The Obligatory PSU Pregame Show: Penn State Bye Week

Penn State enters the bye week undefeated at 5-0 and ranked tenth in the country after surviving a sloppy (in more ways than one) battle with Northwestern in Happy Valley. State’s defense turned in a now-characteristically strong performance in the driving rain, erasing the Nittany Lions’ many mistakes by allowing the Wildcats zero points off five takeaways.

With Kevin Horne out of action this week, former Penn State defensive lineman-turned-media-dynamo Aeneas Hawkins sits in with Mailman, Chris, and Goon to review the season thus far for State. The team takes advantage of the bye week to share some extra and behind-the-scenes footage, and the fans get the chance to honor the legacy of Joe and Sue Paterno, support Special Olympics of PA, and possibly win a unique Penn State football helmet signed by numerous players and Lettermen (sopapaternofund.org). This week’s Letterman Legacy segment features more footage from defensive lineman Jordan Hill (2009-12), who recounts some memorable first encounters with star linebacker NaVorro Bowman and head coach Bill O’Brien..

In segments featuring highlights and exclusive content from the Blue & White Players Show, Goon, Chris, and Aeneas are joined by senior wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley and senior offensive tackle Bryce Effner. Without a score to pick, the guys revisit their record predictions from before the season and, as always, we have Mike’s Trends 2 Treasure picks for next weekend.

Catch up on Past Shows:

The Obligatory PSU Pregame Show: Episode 701 (Purdue)

The Obligatory PSU Pregame Show: Episode 702 (Ohio)

The Obligatory PSU Pregame Show: Episode 703 (Auburn)

The Obligatory PSU Pregame Show: Episode 704 (Central Michigan)

The Obligatory PSU Pregame Show: Episode 705 (Northwestern)

More About Obligatory:

Entering its seventh season, The Obligatory PSU Pregame Show is a TV “tailgate” full of the fun, camaraderie, and passion – from joy to heartbreak and back again – that make Penn State football the healthy obsession of students, alumni, and fans. For every loyal Nittany Lion who can’t be there in person, it’s the next best thing: A weekly dose of Happy Valley to kick off the football weekend. The show’s lovable cast of loyal Penn Staters features former Penn State and NFL defensive tackle Brandon Noble, beloved campus icon Mike the Mailman, former Onward State managing editor Kevin Horne, and six-time Sam’s Club member Chris Buchignani. 

Filmed from Champs Downtown, one of the most iconic college bars and recognizable locations in Happy Valley, each weekly episode features not just lively commentary on the games, but also lifestyle features, town and campus interest stories, interviews with former Penn State players, and some sports wagering tips from Mike the Mailman. Our show thrives because it is different. It is engaging because it allows viewers to enjoy a spontaneous, frivolous, and contagious peek into a world that feels an awful lot like four guys simply enjoying themselves while talking college football. The on-field exploits of the Nittany Lions are the focus, but the chemistry between the show’s hosts and the raw honesty stemming from their genuine love of school, team, and place are what distinguish Obligatory from the usual cookie cutter fare.