This used to be one of the best Penn State football podcasts.. while I respect Mark Brennan as a writer, since he has been allowed to have his voice heard more often, it's gone down hill. He talks WAY too much and no one wants his old man takes, and I'm in my 40's. For goodness sake, turn his mic off sometimes.

Brennan is the only one worth listening to anymore. Others are robotic without any interesting takes or chemistry. BWI eats their lunch and stuffs them in a locker.

Best show on psu football

Can you work on making all speakers have the same volume? In headphones I find myself having to switch the volume between different speakers Love the content.

The other “analysts” being nothing to the table. 247 has to have other folks in the bullpen ready to bring in - could be a great show

You guys set the standard for 247 podcasts. Excellent work.

Brennan needs to be on every pod. Tyler and Daniel are great, Mark brings it all together and having all three vs just two makes it feel like more of a discussion

Worst offense I’ve ever seen. Looked better with Clifford at QB

Love the overall content and the style of delivery and been a long time VIP subscriber on Lions247, but please get rid of Mark Brennan, this guy is not only not adding anything to the pods or the site, but he’s just not good at his analysis, and he only relies on feelings and narratives rather than data and stats. He also can’t even spend the time to learn the pronunciation of the players he’s covering on the beat which is rather astounding, and he makes these cheesy and awkward jokes that is actually detrimental to the pod. Once he’s gone, this would be a 5 star pod.

All positive but one disappointment. Positives first. Tyler, Mark and Daniel are fantastic. Very informative. You can tell they’re connected to the program and always bring great perspective. I my only negative is I am not very impressed with Tyler Calvaruso. He likes to talk like he’s really plugged in but I’m not really getting much information out of what he’s saying. I always seem to be disappointed. I’m sure he’ll get there once he does make contacts. I’m glad you keep Brian Dohn involved and also Steve wilfong.

This used to be my favorite podcast. You can tell they’re definitely missing Fitz. Not a fan of his replacement Daniel Gallen, he’s extremely boring and even his voice is dull. Wish they would make Brennan the co-host. Love his honest takes!

They do an excellent job on all aspects of Penn State football. Very professional and there comments are well thought out and are very informative and entertaining. Just one thing I don’t care about it’s when they talk to a person that covers the opponent we are playing don’t really care about hearing about the other team would rather have more minutes diving into more PSU football news inside and outs

I’ve been listening to this show for years. They are no longer willing to present their opinions, suggest alternatives or question whatever the coaching staff is doing. It appears they're afraid that the coaching staff won’t like them at press conferences. We get hours of them eluding to what might happen with recruiting. Zzzzzz.

With the run game, everyone talks about the Offensive Line, but is there any evidence that defenses are more keen on the run since they don’t think Clifford can stretch the field on them. Was not too upset with OLine play against Purdue. Thanks!

Same Sean Clifford, continued drops by the receivers, absolutely no running game, and Caeden Wallace still looks like a turnstile….what does it take for the staff to make changes? There is just no improvement at any level. Moment was clearly not to big for Allar, they have to hand over the keys.

What does the lead have to be for CJF to pull Cliff to give Christian some meaningful game reps? Same for pulling Christian for Drew’s and Beau’s development.

Missing the interaction with Fitz but want to give time for the hole be left to be filled. Time will tell as the season gets under way. Tyler does a pretty good job, looking to see who joins him and hopefully it will be the same quality as it was under Tyler and Sean.

Great podcast. When is the next pod?

Love this podcast but just wish they put out more episodes! 5 star mailbag question…if BOB stayed do you think the program would be in better shape, about the same, or worse? Always curious where PSU would be if he stuck around.

We saw 8 Lions drafted and 13 on NFL rosters from last years season. The talent is there so is it fair to blame the lack of program success this past year to coaching? Or are there other factors at play here that we’re not considering?

Fitz - We all saw your opening drive on #1 white course - how did the rest of the round go? Also, can you give us your top 3 courses to play in Centre County?

Outside of a spring game full of confusion trying to figure out which #9 is in at QB, having two QBs with the same number isn’t too big of a deal. Can you explain why Kaytron Allen would be #13? Even if he has a minimal role in the offense he can’t be on the field when KLS is. If there is an injury or he emerges what do they do? I assume he or KLS (looks like he wore the available #2 in HS) could switch before fall but having two guys who could have roles with the 1s have the same number seems beyond illogical.

