It's the question most Penn State fans have been wrestling with since the Nittany Lions lost the latest in a long line of existential struggles against Ohio State last Saturday, and frankly, they should be used to the feeling by now.
Penn State's 11-game winning streak and circled the drain yet again against the Buckeyes, leaving the rest of what once was viewed as a potential breakthrough season very much in doubt.
Penn Stated hosts Donnie Collins (Scranton Times-Tribune) and Sam Fremin (Citizens Voice) talked about many of the issues that now surround a program that just can't seem to get past the top-level teams in the Big Ten. Even when it seems as if it has every reason to believe it should.
They give their thoughts on whether fans should have belief in the program as it stands right now. They also delve into their thoughts on who is most to blame for the latest Buckeyes defeat, and who is getting too much of the blame. Is head coach James Franklin the right man for the job, and should one poorly-coached loss change that?
Should this be a defining moment for quarterback Drew Allar, who did not play well?
As usual, there are a lot of questions with this program.
And, the answers aren't as easy to come by.

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

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The date that has been circled for months is almost here.
For Penn State, it's the day that means everything.
With the No. 7 Nittany Lions preparing for its annual existential struggle against No. 3 Ohio State on Saturday in Columbus, Penn Stated hosts Donnie Collins and Sam Fremin discuss every angle of the Big Ten's biggest game to this point in the 2023 season. The winner will be positioned to face Michigan in the de facto Big Ten East championship game in November, but for Penn State, the game feels bigger.
It feels like a moment in time.
Like an opportunity to make another step long awaited since the Nittany Lions last defeated Ohio State in 2016, since head coach James Franklin's now famous "elite" speech in 2018.
Donnie and Sam look at the impact of quarterback Drew Allar, playing in his first-ever national-spotlight game on the road -- and in his home state. They talk about the strengths, and rare weaknesses, of the Buckeyes offense. And, they give their predictions on who will win and what will be the biggest reason why.

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

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After the bye week, Penn Stated podcast hosts Donnie Collins (Scranton Times-Tribune) and Sam Fremin (Citizens Voice) return with plenty to discuss as the No. 6 Nittany Lions host UMass on Saturday.
Most of it, they freely admit, is absolute nonsense.
Head coach James Franklin's comments on nonconference scheduling made quite a national stir this week - centered in especially sensitive Michigan, as usual - but Donnie and Sam discuss whether it's much ado about nothing, the sign of things to come that might not be the best thing for college football, or both.
Of course, since everyone is talking about it, they discuss how a badly worded question at a press conference can still be a good question about what the future might hold for Penn State's offense.  Even if it makes Franklin's skin curl.
And, they spend the second segment bantering about their own hot takes on Penn State, the Big Ten and the college football world. 
Does Sam think James Franklin can ever win a national championship?
What does Donnie think is the worst division in major college football?
And, is college football as a whole really going down a path that's better than the one that hardly ever provided the nation with a definitive champion?
All that and more on this week's Penn Stated.

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

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Penn State's defense so thoroughly dominated Iowa in the White Out last week, the numbers were difficult to believe. 
The helpless Hawkeyes went three-and-out -- or worse -- on eight of their 10 drives. They gained 2 total yards from the end of the first quarter until a garbage-time drive in the fourth. 
In a clinic on how creative, how explosive, the Nittany Lions can be, the question remains: Did the Nittany Lions set an impossible standard against a confused and overwhelmed Iowa team that came into the game unbeaten with a No. 24 ranking?
Penn Stated co-hosts Donnie Collins and Sam Fremin discuss whether there's possibly more big things coming with a Nittany Lions defense that has forced nine turnovers in the last eight quarters of football this season. With the innovative Manny Diaz calling the shots and a talented corps of youngsters like Chop Robinson, Adisa Isaac and Abdul Carter implementing them, anything seems possible right now for the Nittany Lions defense.
Donnie and Sam also talk about the Penn State receiving corps and its yet-undisplayed ability to make big plays, and there's a spirited debate about which team is the best in the Big Ten West division.
They also talk about much more pressing matters, like nicknames and coffee. 

