'Experience' of tough road trips to Iowa, Minnesota have helped prepare Penn State, says James Franklin

Penn State is preparing for by far its toughest game of the season, but a tough road trip is nothing new for the Nittany Lions.

James Franklin and company have already traveled to one of the toughest destinations in the B1G this season in Kinnick Stadium. The Nittany Lions won a tight one in a low-scoring affair against the Hawkeyes.

More recently, Penn State has traveled to Minneapolis for arguably the biggest game in TCF Bank Stadium history. The Gophers upset Penn State in that game, but it has served as another learning experience for the Nittany Lions.

Ahead of Saturday’s big road trip, Franklin pointed out that those games have helped prepare the Nittany Lions for a trip to Columbus. Though the environment will undoubtedly be a bit different, a big stage is nothing new for Franklin and company.

Onward Sports shared Franklin’s comments:

Franklin: "The experience of going on the road and winning on the road in Iowa was helpful, and so was Minnesota."

— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) November 20, 2019

Franklin also admitted that his team definitely has respect for the undefeated Buckeyes. However, the Nittany Lions are a strong team in their own right:

Franklin added that his team can't show the Buckeyes too much respect. "We have a pretty good football team, too."

— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) November 20, 2019

It sure is shaping up to be a good one in Columbus. Saturday’s kickoff is set for 12 pm EST on FOX.