FALL '26 Episode 13: On the Brink

Our first podcast description of the season ended with this question: "Is Penn State football's new leadership playing the 'Moneyball' long game while restoring the spirit of Success with Honor or placating a shrinking segment of the fanbase as the rest of college football passes them by?"

On Saturday night, in a mostly-full and distractingly (though not entirely in a good way) loud Beaver Stadium on Homecoming, we got our first meaningful data point to begin clarifying the answer to this existential question, one that is suddenly weighing heavier on Nittany Nation this week. The early returns were, let's say, discouraging. Now, as the Lions disrupt their weekly routine (a coach's favorite!) before hitting the road for a Friday night tilt in Evanston with a feisty Northwestern Wildcat squad seeking to christen their new home field with a signature win, the trajectory of Penn State's football program hangs in the balance. 

HOSTED BY: Brandon Noble, Mike "The Mailman" Herr, Kevin Horne, Chris Buchignani

The Obligatory PSU Podcast is brought to you once again this season by GOLD HEN BLOODY MARY MIX, a Penn State alumni-owned company, makers of the truly one-of-a-kind Gold Hen Bloody Mary Mix. Try it today by going to: GoldHenBloodyMary.com

The unique flavor profile of Gold Hen Bloody Mary Mix complements a variety of alcohols and makes an excellent marinade or cooking ingredient. This year, the guys at Gold Hen are teaming up with Landon Tengwall to put a distinctly Penn State spin on their signature product with the special edition Blue-and-White-themed Gold Hen Batch 58. Stock up for tailgate season today!

CHECKMATE RENTALS is a service oriented, homeowner-first vacation rental management partner that has earned the trust of STR owners around the country. Founded in their hometown in Beaver County, PA, Checkmate’s ownership group includes proud Penn State alumni. If you own a short-term rental property you list with services like AirBnB, book a call with CEO Chad Phillis today at: https://www.checkmaterentals.com/

At ANTIFRAGILE BREWING CO., the only taproom and brewery located in downtown State College at 324 E. Calder Way, something new is always brewing. In addition to the fantastic beers, you can also enjoy Moody Culture Kombucha, fresh-crafted cocktails made from PA spirits, and incredible Uncle John's Jawns cheesesteaks.