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A subtle but potentially significant shift is occurring in artificial intelligence (AI). Machines are advancing beyond processing commands to undertaking tasks with more autonomy. Google’s release of Gemini 2.0 may mark a turning point in this evolution, showcasing AI systems that can independently navigate complex tasks across multiple platforms. For example, Gemini 2.0 powers projects like Astra, a universal assistant for Android devices, and Mariner, an agent capable of autonomous web navigation. These developments suggest the system could transform user interactions and task automation. For businesses, such advancements indicate possibilities for AI to impact operations ranging from warehouse management to customer service. “Gemini 2.0 improves on previous AI systems by advancing the capabilities of autonomous decision-making through the integration of more sophisticated AI agents that leverage real-time data processing and adaptive learning models,” Prashant Kelker , chief strategy officer, partner and lead consulting sourcing and transformation – Americas, with global technology research and advisory firm ISG , told PYMNTS. “As a result, enterprises will need to strengthen the cross-functional alignment between technology, business and compliance teams. As agentic AI goes into production, we are expecting cloud and edge computing capabilities to scale.” AI Agents and Commerce The key innovation lies in Gemini 2.0’s ability to handle multistep processes with reduced human oversight. Unlike traditional AI that responds to specific prompts, this system aims to autonomously coordinate across platforms, potentially managing inventory or processing orders. “Rather than completely redesigning their eCommerce systems, businesses will likely extend existing accessibility and structured data standards to create an ‘AI-enhanced HTML’ layer that sits between pure visual interfaces and full APIs,” Dev Nag , CEO of QueryPal , a support automation company, told PYMNTS. A distinguishing feature of Gemini 2.0 is its unified approach to processing different types of information. While previous systems often required separate tools for handling text, images and audio, this new model reportedly integrates them—a development seen as critical for real-world applications where data often spans multiple formats. For retailers and logistics companies , such advancements might manage supply chains, from tracking shipments to predicting inventory needs, while also handling customer interactions across multiple channels. Financial institutions might consider deploying it to enhance fraud detection systems, potentially allowing human analysts to focus on strategic tasks. With further development, Gemini’s agentic approach could have massive usefulness for practical and inefficient consumer tasks, Kevin Green , COO of Hapax , an AI for the financial services industry , told PYMNTS . But, he said, there are a few important things to note. “First, agentic is not a tidal wave. It will not come in and impact every aspect of consumer life. Much of what we do is already incredibly efficient and will not be improved upon, or at least not improved upon quickly, by agents. “Take online shopping for example. While AI may allow us to more quickly find what we are looking for or better introduce us to new products, the act of purchasing on Amazon is already incredibly efficient so products like AI shoppers are not something I’m expecting to take hold.” Race for AI Autonomy Gemini 2.0 could be an indicator of broader changes in business operations. The ability to process multiple data types and make decisions autonomously could have implications for retail and manufacturing industries. Some early adopters are already exploring applications. For instance, logistics companies are testing AI agents for tasks like tracking shipments and rerouting them based on real-time conditions and customer preferences. Similarly, Salesforce recently announced Agentforce 2.0 , a platform designed to enhance sales, marketing and customer service through AI-driven solutions. Customer service departments are experimenting with agents capable of resolving complex support issues by accessing multiple systems without human intervention. However, these advancements raise concerns. As AI systems gain more autonomy, ensuring their security becomes critical. A compromised AI agent could disrupt supply chains or execute unauthorized financial decisions. The potential cost savings and efficiency gains are considerable but not guaranteed. By automating routine processes, companies might reduce operational overhead and improve response times, though the extent of these benefits remains to be seen. For instance, SoundHound AI’s voice technology, used in automotive and restaurant sectors, highlights the interest in AI-driven solutions but also underscores the challenges in scaling such systems effectively. For businesses, the outlook is complex. Autonomous AI is no longer just a theoretical prospect — it is beginning to influence how companies operate and compete. However, success will likely depend on balancing automation with appropriate human oversight. Companies starting small-scale implementations now may position themselves better as these technologies evolve.ANOKA, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 25, 2024-- Vista Outdoor Inc. (“Vista Outdoor”, the “Company”) (NYSE: VSTO) today announced that its stockholders voted to approve the sale of The Kinetic