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

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Penn State-Iowa might be the second-most important rivalry in the Big Ten these days, and this weekend, it gets the White Out treatment at Beaver Stadium.
On this week's episode of the Penn Stated football podcast, hosts Donnie Collins and Sam Fremin discuss the potential for this matchup to be an emotional one after their charged 2021 matchup. Of what two games from the past did that one remind Donnie and Sam, and do they think head coach James Franklin won't give what happened that night at Kinnick Stadium a second thought this week?
They also broke down the 30-13 win over Illinois last Saturday. The defense was dominant, but what position on the offense concerned them the most?
And for good measure, Donnie and Sam delved into that ever-pressing question: If James Franklin were for some reason to leave Penn State at the end of the season -- which isn't going to happen, so stop even thinking about it -- should the Nittany Lions consider bringing Deion Sanders in to run the show?

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

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He is a team captain.
A walk-on turned scholarship recipient.
A special teams maven.
A valuable linebacker who someday may be a starter.
But most of all, Wyoming Area grad Dominic DeLuca is "a nice guy."
That's a rare compliment in football, but teammates say DeLuca's attitude has helped unite the team and make him one of the most respected members of the locker room.
So this week, on the Penn Stated podcast, hosts Donnie Collins and Sam Fremin talk about the value DeLuca's outlook on his own career and the game has on the team, and the adulation he has received from his Pick-6 in the win over Delaware last weekend.
Donnie and Sam also debate:

• The potential pitfalls -- if there are any, of course -- of inserting different players in the starting lineup and playing more and more players on a weekly basis. 
• Head coach James Franklin's insistence that defensive coordinators should be prepared for backup quarterback Beau Pribula to play more when the game is on the line. Sure, he can run and is off to a nice start in relief. But is taking the ball out of Drew Allar's hands really what the Nittany Lions should be doing?
• What are AP Poll voters telling Penn State by moving teams ranked behind them ahead of them in back-to-back polls?
• The winners of the weekly Penn Stated Unsung MVP awards on offense, defense and special teams.

All this and more on the latest Penn Stated.

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

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So...Drew Allar lived up to the hype.
Penn State's prized sophomore threw for 325 yards in his first career start and led the Nittany Lions to victory last Saturday against West Virginia. That didn't surprise hosts Donnie Collins and Sam Fremin, who talked in this week's episode of the Penn Stated podcast about what impressed them most about Allar's performance.
But, there was much more to dissect from the opener, including the somewhat controversial -- at least from West Virginia coach Neal Brown's perspective -- late touchdown scored on backup quarterback Beau Pribula's lone drive. Was that criticism justified, or just ridiculous?
Donnie and Sam also break down the performance of Penn State's highly touted defense and whether the Mountaineers' relative success running the ball Saturday might be a harbinger of issues to come for the Nittany Lions down the road.
Plus, find out who Donnie and Sam thought were the biggest surprises of the game, on both sides of the ball. Donnie also lists his Hidden Heroes of the week.

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

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The 2023 season is just a few days away, and plenty is going to change for Penn State. 
What shouldn't is what should be clear by now.
Hosts Donnie Collins and Sam Fremin discuss the No. 7 Nittany Lions' season opener on this week's edition of the Penn Stated podcast, with a focus on the should-be starting quarterback Drew Allar and what he potentially brings to the offense. Do Donnie and Sam think the former five-star prospect can actually start off strong and be a catalyst against West Virginia?
Other topics on the agenda include the Big Ten's long-overdue policy requiring teams to release pregame availability data -- and why Donnie thinks this will be a sad goodbye to the halcyon days of the overly paranoid head coaches around college football. 
Donnie and Sam also discuss not just how West Virginia can pull off an upset, but whether it seems likely.

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

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On Sept. 2, Penn State will storm onto Beaver Stadium for its home opener against West Virginia with a promising young offense that, someday, might be among the best in the nation.
They also enter facing a much less enticing reality. That "someday" could be further down the road, while their best shot to claim a national championship is the one that stands directly in front of them, led by a defense that is ready to be counted with the nation's best.
On this week's return of Penn Stated, host Donnie Collins and guest Sam Fremin of The Citizens Voice break down some of the bigger issues surrounding not just the 2023 season, but the program itself. How should Penn State -- and yes, its fans -- measure success this fall? What could this team be? And, more realistically, what is it?
They'll debate which game Penn State is more likely to win in the season series against Big Ten powers Ohio State and Michigan, and discuss whether any result outside of a College Football Playoff berth is going to be satisfactory enough for those who think the Nittany Lions' time has come.
Donnie also breaks down the state of the quarterback competition between Drew Allar and Beau Pribula, along with a rundown of the Northeast Pennsylvania players on the roster and their potential impacts this season.

