James Franklin explains why he did not send Elliot Washington taunting call into Big Ten

Penn State Nittany Lions defensive back took an unfortunate taunting penalty in the loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes. It’s a play that head coach James Franklin saw as questionable but also didn’t turn into the Big Ten to look at.

While at a press conference, Franklin addressed the call. He explained that he knew the Big Ten would explain the call as being technically correct, even if the play wouldn’t normally be called. Therefore, it’s not worth looking for an explanation on and he instead knew it was something to address internally.

“The first thing, your point is a good one,” James Franklin said. “I did not turn that into the Big Ten officials this week because I know what the response would be. Technically, by the rules, there is justification for making that call. I also know I watch college football, not only on TV, but I watch tons of hours of cutups. That call could be made five or six times a game in every game in college football. For me to turn it in and say well, technically that is, I didn’t turn it in.”

Penn State was called for five penalties totaling 45 yards in the game against Ohio State. For their part, the Buckeyes were called for two penalties totaling 15 yards. This season, Penn State is averaging 5.5 penalties per game for an average of 49.5 yards per game, which is 52nd in the country in terms of team penalties.

While Penn State doesn’t have terrible penalty numbers, James Franklin would still like to see them improve. That’s not an easy thing to manage in the middle of a season. However, there is still an approach that Franklin likes to take.

“But I think the way you address it is in a team meeting setting. It needs to be addressed so not only does that player learn, but the whole team learns. Not only in a team meeting, but also on either side of the ball, offense or defense, it needs to be addressed. Needs to be addressed with the individual, which it has. And with the group, which it has,” Franklin said.

“That’s how you address it, is you face it head on. You have the conversation. Where I think it’s concerning is if it happens in back-to-back weeks. That’s concerning, where you feel like you’ve addressed something and it happens again.”

Penn State will look to bounce back and be more disciplined in their next game against Washington on Saturday night.