Group to Czechoslovak Group a.s. (“CSG”) (the “CSG Transaction”) at its special meeting of stockholders held earlier today. Vista Outdoor and CSG have received all regulatory approvals required under the merger agreement for the CSG Transaction and intend to close the CSG Transaction on November 27, 2024. Under the terms of the CSG Transaction, Vista Outdoor stockholders will receive $25.75 in cash and one share of Revelyst common stock for each share of Vista Outdoor common stock they hold. “We are thrilled to have received overwhelming support from our stockholders for the compelling transaction with CSG,” said Michael Callahan, Chairman of the Vista Outdoor Board of Directors. “The CSG transaction maximizes value for our stockholders, while also providing an ideal home for our leading ammunition brands and significant opportunities for our employees.” Based on the vote count from the special meeting of stockholders, approximately 97.89% of votes cast were in favor of the CSG Transaction, representing approximately 82.57% of all outstanding shares. The final voting results will be reported in a Form 8-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Following the closing of the CSG Transaction, Revelyst will begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker “GEAR”. Subject to the receipt of necessary regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions, funds managed by Strategic Value Partners, LLC (“SVP”) will subsequently acquire Revelyst in an all-cash transaction based on an enterprise value of $1.125 billion (the “SVP Transaction”), subject to a net cash adjustment. At the closing of the SVP Transaction, Revelyst stockholders will receive an estimated $19.25 in cash per share of Revelyst common stock 1. The SVP Transaction is on track to close by January 2025. No separate approval of the SVP Transaction by Vista Outdoor stockholders is required. Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC is acting as sole financial adviser to Vista Outdoor and Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP is acting as legal adviser to Vista Outdoor. Moelis & Company LLC is acting as sole financial adviser to the independent directors of Vista Outdoor and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is acting as legal adviser to the independent directors of Vista Outdoor. About Vista Outdoor Inc. Vista Outdoor (NYSE: VSTO) is the parent company of more than three dozen renowned brands that design, manufacture and market sporting and outdoor products. Brands include Bushnell, CamelBak, Bushnell Golf, Foresight Sports, Fox Racing, Bell Helmets, Camp Chef, Giro, Simms Fishing, QuietKat, Stone Glacier, Federal Ammunition, Remington Ammunition and more. Our reporting segments, Outdoor Products and Sporting Products, provide consumers with a wide range of performance-driven, high-quality and innovative outdoor and sporting products. For news and information, visit our website at www.vistaoutdoor.com Forward-Looking Statements Some of the statements made and information contained in this press release, excluding historical information, are “forward-looking statements,” including those that discuss, among other things: Vista Outdoor Inc.’s (“Vista Outdoor”, “we”, “us” or “our”) plans, objectives, expectations, intentions, strategies, goals, outlook or other non-historical matters; projections with respect to future revenues, income, earnings per share or other financial measures for Vista Outdoor; and the assumptions that underlie these matters. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “aim,” “should” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. To the extent that any such information is forward-looking, it is intended to fit within the safe harbor for forward-looking information provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors could cause our actual results to differ materially from the expectations described in such forward-looking statements, including the following: risks related to the previously announced transaction among Vista Outdoor, Revelyst, Inc., CSG Elevate II Inc., CSG Elevate III Inc. and CZECHOSLOVAK GROUP a.s. (the “CSG Transaction”) and risks related to the previously announced transaction among Vista Outdoor, Revelyst, Olibre LLC and Cabin Ridge, Inc. (the “SVP Transaction”) including (i) the possibility that any or all of the various conditions to the consummation of the CSG Transaction or the SVP Transaction may not be satisfied or waived, including the failure to receive any required regulatory approvals from any applicable governmental entities (or any conditions, limitations or restrictions placed on such approvals), (ii) the possibility that competing offers or acquisition proposals may be made, (iii) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstance that could give rise to the termination of the merger agreement relating to the CSG Transaction or the SVP Transaction, including in circumstances which would require Vista Outdoor or Revelyst, as applicable, to pay a termination fee, (iv) the effect of the announcement or pendency of the CSG Transaction or the SVP Transaction on our ability to attract, motivate or retain key executives and employees, our ability to maintain relationships with our customers, vendors, service providers and others with whom we do business, or our operating results and business generally, (v) risks related to the CSG Transaction or the SVP Transaction diverting management’s attention from our ongoing business operations, (vi) that the