NEW YORK
Fourteen months ago, Sandy Barbour unveiled an ambitious 20-year Facilities Master Plan — one that would result in 12 new venues and the renovation of several structures, including Beaver Stadium and the Lasch Football Building. At the time, the athletic director didn't offer a price tag for the project, but attached realism to an idealistic presentation.
"We will ultimately build what we can afford," Barbour said.
Now, as Barbour and James Franklin headline a three-stop Coaches Caravan, both understand where Penn State stands in the college football arms race fueled by facilities spending. The Nittany Lions are "way behind" their Big Ten foes and fellow College Football Playoff contenders, the head coach said, and they need to catch up.