Black Shoe Diaries

1 week ago | blackshoediaries.com | Tim Aydin

Photo by Doug Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images We’re back to honoring current players on the roster, as we pay homage to our favorite Australian punter in Riley Thompson. In his entire collegiate career, including his time at Florida Atlantic, where he spent his first year before transferring to Penn State, Thompson has put 60 punts inside an opponent’s red zone, including 20 of them inside an opponent’s 10-yard line.

1 week ago | blackshoediaries.com | Tim Aydin

Once again, with no current Penn State player rocking a corresponding jersey number, we’re jumping back into the time machine to 1994 and the 96-yard go-ahead touchdown drive to cap off an incredible comeback after falling behind 21-0 in the first quarter, but ultimately eking out a 35-31 win to clinch the Big Ten championship and a Rose Bowl appearance.

1 week ago | blackshoediaries.com | Tim Aydin

Aaron Doster-Imagn Images Look, I know the last thing any of you want is to read about any Penn State-Ohio State game played since 2016, but since we don’t have a current player on the roster wearing a No. 97 jersey and don’t have another 97-yard touchdown moment to honor, Saquon Barkley’s opening kickoff return in the 2017 showdown with the Buckeyes, it is.

1 week ago | blackshoediaries.com | Tim Aydin

Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images We’re bringing a new twist to the “Days Until” series by moving beyond just jersey numbers and it starts with honoring Beau Pribula’s gritty performance at Wisconsin last season. With Penn State trailing at halftime and Drew Allar unable to play after injuring his knee in the final minute of the first half, it was Beau’s turn to shine under the bright lights in Madison.

2 weeks ago | blackshoediaries.com | Tim Aydin

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images We’re just inside of 100 days and we’re kicking it off by honoring your favorite kickoff specialist! Since 2022, Gabe Nwosu has been booming kickoffs into the end zone more often than not, racking up a total of 117 touchbacks and giving opposing teams few chances for explosive returns. Look for the redshirt senior to continue adding to that total in his final season in a blue and white uniform.