A must listen for Penn State fans. Sean Fitz is the best in the biz and TD has been a great addition over the last few years. Question: We didn’t see Holmes in the spring game but both Lee and Ford flashed and looked improved. For the new guys, Allen was getting some nice runs in and Singleton obviously has a ton of talent. How would you predict the RB room shaking out after a disappointing 2021? Mark

Love podcast guys! Random question. Interested to hear your thoughts on PSU’s biggest missed opportunities in recruiting over the past few years. In other words, guys who Penn State chose not to take, and then went on to star at other schools.

Mailbag question (sorry for the length): Word out of Clemson is highly-rated 2022 QB Cade Klubnik will challenge DJ Uiagalelei for the starting QB job from day 1. DJ was a Heisman candidate going into 2021 and Dabo has no problem starting a freshman over him after just one season where DJ fell short of expectations (still won like 10 games). My question is: Why isn’t Penn State taking this same approach? All we have heard from the PSU staff is that Sean Clifford is QB1. You’d think the nation’s #1 QB recruit would be able to come in and start over one of the most mediocre QBs in the country year after after. Or are we just supposed to live with mediocrity? Clemson has an winner’s mindset. Penn State doesn’t mind settling.

I listen to every show. Great coverage of penn state football. I know Franklin is very loyal to Sean Clifford but how long do you think his leash is this year if things start to go south again like in the second half of the season last year? Thanks, We Are

Now that Penn State is back on top of the college wrestling world, is there any chance you could have Jeff Byers come in as a guest?

Why is Ohio State the only northern power, as of right now, that can recruit with the Georgia, Alabama, and Texas A&Ms of the world? (We’ll see if Notre Dame can join them with Freeman). How can Ohio State go into Texas and California and take 5 star NFL type players? What is difference between PSU or OSU? Better recruiters? Sustained success on the field?

Huge thanks to all those at Lions 247!

Does James need to make the playoffs? Given the last few years and constant rumors. Given the subpar last two years. Given the QB recruiting and the talent being brought in on the OL. Does James need to make the playoffs in the next 3-4 years? I personally think he does or PSU should look elsewhere.

Is there any reason not to believe that Drew Allar is about to take Penn State to the elites in the next 3 years and PSU never looks back becoming the Clemson of the 2020s? Rather is there any reason not to feel the most optimistic than we have at any time in Franklin’s tenure re: these chances? The blue chip ratios Clemson - 53% PSU - 56% NY6 success Clemson 2 NY6 wins 1 loss 2011-2015 PSU 2 NY6 wins 1 loss 2017-2022 Coaching Tenure before National title Swinney - year 9 (2016) Franklin - rising year 9 (2022) QB recruiting Clemson 2011-2015 - no 5 stars PSU - 2018-2022 - DREW ALLAR

Do you see a scenario where Mitchell Groh gets playing time as a punter or kicker in the next few years? Thanks! Love the podcast!

In the early 2010s, we rolled out an offense with walk on linemen, converted defensive tackles, and relatively unknown running backs and were still able to assemble an average run game. Forward to now, we are bringing in highly recruited offensive linemen and running backs, but can’t put together a remotely decent run game. Where do you attribute these shortcomings? Is Penn state not evaluating and recruiting players properly? Is it a coaching and development issue? Thanks for providing great content!

Just curious why we haven’t heard more about Jven Williams. Number 2 kid in PA at a coveted position. Is it one of those scenarios where he has been to Penn State a few times, so now he is using January to see other schools or just genuinely not high on the in state program?

What do we have to do to get my man Chris Stoll on the pod???

Beamon seemed to be on the rise at the beginning of last year. Do we know where he may factor in next year?

Excellent production with well-researched opinions, differentiated content and timely guests. Must listen for crazed PSU fans. Big picture question for you two. The 2022 recruiting class has as much program leveling-up potential as any PSU has signed since Derrick Williams and Justin King committed. With PSU off to a strong start in the 2023 class, what appears to be the deepest coaching staff James Franklin has ever had, and positive words on the faculties and NIL fronts the future looks bright. However, 2022 was another year where PSU lost their games close. On one hand perhaps an indication of the overall talent level, on the other a continuation of a trend under Franklin. It seems fair to say Franklin himself has significant room for improvement as a game day coach. His clock management, propensity to be overaggressive with risky play calls and record on the road or after losses is a concern. Given the new contract he is not going anywhere and that’s exciting - but what does HE need to do to improve on game day? Increased talent with the Jimmys and the Joes will of course make the staff look smarter - but is Franklin himself good enough with his game day coaching to get PSU over the hump in close games?

With the commitment of Joshua Miller that’s 2 highly rated guards in the class of 2023. When you look at Penn State’s current roster and the class of 2022 do you think there is too much emphasis being put on getting guys that can play both inside and outside, rather than guys that are fully tackles. I know the staff likes versatile lineman but the line seems to be really struggling on the edge.

