PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Before the Big 10 started playing conference games to open the season, Penn State started the previous four years with Idaho, Appalachian State, Akron and Kent State. Saturday the Nittany Lions play their first game at number 15 Wisconsin at noon.
“Obviously having Wisconsin as an opening game is different than I think the way college football normally starts out,” said Penn State head coach James Franklin.
Yes, that is fair to say and Franklin said he’s used it as a motivator and driver the entire off-season, starting a countdown clock to the first game during summer workouts. The eighth year PSU head coach said he’s thought through everything he can to be as detailed and ready as they can be for the pressure of the first game.
“I've never been to Wisconsin as a coach or as a player, so looking forward
to going there,” Franklin said. “I've heard great things. I know it's going to be a challenging environment.”
It’s 80,000 fans itching to get back to watch the Badgers and ‘Jump Around’ after the end of the third quarter. Their team is yearly one of the top in the conference as well. They’ve won double-digit games in five of the last six full seasons.
The Badgers slowed a bit by COVID and injuries in 2020, but led by linebacker Jack Sanborn and a typically good Wisconsin D.
“Coach Leonhard (Wisconsin defensive coordinator) does a fantastic job for them and they play hard and they're sound,” Franklin said. “But, obviously, we feel like we're talented and got a really good scheme, as well.”
“That'll be a great challenge for us.
I think with the experience that we have up front, with the experience that we have at tight end, running back and quarterback, that we have some opportunities to take advantage of some things, whether it's scheme or whether it's some athletic things that we think can be challenging for their defense, it's going to be exciting to watch.”
Similar to the challenges Pitt presents with Pat Narduzzi allowing his corners to play one-on-one. Wisconsin does the same. That is what Franklin is referring to in the opportunity to take advantage of some things. They’ve been watching the Badgers bowl game last year and learning.
“When you've got playmakers like we do, like Jahan Dotson at wide receiver and the two young guys, there's going to be opportunities,” Franklin said. “There's going to be opportunities, but it's going to come down to one of those types of games.”
“It starts up front, like it always does, whether it's the O-line or the D-line and their front seven. Us being able to block them effectively. They've been good on defense for a long time.
We're on the road. It'll be a great challenge for our guys, but I know we're excited about the opportunity.”