James Franklin spoke about why Penn State doesn’t play West Virginia and Pitt more often on his Thursday radio show. The problem, according to Franklin, is that the game has changed.

The Nittany Lions faced the Mountaineers in the season opener and won 38-15 in Drew Allar’s debut at starting quarterback. Before Week 1, the last time the two teams played was in 1992.

Franklin recalled his days in the SEC when there was a vote to go from eight to 9 conference games. The B1G ended up making the decision to move to 9 games.

“The problem is the game has changed,” Franklin said. “I was in the SEC as a head coach when there was a vote to go from 8 (conference) games to 9 games. … The Big Ten went to 9.”

Penn State and Pitt last played in 2019. The year before the Nittany Lions traveled to Pittsburgh to play their in-state foe. Franklin enjoyed the experience because it led to more fans at Beaver Stadium in the long run, since many Penn State fans go to Pitt.

“For us, it was an increase of 2,000 fans (at Beaver Stadium that year) … I think our ADs should get on the phone (if it makes sense).”

Should Penn State play teams like West Virginia and Pitt more often?