Category Archives: Exclusives

Content you’ll find only on The Football Letter blog.

08.19.14
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Legends of ’94: The Oral History

Rose2

Unbeaten, Unstoppable, Uncrowned
An Oral History of the 1994 Penn State Football Team

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Twenty years ago this fall, in just their second season of conference play, the Nittany Lions put together one of the greatest seasons in Big Ten history. They did so with one of the most dynamic offenses ever seen, a star-laden group full of play-makers and future pros. They did it with style, running off a string of blowouts and, on those rare occasions it was necessary, pulling off memorable late-game heroics. They did it with a gritty, overlooked defense and a veteran coaching staff that adapted perfectly to the talent on hand.

To mark the 20th anniversary of Joe Paterno’s last undefeated team, we’re proud to present the definitive oral history of the 1994 Penn State football team. Based on interviews with nearly 30 former Lions—players, coaches, and staff—it’s their story, in their words… Continue reading →

08.12.14
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The Legends of ’94: Part 3

Bobby Kerry UM

Unbeaten, Unstoppable, Uncrowned
An Oral History of the 1994 Penn State Football Team

Part 3 opens with Penn State’s first ever trip to the Big House, an epic occasion in which the game lives up to the hype; an injury-plagued and overlooked defense shows a knack for answering the call; a Homecoming romp over some cupcake from Columbus; and a historic collection of skill players combine for what might be the most unstoppable offense in college football history.

Continue reading →

08.12.14
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The Legends of ’94: Part 2

KJ v TENN

Unbeaten, Unstoppable, Uncrowned
An Oral History of the 1994 Penn State Football Team

Part 2 kicks off with the ’94 Citrus Bowl, where an upset of Tennessee hinted at the success to come; after an offseason of cohesion and commitment, Penn State opens the ’94 season in dominating fashion; and a closer look at the diverse cast of characters who make up the Lions’ all-time-great offensive line. Continue reading →

05.15.14
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The Road to No. 1

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You can’t miss that finger. In his five months on the job, James Franklin’s raised index finger—the universal sign for “We’re No. 1″—has become something of a trademark. Should you find yourself posing for a photo with Franklin anytime soon, the odds are good that he—and you, whether you planned on it or not—will be pointing a finger toward the sky. Continue reading →

04.29.14
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Best in the Booth

Photo by Steve Manuel

Photo by Steve Manuel

Good friends and consummate pros, Steve Jones and Jack Ham bring insight, history, and a commitment to excellence to their roles as the voices of Penn State football. By John Patishnock ’05

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Walk through an open gate on the west side of Beaver Stadium, stroll under a canopy, and step into a nearby service elevator. Push the button for the second floor, exit and take a dozen or so steps to the left. Arrive at door No. 210, marked “Penn State Sports Network.”

If you want to reach the broadcast booth that Steve Jones ’80 and Jack Ham ’71 have occupied together since 2000, this is the route you take. Continue reading →

03.28.14
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Sean Spencer Delivers

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“Absolutely,” Sean Spencer says. “I remember it distinctly.”

He’s talking about The Hit, a game-defining play in what might be the most memorable game of his playing career. When we posted the video on Thursday, we promised to do some more digging on the specifics of that moment. We know that a couple of Spencer’s former college teammates found and uploaded the game footage. And we’re happy to report that Coach Chaos himself found time to tell us the story. Continue reading →