I've been holding off on this post for a while as I don't like to jump to conclusions without giving the process a fair shake. We are only completing year #2 with Franklin, and we are just now starting to build some depth at certain positions (although the offensive line will take longer than all other positions). I'm trying to remain patient, and hope Franklin can pull PSU out of mediocrity and into a consistent contender in the Big Ten.
With that said, I won't say that I am not discouraged. However my discouragement has nothing to do with wins and losses (in fact, I predicted 7 wins this year). I'd like to believe I am a logical fan that thinks with my brain and not my heart. The wins and losses these first few years is what I expected. I'll go on record next year as saying we'll win 6-7.
What discourages me if that I don't think Franklin can coach. I think he is in the top 10-15% in recruiting, but his coaching and ability to adjust doesn't leave me confident at all. Yes I understand the limitations this team has with the offensive line play and depth. That is not lost on me. Again, I didn't expect 9-10 wins like many of the dopes on this page. However, Franklin does things with his play calling on game day that takes my blood pressure to a place where it doesn't need to be. Silly gadget plays, the Wildcat, etc. I also think for the first time that his inability to be an above average "coach" is starting to turn off recruits. We also know some of the "old guard" aren't fans.
I'm willing to give Franklin another year, possibility two - but frankly I just don't see it with this guy. Being a good recruiter can get you consistently 8-9 wins, but if you want to be elite - you have to coach well along with the recruiting. When I see what we are up against (Harbaugh, Meyer, D'Antonio, etc) - I see consistent middle of the pack finishes for this team for as long as Franklin is the coach. I want to believe - I REALLY do. Honestly though, I am just not seeing it. I'll still give it a chance, but my guy tells me it's just not going to work out with this guy. I hope I am wrong.....
With that said, I won't say that I am not discouraged. However my discouragement has nothing to do with wins and losses (in fact, I predicted 7 wins this year). I'd like to believe I am a logical fan that thinks with my brain and not my heart. The wins and losses these first few years is what I expected. I'll go on record next year as saying we'll win 6-7.
What discourages me if that I don't think Franklin can coach. I think he is in the top 10-15% in recruiting, but his coaching and ability to adjust doesn't leave me confident at all. Yes I understand the limitations this team has with the offensive line play and depth. That is not lost on me. Again, I didn't expect 9-10 wins like many of the dopes on this page. However, Franklin does things with his play calling on game day that takes my blood pressure to a place where it doesn't need to be. Silly gadget plays, the Wildcat, etc. I also think for the first time that his inability to be an above average "coach" is starting to turn off recruits. We also know some of the "old guard" aren't fans.
I'm willing to give Franklin another year, possibility two - but frankly I just don't see it with this guy. Being a good recruiter can get you consistently 8-9 wins, but if you want to be elite - you have to coach well along with the recruiting. When I see what we are up against (Harbaugh, Meyer, D'Antonio, etc) - I see consistent middle of the pack finishes for this team for as long as Franklin is the coach. I want to believe - I REALLY do. Honestly though, I am just not seeing it. I'll still give it a chance, but my guy tells me it's just not going to work out with this guy. I hope I am wrong.....
