James Franklin declines to comment on Big Ten scheduling story

The Big Ten released its football schedule for the 2023 season and there were some significant complaints from certain corners, particularly from Penn State. The Nittany Lions are scheduled to open league play on the road for the eighth straight season.

That fact led Penn State athletic director Pat Kraft to issue a strong statement expressing how “incredibly frustrating and disappointing” it is the league has not yet remedied the scheduling issue to be more equitable. Coach James Franklin declined an opportunity to pile on Wednesday following the team’s practice.

“I’d prefer to talk about it later,” Franklin said. “Pat’s already addressed it. I could bring it up and then do another dramatic pause for a couple seconds and then go from there.”

Penn State is scheduled to open Big Ten play in 2023 against Illinois on the road on Sept. 16.

On top of being the eighth straight conference opener on the road for the Nittany Lions it will be the 13th in the last 14 that is played away from Happy Valley.

“It is incredibly frustrating and disappointing Penn State will be starting our Big Ten football slate next year on the road for the eighth straight season and for the 13th in the last 14 years,” Kraft said, according to Rich Scarcella of the Reading Eagle. “…When I arrived on campus I shared with the conference staff my concerns and repeatedly referenced their failure to address this issue in the past. I have been in communication with Commissioner Warren and I am confident this issue will be addressed.”

James Franklin focused on Ohio State, not Big Ten scheduling

Though Franklin will likely voice his opinion on the Big Ten scheduling drama at some point, Wednesday after practice while he’s preparing his team for No. 2 Ohio State wasn’t the time.

But that’s not to say the head coach didn’t provide some useful comments.

For one, he revealed that talented defensive end Chop Robinson has returned to practice following an injury that sidelined him in last weekend’s game against Minnesota. That is significant news with Penn State’s defense set to face one of the nation’s most prolific offenses.

“Yeah, still early in the week but he was able to practice today,” Franklin told reporters Wednesday. “Obviously you guys know he’s been an explosive playmaker for us on the defensive side of the ball.”

Penn State and Ohio State are set to meet Saturday at noon ET with a national broadcast on FOX.