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What does Penn State do now as it waits for bowl game? Recruiting, more

Greg Pickelby:Greg Pickel•11/29/21•

GregPickel

James Franklin Penn State
Penn State coach James Franklin jogs onto the field prior to his team's 30-27 loss at Michigan State. (Steve Manuel/BWI)

Penn State has prepared for a new opponent every Monday since September, save for the bye week.

Now, the three-month routine is over, as the regular season finished with a 30-27 loss at Michigan State. Head coach James Franklin’s team was 7-5 overall, and its setbacks all came in the second half of the season. A to-be-announced bowl game closes the year.

“It’s tough knowing that almost every loss we’ve had has come within one-possession games,” star Penn State receiver Jahan Dotson said.

“It really points back to, like, the little details. That’s where games are won and lost when they’re that close. Both teams are very good. We didn’t play a perfect game. We made some mistakes out there that we can’t make against a good team like Michigan State. So, we just got to correct those things and move on.”

How will the Lions move on? Here are three things to know.

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1. Penn State will hit the road recruiting today

A contact period started on the NCAA recruiting calendar Sunday and runs through Dec. 11. Defined as “a time when it is permissible for authorized athletics department staff members to make in-person, off-campus recruiting contacts and evaluations,” it means that it’s time for James Franklin and his staff to travel.

They will check in on current commitments, final Class of 2022 targets, and underclassmen alike over the next 14 days. That leads into the early signing period, of course, which is Dec. 15 this year.

2. Wait for a bowl game time and opponent

Penn State can do little about its postseason situation besides waiting to be told what it is.

The Lions will spend this week basically taking a break as the staff hits the road. Sure, players will be in the building for lifting, film study, and so on. But, the only work to be done involves building for the future by in part looking at the past.

Bowl prep will start as soon as next Sunday, when the schedules are set. Expect to hear about who PSU will play by mid-to-late afternoon. Predictions vary widely at this point in time as to who and where it could be.

3. Future decisions can start being made

While Penn State players and coaches might not announce moves related to their futures immediately, those conversations must start internally now.

News related to things like the transfer portal, whose leaving for the NFL versus staying, and will trickle out in the days and weeks ahead. The same goes for any potential staff changes. That goes for both ones Franklin might make or opportunities members of his staff have to go elsewhere.

December used to be a slower time of year until the team arrived at its bowl destination. Now, however, there is seemingly a new bit of news daily. Combined with the early signing day, and it certainly means plenty of interesting things are on the horizon for Penn State football fans to follow.

Discuss the latest Penn State news with fans inside The Lions Den

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