CSG Transaction or the SVP Transaction may not achieve some or all of any anticipated benefits with respect to either business segment and that the CSG Transaction or the SVP Transaction may not be completed in accordance with our expected plans or anticipated timelines, or at all, and (vii) that the consideration paid to Revelyst stockholders in connection with the SVP Transaction cannot be determined until the consummation of the SVP Transaction as it is subject to certain adjustments related to the net cash of Revelyst as of the closing of the SVP Transaction and the management team’s current estimate of the consideration may be higher or lower than the actual consideration paid to Revelyst stockholders in connection with the SVP Transaction due to the actual cash flows prior to the closing of the SVP Transaction or other factors; impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations, the operations of our customers and suppliers and general economic conditions; supplier capacity constraints, production or shipping disruptions or quality or price issues affecting our operating costs; the supply, availability and costs of raw materials and components; increases in commodity, energy, and production costs; seasonality and weather conditions; our ability to complete acquisitions, realize expected benefits from acquisitions and integrate acquired businesses; reductions in or unexpected changes in or our inability to accurately forecast demand for ammunition, accessories, or other outdoor sports and recreation products; disruption in the service or significant increase in the cost of our primary delivery and shipping services for our products and components or a significant disruption at shipping ports; risks associated with diversification into new international and commercial markets, including regulatory compliance; our ability to take advantage of growth opportunities in international and commercial markets; our ability to obtain and maintain licenses to third-party technology; our ability to attract and retain key personnel; disruptions caused by catastrophic events; risks associated with our sales to significant retail customers, including unexpected cancellations, delays, and other changes to purchase orders; our competitive environment; our ability to adapt our products to changes in technology, the marketplace and customer preferences, including our ability to respond to shifting preferences of the end consumer from brick and mortar retail to online retail; our ability to maintain and enhance brand recognition and reputation; our association with the firearms industry, others’ use of social media to disseminate negative commentary about us, our products, and boycotts; the outcome of contingencies, including with respect to litigation and other proceedings relating to intellectual property, product liability, warranty liability, personal injury, and environmental remediation; our ability to comply with extensive federal, state and international laws, rules and regulations; changes in laws, rules and regulations relating to our business, such as federal and state ammunition regulations; risks associated with cybersecurity and other industrial and physical security threats; interest rate risk; changes in the current tariff structures; changes in tax rules or pronouncements; capital market volatility and the availability of financing; our debt covenants may limit our ability to complete acquisitions, incur debt, make investments, sell assets, merge or complete other significant transactions; foreign currency exchange rates and fluctuations in those rates; general economic and business conditions in the United States and our markets outside the United States, including as a result of the war in Ukraine and the imposition of sanctions on Russia, the conflict in the Gaza strip, the COVID-19 pandemic or another pandemic, conditions affecting employment levels, consumer confidence and spending, conditions in the retail environment, and other economic conditions affecting demand for our products and the financial health of our customers. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements we make, which are based only on information currently available to us and speak only as of the date hereof. A more detailed description of risk factors that may affect our operating results can be found in Part 1, Item 1A, Risk Factors, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2024, and in the filings we make with the SEC from time to time. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as otherwise required by law. 1 Based on management estimates, including an assumption the SVP Transaction closes on December 31, 2024. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241125635762/en/ CONTACT: Investor: Tyler Lindwall Phone: 612-704-0147 Email:investor.relations@vistaoutdoor.comMedia: Eric Smith Phone: 720-772-0877 Email:media.relations@vistaoutdoor.com KEYWORD: MINNESOTA UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: RETAIL OTHER CONSUMER CONSUMER OTHER RETAIL MANUFACTURING OTHER MANUFACTURING SOURCE: Vista Outdoor Inc. Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 11/25/2024 04:01 PM/DISC: 11/25/2024 04:01 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241125635762/en
