PJ Mustipher
FILE - Miami head coach Manny Diaz looks on as officials review a play during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Georgia Tech, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Manny Diaz was fired as Miami’s football coach Monday, Dec. 6, 2021, after a 7-5 regular season and with the school in deep negotiations to bring Oregon coach Mario Cristobal back to his alma mater to take over. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)
Diaz excited to return to defensive roots at Penn State

By Travis Johnson Dec. 17, 2021 05:29 PM EST

Illinois wide receiver Casey Washington (14) celebrates behind Penn State defenders Joey Porter Jr. (9) and Dvon Ellies (91) after catching a pass for a 2-point conversion in the ninth overtime to defeat Penn State 20-18 in an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Young tackles providing added push for No. 23 Penn State

By Travis Johnson Nov. 03, 2021 05:16 PM EDT

Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford (14) passes against Illinois during an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
No. 20 Penn State looking for offense to halt skid

By Travis Johnson Oct. 26, 2021 05:56 PM EDT

FILE - Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford (14) passes against Indiana in the first half of their NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., in this Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, file photo. The key matchup in fourth-ranked Penn State's showdown with No. 3 Iowa pits the Nittany Lions' passing combo of Sean Clifford and Jahan Dotson against a defense that leads the nation with 12 interceptions.(AP Photo/Barry Reeger, File)
No. 7 Penn State, Illinois deal with QB injuries

By The Associated Press Oct. 21, 2021 02:41 PM EDT

Penn State quarterback Ta'Quan Roberson (2) looks to pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Iowa, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa won 23-20. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney)
No. 7 Penn State, Illinois unsure of QBs ahead of matchup

By Travis Johnson Oct. 21, 2021 10:03 AM EDT

Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz, right, shakes hands with Penn State head coach James Franklin before an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney)
Franklin responds to Iowa's Ferentz, denied faking injuries

By The Associated Press Oct. 14, 2021 11:19 AM EDT

Iowa defensive back Jack Koerner (28) trips up Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford (14) on a run in the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 9, 2021, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Matthew Putney)
No. 3 Iowa beats No. 4 Penn State 23-20, fans storm field

By Eric Olson Oct. 09, 2021 08:04 PM EDT

Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (9) celebrates a fourth down stop on Indiana in the first half of their NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
No. 4 Penn State beats Indiana 24-0 with strong defense

By Travis Johnson Oct. 02, 2021 11:19 PM EDT

Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford (14) dives past Indiana linebacker Aaron Casey (46) for extra yardage in the first quarter of their NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Indiana at Penn State 10/2/2021

Oct. 02, 2021 08:25 PM EDT

Penn State linebacker Ellis Brooks (13) congratulates defensive end Arnold Ebiketie (17) on a sack of Villanova quarterback Daniel Smith (12) during an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa.,on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021. Penn State defeated Villanova 38-17. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
No. 4 Nittany Lions looking to maintain early momentum

By Travis Johnson Sep. 28, 2021 05:46 PM EDT

Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson (5) celebrates his first quarter touchdown pass with Theo Johnson (84) against Villanova during an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., on Saturday, Sept.25, 2021. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
VIL at Penn State 9/25/2021

Sep. 25, 2021 01:51 PM EDT

Penn State wide receiver Parker Washington (3) runs for a touchdown past Rutgers linebacker Tyshon Fogg during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Penn State at Rutgers 12/5/2020

Dec. 05, 2020 01:33 PM EST

Nebraska quarterback Luke McCaffrey (7) throws an interception while under pressure from Penn State defensive end Jayson Oweh (28), defensive end Shaka Toney (18) and linebacker Ellis Brooks (13), during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Lincoln, Neb., Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020. Nebraska won 30-23. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik)
Winless Penn State searching for defensive answers

By Travis Johnson Nov. 18, 2020 05:50 PM EST

Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson (5) celebrates his fourth-quarter touchdown reception Ohio State cornerback Shaun Wade (24) watches during an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020. Ohio State won 38-25. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Penn State looks to end bumpy start as Maryland visits

By Travis Johnson Nov. 05, 2020 02:41 PM EST

Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford warms up for the team's NCAA college football game against Ohio State in State College, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Ohio State at Penn State 10/31/2020

Oct. 31, 2020 06:53 PM EDT

Minnesota quarterback Tanner Morgan (2) runs with the ball during an NCAA college football game against Maryland, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
They're unbeaten too: No. 5 Penn State at No. 13 Minnesota

By Dave Campbell Nov. 08, 2019 03:49 PM EST