Franklin reported the Nittany Lions’ 34-12 win over West Virginia. “Small snapshots” We look back on the team’s history and hope to use this as a stepping stone.
“We just have to improve and get better every week.” He said. “I want to be careful not to jump to conclusions based on one game.”
He wants the Lions to improve third-down defense (WVU converted twice early to keep drives alive), distribute the ball better on offense and cut down on penalties (eight).
He also said that the Lions “I can kick it better.” He cited punts, kickoffs and failed field goal attempts.
Bowling Green Scouting
The Falcons improved to 1-0 after defeating Fordham, 41-17, on Thursday, Aug. 29. Bowling Green finished 7-6 last year (third in the MAC), with one of those wins coming against Georgia Tech.
The Falcons have won five of their last seven games, including a 30-24 loss to Minnesota in the Quick Lane Bowl.
Quarterback Connor Bazelak will be joining his third college after previously playing at Missouri and Indiana.
Bazelak has 48 career touchdown passes, and against Fordham he completed 15 of 22 passes for 168 yards.
Bowling Green coach Scott Loeffler is 21-35 in his sixth season at Bowling Green. He was previously Michigan’s quarterbacks coach.
Call for Defense
Perhaps what was lost in the balance of passing game and offense the Lions displayed at West Virginia was their defensive play.
Franklin praised his troops, “Not only was we better than last year (against WVU), but we were better on the road too.”
He said the Mountain Wises have a strong running game and that the Lions will contain it, and he has faith in the West Virginia offense. “It’s going to cause problems for a lot of people.”
No applause needed
The only turnover Penn State recorded against West Virginia was a lost fumble, which occurred when West Virginia interfered with the Lions’ snap count, which was illegal but not called.
Drew Aller railed against the umpires.
Franklin said on the tape “You can clearly see the man clapping.”
Worth the praise
• Wide receiver Julian Fleming didn’t catch a pass but played well, Franklin said, noting that the Ohio State transfer had good blocks and routes. Two of the Lions’ touchdowns were the result of Fleming clearing passing lanes, Franklin said.
• Abdul Khater “It caused confusion” Franklin, in his first game as a defensive end, said adding one tackle to the stat sheet doesn’t tell the whole story. He said Carter needs to eliminate pre-snap and post-snap penalties, something he said they discussed on Sunday.
DE Smith Bilbert had his first sack in overtime since the Outback Bowl in 2022. Franklin called the 6-foot-6, 260-pound Bilbert a sack. “Mature soccer player” This season, he has a chance to make a name for himself nationally.
• Anthony Donka played well at right tackle despite two false start penalties, but Coach Franklin wants to give Nolan Rucci more playing time this week.
• Franklin wanted to give Sander Sahaidak shorter field goal opportunities to build his confidence. He missed his only shot in the fourth quarter from 46 yards out. “We have a lot of confidence in him and we believe he will be successful again next time.”
Notable
• Lions safety Kevin Winston was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week after making 12 tackles against West Virginia University.
• After this week’s game against Bowling Green, the Lions will be off until they face Kent State on Sept. 21. The kickoff time and television broadcast of that game has yet to be announced.
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