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

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There's a lot to talk about around the Penn State football program as June settles in, and Penn Stated host Donnie Collins hits on the biggest topics in this week's episode.

• Adjustments to the schedule make for a rather historic broadcast of an otherwise run-of-the-mill game against Delaware.
• A big recruiting weekend draws three solid prospects to Happy Valley and nets verbal commitments from each of them. What does that say about the state of the program right now?
• An intriguing prospect who signed as part of the 2023 recruiting class is no longer with the team. 
• And head coach James Franklin's comments on expected starting quarterback Drew Allar in an ESPN article published early in the week should draw plenty of attention -- and maybe even some concern -- from Penn State fans. Find out why Donnie thinks the Nittany Lions might be putting too much of the focus on their sophomore quarterback.

All that and more in this week's episode of Penn Stated.

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

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It's the third week in May, about the halfway point from the last Penn State football game at the Rose Bowl on Jan. 2 to the opener Sept. 2 against West Virginia at Beaver Stadium.

But finally, the real 2023 Penn State football roster is starting to take shape.

On this week's episode of Penn Stated, host Donnie Collins talks about some of the news around the program this week. That includes the White Out Game schedule against Iowa, and the official enrollment of several transfer portal additions and members of the 2023 recruiting class. Which of them means the most for the Nittany Lions this coming season?

Donnie also discusses how the transfer portal has led to long-term roster management success for Penn State, where other schools have used it more as a quick fix. That was never more evident than this week, when Penn State landed a commitment from a freshman cornerback out of the portal that has Donnie intrigued.

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

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It's as quiet a time as you're going to get around the Penn State football program, with spring practices over, summer camps a few weeks from being started, preseason camp a few months away and the season opener another month after that.
But there's still plenty to guess about when it comes to the future.
This week on the Penn Stated football podcast, host Donnie Collins discusses the recent announcement that the Nittany Lions will host West Virginia in a primetime game on Sept. 2, marking NBC's primetime debut broadcasting Big Ten games.
It's a big event, but could it be the biggest event of the season: Penn State's White Out game?
Donnie discusses that possibility, and the challenges of otherwise having the annual spectacle during a primetime game. If not West Virginia, what opponent would be the best to perhaps schedule as the White Out? That answer might surprise you.
So, too, will be the one thing Donnie hopes might stay somewhat the same -- although, he knows it won't -- about Beaver Stadium after a just-approved $700 million renovation project to the facility is completed by 2027 (or at some point thereafter, the way these construction projects tend to go).

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

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So much for Sean Clifford having to fight for an opportunity on the free-agent path after the 2023 NFL Draft.
The record-setting Penn State quarterback and four-time captain's fifth-round selection by the Green Bay Packers on Saturday highlighted what was a big weekend for the Nittany Lions at the Draft in Kansas City. But what does his selection say about how his career was viewed by those who watched him at Penn State?
Legendary Penn State beat writer (and noted Green Bay Packers fanatic) Rich Scarcella of the Reading Eagle joined host Donnie Collins on the Penn Stated podcast this week to discuss the Clifford selection from both a Packers and Penn State perspective.
They also debated which drafted Penn State player is the best fit with the team that drafted him, and which player -- outside of Clifford, of course -- went higher than both thought he would.
In a jam-packed episode of the podcast, Donnie also chatted with Mike Rescigno of the Greater Scranton Penn State Chapter to discuss the return of the group's popular annual dinner, which will be held on June 8 at Fiorelli Catering in Peckville. New Penn State men's basketball coach Mike Rhoades and voice of Penn State football and basketball Steve Jones will be the keynote speakers, and local Penn State legend Matt McGloin will serve as toastmaster.
Donnie also ran down some breaking news: The release of the 2024-25 College Football Playoff schedule. 

