I don't think anyone (outside one, maybe two posters) is calling for Franklin to be fired. I think some are frustrated, but I think most would agree Franklin will and should be back next year. So can we stop arguing a point sane people aren't making? Franklin isn't getting fired.
That said, there are issues that need to be addressed. We need a better WR coach IMO. Corley was put in a tough spot this year when he was moved to WR coach, it's not his wheelhouse. UConn and Army aren't exactly known for their dynamic wideouts, and in many ways Army's WR coach is probably focusing on downfield and run blocking. With all the young talent at WR, I'd love to see a big hire in this spot. Maybe a former WR who wants to get into coaching? Regardless... someone who knows the position intimately.
Late game management. Too many times over the past few years I've seen us hiking the ball with 15+ seconds left on the clock at the end of games. I know the excuse is "we want to be aggressive", but there's a time and place. It's one thing to continue to throw the ball, it's another to leave 15 seconds+ on the clock every snap for no reason. Of course, that can be fixed.
Not sure what the deal is with the LB rotation. I have no clue... My wife can see that Parsons should be playing, and said as much the other day. Earlier in the season, even when we were winning games by large margins, I didn't get what the coaches were doing with the rotations. Some guys got redshirts burned for no reason too. Why play a freshman in 5 games and shut him down when 4 would have been a redshirt? No clue.
Anyways, I have high hopes for next year. All we've seen this year are some growing pains. For players, and for coaches. I think they can learn a lot from it and move forward. I've always though Stevens has a chance to be a Tee Martin or Mitchell Trubisky... Sit for 3 years behind someone, then come in a light it up. He has the prototypical body type, the arm, and the athleticism to be an all-world QB. The only thing we don't know is can he read a defense and be accurate. We will certainly find out next year... and if he can be, it will be a special year with everything we have coming back. (Provided WRs learn how to focus and catch, LOL)
That was one hell of a post and your words are dead-on.
I’ve never thought Stevens was all that far behind McSorely. McSorely is a very smart QB and he moves the chains one way or another. The problems this year are drops and fumbles. If we would’ve took care of the ball this year like the previous 2 we’d be 8-1 maybe 9-0 because we would’ve been playing with more confidence. I’m just as proud of McSorely today as I was when the season started. The kid has been a studs! I want to watch him win 4 more game and shatter all the records at penn st baby. I’ll be Stevens cheerleader next year unless he plays this year lol. We need to go out and have a strong finish and I believe we will starting with Wisconsin this Saturday. Sorry I got off topic lol but my point is we’re not that far off from competing with anybody. I don’t think we have all the problems that some do. Remember I told y’all when Michigan fixed their QB problems they’d be Michigan again. I’ve heard many people on pennlive the last year say Harbaugh wasn’t getting it done and his coaches wasn’t getting it done, that’s BS Michigan just had a few problems like we do this year and Harbaugh fixed ‘em and now they’re back in the top 5. James Franklin will do the same thing just wait and see. He’s to good not to just like Harbaugh.
Rumor has it that there is a QB behind Stevens that may be the best in the team now.
I don’t think so but if he is then play him. Play the best guy that gives us the best chance to win...no exceptions!
Roam, nice post!
I only saw one member of this forum calling for CJF'S head. As for his assistants, some were and some were questioning the capability of a few of his assistants.
Like it or not, college football is much like a business and JF is the CEO of Penn State football. If his department managers aren't cutting it, he needs to make changes asap. I totally understand why he's going with what he has in order to maintain stability but at what cost? I'm anxious to see what off-season changes are made in regard to the coaching staff and what additions are made.
The great outdoors is calling me gentlemen........don't forget to vote!!
James Franklin will make changes if needed. The biggest thing I see is players not making plays in crunch time when they were in position to make the play. We’ve choked under pressure this year, it happens. Hopefully our kids step it up going forward. Maybe the ST’s coach needs to be looked at. Just my opinion brother lol
You can add a WR coach to that list.
I'm not one who's calling for Franklin's head but as you so adroitly pointed out he does have some game management skills that are questionable at best. Right or wrong, that's been his style of coaching since he's been at PS. Many of his game decsions leave not only leave us scratching her heads but many folks who get paid to follow and comment on PS football are doing the same. What's annoying and frustrating a lot of folks are the ones who either refuse to acknowledge or excuse these questionable decisions. Then they go on the attack when someone comments about it in a post. Save for a couple of trolls, we are all PS fans and want to see what's best for the team by voicing our opinions. However, I can certainly do without the superior attitude and name calling that a select one or two consistently take.
Very possible mb. Boy the drops give the offense a black eye. Sometimes you get kids that just don’t catch the ball. 26 drops. The WR’s were in position to make the catch and they just dropped the ball. Is it a coaching problem or player problem? I personally think it’s a player problem. If James Franklin makes a WR coaching change then he thinks it’s a coaching problem. We will see buddy.
Good points mb. I think all coaches make questionable calls it’s just we watch penn st every week and we see JF do it more because we watch him more. Just like with the Falcons I notice coach Quinn making bad calls all the time because I watch him more than any other coach. I’m a recliner couch mb lol
