Here’s how getting ‘more guys on the field’ is paying off for Penn State and coach James Franklin
Penn State set a program record with 17 players catching passes in its win over Ohio. For perspective, the Nittany Lions have had 11 seasons with 17 total pass catchers since 1960.
After a pair of underachieving seasons, James Franklin is taking on a more forward-thinking approach.
While he has twice noted the gratification that comes after a win for Penn State (2-0, 1-0 Big Ten), the next words out of his mouth make note of the non-starters who saw fruitful reps. That’s the thing about Franklin, he’s vocal about toeing the line between maximizing the strength of his veteran players and best preparing his youth.
“We want to make sure we have depth throughout our entire program at every position,” Franklin said. “I think the last two years, that had a major factor on how our seasons went.”
How much faith he has in his bench will become more apparent Saturday against Auburn (3:30 p.m., CBS) at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Then it’s one more nonconference foe at Beaver Stadium on Sept. 24 against Central Michigan before getting into the thick of conference play.
Penn State entered 2020 as a team ranked in the top 10. Then it endured back-to-back seasons marred by top players opting out because of the pandemic (Micah Parsons, Pat Freiermuth), a forced medical retirement (Journey Brown), and a bevy of injuries (most notably PJ Mustipher, Sean Clifford, and Adisa Isaac).
A 4-5 record in 2020 was the Nittany Lions’ first finish below .500 since 2004. They started 2021 undefeated through five games before hitting a tailspin, finishing 7-6.
The common denominator? Talented players not being able to play. Or specifically in the case of Clifford, not playing fully healthy.
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“[We’re] being very strategic and working hard to find ways to get guys on the field and gain that experience,” Franklin said, his team that is ranked No. 22 in the latest Associated Press Poll. “Not only in practice and our developmental scrimmages but also out there in Beaver Stadium.”
In Week 1, 13 freshmen traveled to West Lafayette, Ind. Seven of them saw the field in a 35-31 win over Purdue. In the 40-16 drubbing of Ohio, 12 freshmen played in the home opener, with Penn State setting a program record with 17 players catching passes. To put that into perspective, the Nittany Lions have had 11 seasons with 17 total pass catchers since 1960.
Combined, freshmen and redshirt freshmen accounted for 74% of their total offense (423 of 572 yards) against the Bobcats.
A road game against a Big Ten opponent and a nonconference blowout at home don’t tell the whole story of Franklin’s plan. It does, however, offer insight into the strategy that comes with bouncing back from two underachieving seasons.
Franklin has been tactical in preparing for life after Clifford. With a 19-point lead after halftime, he felt confident in handing Drew Allar the keys to the offense for five drives — his pregame plan was at least two — then looking to Christian Veilleux.
“That was the thing last year, we got up on a few games and got Ta’Quan [Roberson] some reps, but realistically he didn’t get that consistent time,” Clifford said. “It’s just different when you’re playing the whole game with adjustments and everything.”
Four running backs have played in each contest, but freshman Nick Singleton’s 179-yard, two-touchdown performance against Ohio could create some separation among that group.
Ji’Ayir Brown is Penn State’s only returning starter at safety. Rather than starting him and rotating the next three guys — Keaton Ellis, Zakee Wheatley, and Jaylen Reed — at the opposite spot, the defense has shuffled two and two to better capitalize on reps.
“I think that’s a lot of how we practice and how we prepare,” Franklin said. “Our twos get a lot of reps in practice, which I think helps. … Hopefully, we’re putting ourselves in a position for not only current success but also future success with the way we’re managing it.”
The linebackers are taking a similar approach.
Tyler Elsdon, Kobe King, and Robbie Dwyer all saw reps against Purdue at middle linebacker. Five players filled the two outside linebacker spots. Jonathan Sutherland and Curtis Jacobs started. Abdul Carter (ejected for targeting), Dominic DeLuca, and Jamari Buddin each saw action against the Boilermakers.
“I feel like every position on the field, there are different guys and every series there are different guys,” Elsdon said. “I think every position has that depth to rotate guys. But I don’t feel a drop-off at all. I think that’s the biggest thing. It’s definitely exciting for the young guys. It’s going to be good for the future and it’s going to be good for this season.”
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