Like last week, I've paraphrased James Franklin's talking points from tonight's radio show in State College. Topics are in bold.
Injuries last weekend:
More programs are playing bigger games to start the season. Used to be more FCS opponents in week one. That may be a part of why there were more injuries. Nyeem is a big loss for the program as a player and leader. On Monday, he came in with the three freshmen linebackers that are now playing for us. That’s with his leg in a big harness. Speaks to the type of kid he is, and James is really proud of him.
Big long statement about OB having good offense/bad defense, JF having good defense/bad offense. Not even sure what the question was, but came in hot and heavy:
This year is not over. The team started in a way they didn’t want to start. Didn’t improve in those areas. Former OL coach Mac McWhorter was at practice today and just got done talking to team. Mac reminded team that their season in 2012 started with loss to Ohio, then lost by 1 at UVA. The whole deal is to keep battling, stay positive, and that’s been the message. No doubt there have been issues that need to be corrected. OL is one of them. Agrees with the statement about last year and first game of this year, but intends to correct it.
Are they correctable mistakes:
Very much so. One thing that showed up on D was, losing Nyeem, big communication issues appeared. Lost Brandon Bell during game. At one point, Manny Bowen, Cooper and Reeder playing. Two true freshmen weren’t expecting to play at all. On OL, first time starter in Paris, and Mahon next to him got to play last year, but he didn’t communicate and take control and help first time starter out, so communication issues ensued. Was really proud of how the guys came in and practiced on Sunday as a team.
How does a tackle adjust to a blitz:
The blitz affects linebackers, obviously, but also the defensive line. If OLB blitzing off edge, then DE who has contain is going to slant inside. As you become experienced as OT, and your responsibility is handling the DE, you don’t need to set out because the DE is going to slant right into you. It’s all about being able to anticipate those things on the OL. LB can’t blitz without S rotating down to cover his man or occupy zone. These are things where the OL needs to know assignment, but also anticipate what D is going to be do. Because opponents know PSU’s challenges, all they do is make schemes as complex as possible to try to challenge OL. To be able to counteract that, they need to move pocket offensively to help QB out and have to run downhill.
Offensive strategy:
When you have a guy like Hackenberg, you want to chuck it all over the place. You’re enticed to do that. But as a program, have to evolve to give time to get experience and confidence. Play great on D and ST, move pocket and play quick game, and as confidence grows, can do more sexy things. Have to play conservatively on offense so they can build that confidence.
Early on, they were able to manage it. A few things happen that shifted the game. The first sack had an effect, and at that point, still had 10 point lead, winning field position battle, not getting points but ball on TU side of field. Punt ball to their 7-yard line, they go 93 yards and score, and field position shifted. All those little things started to add up and momentum started to swing.
Slowing down the offense and being deliberate vs. NASCAR:
You’ll see a mix this week. Part of it is what he just talked about. Being able to play great D, great ST, run the ball and have a great team win. As they’re able to have some success and build confidence, can do more no huddle and take more shots. But right now it’s about building OL confidence and putting them in a position to be successful. Everyone wants to see sexier football, but that’s what they have to do right now. Wants to be multiple tempo team so D doesn’t settle into any one style.
Nyeem in on ST:
Playing teams like Temple where going into the game, they may take risks to swing momentum, go in punt safe so they can’t run fake. Give up a little in punt return game, but it’s more about preventing them from making a big play. Will play starters on ST anyway. All three phases important to what they’re trying to do. It’s more than reasonable that starters play on one ST unit. Punt safe is something they’ll have to do occasionally to prevent teams from running fakes.
Limited playbook by bad blocking, and adjusting to that:
That’s where moving the pocket comes in, nakeds and sprint out, as well as making plays on receiver screens. You need to make one block on corner and get down the sideline. Have to be creative on that. But they’re going to get push up front. Have to run the ball. You can only do that other stuff so much with quick game. Have no choice. OL has to continue to develop. They’re going to get it done, one way or another. There’s no other option.
Response in practice:
Has felt really good about it. Last year, the D really got after the O in practice. This year, in practice the O has really shown some nice signs. Making plays in running game. Both offenses went right down the field in drills today, and kickers made long field goals. There has to be a moment in the game when it all clicks, and you get confidence and it just starts coming. Saturday is their time. Success breeds success. There are so many positive things happening with Penn State football right now. It’s just about the next phase, football, coming together. Those other things that are doing so well right now, it starts to carry over to the field. In his 20 years of coaching, has seen that. Keep positive energy, promote these guys, stick together, and it’s going to turn for them.
