James Franklin challenges Penn State fans to wear white, create 'white-out atmosphere' at Orange Bowl

Penn State coach James Franklin challenged the Nittany Lions fans to take over the Orange Bowl next week and make it a “white-out” atmosphere.

Penn State’s trademark home setting where the entire stadium wears white is a sight to behold. Can they do that with Notre Dame fans also flocking to Miami?

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It’ll be a challenge, but it seems like Franklin and Penn State are more than up for the challenge in the College Football Playoff semifinal.

“We want that place rocking,” Franklin said, via ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg.

Franklin and company are certainly rocking right now. They’re coming off back to back convincing victories over SMU and Boise State in the first two rounds of the playoffs.

“We talked in the beginning of the season about our guys having these types of moments and these  types of experiences and these types of opportunities,” Franklin said after the quarterfinals. “Love the fact that these guys were able to find  a win against a really good opponent here, and these two guys obviously leading the way.  

“Just a couple of things I’ll say, 13 wins, first time in program history. Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton  both surpassing 1,000 yards in the same season. First time we’ve ever had two 1,000 yard rushers in  the same season since joining the Big Ten. Then 34 wins over the last three years. We’re very, very proud of that. Consistency is hard to do, and  our guys have done a great job at it. The maturity they’ve shown has been impressive.  8-0 in Fiesta Bowls. Penn State loves the Fiesta Bowl. We’ll come every year.”

Franklin and Penn State have been battle tested in the Big Ten whether at home or on the road. If they can replicate their own environment in South Florida, watch out.

“Then in terms of being tested, yeah, I think the Big Ten – you guys have heard me say this a lot. I’ve  been a head coach in the SEC,” Franklin said. “I’ve been a head coach in the Big Ten. I’ve got tremendous respect for both conferences. I think I have a perspective that most people don’t- have, right? But I think the Big Ten has prepared our guys.

“We opened the season at West Virginia. Had a tough  Big Ten season. Had to overcome adversity and challenges from the top to the bottom of the  conference. I think those things are valuable.”