Picture a vast reservoir of water perched on a mountaintop, holding a volume equivalent to three times Denmark's annual water consumption. Now imagine the catastrophic effects when this massive quantity is suddenly unleashed in a flash flood. This is precisely what occurred when Catalina Lake, a large glacial lake in eastern Greenland, released 3.4 cubic kilometers of meltwater—over 3 trillion liters—into Kangertittivaq Fjord, otherwise known as Scoresby Sound, the world’s longest fjord, stretching 217 miles in length. This event, recorded by researchers from the University of Copenhagen between September 23 and October 11, ranks among the three largest documented glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) in history. During the event, the lake’s water level plummeted by 505 feet. According to Dr. Aslak Grinsted, a climate researcher at the Niels Bohr Institute, “We’ve identified evidence of similar past floods, but due to the polar night—a phenomenon in the Arctic where the sun never rises for 24 hours—and cloud cover that obscures satellite observations, this is the first time we’ve been able to document such an event in real time, including measuring the exact volume of water released.” The flood was triggered by decades of accumulating meltwater from snow and ice, a direct consequence of climate change. Over the past 20 years, this water-filled Catalina Lake, which is situated in a valley obstructed by the Edward Bailey Glacier. Once the lake reached capacity, the pressure from the water lifted the glacier, carving out a 15.5-mile-long subglacial tunnel. The water then burst through this channel, emptying into Kangertittivaq Fjord, the world’s longest and one of its deepest fjords, with depths exceeding 4,921 feet. This process, where a glacial lake gradually fills and then suddenly releases its water in a violent flood, has been occurring with increasing frequency over the past three decades due to rising global temperatures. “The risks associated with such events are intensifying as the planet warms,” said Dr. Grinsted. “Developing a deeper understanding of these floods is critical for better preparing for the dangers they pose in the future.” 2 View gallery Kangertittivaq Fjord ( Photo: Shutterstock ) While glacial lake outburst floods can be devastating in densely populated regions, such as the Himalayas where they destroy entire villages and settlements, the recent event in Greenland caused minimal damage due to the country’s sparse population. Nevertheless, research conducted last year concluded that 15 million people worldwide currently live under the threat of catastrophic floods caused by melting snow and ice. Dr. Grinsted warns, “We are likely to witness even larger glacial floods in the future, particularly as Greenland’s ice sheet continues to retreat over the coming centuries. To understand the immense forces at play, we need to observe and study these floods as they happen.” 2 View gallery ( Photo: Shutterstock ) The energy released during such events is staggering. According to Dr. Grinsted, the flood in eastern Greenland unleashed energy equivalent to the full output of the world’s largest nuclear power plant operating continuously for 22 days. Get the Ynetnews app on your smartphone: Google Play : https://bit.ly/4eJ37pE | Apple App Store : https://bit.ly/3ZL7iNv Given the sheer magnitude of these events, Dr. Grinsted suggests exploring ways to harness the energy potential of glacial lake floods as a renewable energy source. In theory, the energy released by the Catalina Lake flood could have produced 50 megawatts of continuous electricity, enough to power a small town. However, in this specific case, the nearest settlement lies 112 miles away and is home to just 350 residents, presenting significant technological challenges for energy utilization. “As with many other natural resources in Greenland, infrastructure is the primary obstacle,” said Dr. Grinsted. “But if an innovative engineer can figure out how to harness the energy stored in such events, it could open up new possibilities for utilizing the power and energy potential of these natural phenomena.” >
BERKELEY, Calif. , Dec. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Bamboo Technology , a mental health technology innovation company, is announcing its participation in Batch 19 of the prestigious UC Berkeley Skydeck IPP Program for startup acceleration. The company's HereHear AI therapist solution will be the key focus of the program, driven by the vision of revolutionizing mental health with AI-powered virtual solutions. To learn more about HereHear, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngU32WgiWf4 "HereHear is here in the US, and I am truly grateful to the Berkeley Skydeck IPP Program for recognizing its potential," noted Lynia Huang , Bamboo Technology's CEO. "As important as mental health has become in recent years, there is a shortage of mental health providers and access to support is low — and HereHear is paving the way for AI to bridge that gap as a first line of defense." A growing case for incorporating AI into mental healthcare With data showing that the US is in a mental health crisis, the CDC recently noted a dire need for public health initiatives that create environments centered around mental health. Specific to the workplace, the Society for Human Resource Management's Employee Mental Health in 2024 Research Series found that 44% of US employees feel burned out at work. The combination of a shortage of mental health providers in the US with the flourishing capabilities of AI builds a strong case for the technology to be deployed in the form of human-guided mental health solutions. HereHear's YangYang: A personalized 3D virtual therapist As organizations seek out ways to empower