While the Iowa State Cyclones took a leap under new Penn State head coach Matt Campbell, appearing in the AP Poll in seven of the past eight seasons, there’s a significant gulf between the expectations in Ames and those in State College. Penn State ranks seventh in wins all-time for an FBS program; Iowa State doesn’t crack the top 80. Of the five times the Cyclones have finished the season ranked in the AP Poll in their history, two came in the last decade under Campbell. The Nittany Lions have landed in the final AP Poll 46 times.
New Nittany Lions quarterback Rocco Becht followed Campbell from Iowa State. In an interview with Pete Nakos of On3, Becht talked about the surging expectations he’ll face in State College… and how he plans to prepare for them.
“There are always going to be fans who expect more from you. And honestly, when you’re at a historic program like this, you should want to play at the highest level and compete in those big games,” Becht said. “I don’t feel bad for anyone. It’s expected of us, and that’s why you come to Penn State, because you’re expected to win.”
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Becht also spoke to the genuine connection Campbell has with his players, one that helped him bring 24 Cyclones along with him, and described how he’s staying motivated, honing his game and helping his teammates while recovering from labrum surgery in his non-throwing shoulder. You can read the full interview here.
