Penn State opens its season Saturday against West Virginia at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium. In the first year of the expanded College Football Playoff, the Nittany Lions are facing immense pressure to earn their spot in the 12-team field.
Before that, though, James Franklin and Co. first have to get past the Mountaineers. Here’s everything you need to know about today’s season opener.
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Television
After being the featured FOX game twice last year, Penn State will open the 2024 season on the network for Big Noon Kickoff. Gus Johnson will provide the play-by-play while Joel Klatt will provide color commentary with Jenny Taft as the sideline reporter.
Radio
Penn State Sports Network — Steve Jones and Jack Hamm Local: 99.5 & 103.7 FM/ 1450 AM, Sirius/XM/Internet: 83/83/80
Weather
Saturday will be a mix of clouds and sun with an 86% chance of precipitation and a high of 86º, according to AccuWeather. There is also a chance of a late thunderstorm, which could delay the football game.
Last Meeting
Penn State opened its season last year at home against West Virginia, winning 38-15. In his debut as the starting quarterback, Drew Allar racked up 325 yards and three touchdowns.
Injuries
Over the offseason, Franklin said both quarterback Jaxon Smolik and wide receiver Peter Gonzalez suffered “long-term” injuries and would miss significant time. On Monday, Franklin said wide receiver and punt returner Kaden Saunders was dealing with some “bumps and bruises,” but was hopeful for Saturday’s game.
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Betting Lines
The Nittany Lions are -8.5-point favorites over West Virginia with a -316 moneyline, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. The over/under is set at 51.5 points.
Media Coverage
Onward State will have you covered throughout today’s game. Find big plays, analysis, photos, and more on our main Twitter account @OnwardState as well as play-by-play commentary from @OnwardStSports.
Football writers CJ Doebler (@CDoebler) and Mitch Corcoran (@MitchCorc18) will provide you with coverage from inside the press box, while Nolan Wick (@nolan_wick) will do the same from State College.
Photographers Hailey Stutzman (@stutzhailey) and Mikey DeAngelis (@mikey_deangelis) will provide visual updates from the field.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WOWK) — The West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office is warning people of a new text scam that is illegally using the State Seal.
The Secretary of State’s Office said in a release Saturday that the scam texts are telling recipients that they failed to pay a fine for a parking or traffic violation, and that they need to use a QR code to pay immediately or go to municipal court on Monday.
Those who receive the scam text are advised not to click on any attachments or use the QR code.
“This is clearly an illegal use of the State Seal to make the message and demand for payment appear legitimate,” Secretary Kris Warner said. “The use of the WV State Seal is clearly prohibited for this kind of message.”
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W.Va. Latest News:
Example of the scam message (Courtesy: WV Secretary of State’s Office)
Warner said that under WV State Code 521, those guilty of illegally using the WV State Seal can face penalties for fraud or forgery.
Those looking to report a scam email or text can send an email with a screenshot of the scam message to Investigations@wvsos.gov.
For more news from across the Tri-State, click here.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — Officials have issued a warning following reports of a text message scam that utilizes the West Virginia State Seal.
Residents are receiving messages regarding bogus fines for parking or traffic violations, according to a news release from West Virginia Secretary of State Kris Warner’s Office.
The release said texts include the seal along with a QR code for payment and scammers are threatening legal action against potential targets.
Warner noted those found guilty using the State Seal without authorization may be subjected to penalties for fraud or forgery.
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Anyone receiving the scam texts are advised against opening any attachments.
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT
To report the message, send an email with a screenshot to investigations@wvsos.gov.
PARKERSBURG, W.Va. — A shooting in Parkersburg leaves two men behind bars.
Christen Hall
According to the city police, Christen Hall, 24, of Waverly, West Virginia fired multiple shots from a handgun toward a home on Lynn Street Friday evening. Police were quickly on the scene and arrested Hall charging him with 13 counts of wanton endangerment, one for every shot fired.
Investigators said Hall was in an argument with the victim, Kenton Barker, 28, of Parkersburg. The two were arguing about a relationship with a mutual acquaintance.
During the course of the investigation, police learned Barker was also armed, although he fired not shots. However, he’s prohibited from possession of a firearm. He too was arrested. Hall was
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Kenton Barker
being held on a $520,000 bond while Barker’s bond was set at $50,000.
