Penn State is set for a busy week; here’s what to watch for
Penn State football is 10-2 after finishing the regular season with a 42-0 victory over Michigan State. The Nittany Lions are gameless for the first time since their bye week in October. And, it’s only their second off week of the season since September. But, despite there being no contest next Saturday, there is still plenty for Penn State fans to discuss.
“This year, we played good enough to win 10 games and hopefully get into a New Year’s Six Bowl game and play well there,” Lions coach James Franklin said. “I think that’s probably more challenging than it’s been in the past with all the different things that have changed in college football over the last five years. But yeah, again, I’m proud of it.”
Check out our list to see more below.
Prepping for the portal
The NCAA transfer portal does not open until next Mon., Dec. 4. But, players elsewhere will make their intentions clear to enter it throughout this week. And, those at Penn State could do so, too. So, while there is nothing out just yet, as Franklin and his coordinators and position coaches meet with every player on the roster over the next three days, those decisions could become public. But, also don’t be shocked, either, if nothing much comes out until later in the week. But, if at least one announcement is not in by Wednesday or Thursday, it would be surprising. And, don’t forget the Penn State staff will be building its target board, too, as players jump into the portal at other schools.
Bowl game opt-outs and NFL Draft declarations
Penn State will not find out what bowl game it will play in, nor who it will face, until next Sunday at around 2:30 p.m. ET. But, could players like Olu Fashanu and Chop Robinson preemptively opt out of the postseason since they have future first-round NFL Draft pick aspirations, no matter who the Lions face? It seems like a fair possibility. And, because of it, that news should come out this week or next. We’d make next week the money line favorite. But, roster announcements tend to start happening quickly wants the first one does.
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The offensive coordinator search
Penn State coach James Franklin said he spent the weekend interviewing offensive coordinator candidates. The Nittany Lions have not made a hire as of Monday morning. Will one happen soon? The odds favor it based on how Franklin’s past searches have gone. And, that he knew about this one and made it public two weeks before the regular season ended means that there is a plan in place. So, expect the Lions to move quickly. They won’t rush to make a decision. But, it could happen at any moment.
Odds and ends
–Will any Penn State assistant coaches pop up on hotboards for jobs elsewhere? None have as of now. But, more and more hot boards are coming in the days and weeks ahead.
–Where will the team be in the new bowl projections? They’ll come out over the next two days and tell us plenty about the team’s New Year’s Six aspirations.
–Are any more staff moves coming in terms of Franklin making a move? We doubt it. But, time will tell on that front.
