Hardcore Penn State Football

Ep. 207 | Cigs Are Good

In this must-listen episode of Hardcore Penn State Football, we bring the heat with special guest Landon Tengwall, the former Nittany Lions offensive lineman turned analyst and host of The Landon Tengwall Show, joining us for insider breakdowns and unfiltered takes on the program! We kick off with an exclusive interview with Landon—understanding what's going on with the current Penn State Football team. What improvements they can make at this point in the season? Can they get to a bowl game?
 
We then talk about the Penn State Coaching Search and who Landon would like to see get the Penn State Head Coaching Job. Then, a raw dissection of what went wrong in the 38-14 thrashing by Ohio State and throughout this disappointing 3-5 campaign so far—turnovers, defensive lapses, coaching decisions, and how the Lions can salvage the year.
 
Shifting to the future, our detailed preview of the upcoming clash against Indiana on November 8th at Beaver Stadium: Breaking down the #,2 Indiana Hoosiers, their high-powered offense, key matchups like containing their explosive WRS, and how Penn State's defense can step up at home. Next, our bold predictions for Penn State vs. Indiana—will the Nittany Lions snap their skid and get back to .500, or will IU keep rolling in the Big Ten? We cover scores, X-factors, and upset potential.
 
Join Cory Lestochi and guest Landon Tengwall for candid convos, expert insights, and no-BS analysis. Subscribe now for more Penn State deep dives, like if you're ready for a rebound win, and drop your predictions in the comments!
 
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Ep. 206 | Grounded

In this toothless episode of Hardcore Penn State Football, we unpack the Nittany Lions' brutal 38-14 defeat at the hands of the No. 1 Ohio State Buckeyes on November 1st—dropping Penn State to 3-5 and intensifying the pressure in Happy Valley. Rich Scarcella from the Reading Eagle joins the show!
 
We start with a full recap of the loss: Key plays, defensive breakdowns, turnovers, and how the Buckeyes dominated from start to finish despite the score looking close at half. What went wrong, and is there any silver linings in this lopsided rivalry clash? Why couldn't the offense attack vertically?
 
Next, a heated debate on offensive playcalling—critiquing the conservative schemes, missed opportunities with Ethan Grunkemeyer, and why the run-pass balance failed against OSU's elite defense. Is it time for major changes? Interim HC Terry Smith says no major changes are imminent.
 
Then, we tackle your fan questions: From calls for coaching shakeups to player evaluations and bowl eligibility hopes—nothing's off-limits as we read and respond to the best submissions from the PSU faithful.
 
Finally, the latest on the coaching search amid swirling rumors about James Franklin's job security. Updates on frontrunners like Mike Elko's rising stock with TAMU success, Brian Hartline's recruiting magic, Jeff Brohm at Louisville, and Matt Rhule and Urban Meyer appearing to be off the list. Join hosts Cory Lestochi & Rich Scarcella for honest takes, close examinations, and a path forward for the program. Hit subscribe for more raw Penn State analysis, like if you're still believing in the Nittany Lions, and vent your frustrations in the comments!
 
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Ep. 205 | Cory Squared

In this high-stakes episode of Hardcore Penn State Football, we ramp up the intensity just days before the Nittany Lions face off against the top-ranked Buckeyes in a classic Big Ten showdown! Friend of the pod and Altoona native, Cory Giger accompanies him.
We kick things off by answering your top fan bold predictions—covering everything from injury reports and lineup tweaks to coaching hot takes and season outlooks as Penn State sits at 3-4 heading into this pivotal matchup.
Next, our in-depth Ohio State preview: We dissect the undefeated 7-0 Buckeyes' explosive offense led by their star quarterback, their lockdown defense, key player matchups, and strategic vulnerabilities the Lions could exploit in Columbus on November 1st at Ohio Stadium.
Finally, our fearless predictions for Ohio State vs. Penn State—will the underdog Nittany Lions pull off a monumental upset against No. 1 Ohio State, or will the Buckeyes roll to another victory? We break down scores, game-changers, and bold calls.Join hosts Cory Lestochi and Cory Giger for raw breakdowns, heated discussions, and insider insights. Smash that subscribe button for more PSU coverage, like if you're riding with the Nittany Lions, and share your predictions in the comments!
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Ep. 204 | Pilot