team members to take better care of their mental health, AI is increasingly emerging as a solution for on-demand, personalized support. Offering a more engaging interaction than chatbots, HereHear's 3D virtual therapist YangYang was launched in January 2024 and offers: YangYang has already been implemented in several therapy clinics and has helped 70% of users improve stress and depression levels by 25% within 3 months. Taking the form of a sheep further distinguishes her — this functions both to provide a 'cute' aspect lending to the warm, healing emotional support she provides, while also helping users who are struggling emotionally to keep in perspective that their interactions are ultimately not with a human. Bringing success in Taiwan to the US market Bamboo Technology's acceptance into the Berkeley Skydeck IPP Program is a major accomplishment as the platform seeks to enter the US market. Batch 19 has only 117 startups out of around 2300 applications, and the program will support HereHear to develop, pilot and launch, as well as to pitch for funding. The company aims to target the app in the human resources space—as a tool for companies to offer staff for on-demand, privacy-first mental health support. Back in Taiwan , the app already has hospitals, mental health clinics, universities, publicly listed companies, and government agencies that use it, similarly spurred by a shortage of mental health workers. About Bamboo Technology Established in November 2018 , the Taipei -based Bamboo Technology is a mental health technology innovation company that focuses on improving public mental health with voice emotion analysis technology. It embraces a belief that a universal, objective, and scientific mental health system can effectively solve the problem of deteriorating mental health in today's society — a core tenet upheld by its many psychologists; social workers; and information management, AI and big data experts. View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bamboo-technologys-herehear-virtual-ai-therapist-joins-berkeley-skydeck-ipp-program-302325187.html SOURCE BAMBOO TECHNOLOGY LTD.The crash happened at 10.45am in crowded downtown Delray Beach, multiple news outlets reported. The Brightline train was stopped on the tracks, its front destroyed, about a block away from the Delray Beach fire rescue truck, its ladder ripped off and strewn in the grass several yards away, The Sun-Sentinel newspaper reported. The Delray Beach Fire Rescue said in a social media post that three Delray Beach firefighters were in stable condition at a hospital. Palm Beach County Fire Rescue took 12 people from the train to the hospital with minor injuries. Emmanuel Amaral rushed to the scene on his golf cart after hearing a loud crash and screeching train brakes from where he was having breakfast a couple of blocks away. He saw firefighters climbing out of the window of their damaged truck and pulling injured colleagues away from the tracks. One of their helmets came to rest several hundred feet away from the crash. “The front of that train is completely smashed, and there was even some of the parts to the fire truck stuck in the front of the train, but it split the car right in half. It split the fire truck right in half, and the debris was everywhere,” Mr Amaral said. Brightline officials did not immediately comment on the crash. A spokesperson for the National Transportation Safety Board said it was still gathering information about the crash and had not decided yet whether it will investigate. The NTSB is already investigating two crashes involving Brightline’s high-speed trains that killed three people early this year at the same crossing along the railroad’s route between Miami and Orlando. More than 100 people have died after being hit by trains since Brightline began operations in July 2017 – giving the railroad the worst death rate in the United States. But most of those deaths have been either suicides, pedestrians who tried to run across the tracks ahead of a train or drivers who went around crossing gates instead of waiting for a train to pass. Brightline has not been found to be at fault in those previous deaths.
MINNEAPOLIS — Penn State pulled off a vital win over Minnesota Saturday night in Minneapolis, earning a 26-25 win that makes the Nittany Lions 10-1 on the season and 7-1 in the Big Ten. Let’s get right into the analysis — with the good, the bad, and the ugly from PSU’s victory. Good Fourth quarter aggressiveness: As someone who will die on the hill of almost never punting, I appreciated James Franklin’s willingness to go for it on three different fourth downs on his team’s game-ending drive. The Nittany Lion head coach does not always make aggressive decisions — he even showed passivity at times Saturday — but when it mattered most he believed in his team and it got the job done. The first was a fake punt that was only successful because PSU didn’t check out of, thanks to Minnesota bringing out its punt return unit and not anticipating the fake. But the second and third were him putting it all on the line with his offense and trying to, as he put it, end it on Penn State’s terms. That’s the kind of aggressiveness that’s needed to win in big moments. Minnesota may only be a middle of the pack Big Ten team, but there was a lot on the line for Penn State Saturday. And that created the type of chances for the Nittany Lions to go out and earn what they aspire to achieve. And on those fourth downs, they did just that. Drew Allar: Saturday was not Allar’s