Skip to main content
Join
Team Avatar
Penn State

James Franklin explains 'fine line' of Penn State preparation for Boise State

IMG_6598by:Nick Kosko•12/30/24•

nickkosko59

USATSI_25078486 (1)
Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

James Franklin and Penn State are walking a fine line when it comes to preparation against Boise State.

Getting ready for Tuesday’s College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Fiesta Bowl, Penn State is on the verge of playing the most games in program history. After beating SMU in the first round, the Nittany Lions are 12-2 and ready to play game No. 15.

Get your team’s official College Football Playoff watch from AXIA by CLICKING HERE: “Watches that tell so much more than time” 

No rest for the weary and Franklin is well aware.

“It’s a fine line, and specifically that they had a bye week, so it’s a fine line,” Franklin said of preparation for Boise State. “We got to be really, really smart and we got to be strategic. That’s where the experience on my staff is valuable. What do we need to get enough work that we’re going to be prepared to play the game the way it needs to be played, but also making sure we’re as fresh and healthy as we possibly can. 

“We also have a sports scientist, Dr. Andrew Nelson who played for me at Penn State and went on to get his doctorate does a phenomenal job for us, but that’s the fine line, you’re talking about. This will be the longest season in Penn State’s history. So making sure that we’re making really good decisions to put our players in the best position to be successful.”

Because Boise State comes from the Group of Five and Penn State might be more battle tested, the betting public might opt for the Nittany Lions.

But Franklin knows not to underestimate an opponent at this stage. The Broncos do have Heisman finalist Ashton Jeanty after all.

“When you talk about respecting our opponent, that’s the only game you’ve got to watch. They went to Oregon, which is a tough place to play. They went to Oregon and not only played well and lost by three but had the lead for significant parts of the game,” Franklin said.  

“It don’t take a whole lot more than watching that game. But for our players and our staff, when you share a common opponent, you’re able to watch that game and make some parallels; there’s a ton of value in that.”