FALL '21 Episode 2: Penn State Roster Breakdown (Defense)

The Obligatory PSU Podcast

Per Obligatory tradition, one of our most popular features returns: the Penn State football preview in which Chris enlists the assistance of fellow LION 90.7fm alumni to analyze the Nittany Lions roster in two installments, in this case the defense. As with our offensive preview, regular contributor Mike Levine returns alongside Villanova Athletics and Big East Network broadcaster Nick Mantegna, reuniting a student radio broadcast team 20 years after they brought their half dozen listeners such unforgettable gems as Joe Paterno's record-breaking 324th career win versus Ohio State and such forgettable disappointments as most other games in the 2001 season.

Joe often said that quarterbacks receive too much credit when the team is winning and too much blame when the team is losing. In this era of unprecedented point-scoring in college football, that disproportionate ratio extends to the entire offense. It has perhaps provided a smokescreen for Brent Pry's defense, which has quietly failed in key situations when State faltered over the past few seasons and then totally cratered during the team's infamous losing streak to start last year. There are bright spots to suggest an impending reversal, to be sure, with the arrival of potentially-impactful new additions through the transfer portal, a secondary stocked with pro-caliber talent, and a few linebackers who appear poised to turn the corner. Will it be enough to offset attrition, injury, and inexperience along the all-important defensive line? Chris and our ringers explore this question and more as they scrutinize Penn State's talent on the defensive side of the ball.

HOSTED BY: Chris Buchignani

GUESTS: Mike Levine, Nick Mantegna