Last Saturday, Penn State played maybe its best half of the season in its 35-6 win over Washington, and a week later, the team played what coach James Franklin feels is its best overall game.
Some may look at the fact that Purdue came into Saturday 1-8 and dismiss Penn State’s 49-10 win as a result.
But Franklin isn’t one of those people.
It’s clear that the coach feels his team is hitting its stride at the right time.
“I thought that was the best game we’ve played overall in terms of four quarters, offense, defense and special teams,” Franklin told reporters in his postgame press conference. Complimentary football.”
#PennState coach James Franklin makes opening comments after 49-10 win over Purdue. pic.twitter.com/nuwJ4qVcML
— Rich Scarcella (@nittanyrich) November 17, 2024
D IS FOR DOMINANCE
Photo by Penn State Athletics: Abdul Carter
It was business at usual for the Penn State defense, which didn’t allow a touchdown until the team led 42-3 in the fourth quarter.
In particular, Franklin was impressed by the third quarter.
“Defensively, we continue to play dominant third-quarter football,” Franklin said. “(Purdue ran) 10 plays for 35 yards. But that also had to do with our offense sustaining drives.”
WARREN AND THE ‘O’
Penn State athletics
Tyler Warren is good.
In other news, water is wet.
PSU’s do-it-all tight end ended the day with 127 yards and a touchdown receiving and 63 yards plus another score rushing.
This gave Franklin another opportunity to say kind words about one of his stars.
“Tyler Warren continues to just make plays in a ton of different ways,” Franklin said. “Like I’ve mentioned before, I think he’s part of the conversation of one of the best players in all of college football let alone the tight end position.
Franklin also said QB Drew Allar is “playing really efficient.”
”17 of 19 for 247 yards, three touchdowns,” Franklin said. “Just really good all around football.”
As usual, though, Franklin found something that could have been better.
“If I was going to nitpick a little bit, (I would have liked the defense to force) a little bit more turnovers. That was the one thing. We tied 0-0. We had a couple opportunities.”
Penn State’s next game is against Minnesota Saturday, Nov. 23 at 3:30 on CBS.
