One big change that came about due to the Conor Stallions Michigan scandal was the implementation of in-helmet communication, and this has created some challenges for James Franklin and Penn State.
Granted, this change is a positive. In hindsight, was long overdue since it certainly makes sign-stealing more difficult.
But last season, it created communication problems for the Penn State defense. This year, there have still been some problems.
The problems aren’t as drastic to the point where coach James Franklin discussing having somebody other than the coordinator call the defense, which happened last year when Tom Allen was replaced from that role with linebackers coach Dan Connor.
But it’s still something Penn State needs to get a grip on, and Franklin addressed it with reporters after practice Wednesday evening.
WHAT JAMES SAID
Penn State head coach James Franklin addresses the media after a 33-30 win over USC on Oct. 12, 2024. — Alan Saunders / Nittany Sports Now
Here’s what James said on the matter of in-helmet communication
“It’s a challenge, and every year, this is a little bit of a challenge, and then, you’ll also have different styles, right? Different coaches have different styles in the way they do it. And then sometimes you have technology issues, and you could signal, but you know what that leads to, right? So, yeah, there’s been some challenges with it.”
Franklin said Penn State has spent a lot of time working on the communication offensively, but there needs to be more of an emphasis on defense.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.“There’s been times where it’s been challenging,” he said. “Sometimes, we’ve had some technology issues. Sometimes, we’re not clear enough. Sometimes, the tempo of the offense can make some things challenging, too. So, yeah, that’s fair.”
THE PARADOX
MADISON, WI – OCTOBER 26: Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin watches a replay on the screen durning a college football game between the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Wisconsin Badgers on October 26th, 2024 at Barry Alvarez field inside Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, WI. (Photo by Dan Sanger/Icon Sportswire)
There’s a paradox that comes with simulating crowd noise during practice.
During the week, Penn State’s coaches need to, well, coach, and with a new coordinator in Jim Knowles, that’s even more essential early in the season.
But it’s kinda tough for coaches to coach through a lot of noise, so Franklin has to walk that tight rope.
“The hard part is, now that limits coaching, right?” he said. “Because we have some obvious tweaks to our system now with Jim, and we’re trying to coach. Well, it’s hard to coach when we’re blowing their eardrums out. So, it’s a fine line between those two things.”
No. 2 Penn State takes on Villanova Saturday at Beaver Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 on FS1.
