What James Franklin said at Penn State's weekly press conference
Penn State made a statement in Saturday night’s 51-6 win over Pitt, proving the program is still capable of competing for a B1G and national title.
The Nittany Lions were firing on all cylinders, particularly in the second half. Penn State had just a 14-6 lead at halftime before outscoring the Panthers 37-0 in the final two quarters.
Now that Week 2 is in the bag, Penn State moves its focus to Kent State. Here’s what head coach James Franklin had to say at his weekly press conference:
JF: Have to eliminate the penalties on offense that took away big plays to Sanders. Polk block in the back and the Johnson pick called for PI.
— Donnie Collins (@psubst) September 11, 2018
Franklin on WRs Juwan Johnson and DeAndre Thompkins: "Tremendous confidence in those guys that we're going to look back at the end of the year and say 'Wow, what big years they've had.' "
— Audrey Snyder (@audsnyder4) September 11, 2018
JF: Kent State played well on road in Illinois. They're going to expect to come in and win. "It's a real challenge."
— Donnie Collins (@psubst) September 11, 2018
JF: "Woody Barrett is a problem" In a good way, for Kent State. "He can run. He can throw. He's dynamic."
— Donnie Collins (@psubst) September 11, 2018
JF: Johnson and Thompkins have "higher expectations" for their play. Expressed confidence in them, and says they work hard. But lots of drops for both first two weeks.
— Donnie Collins (@psubst) September 11, 2018
JF: Thinks everyone will look back and think about what big years Johnson and Thompkins had. "I'm very confident in that."
— Donnie Collins (@psubst) September 11, 2018
Franklin compares CB Amani Oruwariye to Casey Hayward, who played for Franklin at Vanderbilt and who is quite the ballhawk in the NFL. Franklin says they're "hopeful" that John Reid will be back this week.
— Audrey Snyder (@audsnyder4) September 11, 2018
JF: LBs will continue to grow and evolve. Someone will take control of job, or "two-or-three-headed monster" will continue to play in rotation.
— Donnie Collins (@psubst) September 11, 2018
