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What Penn State’s James Franklin said at weekly press conference
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Penn State found itself in a battle against Appalachian State in the season opener on Saturday, but the Nittany Lions prevailed, thanks to some huge plays late in the game.
Everyone expected Penn State to run through the Mountaineers, but some defensive struggles in the second half were detrimental to the Lions. PSU needed a late touchdown and an interception in overtime to secure the 1-0 start.
Now, it’s on to Week 2 as Penn State prepares for a primetime rivalry game against Pitt. Here’s what James Franklin said at his weekly press conference Tuesday:
On the close win over Utah State:
JF: App State deserves credit. Had great plan and played hard. QB Zac Thomas played really well. Lot of value to come out of it, considering the adversity #PennState faced.
— Donnie Collins (@PennStateTT) September 4, 2018
JF: We played like an inexperienced football time. New guys who weren't playing as fast or as confident as he believes them capable.
— Donnie Collins (@PennStateTT) September 4, 2018
JF: Reality is, defense gave up 175 yards and 3 points heading into fourth quarter.
— Donnie Collins (@PennStateTT) September 4, 2018
JF: Biggest thing that stood out to staff is that Penn State didn't tackle well against App State.
— Donnie Collins (@PennStateTT) September 4, 2018
On playing rival Pitt in Week 2:
JF: Pitt is a "tremendous challenge…it's going to be a tough place to play."
— Donnie Collins (@PennStateTT) September 4, 2018
JF says he thinks his comments last year about a win over Pitt being like a win over Akron are still being misinterpreted.
"This is the most important game in the universe. … It's one game at a time, and we focus on the task at hand."
— Donnie Collins (@DonnieCollinsTT) September 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/audsnyder4/status/1037016589802110976
On individual performances:
JF on Menet and McGovern: Not ideal situation where your new center is playing against odd front with a nose over his head. We have to play lower and be more aggressive. Both of them did not play up to the standards we need them to play at. #PennState
— Rich Scarcella (@nittanyrich) September 4, 2018
JF: Very proud of Shareef Miller. "His evolution across the board has been impressive." (As a player, student and leader on the defense.) "He has worked for everything that he has got."
— Donnie Collins (@PennStateTT) September 4, 2018
JF: John Reid "played like a guy who hadn't played for a year." Some good things, and some inconsistent things. "There was a little bit of rust on him."
Johnson and TCF played a lot down the stretch.
— Donnie Collins (@PennStateTT) September 4, 2018
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB