James Franklin postgame press conference: Live updates

EVANSTON, Ill. – Penn State head coach James Franklin is meeting with the media following his Nittany Lions’ 41-13 win over Northwestern on Saturday afternoon.

What did he make of the slow start? How did he feel his defense performed? What’s next for Penn State’s special teams?

He’ll answer these questions and more as he discusses the game with the media.

James Franklin postgame press conference updates

(Paraphrased answers will appear in reverse chronological order. Page will need to be refreshed for updates.)

Press conference has ended at 4:02 p.m.

Questions in the room

On Deion Barnes’ impact: You never want to speak too soon, but Deion played here and takes a ton of pride in the community, university and program. Was also on the staff for three years as a GA. Players love him. They pounded the table hard for him. End of day, it’s about developing and coaching those guys on and off the field. Deion has a bright future. Glad he’s with them. You make decisions and look back a few months later and want to be pleased with those decisions, and Deion has done all those things to make Manny and James feel they made the right choice.

Exciting thing for Deion is his future is ahead of him. Things he does well, he’s elite at. But a ton of areas for growth.

On having nonconference opponent coming off bye week: One thing they studied intensely is bye week, balancing recovery and getting better. This is a bye week, not off week. Need to get better this week and that’s the fine line. What can they do during the week allowing guys to recover. Weekend will be huge. Then being able to dig into self-scout. Offense, defense, and special teams. Will also get ahead on the schedule as well during the bye week. But next week will be totally on the next opponent. Looking pretty hard and heavy. Some of the positions Pat has allowed them to hire people who help with that.

On the stopped fake punt: Talked about that all week long. Something would show up, a surprise. Something to steal a possession or 7 points. So that was a huge play. Zion as a true freshman showing flashes. Talked about three key plays, and that was one. Prepared all week for it, but another thing to go out and do it, especially for a true freshman.

On what offense can do: You’re going to have to win through a season a lot of different ways. Have been able to do that the first five weeks of the season. But the point is a good one. Have to be more explosive, more consistent. But again, a bunch of stats that could be thrown out there that a lot of programs would be excited about. Leading country for consecutive games scored over 30 points. Some games they’ll need to score more points. But again, playing really complementary football right now and happy to be 1-0.

Allar’s first half vs. second: Not sure. His completion percentage has been higher. Things they need to do to separate at the top of routes or run past people. Dropped one that would have been a huge play. But most important thing he’s doing is protecting the football. One of those things that everyone gets excited about the turnovers caused, but proud over how he’s handled ball security and managed that aspect of the game.

Zane Durant: Has been a big fan of his since he arrived on campus. Not easy to play DT as a true freshman. He did that. Thought he had a chance to take a significant step this year and he’s doing that. Smart, consistent, disciplined guy. Need him to continue making his presence felt out there.

JB Nelson and Kaytron: Isn’t sure if Kaytron was available in the second half. JB Nelson is back and with them.

Trey Potts transferred in as a senior, didn’t get a lot of run first couple of games but has maximized his opportunities. Great to feel like they have three backs they can win with. Doesn’t have those details right now though for Kaytron.

Running game: There are some things they can do that they’ll work on in the bye week. Overall, 41-13, a win, 1-0. There are things to critique this week and do some self scouting and studying. Would like to be more explosive but did improve this week. More opportunity in run and pass that they’ll dig into deeply.

Opening statement

Opening statement:

Opening kickoff fumble not how you want to start. Put ball on the ground three times and it messed with flow offensively. When defense forced them into bad down and distance, it allowed the pass rush to flourish. 

Turnover battle was a tie. Explosive play battle won. Third down. Sacks. Field position. Lost penalty battle. Unsportsmanlike penalty was ridiculous.

Overall, very pleased with the win. Come on the road in the Big Ten and get a win after their last week. This bye week important. Some bumps and bruises from this game. Need to use bye to get better in the short term for this team and long term for recruiting.

Give Northwestern a ton of credit.