Program Culture

[psu0408]

Franklin deserves credit for running a tight ship when it comes to academics and discipline for off the field issues. It's the on the field behavior that's a concern of mine.

With the defense getting picked apart against Central Michigan and run over by Michigan, you think you'd see some humility. Instead, we see guys like Dixon and Porter doing the finger wag, shaking their heads and doing the incomplete pass sign, even when they get flagged for PI. When a defensive lineman actually makes a tackle behind the line, they're pounding their chests like they're Aaron Donald clinching the Super Bowl. What ever happened to giving a high five and moving on to the next play? Talking smack on twitter and heading into the locker room, and they can't back it up.

Body language on the sideline is terrible. Franklin standing there stone faced with his arms crossed, not challenging or coaching up his players. Singleton pouting. You don't have to go red faced like Brian Kelly, but I'd like to see the coaches start to get on people when deserved. When Franklin was asked what he told the team after the game, he said he told them he loved them. Maybe more was said, but do you think Saban, Day or Harbaugh are preaching love when their teams play like crap?

Rant over.

 

[Got GSPs]

Are you the guy who wrote Sunderland about the tattoos and hair?

 

[psu0408]

Are you the guy who wrote Sunderland about the tattoos and hair?

No, I'm not a racist and couldn't care less about physical appearance. I just don't see the value in taunting opponents, and it's in particularly poor taste when the play doesn't match up.

 

[SouthHalls410]

Are you the guy who wrote Sunderland about the tattoos and hair?

 

[PSUFTG]

Franklin deserves credit for running a tight ship when it comes to academics and discipline for off the field issues.

An interesting take, given the history and events of recent years.

 

[marshall23]

I don't like any of that nonsense. But I'd like to know where it doesn't occur. Humility has gone the way of the fullback.
The only athlete I've seen that's old school is Aaron Judge.....an adopted kid raised by two teachers. What a great role model.
Derek Jeter was another great player that wasn't into showmanship. Not many around today.

 

[PSU87]

The one that killed me was the one on the 1 1/2 yard line where UM needed about a yard for a first down. They run the dive and get the 1st down. Porter is celebrating, I guess because they didn't score, but I couldn't help but think "Joey...WTF are you celebrating? It's 1st and goal on the one yard line"

 

[Nitt1300]

These kids grow up having their butts kissed by coaches and fans, get further inflated by rating services and social media, and now get NIL deals for what people think they may do rather than for something that they have actually accomplished. It's a wonder that any of them still have their feet on the ground. It's not specific to PSU- it's universal.

 

[artsandletters]

Are you the guy who wrote Sunderland about the tattoos and hair?

Is that his real hair? I like the real Rasta dreadlocks look but I’m not sure if he’s sporting the real deal.

 

[RochLion]

Is that his real hair? I like the real Rasta dreadlocks look but I’m not sure if he’s sporting the real deal.

Extensions ala Andre Agassi?

 

[TiogaLion]

Franklin deserves credit for running a tight ship when it comes to academics and discipline for off the field issues. It's the on the field behavior that's a concern of mine.

With the defense getting picked apart against Central Michigan and run over by Michigan, you think you'd see some humility. Instead, we see guys like Dixon and Porter doing the finger wag, shaking their heads and doing the incomplete pass sign, even when they get flagged for PI. When a defensive lineman actually makes a tackle behind the line, they're pounding their chests like they're Aaron Donald clinching the Super Bowl. What ever happened to giving a high five and moving on to the next play? Talking smack on twitter and heading into the locker room, and they can't back it up.

Body language on the sideline is terrible. Franklin standing there stone faced with his arms crossed, not challenging or coaching up his players. Singleton pouting. You don't have to go red faced like Brian Kelly, but I'd like to see the coaches start to get on people when deserved. When Franklin was asked what he told the team after the game, he said he told them he loved them. Maybe more was said, but do you think Saban, Day or Harbaugh are preaching love when their teams play like crap?

Rant over.