Buffalo and its O:
Anthony is a guy that has rushed for 1,400 yards. Very productive. 220 pound back. QB has really had some success. Their program has really grown. AD there is son of AD at Duke. They’ve done a nice job. QB, RB, OL will all be a big part of it. Whole OL is over 300 pounds. And two deep on OL at 300. That’s going to be a factor for them. It’s all run/pass options on every play.
Their strength is on offense and special teams. Defensively, they’re a 4-3 quarters team. They’ll change it up. Look back to when coach was at previous institution, tried to outscore people and not give up big plays on defense. They’re tall and athletic on the corners, but philosophy of Leipold is that. He’s 109-6 overall. Lost three games in one year, and other three losses were all in national championship games. His record is really impressive and it will be a nice challenge for PSU.
Needing a fullback:
There’s a place for a fullback, no doubt about it. Didn’t have a scholarship FB when they got here. Would like to get to a point with TE that they can serve two purposes. Want one on LOS and another that can be true H-Back, line up as FB and create mismatches. Just not at that point right now.
Kyle Carter:
There’s a lot of things that go on behind the scenes that he doesn’t feel is appropriate to release. Kyle had surgery this summer. Didn’t say it at the time because doesn’t want opponent knowing it. He doesn’t start in first game and everyone wonders why, but it’s because he’s been out all season. Doesn’t want Temple to know starting TE is out. They’re magnified right now because of depth. Should have done a better job talking this offseason of depth being better, and it is for practice, but still don’t have great game depth. Kyle’s role this week you’ll see grow compared to last week, and that will continue to be the case as the season goes on. Will have all three available this week.
Having OL over for dinner tonight:
Tonight an exciting night for Franklin, because Tuesday press conference, Wednesday quarterback club, and now after this, he can put game behind him and focus just on Buffalo. Thursday night they try to have different position group through each week. Tonight, it’s the 17 offensive linemen. They’re coming to dinner tonight, can’t wait to spend time with them.
****
If anything needs further explanation, let me know.
Injuries last weekend:
More programs are playing bigger games to start the season. Used to be more FCS opponents in week one. That may be a part of why there were more injuries. Nyeem is a big loss for the program as a player and leader. On Monday, he came in with the three freshmen linebackers that are now playing for us. That’s with his leg in a big harness. Speaks to the type of kid he is, and James is really proud of him.
Big long statement about OB having good offense/bad defense, JF having good defense/bad offense. Not even sure what the question was, but came in hot and heavy:
This year is not over. The team started in a way they didn’t want to start. Didn’t improve in those areas. Former OL coach Mac McWhorter was at practice today and just got done talking to team. Mac reminded team that their season in 2012 started with loss to Ohio, then lost by 1 at UVA. The whole deal is to keep battling, stay positive, and that’s been the message. No doubt there have been issues that need to be corrected. OL is one of them. Agrees with the statement about last year and first game of this year, but intends to correct it.
Are they correctable mistakes:
Very much so. One thing that showed up on D was, losing Nyeem, big communication issues appeared. Lost Brandon Bell during game. At one point, Manny Bowen, Cooper and Reeder playing. Two true freshmen weren’t expecting to play at all. On OL, first time starter in Paris, and Mahon next to him got to play last year, but he didn’t communicate and take control and help first time starter out, so communication issues ensued. Was really proud of how the guys came in and practiced on Sunday as a team.
How does a tackle adjust to a blitz:
The blitz affects linebackers, obviously, but also the defensive line. If OLB blitzing off edge, then DE who has contain is going to slant inside. As you become experienced as OT, and your responsibility is handling the DE, you don’t need to set out because the DE is going to slant right into you. It’s all about being able to anticipate those things on the OL. LB can’t blitz without S rotating down to cover his man or occupy zone. These are things where the OL needs to know assignment, but also anticipate what D is going to be do. Because opponents know PSU’s challenges, all they do is make schemes as complex as possible to try to challenge OL. To be able to counteract that, they need to move pocket offensively to help QB out and have to run downhill.