In this fresh episode of Hardcore Penn State Football, we dive deep into the hottest topics surrounding the Nittany Lions as the 2025 season heats up! Donnie Collins, Scranton Times-Tribune, fills in for Shawn Kane.
First, we break down the ongoing head coach search amid speculation about James Franklin's future. We analyze top candidates like Texas A&M's Mike Elko, Brian Hartline's offensive wizardry and recruiting prowess at Ohio State, Joe Brady's innovative play-calling with the Buffalo Bills, and the controversial potential return of Urban Meyer—could he bring championship pedigree back to Happy Valley? Then, we shift gears to game prep: How Penn State is gearing up for their Big Noon Kick against Ohio State. We discuss key matchups, injury updates, and strategies to exploit the Buckeyes' weaknesses.
Finally, a full breakdown of the Nittany Lions' offense strategy— from QB Ethan Grunkenmeyer's growth to Jaxon Smolik's injury. Join hosts Cory Lestochi and Donnie Collins for unfiltered analysis..
Don't miss it—subscribe now for more Penn State breakdowns, hit that like button if you're all in on the Lions, and drop your coach picks in the comments!
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Ep. 203 | Hawked

In this episode of Hardcore Penn State Football, we break down Penn State's heartbreaking 25-24 loss to the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium—the Nittany Lions' fourth straight defeat in Iowa City by five points or fewer. Join us as we dissect how the defense, ranked 71st against the run, crumbled in the second half, giving up massive chunks on the ground including a game-changing 67-yard scamper by Iowa QB Mark Gronowski that set up the winning touchdown. Iowa racked up 245 rushing yards at 7.4 yards per carry, exposing ongoing vulnerabilities that have plagued PSU in recent games.
We also dive into the two-QB system deployed in the absence of starter Drew Allar, with redshirt freshman Ethan Grunkemeyer getting the nod (15/28 for 93 yards, but two costly INTs) and backup Jaxon Smolik rotating in for key scrambles and option plays— a strategy reminiscent of last season's approach but one that couldn't seal the deal.
Plus, the latest on Penn State's head coaching search following James Franklin's firing: Interim coach Terry Smith dropped his debut, but he's emerging as a candidate himself. We discuss top names like Nebraska's Matt Rhule (the early favorite), Texas A&M's Mike Elko, and dark horses such as Alabama's Kalen DeBoer and Missouri's Eli Drinkwitz, as the search enters its second week with no clear frontrunner yet. Tune in for expert analysis, fan reactions, and what this means for Penn State with Ohio State and Indiana looming after the BYE week. We also answer your fan questions!
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more college football breakdowns! Visit rhettcoblentz.com for your graphic design needs! #WeAre #PennStateFootball #nittanylions
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Ep. 202 | Rumor Has It

Buckle up, Nittany Nation! In this raw, unfiltered episode of Hardcore Penn State Football, we dive headfirst into the chaos that's gripped Happy Valley as the 2025 season spirals into madness. With James Franklin's stunning midseason firing still sending shockwaves through the program—just days after a gut-wrenching 3-3 skid—Penn State heads into the lion's den at Kinnick Stadium for a brutal Week 8 clash against a surging Iowa squad (4-2) on October 18. Is this the rock-bottom revenge tour nobody saw coming, or the spark that reignites our playoff dreams? We break it all down with zero punches pulled.
Penn State vs. Iowa Preview: Trap Game or Total Meltdown? The Hawkeyes are rolling with a punishing ground attack—led by Xavier Williams' two-TD explosion last outing and QB Mark Gronowski's dual-threat nightmare fuel. Kinnick's nightmarish atmosphere under the lights (7 p.m. ET on Peacock) has crushed bigger dreams than ours. We dissect first time-starting QB Ethan Grunkmeyer, Interim HC Terry Smith's presser, and whether our D-line (shoutout Dani Dennis-Sutton's punt-block heroics) can stuff Iowa's rush before it stuffs us.
 
Franklin Out, Who's Next? Holy buyout, Batman—what a bloodbath! Franklin's pink slip (after a 104-45 tenure, a '24 playoff semi, and that elusive natty) joins a 2025 carousel on steroids: UCLA, Virginia Tech, Oklahoma State (RIP Mike Gundy), Arkansas (Sam Pittman gone), Oregon State, and even Stanford's wild Frank Reich interim experiment. Is Penn State boosters' cash vault eyeing a splash like Marcus Freeman, Matt Rhule, or Urban Meyer? We discuss who we have heard, who is real, and who is not. Whether you're tailgating in Iowa's cornfields or rage-scrolling from your Beaver Stadium man cave, this ep is your survival guide to the storm.
WE ARE... STILL HERE! Smash that like button, subscribe for weekly roasts, and drop your wildest coaching carousel predictions in the comments. Visit rhettcoblentz.com for your graphic design needs! #WeAre #PennStateFootball #nittanylions
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Ep. 201 | Speechless