This is a fallacy but I've got to give it to Franklin for getting this reputation.

 

[Moogy]

 

[Nits74]

I don't like any of that nonsense. But I'd like to know where it doesn't occur. Humility has gone the way of the fullback.
The only athlete I've seen that's old school is Aaron Judge.....an adopted kid raised by two teachers. What a great role model.
Derek Jeter was another great player that wasn't into showmanship. Not many around today.

What I noticed about Ohio State in recent years is that they have become more business like, and seem to be less concerned with self aggrandizing. They have reminded me more of the Paterno coached teams (The act like you've been there approach) than do the recent Penn State teams.

 

[artsandletters]

Extensions ala Andre Agassi?

I don’t know anything about Agassi and extensions.

 

[EricStratton-RushChairman]

What I noticed about Ohio State in recent years is that they have become more business like, and seem to be less concerned with self aggrandizing. They have reminded me more of the Paterno coached teams (The act like you've been there approach) than do the recent Penn State teams.

 

[OptionBob]

What I noticed about Ohio State in recent years is that they have become more business like, and seem to be less concerned with self aggrandizing. They have reminded me more of the Paterno coached teams (The act like you've been there approach) than do the recent Penn State teams.

That's a very insightful comment, IMO. I don't watch any other Big Ten games (I still pathetically cling to total contempt for the entire conference), so I haven't seen how the Buckeyes conduct themselves.

Of course, pretty much all the Ohio State WRs and RBs can act as if "they've been there before" because they have. The Buckeyes score 40+ every week, seemingly year after year. And their DBs have a history (at least against PSU) for pick-6s. Their next one won't be their last.

I dislike all the strutting and puffing out DBs do after something as mundane as an in complete pass. Maybe it's a football ting. But I prefer the baseball approach better: shortstop makes a great play, he holds up the # of outs and goes back to his position. In football, a tackle for a 2-yard loss turns the DL into Tarzan , beating his chest and strutting for 5 or 10 seconds.

And, NO, I don't dislike such "peacockery" because I'm old. I dislike it because it tends to make the peacock appear insecure, as if he might never make such a play ever again. You know, the Courtney Brown way.

 

[Midnighter]

Franklin deserves credit for running a tight ship when it comes to academics and discipline for off the field issues. It's the on the field behavior that's a concern of mine.

With the defense getting picked apart against Central Michigan and run over by Michigan, you think you'd see some humility. Instead, we see guys like Dixon and Porter doing the finger wag, shaking their heads and doing the incomplete pass sign, even when they get flagged for PI. When a defensive lineman actually makes a tackle behind the line, they're pounding their chests like they're Aaron Donald clinching the Super Bowl. What ever happened to giving a high five and moving on to the next play? Talking smack on twitter and heading into the locker room, and they can't back it up.

Body language on the sideline is terrible. Franklin standing there stone faced with his arms crossed, not challenging or coaching up his players. Singleton pouting. You don't have to go red faced like Brian Kelly, but I'd like to see the coaches start to get on people when deserved. When Franklin was asked what he told the team after the game, he said he told them he loved them. Maybe more was said, but do you think Saban, Day or Harbaugh are preaching love when their teams play like crap?

Rant over.

Where's this guy? Ermmmm......

 

[PSUJam]

Franklin deserves credit for running a tight ship when it comes to academics and discipline for off the field issues. It's the on the field behavior that's a concern of mine.

With the defense getting picked apart against Central Michigan and run over by Michigan, you think you'd see some humility. Instead, we see guys like Dixon and Porter doing the finger wag, shaking their heads and doing the incomplete pass sign, even when they get flagged for PI. When a defensive lineman actually makes a tackle behind the line, they're pounding their chests like they're Aaron Donald clinching the Super Bowl. What ever happened to giving a high five and moving on to the next play? Talking smack on twitter and heading into the locker room, and they can't back it up.

