James Franklin postgame press conference: Live updates

Penn State head coach James Franklin is meeting with the media following his Nittany Lions’ dominating win over UMass on Saturday afternoon. A tune-up leading into next weekend’s noon clash with Ohio State, he’ll discuss how the Nittany Lions performed.

After a slow start offensively, a Daequan Hardy punt return opened the floodgates to a crushing performance.

Here, we’ll provide updates as Franklin takes questions from the Beaver Stadium media room. Follow along here or in the Lions Den.

James Franklin postgame press conference updates

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Questions in the room

On tight ends and offensive flexibility: 

Tight ends have ability to do both. That’s where they become the most valuable and as DC, you can’t just put them in a category. If second TE is just like a wideout, that’s how he’ll be treated. Have been fortunate to recruit and develop a really good TE room. That’s another thing that has been a real positive for Drew is having big targets for him that are consistent, dependable, and explosive. High percentage throws.

On how six games prepping Drew for what he’ll face:

Will talk about next week on Tuesday and Wednesday. But about Drew, it’s been an ideal situation. Got first time starter a ton of experience, normal downs, two minute experience, third downs. Have run and thrown. It’s ideal. It’s an ideal situation with an offensive line playing really well, LT, with a running game that’s effective, experience at TE position. 

He’s been in a ton of situations last year as a true freshman. And then this season. But again, gotta keep growing.

Thing that makes him feel good about Drew is, he’s very humble and his approach is consistent in how he prepares and works. That’s comforting as head coach and OC. It’s not just Drew. It’s Beau and Jaxson too. 

Gotta build and get better this week and every week to get where they want.

On things that are special on defense: 

First thing that stands out is turnovers, but margin is a team stat. Have done a good job. But biggest thing is defense controlling game. The three and outs, field position. Offense playing really good complementary football to how the defense is playing, but also getting the ball in short fields because of defense. 

Play a style, where when you’re the offensive coordinator or opposing head coach, and you watch the tape, there aren’t a lot of gimme yards. It can be challenging to get three or four yards. It’s their ability to control the game and really put the team in position to be successful. 

From that point, playing complementary football. Offensively, ability to be balanced. Can throw and run the ball to win. Not able to say doing one exclusively, but you don’t have to. Balanced. Playing winning football, and that’s probably going to look different every week based on opponent and matchup.

Need to continue to find ways to win. That’s all that matters.

First half season benchmarks:

Won every game. Also, are they getting better each week? Feels like they’re doing that. Gave up some yards at the end, but value of those guys getting in the game playing will pay off down the road. There is no team that doesn’t have areas to be critiqued. But overall, likes where they are at. Have found ways to win. Won away, won at home, won in the rain, the heat, conference, nonconference, and just getting better.

Even from practice perspective, doing it more consistent level at a high level. Doesn’t care if it’s college football or any other industry, you’re judged on consistency. Really likes this team from that perspective. Talked a lot about leadership in the preseason. One of the best things they’re doing right now is leading from how to practice consistently basis.

On why Daequan at punt return and value to team:

Here is a guy, you talk about opportunities. HS guys wanting them to go to college, college guys trying for certain roles. He’s a perfect example. He and Kaden went into the summer battling back and forth. Kaden did a nice job catching the ball all year, but weren’t very explosive or getting a lot of yardage. Looking to create more big plays, not just offense, but special teams as well.

Catch percentage in practice was similar, so wanted to get him some opportunities and reps. Have two guys they feel they can win with. Showed tonight though that he can be special.

Has been a nickel for years and dominated that. Goes back to Purdue game last year. Playing him more at corner this year and has ability to do that. Now special teams as well. This is going to change things for them. Creates issues for people evaluating them. Will cause them long nights in how they defend him. Guys that can make big plays and be explosive are valuable. 

Not surprised. This is who he has been.

Opening statement

Did not win turnover battle. Leading the country in it, so that’s one criticism. Explosive plays, third down battle, sacks, field position, penalties they all won. A lot of positives there. 

Defensively, suffocating all night long against one of the most explosive offenses in the country from a percentages standpoint. Offensively, early on, got some things cleaned up and then played complementary football.

Special teams, story of the night was Daequan Hardy. Awesome for him.