best game, but what he did in crucial spots was more than enough to take him out of having a bad game. The junior quarterback picked up crucial yards on the ground on several occasions and on the final play of the game made the correct call to seal the win for Penn State. On that play in particular, he could have easily thrown the ball in the dirt or tried to force a throw to a covered Nick Singleton on his first read, but instead he made a play. Allar evaded a rusher and stepped up, initially looking like he was going to try and run for the first down with only a yard needed to end the game. But instead he kept his eyes downfield, hitting a wide open Tyler Warren to end it. Those are the kinds of plays that veteran quarterbacks decide to make and the kind that some of the best make consistently. Sure, there was an errant throw or two downfield on Saturday, but ultimately it was Allar who closed out the win. College Football Playoff chances: This is pretty much settled. If Penn State wins against Maryland next week, it is going to be in the 12-team College Football Playoff field and probably seeded between No. 5-8, hosting a first round game at Beaver Stadium. Frankly, the Nittany Lions might even be in with a loss now that Ole Miss has picked up a third defeat. There was a lot of discussion about this program being the primary beneficiary of a 12-team field, and we’re all seeing why. The Nittany Lions remain one of the best teams in the country year after year, even if they don’t necessarily crack the top four. And that may be the irony of all of this. There’s a good chance they finish in the top four in the final rankings — but they’d be seeded lower because they wouldn’t be a conference champ, which the top four seeds are reserved for — making it likely that without playoff expansion they’d have made a four-team field anyway. Andy Kotelnicki: Penn State’s offense isn’t the best in the country, but it is very good and a lot of the credit for that has to go to its offensive coordinator. Kotelnicki has come in and implemented a scheme that relies on complicating everything for the defense. Even the most basic of plays usually involves some sort of motion to challenge the opponents’ ability to make changes with offensive players on the move. He’s taken the group from good to great and has allowed Allar to evolve into one of the best quarterbacks in the country with tight end Tyler Warren as one of the best weapons in the nation. There will be some quibbling about exactly how he does things — some will say he gets too cute and needs to simplify his offense. But those people are wrong. Kotelnicki’s disguises are what makes this offense successful and what has helped lead this team to an eventual playoff berth. Penn State’s defense: The first drive was bad, but the rest of the game was mostly great. The Nittany Lion defense under Tom Allen has bent but not broken most of the season and that’s what happened often against the Gophers. Their first touchdown came on a long drive to begin the game, an issue PSU has had this season, but the only other one came on a trick play after a blocked punt gave the Gophers a short field. The 25 points allowed doesn’t do the defense justice in this game. Very rarely was that group at fault for the Gophers having success scoring, and when Minnesota was in desperate need of points, the Nittany Lion defenders delivered. They helped the team win the turnover battle against a group that was one of the best at getting takeaways and ultimately they kept them alive despite one facet of the game trying to give it away. Bad First quarter passivity: Franklin should be applauded for his aggressiveness late, but he should also be criticized for being passive early. Twice on the team’s first two drives they had fourth-and-1 and twice they decided to punt. And again, as someone who almost never thinks it’s a good idea to punt, I did not like those decisions. The first one is, admittedly, one that most people would punt on. The team was at its own 34-yard-line and it was the first drive of the game. That being said, you are the No. 4 team in the country with the most creative offensive mind calling your plays. You should be able to pick up a yard there. It doesn’t help that Minnesota drove down and scored a touchdown on its ensuing drive, either, rendering any field position gained pointless. The second decision to punt was even more egregious, with PSU having the ball on its own 46. Not going there is fighting for a minimal advantage and — again — not trusting that your offense can gain a single yard. Those plays proved inconsequential to the result, but had the Nittany Lions not become aggressive late and lost, that would have been one of the most obvious reasons as to why. Ugly Special teams miscues: Ryan Barker made his field goals and Luke Reynolds converted a crucial fourth down on a fake punt, but pretty much everything else went wrong for the special teams on Saturday. Riley Thompson had a punt blocked that led to a Minnesota touchdown on the next play. Then Barker had an extra point blocked and returned for two points after a Minnesota defender came through the backfield untouched. And to top it all off, Warren — who was an all-state punter in high school — shanked one 16 yards on a wildly unnecessary trick play that ended with Allar storming off the field furiously. Penn State won, so none of that will matter in the long run as long as the Nittany Lions fix the issues. But they’ll have plenty to fix when they get back from Minneapolis.