James Franklin discusses managing roster, potential opt-outs ahead of Peach Bowl

James Franklin has Penn State coming off another very successful regular season as the Nittany Lions finished the year with a 10-2 record. Their only 2 losses on the season are to Ohio State and Michigan.

This season, Penn State has earned a trip to the Peach Bowl against the Ole Miss Rebels. These are two even teams, as they both went 10-2,  and they are ranked right by each other in the rankings (Ole Miss finished at No. 11 in the CFP rankings while Penn State was No. 10).

While Lane Kiffin said he doesn’t see this being an issue at Ole Miss, coach James Franklin had a slightly different answer when asked about players opting out.

“Obviously you hope that the relationships that are there, that you’ve had over a number of years with these players and their parents,” Franklin told reporters.  “They’re getting information, and it’s not always accurate information, from every direction.”

Franklin said the team helps out as much as possible, but the players ultimately have to make the decision.

“We just try to create an open communication line, try to give guys as much valuable information as possible,” Franklin said. “Really from that point on, at the end of the day, we want our guys to make great, educated decisions, based on all the information that’s out there.”

We’ll see how that plays out in the postseason with the Nittany Lions getting another New Year’s Six appearance under Franklin.

Mark Kern