that should have been picked up on? Was this decision too quick? Who will be the next man to lead the Blue & White? We dive into as much as much as you possibly can in an hour long show. Joining us along the way, Stephen Pitts, the former Vice President of the Penn State Football Letterman's Club joins the show. Pitts, a former standout running back for the Lions, talks about the role the Lettermen have during times of change, what he sees in the current state of Penn State football, and what it will take for the next head coach to lead the Lions into the future. An episode of reason amid a sea of turbulent waters all around Penn State football. Email the show bluewhitetailgatepawcast@gmail.com

BlueWhite Tailgate Pawcast S2 Ep 17 Franklin's Future, Can Lions Turn It Around vs N'Western?

Penn State and James Franklin seem to be in a free fall and the path forward is murky at best.
In this episode Mike, Frank and Andrew address fans' concerns with the media, you make like that segment or you may hate it but we give it a fair shake.
The gang also addresses the pressure now coming from the national media and how this is much different than 2016 and 2021.
We dive into Pat Kraft's mind. how he goes about addressing the issues.
There still is a season to be played and yes, believe it or not 10-2 is still possible because games have to be played. Does this team have the heart to rise up and compete or will it wilt and become a bunch of individuals?
What needs changed in the program asap? Are there too many distractions? No matter what happens going forward questions will always remain.
Even if Penn State made the playoffs can the trust between Franklin and the fanbase ever truly be restored?
Thanks for listening and joining the conversation at bluewhitetailgatepawcast@gmail.com.

BlueWhite Tailgate Pawcast S2 Ep 16: has Penn State peaked? Where do the Lions go from here?

Penn State once again fell flat in a big game?
Drew Allar once again essentially ended a game with an interception?
Where does Penn State go from here? Can they bounce back and do they have a legitimate shot at a national title or has this program peaked under James Franklin?
Are we overreacting to the double OT defeat?
Former Penn State OL and member of the 1994 undefeated Big ten Championship team Keith "Goon" Conlin joins us to talk OL issues, scheme, leadership and much more as we move on from Oregon.
 
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BlueWhite Tailgate Pawcast: Talkin' Hoops Preview with Penn State Head Coach Mike Rhoades

A special hoops edition of the BlueWhite Tailgate Pawcast as we talk ball with Penn State Basketball head coach Mike Rhoades. 
We dives into the continued growth of the program as Rhoades looks to build a consistent winner in Happy Valley and the challenges he faces. Rhoades talks culture, toughness and the style of play a young Nittany Lions squad will bring to the court this season.
With so many new faces in the program this year team chemistry is a must for the squad.  How have they come together during the preseason and what will the roster development look like this season?
The Big Ten conference slate is always challenging what does coach want to see from his squad as the season progresses.
Gross and Kalista also dive into what fans can do to help this program mature.  They also discuss if Penn State basketball can become that extra revenue generator that AD Patrick Kraft desires.
 

BlueWhite Tailgate Pawcast S2 Ep 15 Is Oregon a Must Win? O.J. McDuffie talks WR Attitude

It is put up or shut up time. Finally!  Penn State hosts Oregon in a White Out showdown in Beaver Stadium. The story lines are endless.  
Can James Franklin finally win a big game against a formidable foe?  Is this a must win game for Penn State? 
Is this the most important game since 2017 for Penn State?
Is Drew Allar ready to show he truly is the top QB in the nation? 
Is the Penn State defense and Jin Knowles ready for prime time? 
Will the weak non-conference schedule come back and bite Penn State?
 
These are questions and we attempt to answer them before the showdown Saturday night in the house that Paterno built. 
 
With a prime time game we needed a prime time guest, who better than legendary Penn State wide receiver O.J. McDuffie joins the show.  The freshest juice in Miami talks about what it takes to be a great receiver in today's game and the attitude that the great ones have every time they step on the field. McDuffie also talks about his time with the Dolphins and his relationship with Dan Marino.  O.J. takes us back to 1991 and the special memories that that unit created on. their way to #3 ranking and a dismantling of Tennessee in the Fiesta Bowl.  We also chat about the recognition and respect the Penn State program has in South Florida, dive into NIL and also the strength of the Penn State alumni base in a wide ranging interview with one of Penn State's greatest players.  Juice also ranks his top five Penn State wideouts of all time. 
 
To be a part of the show email BlueWhiteTailgatePawcast@gmail.com
 

BlueWhite Tailgate Pawcast S2 Ep.14: Bye Week Musings, Jim Knowles and Position Grades

Penn State is on a bye this week, but that doesn't mean there isn't work to be done! As James Franklin would say "it's a work week," and here at BlueWhite Tailgate Podcast we get to work with what we saw at practice on Tuesday.
James Franklin spoke to the media after practice and had some "telling" words for what he expects to see with young players as they develop. What does mom and dad have to do with this?
Jim Knowles spoke with the media over zoom on Wednesday and we find out he evaluates himself and the progression of the linebackers. Did you know he coached against Oregon twice last year? Seems like we should ask about the Ducks and our Mike Gross does.
Finally it is time for some grades.Take listen and let us know what you think BlueWhiteTailgatePawcast@gmail.com

BlueWhite Tailgate S2 Ep13: Are You Concerned? PSU's Inconsistent Start + PSU Voice Joe Putnam

Penn State is 2-0 on the season.  They have not dominated or looked anything like how they ended the 2024 campaign.   Are you worried? Are you relaxed? Should you be freaking out? Frank, Mike and Andrew take you around the swirl of emotions right now in Nittany Nation and find reasons to be optimistic and yes, concerned.
Game 2 was a shutout, but it exposed recurring offensive issues that the Lions need to address.  Has this start told us anything about Drew Allar?  Will this offensive line find their groove before the Lions face their first true test in Oregon?  Can Penn State clean up its inconsistencies, red-zone stalls to avoid any speed bumps?
The defense has looked good, yes they have given up yards but they continue to make plays.  Is this defensive line ready for prime time?  Do the guys see Chaz Coleman as the next Courtney Brown?  Some of us are rational while some are trapped in a prison of emotions. Take a listen and find out. 
Don't miss one of the premier voices in college athletics Joe Putnam as he joins the show. Putnam talks Penn State history, his role as PA announcer at Beaver Stadium and the many roles he plays in Penn State athletics and the greater State College community.
As always, reach out to the show and let your opinions be heard at: BlueWhiteTailgatePawcast@gmail.com

BlueWhite Tailgate S2 Ep12: PSU bites Nevada, What's Next & Former a Captain Joins the Show

Penn State opened up their season with a convincing win. History was made in more ways than one for the Nittany Lions.
 
What was up with James Franklin and the white hat after the game? That isn't the only question for the Blue and White though. While the wideouts were impressive, why did Penn State struggle in the run game? Should there be a concern? We hear from WR Trebor Pena on the communication with Drew Allar.
 
We also get defensive as Jim Knowles walks out of Beaver Stadium after a cool and calm performance. Zane Durant tells us where he got those soft hands from and what he saw from the young defensive line mates.
 
Joining the show is former Penn State Captain and three year letter winner OL Mike Malinoski. The Schuylkill County product from Shenandoah Valley H.S. talks coaching todays high school athletes, what made the 1994 O-line to be so good after a strong close in 1993, and what he sees from this group in this iteration of Nittany Lions. Malinoski also takes us back to Shenandoah to talk about what else but their famous kielbasi.
 
This episode should inspire some tailgate foodies!!!