James Franklin postgame press conference: Live updates
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Penn State topped Illinois on Saturday afternoon, 30-13, pushing through first-half miscues to eventually break open the win late in the third quarter. An opening win to the Big Ten schedule, and the first trip away from Beaver Stadium on the 2023 season, the paramount goals of James Franklin were accomplished.
But, plenty of fraught moments were included along the way.
Meeting with the media on Saturday afternoon from the bowels of Memorial Stadium, here is a running update of his reactions to the performance. Follow along here or in The Lions Den for comprehensive coverage.
James Franklin postgame press conference updates
(Updates will appear in reverse chronological order. This page does not automatically update.)
Press conference has ended.
Questions in the room
On the offensive line:
The fact they can play a bunch of guys is good for them. They need that. But will be interesting watching this tape for OL and TEs and get a better feel for it. That’s a front that people talk about. They played a lot of five and six man fronts too. They had some good scheme ideas as well. Will be really good film to evaluate and coach off of. Have to give them credit. They’re good on DL.
On drops and installing catch confidence:
It’s not something to discuss. Had a couple of drops today but haven’t been that way all year. Not really a topic, but has to be better.
On penalties:
Whenever you get pre or post snap penalties, they’re discipline and have to be cleaned up.
On Wallace/Receivers:
Had too many drops. Weren’t as sharp as they can be. Felt sluggish early on. How they motioned.
Trey, the medical people make those decisions and they weren’t comfortable and didn’t feel like he was ready to go.
Importance to Drew:
He kept his cool. Some drops made it harder than it needed to be. Didn’t have Trey today, so getting him back will be important. Just had some moving parts and weren’t as clean as they needed to be. Will be great tape to evaluate.
On what he learned:
You have to find a way to grind it out. Never lost the lead. Never lost control of the game. Didn’t take control, but never lost it. Kept chipping away at it, so he was proud. That’s how the season goes. You have to find ways to win. Build momentum and make corrections between now and next week. A ton to learn from this film.
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Opening statement
Opening statement:
That was a Big Ten win on the road. You have to appreciate winning on the road. It’s college football. Every week there are upsets and you have to grind it out. So it was beautiful, especially when you take all the factors into it.
Holding them to 62 yards rushing. Getting five turnovers. And everyone will talk about them, but then also Penn State not turning it over as well. Those things have a huge impact.
Won turnovers. Need to be more explosive on offense. Some of these stats are skewed because they kept 1s in late. Third downs, sacks, field position all won. DIdn’t win penalty battle. Two unsportsmanlike penalties were big and need to be cleaned up.
Big for Trey Potts to come in and make a big play. Consistency of D keeping them out of the end zone. And O scoring enough points to be successful.
Will get to work tomorrow and be very critical of this film. Lots to work on.