Always happy to see a new one show up in my feed. What was your favorite off topic conversation in the DC thread?

Hey guys, Who is the most likely to see early playing time in the 2022 class? Who is a dark horse to see playing time in the 2022 class?

Will the turmoil on the defensive staff cause any commits to delay their signature on ESD until the hires are made?

You guys are killing it with the quick but well thought out reactions and the guests you guys have brought on. In football, as in life, things can go bad quickly, but to make something good, it usually takes years of hard work. With that being said, given the depths the running game fell to in 2021, do you think this is something that can be turned around quickly with the talent on the roster and hopefully coming in very soon with the 2022 class/maybe some transfer portal help? Or is this going to take a multi-year effort to get Penn State back to it’s usually stellar running game? Also, given how bad things went, is there justification to relieve Ja’Juan Seider of the run game coordinator role, if not let him go altogether? I know a lot of people have been pointing at Phil Trautwein but I’m sure some feel the blame needs to be shared between the two of them. Thanks! (Also, no worries if you don’t have time for this, but any opinions on Spencer Rolland decommitting?)

With Brian Kelly leaving ND do you see guys like Holden Staes (who was once a PSU commitment) and Aamil Wagner de-committing. If so, is there room in the class and would that be likely… Love the podcast fellas!!

There’s your $70 million investment on full display. Wash/rinse/repeat. Out coached. Again. Lost every key play of the game as usual. When will the media start calling franklin out. What do I have to look fir ward to? Why should I believe this team can ever win with him? Here’s the answer. It won’t. This entire program is a joke. A national laughingstock. The psu admin deserves all the criticism coming its way for committing this money to a terrible game day football coach.

Great podcast and honest insight into the team and program. After listening to the podcast about Franklin’s extension, it appears he has been telling players and recruits behind the scenes that it was in the works and he was not going to be leaving for other jobs. After the loss to Iowa (albeit due to injuries) the team seemed to go into a fog that they haven’t really recovered from. Not once did CJF publicly come out and reassure the fan base of his commitment to PSU football. In a time when the team was lacking confidence and needed leadership, he seemed content to kick the can down the road knowing that he was coming back all along. No matter what is being said to players etc behind closed doors, public perception is a real concern. If the coach doesn’t seem to buy in 100%, how can 18-23 year old young men be asked to. Do you think that a public and emphatic statement from Franklin during that rough patch of games affirming his commitment to the program would have changed the course of the season?

At what point do all PSU fans acknowledge that JF is just not a good coach? He’s only ever been good when he hit it out of the ballpark hiring coordinators and he hasn’t done that since. He feels like a Walmart version of John Harbaugh who caught lightning in a bottle for one year. How much longer do we have to suffer through his horrible coaching decisions?

Just wanted to start off by saying I really appreciate the work that you guys do to put out great material on a consistent basis for us fans. The question I have is just a fun one… If you had to choose one who would you go with? Chris Godwin, Allen Robinson, or Jahon Dotson

Why say in 5 minutes what you can say in 50? Talking points repeated over and over as they ramble on. Play the 247 drinking game to pass the time: chug when you hear “room” or “chunk play” or “but yeah/no” or other well worn phrases.

Hey guys, been listening to the show for a few years and the coverage of the program is nothing short of excellent. I have a question for the mailbag. There has been so much talk recently about coach Franklin leveraging the university to provide more resources to the football program on par with the perennial powers they are expected to contend with. It also seems like it’s becoming an excuse for why we can’t compete with OSU. I know that assistant salaries have risen during coach Franklin’s tenure, and there was recently a major renovation of the football facilities approved. What else are we not up to par with, with these national power programs, that are on Coach Franklin’s wish list? In the past I accepted that “assistant salaries” and “facilities” were not up to par, but it seems like the university has addressed them, but is it enough? Are there other aspects that we are lacking in to be on par with the college football leaders? If this is the linchpin as to why we can’t make the playoffs, I want the details! Thanks!

Hey guys, question on Penn State and recruiting. When talking about what it’s going to take to keep James Franklin at Penn State, besides just his annual salary, it often centers around money for his staff and financial commitments from the university to essentially help with recruiting. In what ways (and by how much) is Penn State behind the top tier of college football in terms of facilities, dorms, extracurricular programs, etc. as it relates to recruiting? For example, does Penn State need to build new football player-specific dorms, where every room comes with a PS5, and has an underground walkway to the Lasch building when it’s cold/snowing out?