James Franklin praises Penn State's offensive success in harsh weather conditions

The weather hasn’t been ideal, to say the least, as Penn State took on UMass at Beaver Stadium. At 46 degrees and rainy, the conditions were tough for both offenses.

Still, the Nittany Lions took a 28-0 lead into the halftime locker room. James Franklin noted the harsh conditions during his interview with Big Ten Network’s Brooke Fletcher and said while his team might have missed a couple chances, he was happy with how things went.

“For the most part, how we secured the ball and stayed on schedule,” Franklin said. “We had a couple opportunities to hit some big shots and missed it, but overall, I’m pleased with how we’re managing everything.”

Through the wind and rain, Drew Allar had a solid first half as he completed 13 of 17 passes for 107 yards and a touchdown in the air. He also had a rushing touchdown. Kaytron Allen led the running game with 67 yards and a touchdown while Nick Singleton added 43 yards on a game-high 10 carries.

In the lead-up to the game, Franklin noted what UMass’ offense is capable of doing to opposing defenses. The Minutemen entered the matchup averaging 396.4 yards of offense per game, meaning it wouldn’t necessarily be easy for the Penn State defense.

Franklin said the unit held strong in the first half, led by the front seven.

“It’s really starting up front,” Franklin said. “Our d-line’s doing a heck of a job against their o-line. It’s making it difficult for them to be efficient and [effective].”

As Penn State extends its lead — and the field takes on more water — it’s worth wondering if Franklin will turn to some younger running backs. He offered some high praise for Cam Wallace and London Montgomery earlier this week for how they’ve improved as the season has gone along.

The question, of course, will be how it impacts their standing for a redshirt. Franklin said there are a couple opportunities to get his young backs into the game later in the year.

“I think there’s some excitement about those two guys. A lot of these guys, hopefully, you’ll have the opportunity to see late in the year. Because a lot these guys, we’re saving at least two, if not more games for, at the end of the season so we can basically play them whenever’s needed. That could be on special teams or offense,” Franklin said.