In this explosive episode of Hardcore Penn State Football, we break down the Nittany Lions' stunning upset loss to Northwestern— a game that has fans reeling and questioning everything. Join host Shawn Kane & Cory Lestochi as we tackle the big questions head-on: James Franklin Gone, now who? We dissect the removal of James Franklin after this embarrassing defeat. Terry Smith will serve as the interim HC. We analyze his track record, fan reactions, and what the administration might be thinking.
Drew Allar Out for the Season: The heartbreaking news on our star QB—how did the injury happen, what's the prognosis, and who steps up next? We explore the depth chart, backup options, and how this blows up the offense. What Now? Looking ahead to the rest of the 2025 season: roster adjustments, upcoming matchups, recruiting implications, and strategies to salvage the year.
Can Penn State still make a bowl game, or is it rebuild time? Packed with expert analysis, hot takes, and your fan voicemails. If you're a die-hard PSU fan, you won't want to miss this raw discussion.
Smash that like button, subscribe for more unfiltered Nittany Lions coverage, and drop your thoughts in the comments—what's your take on Franklin being fired?
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Ep. 200 | Battle Within

In this episode of Hardcore Penn State Football, we preview the Nittany Lions' crucial matchup against Northwestern as they look to snap a frustrating two-game skid. Can Penn State turn things around and get back in the win column?
We break it all down, starting with why the biggest battle isn't the Wildcats—it's Penn State itself. From lingering injuries (Rojas, Donkoh) and mental lapses to execution errors that have plagued recent outings, we dissect how the team needs to overcome its own demons to regain momentum.
Next, we zero in on the second-biggest challenge: the linebacker corps. With Tony Rojas still sidelined and depth issues exposed, how will the defense hold up against Northwestern's running attack led by RB Caleb Komolafe (4 TDs in past 3 games) ? We analyze potential adjustments, key players stepping up, and what it means for stopping the run and pressuring the quarterback.
Finally, the big question on offense: Will they finally take control? After inconsistent play-calling and underutilized weapons, we explore if Drew Allar and the unit can dictate the pace, get Kaytron Allen more involved, and exploit Northwestern's vulnerabilities for a dominant performance. Tune in for expert breakdowns, bold predictions, and what this game means for the rest of the season. If you're bleeding blue and white, smash that like button, subscribe for more, and sound off in the comments Visit rhettcoblentz.com for your graphic design needs! #WeAre #PennStateFootball #nittanylions
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Ep. 199 | Hotel California

In this episode of Hardcore Penn State Football, we dive deep into the Nittany Lions' heartbreaking 42-37 loss to UCLA. We kick things off by breaking down how the defense struggled to get off the field, allowing the Bruins to control the clock and convert key third downs that kept drives alive far too long.
Next, we explore the massive impact of linebacker Tony Rojas's injury and how it completely shifted the identity of the Penn State defense, leaving gaps in run stopping and pass coverage that UCLA exploited relentlessly.
On the offensive side, quarterback Drew Allar delivered a performance that was more than good enough to secure a win—efficient passing, smart decisions, and clutch throws under pressure. But why isn't running back Kaytron Allen getting more touches? We dissect the play-calling, his underutilization in the ground game, and what it means for the backfield moving forward.
Join us for raw analysis, fan reactions, and our take on what Penn State needs to fix before the bye week. If you're a die-hard Nittany Lion, hit that subscribe button, like the video, and drop your thoughts in the comments.
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Ep. 198 | Part Two

Join us for the latest episode of Hardcore Penn State Football as we dive deep into the Nittany Lions' upcoming clash with UCLA this weekend! In this preview, we break down the massive shakeup at UCLA with the recent firing of their head coach and what it means for the Bruins' strategy and morale heading into Happy Valley. Can Penn State bounce back and move forward after that tough loss to Oregon? We discuss the mental reset, key player adjustments, and how the team can channel that setback into fuel for a dominant performance. Plus, we explore potential changes on offense – from play-calling tweaks to lineup shifts – that could unlock PSU's full potential against a vulnerable UCLA defense. Special guest Rich Scarcella from the Reading Eagle joins the show to share his expert insights, insider scoops, and predictions for the game. Don't miss this must-watch episode for every Penn State fan! Hit that LIKE button if you're ready for a big win, SUBSCRIBE for more Hardcore breakdowns, and drop your game predictions in the comments below. Visit rhettcoblentz.com for your graphic design needs! #WeAre #PennStateFootball #nittanylions
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