For tickets to the 42nd annual Scranton Chapter Dinner, visit www.psuscranton.org, email Mike Rescigno at mike.rescigno@comcast.net, or call Mike at 570-466-7872.

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

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The NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday night, and with it comes the opportunity every young football player dreams about: A shot to hear their name called by commissioner Roger Goodell, and the realization that they're a professional football player.
A slew of players who graduated from Penn State or declared early for the Draft after the 2022 season have completed their offseason training, done the Combine, shown off their improvements at Pro Day and now just have to wait.
For the rest of us, it's time to speculate.
On the latest episode of the Penn Stated podcast, host Donnie Collins takes a guess at which Nittany Lions will be picked, what round fans can expect to hear their names called, and what teams will be the most interested in acquiring their services. 
He also answers some of the Draft's burning questions when it comes to Penn State players and former Nittany Lions alike.

• It seems as if Joey Porter Jr. becoming the first Nittany Lions defensive back ever to be picked in the first round is a foregone conclusion among fans. But, is that a guarantee? Donnie explains why he's not quite as convinced.
• There's no question someone is going to overdraft Kentucky quarterback and former Nittany Lions backup Will Levis. But, by how many rounds?
• Ji'Ayir Brown will be a great NFL player, but find out why Donnie isn't sure that means he's sure to be selected before the second round ends.
• Which Penn State prospect does Donnie think has the best chance at a 10-year NFL career?
• Would it be better for Sean Clifford if he wasn't drafted? And why are people so certain he won't be?

All this, and more, on the special NFL Draft edition of Penn Stated.

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

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For sure, there was plenty to talk about after last Saturday's Blue-White Game at Beaver Stadium.
Omari Evans and Kaden Saunders may have cooled some of the doubt about the readiness of Penn State's second batch of receivers. For backup defensive ends, Dani Dennis-Sutton and Zuriah Fisher sure did look like gamebreakers. For true freshmen who would normally still be in high school, Tony Rojas and Ta'Mere Robinson sure did look like potential stars at linebacker. KJ Winston might be a stud at safety. The defense potentially looks dominant, even if the kicking specialists left a bit to be desired.
But with special guest Cory Giger of DK Pittsburgh Sports on as his special guest this week, of course Penn Stated host Donnie Collins is going to put the focus back on the quarterback position and the performance of sophomore Drew Allar in what, in all reality, was his first career game as the Nittany Lions' starting quarterback.
Donnie and Cory went in-depth on the receiver battle and made themselves GMs while discussing their view on what positions Penn State coaches should look to bolster through the transfer portal this summer.
Still, most of the talk centered on Allar, who threw for more than 200 yards in the game, with just one touchdown, and had to battle a hard-charging defense throughout the overcast afternoon. Is he ready to help Penn State contend for a Big Ten East title sooner rather than later? And, how important is he for a program that wants to get itself on an accelerated national title pace?
Plus, Donnie and Cory give their opinions on realistic timelines for the Nittany Lions to win a national championship. (Hint: Don't hold your breath waiting.)

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

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The final score means nothing in a scrimmage, of course.
But, the value of a spring game in college football may never have been higher.
As Penn State prepares for a long-awaited return to a more traditional Blue-White Game on Saturday afternoon, Penn Stated host Donnie Collins and special guest Elton Hayes of CNHI Pennsylvania discuss the importance of having a spring scrimmage when it comes to evaluating young talent and building a depth chart. They also discuss the top players and position players to watch this weekend and delve into the focus on -- and importance of -- NIL at Penn State. 
Oh, and Donnie and Elton discuss the Drew Allar focus in what will be his first outing as Penn State's starting quarterback.

