Penn State's James Franklin reveals there are homefield disadvantages

Penn State played their first game of the 2021 against Wisconsin on the road at Camp Randall Stadium. So when they host their home opener on Saturday against Ball State, it will be the first game at Beaver Stadium for many of the players. Add in the fact that last year’s team played without fans, and a larger portion of the Nittany Lions’ squad than usual will be taking the field for the first time in a raucous environment. 

In a Wednesday press conference, Penn State head coach James Franklin had to contemplate a peculiar question on that topic: Are there any homefield disadvantages? 

During a home game, the crowd is typically loud to serve as a distraction for the visiting offense. The only problem? The home defense needs to get on the same page as well. 

“They’re not used to having to communicate over the noise,” Franklin said. “They don’t get it in practice very often, and then obviously when you’re on the road, you don’t really deal with that a whole lot.”

Next, Franklin turned to the issues that happen beyond the gridiron: the traffic, the “buzz in town,” finding tickets and lodging for visitors.

“Obviously we have a higher percentage of friends and families in town, and if you’re not careful as a young player, those things can be a distraction,” Franklin added. “There’s just a lot of things.”

Happy Valley environment

Lastly, Franklin cited the environment at Beaver Stadium, a venue known for its sometimes earth-shaking noise levels.

“Then obviously running through Beaver Stadium, as much as we’ve tried to get them used to it. For a lot of guys, even transfer first-year players, it’s going to be a different experience,” Franklin said.

Franklin added, with a smile, that one his players had just asked him about pregame music, which certainly is not at the top of Franklin’s list of responsibilities.

Penn State hosts their next four games against Ball State, Auburn, Villanova and Indiana. The school announced this summer that when the Tigers come to town on Sept. 18, the school will do their annual whiteout, one of the most picturesque scenes in all of college football. The student section will host a mini-whiteout against Michigan in November as well.

Franklin’s squad has quite the away schedule left as well, including traveling to Iowa, Ohio State and Michigan State. They passed their first road test, but the games down the stretch will be difficult even without those homefield disadvantages.