James Franklin on Penn State's pass rush success: 'You're allowed to get better'

Coming into the season, the Penn State pass rush was a matter of some debate with some people questioning if it would be good enough to compete with teams like Ohio State and Michigan this season. To this point, the Nittany Lions have had a phenomenal pass rush.

Head coach James Franklin was asked about the pass rush heading into the Ohio State game and Franklin shared how happy he’s been with it. He also added that it shows teams can get better at things.

“I think it’s an example of, you’re allowed to get better, right?” James Franklin said. “And a lot of things factored into that. Because I think early in the year, there was some questions and concerns about that. So you’re allowed to get better, you’re allowed to evolve and grow.”

Penn State has consistently led during its games this season. As James Franklin explained, by having leads the Nittany Lions are forcing opponents into obvious passing situations and making it easier to attack the quarterback.

“I also think the way we’ve been able to play and get up with a lead is also helpful with that because, we get into more pass rush situations where people are behind the chains.”

Through six games this season, Penn State has 27 sacks. That’s an average of 4.50 sacks per game, which leads all of college football in team sacks. It’s a success rate that James Franklin credits to his assistant coaches and the scheme.

“And, I think we got good players and good coaches, I think our scheme helps, that we’re aggressive. Our scheme helps that we play man coverage. So typically, we can get the quarterback to hold on to the ball a little bit without free-access throws. I think Deion [Barnes]’ done a really nice job as well. A combination of all those things.”

The Nittany Lions are heading to Columbus to take on the Buckeyes on Saturday. A huge part of that game is going to be whether or not Penn State can keep having success in the pass rush and get to Ohio State quarterback Kyle McCord.

James Franklin shares what he respects about Ryan Day

Going into the game with Ohio State, James Franklin knows that Penn State is in for a challenge. A lot of that challenge stems from how good of a coach Ryan Day is on the opposing sideline.

“Obviously, number one, the success that they’ve had. It’s interesting because, he took over a program in a very different position than I did, but still very challenging for very different reasons, if that makes sense,” Franklin said.

“I always got a ton of respect for him at Big Ten meetings, just kind of how he goes about his business. He’s passionate about the Big Ten conference and what we have to do to position the conference in the best chance to be successful competing nationally. They’ve done a nice job offensively, which is what his background is. We have a lot of people in common. Jim and Frank Leonard worked together at Boston College. We just know a lot of people in common and I respect his body of work.”