Body language on the sideline is terrible. Franklin standing there stone faced with his arms crossed, not challenging or coaching up his players. Singleton pouting. You don't have to go red faced like Brian Kelly, but I'd like to see the coaches start to get on people when deserved. When Franklin was asked what he told the team after the game, he said he told them he loved them. Maybe more was said, but do you think Saban, Day or Harbaugh are preaching love when their teams play like crap?

Rant over.

Good teams have a great leader on the defensive side of the ball and offensive side of the ball. Great teams have multiple on each side of the ball. Question for all: Who is the leader(s) on the defensive side of the ball? On offense we can assume Clifford but who else? Who holds other players accountable?

 

[marshall23]

What I noticed about Ohio State in recent years is that they have become more business like, and seem to be less concerned with self aggrandizing. They have reminded me more of the Paterno coached teams (The act like you've been there approach) than do the recent Penn State teams.

Can't say I watch enough of OSU to agree or disagree.
I don't like antics, including trash talking.....but ....did you see the MLB playoffs last night?
It's a "look at me" world.
I think some of it happened under Joe (not saying it was like today)....but it was more disguised.
I played in the 60's and early 70's and a few guys jawed even then. We just weren't on TV LOL

 

[SoCalLion]

Franklin flat out sucks as a coach —- I’ve thought that since Day One and I’ve never really been proven wrong —- but his demeanor on the sideline is not talked about nearly enough.

It is a lot of (as the OP pointed out) standing there, arms crossed, talking on the head set but NOT engaging with the actual players.

Gane after game - loss after loss - the same thing. When the going gets tough (eg 2017 or 2018 Ohio State) , that’s the demeanor Franklin falls back onto.

It is what it is. We will never be elite under CJF. Never.

 

[LionsMD]

What I noticed about Ohio State in recent years is that they have become more business like, and seem to be less concerned with self aggrandizing. They have reminded me more of the Paterno coached teams (The act like you've been there approach) than do the recent Penn State teams.

^^^ 100% correct. The top teams are managed like a business, whereas Penn State is managed like a family. You keep hearing Franklin talk about family family family. All programs recruit and preach family, but the top programs throw the business side of the equation into things and that’s what motivates the top players and it shows on the field.

 

[uh-Clem]

Something that Saban said on Sunday about his team after they lost to Tennessee was that a team has to go out and just play, and not be afraid that a bad play will lead to a disaster, and especially not be afraid to lose while playing. As I thought about that last part it struck me that we get into big games and we get timid, like we are afraid to lose. In those situations, the teams that play loose and free usually come out on top and I have to go back to the O'Brien days before remembering any team that played without looking intimidated in a big game.

 

[Midnighter]

Good teams have a great leader on the defensive side of the ball and offensive side of the ball. Great teams have multiple on each side of the ball. Question for all: Who is the leader(s) on the defensive side of the ball? On offense we can assume Clifford but who else? Who holds other players accountable?

Have heard J. Brown on D helps with that role. These are the 2022 captains - the good news? Sutherland and Clifford are the only four time team captains in history. The bad news? Sutherland and Cliffard are the only four time team-captains in history.

 

[PSUJam]

Have heard J. Brown on D helps with that role. These are the 2022 captains - the good news? Sutherland and Clifford are the only four time team captains in history. The bad news? Sutherland and Cliffard are the only four time team-captains in history.

Remember when Saquon would walk up and down the sideline firing the team up and Marcus Allen did the same on defense? And Trace? I just don't see that anymore.

 

[TheBigUglies]

I think there is too much access to the program that is distracting the focus. Like all this marketing and social media stuff. There was never this much access before(I know, I know, JoePa was diff) and the product was better, it seems there is too much access and the product ain't so great. By product I mean the actual playing of the football game. I know PSU needs to market to make money and keep the seats filled but there will come a time, if it is not here already, where people stop paying/donating for a mediocre product.

 

[Midnighter]

Remember when Saquon would walk up and down the sideline firing the team up and Marcus Allen did the same on defense? And Trace? I just don't see that anymore.

