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What James Franklin said at Penn State’s weekly press conference
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Penn State finally got back on the right side of the scoreboard.
Suffering from back-to-back losses to Ohio State and Michigan State, the Nittany Lions were able to score an important 33-28 win over Indiana on Saturday, improving to 5-2 on the year. There were some huge plays on special teams late in the game that help secure the victory in Bloomington.
On Tuesday, James Franklin met with the media to discuss Saturday’s victory over the Hoosiers as well as preview this week’s matchup against Iowa. Franklin had nothing but positive things to say about the Hawkeyes.
This week’s game kicks off a string of tough matchups. After taking on No. 18 Iowa Saturday, Penn State then travels to Ann Arbor to face No. 5 Michigan and then returns home to play No. 20 Wisconsin.
Even after two losses, the Nittany Lions can make a loud statement over the next several weeks.
Here’s what Franklin said at his weekly presser on Tuesday:
JF: So much respect for Ferentz and what he has been able to do in his career.
Ferentz is one win away from becoming fifth-ever Big Ten coach to win 200 games.
— Donnie Collins (@PennStateTT) October 23, 2018
JF: Tight ends "make (Iowa) go" on offense. Fant might be best receiving tight end in the country.
— Donnie Collins (@PennStateTT) October 23, 2018
James Franklin says Iowa's defensive front is the best Penn State has faced in two years.
— Ben Jones (@Ben_Jones88) October 23, 2018
JF: PSU O-line has taken some positive steps in recent years, and that includes this year. Been able to run the ball, fewer TFLs, handling edge pressure (through recognition, play calls).
— Donnie Collins (@PennStateTT) October 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/audsnyder4/status/1054775668188344321
Franklin's answer about young receivers indirectly alluded to the possibility that Juwan Johnson might not be healthy for Iowa this weekend.
— Ben Jones (@Ben_Jones88) October 23, 2018
Franklin says: "My concern is that Trace is carrying too much of the load on offense."
— Ben Jones (@Ben_Jones88) October 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/audsnyder4/status/1054777496158265344
JF: We need to be better on third down, as an organization. Helps score points, helps keep own defense on the field. D also needs to do a better job on third down getting off the field.
— Donnie Collins (@PennStateTT) October 23, 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