Tuesday Roundup: Penn State vs. Pittsburgh
After picking up their ninth consecutive regular-season non-conference victory, the Nittany Lions welcome Pittsburgh to Beaver Stadium for the fourth-and-final installment of the Keystone Classic. Here's what we learned from Tuesday's press conference ahead of the 100thmeeting between the Penn State and Pitt.
Keystone State Series
With the current iteration of the Penn State-Pittsburgh series coming to an end, head coach James Franklin was asked about the possibility of extending the series that dates back to 1893. "It's hard to predict the future," Franklin said. "I could see us possibly maybe doing a neutral site game with them. I think that's a possibility. You know, we could have discussions. But we've got to be creative about it. Again, the challenges with us that have a ninth conference game and them having eight, there's some problems with home and home."
"But we're open. We're open to having discussions. But it's got to equally make sense for both parties. It's got to make sense for Pitt. It's got to make sense for Penn State," Franklin stated during his weekly press conference. "I think this game will be sold out, but we had 104,000 last week, so we're talking about probably an increase of 5,000 or 6,000. So, it needs to be consistent for both parties. But we're open to talking about all different concepts and options."
Junior defensive tackle Antonio Shelton added: "It's always a great atmosphere. People in the State of Pennsylvania care about football, which it's always cool to play in a pro stadium, like, 'oh, this is kind of tight'. I mean, nothing compares to Beaver Stadium because of the sheer size and magnitude, but it's always cool to play in a pro stadium, especially when it's like extremely loud like how it's been in previous years; the scenery in Pittsburgh is cool because you're right there on the water, things like that. It's a cool game to always play in."
Things to watch
When it comes to the action on the field this Saturday, the Nittany Lions can expect Pittsburgh to play an "in your face" style of defense. "Coach [Pat] Narduzzi and this defense, they do not want you to run the ball," Franklin said. "They don't want you to run for 1 yard with how they play their box, trying to get that field backer into the box folding him back in late as much as possible and those safeties are downhill, run support guys that are going to add on, and then they are playing pretty much press-man at the corners. So, it's a challenge. It's an in-your-face style of defense. The linebackers are downhill, as soon as they get their reads, which makes it difficult to stay on double teams, your offensive linemen have to come off and climb on the linebacker quickly."
Pittsburgh defensive coordinator Randy Bates is in his second season with the Panthers and has his unit ranked 24thnationally in total defense.
Changing Signals
Mark this down in the small, yet incredibly important category. Earlier this year, John Petrishen joined Pittsburgh after spending four years in Happy Valley. When the transition occurred, head coach James Franklin and his staff took immediate action in changing the game. "We knew that we were going to have to make some changes at that point. So, we have changed [signals]. We didn't wait until this week to do it," Franklin stated. "We did it right when that was announced, but obviously, we had to change all of our signals, you know, especially on defense and on offense, as well, but especially on defense, because he knows all of our signals and those types of things. That was something we had to do right away."
Nick Bowers, senior tight end, addressed changing signals prior to starting the season: "I think you pick it up pretty quickly. You kind of get the gist from the other signals, but I mean, for the most part, it's just about your preparation and yeah, basically, if you don't want to prepare -- but I think all the guys, they do a good job of preparing on their own time and coaches will give us those signals and you're just expected to know them when you come into practice today."
Evan Finegan
Last Saturday, Even Finegan left the Penn State-Buffalo game after suffering a season ending injury in the second half. Finegan remained in State College following the game and was greeted by Penn State specialists and head coach James Franklin during his hospital stay.
Twitter Link:
I want to thank the entire Penn State community for taking me in as their own. Thank you @coachjfranklin for the support from your family and team. Also I want to thank the Penn State specialist for constantly checking in on me. I appreciate the sincere concern. pic.twitter.com/xpHsIufx01
— Evan Finegan (@efinegan40) September 10, 2019
"Got a chance to go over and see the family and the young man and he seems to be doing well. I think that kicker/specialist/long snapper community is tight," Franklin stated. "They all know each other, especially our guys who are over there supporting him, as well. We wish him and his family nothing but the best and a speedy recovery."
Game Information
No. 13/11 Penn State welcomes Pittsburgh to town for the 100thmeeting between the two storied programs. The game will also be the Stripe Out. Fans are encouraged to visit pennstatestripeout.com to find out whether they should wear blue or white.The game can be found on ABC or on the Penn State Sports Network. If you're attending the game, check Game Day Central on GoPSUsports.com for all your game day information.