Yes; just not much of an identity. All you hear about is Clifford is old, and Porter is a likely first round pick. Someone said most of the talent on the team is young, but you still need experience to help guide that talent. I also think Franklin doesn't seem as engaged; he loves to blame others or data or whatever, but they're running his vision for the offense and defense. His refusal to learn and grow is disheartening but consistent. Thus, the revolving door of coordiantors....

 

[TheBigUglies]

Remember when Saquon would walk up and down the sideline firing the team up and Marcus Allen did the same on defense? And Trace? I just don't see that anymore.

That's because everyone gets a medal and they expect to win just by showing up because they deserve to.

 

[Paruffus]

Franklin deserves credit for running a tight ship when it comes to academics and discipline for off the field issues. It's the on the field behavior that's a concern of mine.

With the defense getting picked apart against Central Michigan and run over by Michigan, you think you'd see some humility. Instead, we see guys like Dixon and Porter doing the finger wag, shaking their heads and doing the incomplete pass sign, even when they get flagged for PI. When a defensive lineman actually makes a tackle behind the line, they're pounding their chests like they're Aaron Donald clinching the Super Bowl. What ever happened to giving a high five and moving on to the next play? Talking smack on twitter and heading into the locker room, and they can't back it up.

Body language on the sideline is terrible. Franklin standing there stone faced with his arms crossed, not challenging or coaching up his players. Singleton pouting. You don't have to go red faced like Brian Kelly, but I'd like to see the coaches start to get on people when deserved. When Franklin was asked what he told the team after the game, he said he told them he loved them. Maybe more was said, but do you think Saban, Day or Harbaugh are preaching love when their teams play like crap?

Rant over.

Excellent. I, too, am 'offended' by the chest-pounding, nose-wiping, finger-waggling, etc. (Not exclusive to us but 'us' is what this about.) If I was a ref, pro college or 'other', I'd have a pre-game meeting with each team at which I'd explain that my definition of 'unsportsmanlike conduct' includes the show-offy 'strutty stuff' cited here...and that my flag would fly at each such occasion. I'd conclude the meeting with, "Do you understand? Good. Don't doubt this for one minute or you'll be walking backwards a lot." Not kidding. Note: JVP would have nipped this crap in the bud and/or benched the offender. Just sayin'.

 

[Train027]

Are you the guy who wrote Sunderland about the tattoos and hair?

 

[Train027]

Since 2016 I feel like I’m in an abusive relationship with Penn State football. Everytime I believe I have a legitimate reason for optimism Penn State football beats me down.

 

[NB4PSU]

What I noticed about Ohio State in recent years is that they have become more business like, and seem to be less concerned with self aggrandizing. They have reminded me more of the Paterno coached teams (The act like you've been there approach) than do the recent Penn State teams.

Well maybe... but I'm sure they aren't having any fun out there. Buncha robots crushing the opposition and going the playoffs, impressing the pro scouts with their approach to the game so they can nail down fat contracts in the nfl and live large for life... and stuff like that. Where's the fun?

Yeah, sarcasm.

 

[Woodpecker]

Since 2016 I feel like I’m in an abusive relationship with Penn State football. Everytime I believe I have a legitimate reason for optimism Penn State football beats me down.

Your optimism is killing this team! Stop it!

 

[CvilleElksCoach]

Excellent. I, too, am 'offended' by the chest-pounding, nose-wiping, finger-waggling, etc. (Not exclusive to us but 'us' is what this about.) If I was a ref, pro college or 'other', I'd have a pre-game meeting with each team at which I'd explain that my definition of 'unsportsmanlike conduct' includes the show-offy 'strutty stuff' cited here...and that my flag would fly at each such occasion. I'd conclude the meeting with, "Do you understand? Good. Don't doubt this for one minute or you'll be walking backwards a lot." Not kidding. Note: JVP would have nipped this crap in the bud and/or benched the offender. Just sayin'.

And you would be fired in your first game as you don't get to write the rule book or enforce rules that don't exist.

 

[Paruffus]

And you would be fired in your first game as you don't get to write the rule book or enforce rules that don't exist.

