Nothing about Penn State’s 45-38 win over Appalachian State on Saturday was pretty. Well, except for the fact that the Nittany Lions will start the year 1-0.

Other than that, Saturday’s performance was highlighted by miscues on special teams and defense, as well as some offensive flubs throughout the day. Ultimately, though, none of it mattered, as Penn State was able to come away with the win and move on to next week.

Franklin said it was a stressful and frustrating game at times, but he was glad to see his team fight and come away with the win.

“Started the game 46 years old, ended the game 51 years old.” Franklin said. “But at the end of the day, we found a way to win a tough one. A gritty game against a really good opponent. They do this to everybody. Obviously they did it to Michigan, Wake Forest last year, Tennessee a couple years back. They do it to everybody.

“For us, you look back at any great season and there’s always a game like this, a win like this.”

Penn State hosted Appalachian State 11 years to the day after the Mountaineers stunned the college football world by upsetting No. 5 Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Below are the full comments from Franklin after Saturday’s win.