What James Franklin said following Penn State's Outback Bowl bid
Penn State’s season concluded with a loss to Michigan State, dropping the Nittany Lions to 7-5 on the year. Still, the performance was enough to net Penn State a bid to Bowl Season.
On Sunday, the destination for the Nittany Lions was revealed with a trip to the Outback Bowl in store. After a disappointing year, the bowl will provide a chance for James Franklin’s squad to get valuable practices in for 2022 while competing against a quality SEC opponent in Arkansas.
After the bowl reveal, Franklin discussed a number of issues, ranging from his new contract extension to Brent Pry’s departure to Virginia Tech. Franklin also touched on the search for Pry’s replacement, noting that a lot of teams are in competition for the same candidates during such a crazy coaching carousel.
James Franklin, after visiting with QB Drew Allar tonight, is on zoom to discuss the bowl game and everything else. “I think he’s a great fit at Virginia Tech and this is the kind of opportunity we talked about for 12 years,” Franklin said of Brent Pry.
— Audrey Snyder (@audsnyder4) December 6, 2021
James Franklin won’t say if any players plan not to play in the Outback Bowl. Said they’ll handle it either at the bowl site or work with players who may want to announce.
— Audrey Snyder (@audsnyder4) December 6, 2021
James Franklin says defensive coordinator search is ongoing – notes that with so many openings that lots of people are fighting for the same guys.
— Ben Jones (@Ben_Jones88) December 6, 2021
James Franklin on the new contract: “We probably could’ve tied things up a lot sooner, but it’s how things played itself out.”
— Audrey Snyder (@audsnyder4) December 6, 2021
PSU also moved all the equipment out of the weight room and into the indoor facility within the past week, Franklin said. “So we can get started on the facility project with the weight room,” he said.
— Audrey Snyder (@audsnyder4) December 6, 2021
The Outback Bowl is set for New Year’s Day. Ole Miss won the most recent Outback Bowl vs. Indiana.