On principle I would welcome such a firing.

 

[ApexLion]

Well maybe... but I'm sure they aren't having any fun out there. Buncha robots crushing the opposition and going the playoffs, impressing the pro scouts with their approach to the game so they can nail down fat contracts in the nfl and live large for life... and stuff like that. Where's the fun?

Yeah, sarcasm.

It's all business. Actually does seem to be depressing since most won't make it anywhere after the glory days.

 

[Paruffus]

Tweren't me. I couldn't care less about hair and tats, of which I have neither! LOL.

 

[OptionBob]

And you would be fired in your first game as you don't get to write the rule book or enforce rules that don't exist.

Well, maybe not. Would depend on which team the ref flagged for the display.

Examples:

1. John O'Neill flagged Matt McGloin for "spiking the ball in anger" after the QB was frustrated at an illegal motion by his OL. Is there a rule about a player's emotional state during a play?

2. Once again, O'Neill crew flagged Juwan Johnson after he give the "shhh" sign to the crowd following his game-winning catch at Iowa. I saw numerous -- numerous -- players do that in games, including several times by opposing players at Penn State and none drew the a5-yard penalty. It now seems that such a gesture is okay with the refs.

No one fired by the Big Ten in either case.

 

[PSU12046]

Well, maybe not. Would depend on which team the ref flagged for the display.

Examples:

1. John O'Neill flagged Matt McGloin for "spiking the ball in anger" after the QB was frustrated at an illegal motion by his OL. Is there a rule about a player's emotional state during a play?

2. Once again, O'Neill crew flagged Juwan Johnson after he give the "shhh" sign to the crowd following his game-winning catch at Iowa. I saw numerous -- numerous -- players do that in games, including several times by opposing players at Penn State and none drew the a5-yard penalty. It now seems that such a gesture is okay with the refs.

No one fired by the Big Ten in either case.

3. Too much crowd noise 1993 (charged a time out on PSU). Under what rule can a referee remove time outs from a team?
4. The "illegal jumping" call for a half the distance call in overtime. Home, Ohio St 2014

 

[Erial_Lion]

Excellent. I, too, am 'offended' by the chest-pounding, nose-wiping, finger-waggling, etc. (Not exclusive to us but 'us' is what this about.) If I was a ref, pro college or 'other', I'd have a pre-game meeting with each team at which I'd explain that my definition of 'unsportsmanlike conduct' includes the show-offy 'strutty stuff' cited here...and that my flag would fly at each such occasion. I'd conclude the meeting with, "Do you understand? Good. Don't doubt this for one minute or you'll be walking backwards a lot." Not kidding.

You’d never make it to that level of officiating if you’re deciding to put your own spin on the rules and deviate from the consistency that the assignor sis looking for across games…there is a reason that “points of emphasis “ are made at a conference or nationwide level, not each ref determining what he wants to put his stamp on.

 

[Meat Lab]

Franklin deserves credit for running a tight ship when it comes to academics and discipline for off the field issues. It's the on the field behavior that's a concern of mine.

With the defense getting picked apart against Central Michigan and run over by Michigan, you think you'd see some humility. Instead, we see guys like Dixon and Porter doing the finger wag, shaking their heads and doing the incomplete pass sign, even when they get flagged for PI. When a defensive lineman actually makes a tackle behind the line, they're pounding their chests like they're Aaron Donald clinching the Super Bowl. What ever happened to giving a high five and moving on to the next play? Talking smack on twitter and heading into the locker room, and they can't back it up.

Body language on the sideline is terrible. Franklin standing there stone faced with his arms crossed, not challenging or coaching up his players. Singleton pouting. You don't have to go red faced like Brian Kelly, but I'd like to see the coaches start to get on people when deserved. When Franklin was asked what he told the team after the game, he said he told them he loved them. Maybe more was said, but do you think Saban, Day or Harbaugh are preaching love when their teams play like crap?

Rant over.

Culture problem.