James Franklin reveals interesting way Penn State is preparing for Northwestern
James Franklin and No. 6 Penn State will aim to improve to 5-0 when they travel to take on Northwestern (2-2) in Week 5.
Coming off the raucous White Out home victory against Iowa, Franklin is preparing Penn State for a more muted environment at Ryan Field.
#PennState practiced with no music today at the end of the practice today to prep for #Northwestern 😅
James Franklin: "They were asking me to turn it up today and I said no."
FULL VIDEO –> https://t.co/d6MAnrovlx pic.twitter.com/0MG8WxgIyy
— Happy Valley Insider (@PennStateRivals) September 28, 2023
“I think just being very honest about what it’s going to be like. These guys are 2-0 at home. You look at Northwestern. They’ve typically had good home records,” Franklin said. “Why? Because it can be challenging to play there. They’re used to the environment. Other people may not be.”
Juxtaposed with the sell-out crowd for the primetime contest at Beaver Stadium, the atmosphere in Evanston will offer minimal stimuli for the Nittany Lions.
“It’s going to be very different than what we played in last week. So just being transparent and honest. Are we internally motivated? Or are we externally motivated?” Franklin said. “For me to act like it’s not a factor, it is. You’ve got to get prepared for it.”
One interesting way Franklin is doing that is by reducing the noise in practice.
“We haven’t had any music. Even our Period 20, you guys know we usually play the Phil Collins and it’s usually blaring,” Franklin said. “They were asking me to turn it up today and I said no. So just little things like that.”
Ultimately, Franklin is hopeful Penn State will employ a business-like approach and not underestimate the Wildcats.
“At the end of the day, it’s going to be about us executing our jobs and our assignments and playing the game for each other,” Franklin said. “…Playing up to our standard, no matter the circumstances.”
Penn State at Northwestern is slated for a noon EST kickoff and will be televised on the Big Ten Network.