Nov. 3, 2015
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Head coach James Franklin addressed the media on Tuesday afternoon to preview Penn State's road trip to Northwestern.
The Nittany Lions (7-2, 4-1) will meet the Wildcats (6-2, 2-2) on Saturday at 12 p.m. (ESPNU) inside Ryan Field. Franklin reviewed Penn State's 39-0 home victory over Illinois and looked ahead to the penultimate road game of 2015.
Penn State has won seven of its last eight games. A number of factors in all three phases of the game have played a big role in the string of success, but discipline is something Coach Franklin noted at length on Tuesday. The Lions have made very few mistakes during the last eight weeks, and it's something Coach Franklin circled in his discussion with the media. The Nittany Lions are No. 9 in the nation in fewest penalty yards per game (38.0 ypg) and No. 17 nationally in turnover margin (plue-0.89).
"You know, (those are) two areas that we take a lot of pride in we think are really important on the field as well as off, the discipline aspect of your program. I think that's been a real secret to our success, not beating ourselves with turnovers and penalties, and we need to continue to do those things," said Franklin.
Another ingredient to Penn State's success has been the presence of explosive plays on offense. The Nittany Lions have accounted for 45 plays of 20 or more yards this season, including 29 passes. Penn State is No. 8 in the nation in plays of 30 or more yards (29). In the last two weeks, the Lions have tallied 17 explosive plays.
On the defensive side of the ball, Coach Franklin highlighted the unit's pursuit to the ball and tackling following the shutout on Saturday. Penn State held Illinois to one play of 20 or more yards, largely because of the crisp tackling and relentless pursuit of all three individual units.
"We eliminated big plays. We've been disruptive; nine tackles for loss, four sacks," said Franklin. "We were really good; we were 71 percent on 3rd down. So some great things there."
As he does each week, Franklin announced the team's internal players of the week for offense, defense and special teams. The staff selected two players on special teams for their efforts on return plays and kick coverage. Koa Farmer and Nick Scott are two guys who have bought in to consistent production on special teams and enjoy every rep they take.
"If you want to watch something and study something, maybe go back and watch the game again, watch those two guys on kickoff coverage, not just the tackles but even the ones that are kicked out of the end zone," said Franklin. "They're racing down the field to see who can be the first one to that end zone and really having fun with their roles."
Moving to the Northwestern game, the Wildcats enter the weekend coming off of a victory at Nebraska and a bye week. Northwestern has been solid on defense throughout the season and rank among the Big Ten's best in rushing offense (No. 3 - 186.1 ypg). Coach Franklin said the constant throughout the game film of the Wildcats is the consistency from head coach Pat Fitzgerald's squad.
"(This is a) very, very well-coached, sound team," said Franklin. "Very rarely do you watch a tape and are they out of position or not lined up correctly, so been impressed watching them on tape."
Penn State and Northwestern have been sound defensively against big plays this year. Both teams are tied for 12th in nation in fewest explosive plays of 30 or more yards allowed.
The Nittany Lions will practice in shells on Tuesday and Wednesday before the final game week session on Thursday. Saturday's game inside Beaver Stadium will kick at 12 p.m. on ESPNU.
Press Conference Notes:
- Coach Franklin announced that the internal players of the week for the Illinois game were as follows: Offense - Christian Hackenberg
Defense - Troy Reeder
Special Teams - Koa Farmer and Nick Scott
- Wide receiver Geno Lewis has been hot of late, catching a pair of touchdown passes during the last two games. Lewis is taking full advantage of his opportunities to make a big play when the Nittany Lions need one.
"I'm really proud of Geno, no different than I just mentioned Tyler. I'm really proud of Geno because he hasn't had as many opportunities this year as he's had in the past, and to be honest with you, I think he's handled it really, really well."
- Coach Franklin said on Tuesday that the team would again practice in a modified fashion this week. With it being the 10th-straight game week, Franklin wants to see fresh legs on the field come Saturday afternoon. Instead of full pads on Tuesday, the Lions will practice in helmets and shoulder pads.
"We'll cut back a little bit more this week again, and find a way to go into this game physically prepared and mentally prepared, as well. And I think that's important, that at this point of the season that we look at doing some of those things."