James Franklin explains decision to put Robb Smith on headset

The Penn State Nittany Lions have been shifting a few things around with their coaching staff as of late. And another change is on the horizon.

Penn State head coach James Franklin recently revealed that offensive analyst and analytics coordinator Robb Smith would be on headset for the Nittany Lions’ next game against Rutgers. On Tuesday, the Nittany Lions headman explained why he and his team felt like this was the right move to make.

“He’s just one of our most experienced guys,” said Franklin. “He’s been a defensive coordinator at Duke, at Rutgers, (and) at Minnesota; just a very experienced guy that we think could bring a lot of value for us.”

The Nittany Lions brought in Smith over the summer to help out on offense. Although Penn State is using him on the offensive side of the ball, his expertise lies defensively. Smith has worked with several programs throughout the Power 5 conferences, which has left him with a significant amount of knowledge and expertise when diagnosing opposing defenses.

It is unclear whether or not Smith will have any additional responsibilities on the headset. Still, this move appears to be another step along the path of Franklin unraveling the Penn State offensive coordinator conundrum.

Franklin shares the latest on wide receiver Trey Wallace’s status

Penn State wide receiver Harrison ‘Trey’ Wallace has been having a solid 2023 campaign. But the remainder of this season may be in jeopardy following an injury he suffered against Indiana. When asked whether or not Wallace would be good to go in Penn State’s Week 12 matchup against Rutgers, head coach James Franklin couldn’t offer much on the situation but did confirm his sophomore wide receiver status for Saturday.

“Yeah, we won’t see him this week. But I’m not sure after that,” said Franklin.

Wallace has had a quiet but solid year for Penn State in 2023. Amongst the Nittany Lions receivers, he comes in third in all three main statistical receiving categories, only behind Dante Cephas and KeAndre Lambert-Smith, with 15 catches for 161 yards.

It has been a quiet year for Penn State wide receivers in 2023. Still, losing Wallace’s services could be significant, as the Nittany Lions are currently in the midst of a transition offensive coordinator after letting go of Mike Yurich. Penn State will be without Wallace’s services this Saturday comment, but the jury is still out for the final game of the season at Michigan State on Friday, November 24.