Offensive strategy:
When you have a guy like Hackenberg, you want to chuck it all over the place. You’re enticed to do that. But as a program, have to evolve to give time to get experience and confidence. Play great on D and ST, move pocket and play quick game, and as confidence grows, can do more sexy things. Have to play conservatively on offense so they can build that confidence.
Early on, they were able to manage it. A few things happen that shifted the game. The first sack had an effect, and at that point, still had 10 point lead, winning field position battle, not getting points but ball on TU side of field. Punt ball to their 7-yard line, they go 93 yards and score, and field position shifted. All those little things started to add up and momentum started to swing.
Slowing down the offense and being deliberate vs. NASCAR:
You’ll see a mix this week. Part of it is what he just talked about. Being able to play great D, great ST, run the ball and have a great team win. As they’re able to have some success and build confidence, can do more no huddle and take more shots. But right now it’s about building OL confidence and putting them in a position to be successful. Everyone wants to see sexier football, but that’s what they have to do right now. Wants to be multiple tempo team so D doesn’t settle into any one style.
Nyeem in on ST:
Playing teams like Temple where going into the game, they may take risks to swing momentum, go in punt safe so they can’t run fake. Give up a little in punt return game, but it’s more about preventing them from making a big play. Will play starters on ST anyway. All three phases important to what they’re trying to do. It’s more than reasonable that starters play on one ST unit. Punt safe is something they’ll have to do occasionally to prevent teams from running fakes.
Limited playbook by bad blocking, and adjusting to that:
That’s where moving the pocket comes in, nakeds and sprint out, as well as making plays on receiver screens. You need to make one block on corner and get down the sideline. Have to be creative on that. But they’re going to get push up front. Have to run the ball. You can only do that other stuff so much with quick game. Have no choice. OL has to continue to develop. They’re going to get it done, one way or another. There’s no other option.
Response in practice:
Has felt really good about it. Last year, the D really got after the O in practice. This year, in practice the O has really shown some nice signs. Making plays in running game. Both offenses went right down the field in drills today, and kickers made long field goals. There has to be a moment in the game when it all clicks, and you get confidence and it just starts coming. Saturday is their time. Success breeds success. There are so many positive things happening with Penn State football right now. It’s just about the next phase, football, coming together. Those other things that are doing so well right now, it starts to carry over to the field. In his 20 years of coaching, has seen that. Keep positive energy, promote these guys, stick together, and it’s going to turn for them.
Buffalo and its O:
Anthony is a guy that has rushed for 1,400 yards. Very productive. 220 pound back. QB has really had some success. Their program has really grown. AD there is son of AD at Duke. They’ve done a nice job. QB, RB, OL will all be a big part of it. Whole OL is over 300 pounds. And two deep on OL at 300. That’s going to be a factor for them. It’s all run/pass options on every play.
Their strength is on offense and special teams. Defensively, they’re a 4-3 quarters team. They’ll change it up. Look back to when coach was at previous institution, tried to outscore people and not give up big plays on defense. They’re tall and athletic on the corners, but philosophy of Leipold is that. He’s 109-6 overall. Lost three games in one year, and other three losses were all in national championship games. His record is really impressive and it will be a nice challenge for PSU.
Needing a fullback:
There’s a place for a fullback, no doubt about it. Didn’t have a scholarship FB when they got here. Would like to get to a point with TE that they can serve two purposes. Want one on LOS and another that can be true H-Back, line up as FB and create mismatches. Just not at that point right now.
Kyle Carter:
There’s a lot of things that go on behind the scenes that he doesn’t feel is appropriate to release. Kyle had surgery this summer. Didn’t say it at the time because doesn’t want opponent knowing it. He doesn’t start in first game and everyone wonders why, but it’s because he’s been out all season. Doesn’t want Temple to know starting TE is out. They’re magnified right now because of depth. Should have done a better job talking this offseason of depth being better, and it is for practice, but still don’t have great game depth. Kyle’s role this week you’ll see grow compared to last week, and that will continue to be the case as the season goes on. Will have all three available this week.
Having OL over for dinner tonight:
Tonight an exciting night for Franklin, because Tuesday press conference, Wednesday quarterback club, and now after this, he can put game behind him and focus just on Buffalo. Thursday night they try to have different position group through each week. Tonight, it’s the 17 offensive linemen. They’re coming to dinner tonight, can’t wait to spend time with them.
****
If anything needs further explanation, let me know.