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

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College days have been on the mind of Penn Stated podcast host Donnie Collins lately.
His are long behind him, as the seemingly monthly trips to visit campuses with his son -- who will be going away to college in the fall -- remind him. And this week's episode of the podcast is a tribute to the memories made during Collins' college days.
With the help of his old college friend and current Williamsport Sun Gazette icon Chris Masse, one of the top prep sports reporters in the state, Donnie delves into what he feels is a key development in Penn State's offseason roster build: The transfer portal addition of former Williamsport running back Trey Potts this week. Nobody followed Potts' high school career better than Masse, and they discuss Potts' importance and potential impact.
But, they also remember the old days at Penn State in the late 1990s, which included what in their mind could be the greatest football game ever played on campus at Penn State. (Certainly, it is in their minds.)
Donnie also discusses his top College Towns in the Big Ten, based on a recent report that lists Ann Arbor, Mich., at the top and Lincoln, Neb., at the bottom of the list. Needless to say, Donnie feels that list is...a little off.

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

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It's a new era for Penn State basketball.
Baseball season is upon us.
And, Penn State football is entering a new era with plenty of talent and questions.
On this week's episode of the Penn Stated podcast, host Donnie Collins chats with The Reading Eagle Penn State beat writer Rich Scarcella about Mike Rhoades, Penn State's new men's basketball coach -- a native of Mahanoy City and a graduate of Mahanoy Area High School, located just a few miles outside of Hazleton.
Does Rhoades' area roots make him a bet to stay at Penn State for the long term?
Donnie and Rich also talk about replacing Ji'Ayir Brown in the defensive scheme this spring, and the void he leaves as a leader. Who are the players most likely to step up in that role? Donnie and Rich discuss that, as well.
They also couldn't resist talking some Yankees baseball.

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

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Season 2 of the Penn Stated podcast kicks off in grand fashion this week as spring weather -- not to mention spring practice in Happy Valley -- is firmly upon us.
Host Donnie Collins discusses some of the big questions surrounding the Nittany Lions as camp opens (visit The Times-Tribune to read about some of them), including head coach James Franklin's concerns that leadership will need to begin developing this spring.

Donnie also chats with his special guest, former Penn State offensive lineman and West Scranton High School football and wrestling legend Eric Shrive, who looks back on his playing days and what spring football meant to him. Which member of the staff is most important to players at this time of year? Is this really the time of year where position battles begin to get settled?

Also, Shrive discusses an important community event coming up Saturday at Scranton High School: The Impact Athlete Wrestling Clinic. A joint venture of the West Scranton Wrestling Alumni Association and the Lehigh Valley Health Network, the event will bring four Penn State wrestlers -- including three-time national champions Carter Starocci and Aaron Brooks -- to the area to be guest instructors at the free clinic.

All this and more, on the Season 2 debut of the Penn Stated podcast.

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

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On the final episode of the first season of the Penn Stated podcast, host Donnie Collins breaks down the 2023 recruiting class and its newest member, four-star Maryland high school product Chimdy Onoh, an offensive lineman who signed his letter of intent during the traditional signing day on Wednesday.

Where did Penn State do especially well in this class?

Where could they have improved?

What is the one area Donnie thinks teams should simply use the transfer portal rather than scout high school prospects?

Find out as we put a bow on the first season of the Penn Stated podcast.

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

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Marques Hagans is a legend in Charlottesville, and the fact he left the University of Virginia coaching staff after 12 seasons overall and 10 as receivers coach to take the same position with Penn State this week doesn't change that.
But it might change plenty for the Nittany Lions, who found the fresh face they needed at the helm of one of the most important position groups on the roster with the 2023 season on the horizon.
On this week's edition of Penn Stated, host Donnie Collins breaks down Hagans' hiring with Greg Madia,  the longtime Cavaliers beat writer for The Daily Progress in Charlottesville. (Check out his work here.) Greg details what Hagans meant to the university and the program both as a star quarterback and a valued member of coaching staffs led by three different head coaches. He also checks in with a breakdown of Hagans' reputation for developing talent, his chops on the recruiting trail, and the leadership he showed when tragedy struck the program and community after November's sensless murder of three members of the football team on campus.
Donnie also delves into the recent news that former Nittany Lions head coach Bill O'Brien is heading back to the job he held before Penn State hired him in late 2011: Offensive coordinator of the New England Patriots. If he had it to do over again, would O'Brien still be Penn State's head coach? It's fun to speculate, after all.
Plus, Donnie says goodbye -- and thank you -- to a mentor and friend.

