Oct. 20, 2015
VIDEO: Maryland Week Player Q&A | Transcripts ââ'¬" James Franklin | Players
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. ââ'¬" Head coach James Franklin addressed the media on Tuesday afternoon to preview Penn State's trip to Baltimore for a matchup against Maryland.
The Nittany Lions (5-2, 2-1) will meet the Terrapins (2-4, 0-2) inside M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. (ESPN). Franklin reviewed Penn State's contest against Ohio State and looked ahead to the second consecutive road game.
Franklin kicked off his opening remarks on Tuesday talking about the way that the Nittany Lions started the game in Columbus. Penn State took a 3-0 lead into the second quarter and had chances to make it a 10-point edge. Granted, Franklin is seeking 60 minutes of consistent football from the Lions, but the way Penn State started the game on the road against the No. 1 team in the nation injected some confidence into the group.
"We had opportunities in that game to be up at least 10-0 on the road, and we just didn't take advantage of the opportunities that we had, and when you do that against a real talented team on the road, you're going to have a hard time," said Franklin.
That being said, Coach Franklin is looking for the Lions to play aggressive from the moment they step on the field at Maryland. Playing aggressive means that a team is playing fast and performing with confidence, all things Coach Franklin expects out of the team every single day of the week.
"I thought it was a point there in the game where they made some plays and we got tentative, which is not who we've been," said Franklin. "We've been an aggressive team. So we need to be aggressive. We need to be aggressive in the way we play. We need to be aggressive in the way we coach and call the game. We need to be aggressive."
Penn State's running game continues to take steps forward following a 200-yard effort in Columbus. Freshman Saquon Barkley carried the ball with a purpose against the top-ranked Buckeyes and is now second in the nation in rushing yardage by a freshman with 567. Barkley's success goes hand in hand with growth up front.
"I think it's a combination of both. I think our offensive line is improving, I do. I think they're improving," said Franklin. "I do think that Saquon Barkley has some special qualities, and I think that his ability to make guys miss and break tackles ââ'¬" I've said that to you guys before about that's how you evaluate a running back is by making people miss and breaking tackles, and he has the ability to do that."
On the defensive side of the ball, no individual has been more productive during the first seven weeks of the season than Carl Nassib. While Franklin spends a great deal of time talking about the senior defensive end, who was named a mid-season All-American by ESPN.com and CBSSports.com, it's with good reason. Nassib is a benchmark for work ethic, and his approach to being the best is infectious.
"I just think it's a great example with the right work ethic and the right attitude and then some God given ability and you keep working through that, good things happen," said Franklin. "...I think it's a guy that's kind of stuck with it and persevered. Probably a great example of Penn State. If we keep working and keep a positive attitude and persevere, good things are going to happen for us as a whole as well."
The Nittany Lions will practice in pads on Tuesday and Wednesday before the final game week session on Thursday. Penn State will travel to Baltimore on Friday. Saturday's game will kick at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN.
Press Conference Notes:
- Coach Franklin spent some time discussing some of the things that make Chris Godwin an effective player at the wide receiver position.
He's a big, strong guy. He's athletic. I think he ran one of our fastest 40s at the wide receiver position. But I think the thing that's really stood out about him is his maturity -- his maturity, his intelligence, his football IQ. He picked up the playbook very quick, makes very few mistakes in games or in practice. He's a guy that you can depend on. He's a guy that you can depend on as coaches. He's a guy that you can depend on as the quarterback. So he's got a bunch of traits that are desirable traits.
- Coach Franklin on the collective growth of the tight end unit:
"I think we're making strides as being more complete tight ends than we were last year. We have missed some real opportunities either with missed throws or either with dropped balls, things that I think we can do better. Those guys have the ability to do it. So, yeah, I think they have improved since last year. They're more willing and able blockers, and I think with that, we've seen some opportunities for them, but we've got to consistently take advantage of those opportunities."
- Defensive end Carl Nassib was a unanimous choice as a CBSSports.com All-American on Tuesday. When asked at the press conference which member of the Nassib family was the most talented football player, everyone in the media room anticipated Nassib selecting either himself or his brother Ryan, who is a quarterback for the New York Giants. But Nassib did not hesitate in answering.
He said it is without question his 7-year-old nephew, Jackson.
"He's a stud."