James Franklin makes hilarious offer to Penn State fans ahead of Auburn, Whiteout game

One of college football’s most electric scenes returns Saturday night for a battle of two ranked, non-conference opponents. 

No. 22 Auburn heads to No. 10 Penn State for the Nittany Lions’ annual Whiteout game. Penn State head coach James Franklin knows the environment for these contests is always rowdy, but on Tuesday, he asked the fanbase to take it up a notch. 

“I am willing to buy throat lozenges on Sunday for the entire fanbase if that means that we have the most challenging environment in all of sports,” Franklin said. “I’m willing to buy Hall’s for everybody that loses their voice on Saturday. Hall’s – we’d appreciate your support with this as well.”

Beaver Stadium seats 106,572 people, making it the second-largest college football stadium in the country behind conference rival Michigan. Franklin asked that every seat be filled, pleading with the fanbase to make sure their ticket is used should they opt-out of attending the game. 

“We want this place rocking,” Franklin added. “I want these [Auburn] fans and this staff and these coaches to go back to the SEC and say ‘I know we love our football in the SEC, but what they do up there at Penn State is special, and I don’t know if I’ve ever seen anything like it.'”

Auburn is well aware of the impending loud environment and is practicing this week in situations simulating what Happy Valley will feel like on Saturday. Of course, nothing at practice this week will completely mimic what waits for the Tigers in a few days. 

Auburn nearly perfect this season, yet to face a Power Five opponent

Auburn has not faced a Power Five opponent yet this year after starting their season with Akron and Alabama State, but so far they are leading the country in points allowed with just five per game. 

Unlike against Wisconsin, Penn State scored 24 points in the first half against Ball State last week. Quarterback Sean Clifford had a pair of touchdowns, one through the air and one on the ground, and the team totaled 240 rushing yards. Auburn leads the SEC in rushing yardage allowed, giving up just 21.5 yards per game. Again, they have not faced an opponent like Penn State, but it is clear they have been successful stopping the run to date. 

Penn State will need to get off to a quick start this Saturday to keep the raucous crowd in the game early. 

Wisconsin had talent on offense, but they did not have the speed that Auburn will bring to Happy Valley. Auburn running back Tank Bigsby highlights their rushing attack and is averaging 10 yards per carry. Quarterback Bo Nix has the highest passer rating (199.2) and second-highest completion percentage (74.4%) in the SEC. While Bigsby and Nix try to get Auburn off to a quick start to silence the crowd, the Penn State defense will try to disrupt their movements and cause early mistakes.

The teams have not played since 2003 when Auburn won 13-9. The series is tied 1-1, and Penn State currently holds a 23-23 record against SEC teams all-time. 

ESPN’s College Gameday will be live from State College on Saturday morning. The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC, and Penn State is currently a six-point favorite.