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

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There are no coincidences in sports. 
There is no such thing as interesting timing.
Everything is planned. There is cause and effect. Things don't happen without reason.
So when Penn State announced that it let go of receivers coach Taylor Stubblefield on Sunday night, and top transfer portal target receiver Dante Cephas said a half hour later that he was committing to the Nittany Lions, it kicked off a furious week at the position many felt Penn State needed to hit hard through the transfer portal this offseason.
In a super-sized episode of the Penn Stated podcast, host Donnie Collins discusses the additions of Cephas and rising Florida State prospect Malik McClain to a wideout group that still doesn't have a position coach -- at least publicly.
Donnie also chats with DK Pittsburgh Sports Penn State beat writer Cory Giger about the move, and what it says about James Franklin's philosophy on competing 365 days a year, "In everything you do," as one of his team's mantras goes.
Donnie also gives his opinion on which two other positions will now need help through the portal, and which portal loss for Penn State might be as important as the additions of Cephas and McClain.

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

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Penn State did what it set out to do in the Rose Bowl.

It sent a slew of players who meant so much to the program's past out in the best possible fashion, with embattled quarterback Sean Clifford absorbing a standing ovation from the Nittany Lions faithful in Pasadena after a near-perfect final performance highlighting that.

As the Clifford era ended, the Drew Allar reign as starting quarterback began, and for as promising as most around the Penn State program feel that time can be, it does bring its own set of questions.

Penn Stated host Donnie Collins wraps up the 2022 season with a look at Clifford's stirring performance, and what the win in the Rose Bowl will mean for a Penn State team that suddenly has some national momentum with the 2023 campaign still eight months from its dawn. 

What has the Rose Bowl, and a week's worth of decisions on whether to pursue NFL dreams, taught us about what's possible in 2023? And how much pressure will be on Allar, Penn State's freshman phenom, to guide the offense?

Donnie also delves into the folly of putting too much stock into season-ending polls like the Associated Press poll, which ranked Penn State at No. 7 to conclude the season. And if you think there have been lopsided College Football Playoff games in recent years, just wait until you get a load of the semifinals and finals of the 12-team tournament come 2024.

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

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Well, the end of the line is finally here: For the 2022 regular season. The career of longtime starting quarterback Sean Clifford. The rookie seasons of several of Penn State's biggest stars.

But, in many ways, the beginning has arrived for Penn State football's future, too.

Penn Stated host Donnie Collins will navigate the fine line between beginning and end that major bowl games have become for some of college football's top programs and delve into what all of it will mean for the No. 11 Nittany Lions on Monday when they face No. 8 Pac-12 champion Utah in the 109th Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.

Donnie will break down the game and discuss the stark similarities coaches from both programs see in each others' products. But he'll also look to the one position where Penn State can show what the future holds starting with Monday's game.

You'll hear insight from head coach James Franklin on the game, as well as wideouts KeAndre Lambert-Smith, Omari Evans and Harrison Wallace on what this one means as they prepare for the future. And no less a source than wideout Liam Clifford shares what he thinks would be the ideal way for his brother to leave the program after four seasons as a starter.

All that and more on a special Rose Bowl edition of Penn Stated, from Los Angeles and Pasadena.

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

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Technically, the 2022 season doesn't end until the Rose Bowl is completed on Jan. 2, but this is the season of change at Penn State.

This week, Penn Stated host Donnie Collins talks about the busy past couple of weeks, and the perhaps busier ones ahead, for the Nittany Lions coaching staff as it tries to navigate its way through the early transfer portal period while also shoring up its 2023 recruiting class with the National Letter of Intent early signing period just a week away.

And those jobs have never been so important for James Franklin and company.

Find out what the Nittany Lions' list of players available for interviews at Friday's Rose Bowl media day likely says about the relatively few Penn State players opting out of the Rose Bowl, while also hearing what the bigger shift in Utah players opting out says about the future of bowl games.

Donnie also talks about receiver Parker Washington's decision to head to the NFL and what that might mean for Penn State's leading pass catcher. Does it also give us a sneak peak toward what might be the biggest story around the program for most of the first eight months of 2023? 

To contact Donnie, drop an email at dcollins@scrantontimes.com, or send him a message on Twitter @PennStateTT.

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