Coach James Franklin and Penn State are looking to finish a week 1-0 for the seventh time this season.
Before every game, Franklin talks with reporters at his weekly Tuesday press conference.
This week, Franklin discussed this week’s opponent, Ohio State, and how this week is a “tremendous challenge” and a “tremendous opportunity.”
JAMES FRANKLIN ON RYAN DAY
“Getting into Ohio State specifically. Ryan Day, a ton of respect for Ryan and Ohio State as a whole. When you look at who they are, offensively Brian Hartline being one of the most respected wide receiver coaches in the country and recruiter. This year, has become the offensive coordinator. Offensively, I think Ryan is still heavily involved in what they’re doing, but they’re continuing to do a really good job. ”
JAMES FRANKLIN ON OHIO STATE’S OFFENSE
“They are still a spread offense. They will go tempo as well, but I wouldn’t necessarily say that’s all they do. A lot of times they’re trying to get a look at the defense. You talk about personnel, obviously it starts with Marvin Harrison Jr. We’re very familiar with him. Everybody in the country is. Tremendous, tremendous player. TreVeyon Henderson, the running back. Cade Stover is probably the guy that I don’t think is getting enough attention and enough love. He’s been a very productive player for them, has elite ball skills. Emeka Egbuka, another guy that we got a ton of respect for. Miyan Williams, the running back. Some guys we left out based on we’re not sure if they’re going to play or not, but a ton of guys we got respect for.”
AND WHAT ABOUT THE DEFENSE?
“Defensively, Jim Knowles, who, again, we’re very familiar with and has done a really nice job last year, did a nice job. And then this year has taken it to a whole other level. They’re a 4-2-5 scheme. You’re seeing a little bit more of the three-safety look this year that he ran when he was at Oklahoma State. I think they’re doing a little bit less than maybe they did the year before, but what they do they do really well. Obviously, I think that has equated to them doing a really good job of limiting explosive plays”
