James Franklin press conference: Ohio State
Penn State head coach James Franklin spoke with the media on Tuesday in preparation for the team’s biggest game of the season against second-ranked Ohio State. The Buckeyes come to Beaver Stadium for a noon kick to help decide the fate of the Big Ten East. Check out James Franklin’s full comments on YouTube and subscribe to our channel.
Penn State head coach James Franklin discusses Ohio State
Franklin begins his press conference by reviewing the team’s win against Minnesota on Saturday night during the White Out. The Penn State head coach touches on the key metrics his team won and areas of improvement while naming the team players of the week. Then, he moves on to Ohio State by highlighting the players on both sides of the ball that his staff has identified as outstanding players.
Tuesday’s media session centered around Penn State’s upcoming matchup with Ohio State. One question dealt with the secondary and whether Franklin feels more confident with this group than with previous secondaries going into this game. Another reporter wanted to know how Franklin and his staff could replicate CJ Stroud in practice for the defense. Lastly, one reporter asked about turnovers playing a role in big games.
Last week’s game was a major turning point for freshman linebacker Abdul Carter. The young sensation earned his first start against Minnesota in the White Out. Is that here to stay? Or will Penn State return to its base personnel next week against a more pass-happy Ohio State team?
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Defensive coordinator Manny Diaz is a newcomer to the Penn State and Ohio State rivalry. Does his presence give the Nittany Lions an advantage or a different personality to challenge the Buckeyes? Franklin gives his thoughts on defensive style.
Franklin also takes questions about his offense and their output in the win over Minnesota. Will the team run more tempo in the future? And how does Franklin feel about the term “establish the run?”
Press conference rundown
00:00 Press conference start
00:25 Opening comments
04:30 Ohio State preview
07:55 Can a win like Saturday build momentum?
09:00 Where is Penn State on “elite” trajectory?
10:35 How would you evaluate your pass rush?
12:20 Why don’t fans appreciate Sean Clifford as much as you do?
14:00 What are the reasons why an offense works better in tempo?
16:50 Are you fundamentally built to compete with Ohio State and not Michigan?
20:10 Is this the most confident you’ve been going into a game against Ohio State with this secondary?
21:40 What did it say about the freshmen running backs that they wanted to join a crowded room a year ago?
23:00 Is Abdul Carter starting with Curtis Jacobs a long-term move a game-specific one?
23:40 What did you learn about the Penn State offensive line when challenged by injuries?
26:40 How important are turnovers in big games?
27:30 How much value does Manny Diaz bring to a passing matchup like Ohio State?
29:56 How do balance potentially winning ten games but losing to Ohio State and Michigan?
32:57 How do you replicate playing CJ Stroud?
34:12 What are your thoughts on the term “establish the run?”
36:11 Did you see or hear the comment from Jim Harbaugh?
36:50 What is your wish list for facilities?