The Penn State Nittany Lions are reeling after a 38-10 road loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes this past Saturday, but there's still plenty of optimism for the program going forward into an advantageous three-game stretch against Maryland, Illinois and Northwestern. We're here to get you all caught up on the latest news, rumors & recruiting before Saturday's game against the Terps with our Penn State Nittany Lions Football Roundup: Everything You Need To Know At Midseason.
James Franklin Won't "Wave A White Flag"
Franklin has received his share of criticism the past few days over his decision to leave starting QB Christian Hackenberg in the game late during the team's 28-point loss in Columbus, with most of his detractors pointing to the fact that Hackenberg had landed awkwardly on his hip earlier in the game. Franklin also drew critics' ire for giving reps to his top two running backs late in the game (Saquon Barkley, Akeel Lynch) despite not having his team's starting offensive guards out there.
Franklin addressed the criticism on Tuesday.
“I think you guys are going to see that over time, that our staff and our players, and me specifically, are really, really competitive,” he said, via Jourdan Rodrigue of Centre Daily. “And I think it’s hard to put your backups in the game before the game is over, it’s almost like waving a white flag. And that’s not who I am, or who we will be. We’re going to fight until the last play of the game.”
Pat Narduzzi Firing Shots At PSU?
Without expliciting naming Penn State, Pittsburgh Panthers coach Pat Narduzzi reportedly implied Monday that the Nittany Lions' play calling has adversely affected Christian Hackeneberg and his overall play under center.
"You could have a talented quarterback with a bad play-caller and make him look bad," Narduzzi said, per the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "You see that around the country, some closer than others."
PSU offensive coordinator John Donovan has taken his fair share of media blasting over his (mis)use of Hackenberg this year, including ESPN's Trent Dilfer who said recently that Hackenberg is "not in a good situation at Penn State." While Narduzzi could technically have been talking about anyone, most in attendance and those with knowledge of the Pitt/Penn State in-state rivalry knew better.
Texas In On Four-Star PSU DT Commit?
Via EJ Holland Of 247Sports:
"We are hearing that Texas is showing interest in four-star Baltimore Gilman (MD) defensive tackle and Penn State commit Ellison Jordan. Obviously, defensive tackle is a major need in this class, and Jordan is from the school as Texas freshman quarterback Kai Locksley. We are working to find out more."
Jordan is ranked as the #18 defensive tackle in the nation by 247Sports.
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