The future is bright - can't wait for 2 years from now

[Locolion]

We are in the heart of the doldrums from the sanctions. We are recruiting well. Had a ton of young guys get playing time this year. A number of good players are redshirting. Lost Wartman-White in first game (early) and had some LB's step in and do pretty well. They will get better.

The o-line is comprised 2/5ths of converted d-lineman. Injuries caused 6 different lineup changes in that key group. The receivers really improved from 2 years ago to this season just completed - they are playmakers and continue to get better. I love how Godwin manhandles d-backs. We've found a gem of a RB, have other good ones on the roster and Sanders is on the way.

QB - we all love Hack - he's family now. At the same time, I think we are anxious to see more mobility in our QB. Also, let's see how JoMo and Franklin want to morph that roll. Mc-Score-ly did well yesterday once he got rolling.

I hope we can fill some key D line departures - I think Antoine White and P Cothran are good. Sickels got better every game including in the bowl game. Defensive end - we seem to be 'next man up' every year, and saw some good things from #52 (C Cothrane) and #19 (forgetting his name now - he's from Alabama) this year.

If I am a recruit - I see this as a team where I can be additive early, play at a really cool place to play football and get a great education. Best college environment "total package" in the Big10 by far. I've not met a single Penn Stater that is not passionate about the school. I have had people ask me what it is about Penn Staters and how 'into' the school they are. It's truly unique.

Let's stand behind Franklin and be hugely supportive as Penn Staters as a matter of character imbedded into us - keep the good energy flowing and we will be on top again. It does take your support and positivity as fans - lest we hear nonsense about 'don't want to go there b/c the situation is in flux.' It is NOT in flux - WE ARE getting better, WE ARE supportive of our teams, WE ARE….

 

[anon_is9z1n0h3zblb]

2017 is what I'm looking at to make some noise also. Second year of Moorhead offense and the Offensive Linemen we've recruited will have experience and a few years of the strength program. They should be experienced monsters. Iowa, Northwestern and Nebraska as cross over opponents will hopefully help strength of schedule.

 

[tboyer]

It's so easy to forget how long it takes to build/rebuild a major college football program. Some things can get fixed in a week or two, but some things really take years. I think Dantonio's experience at Michigan State is worth keeping in mind. Even after 5 years things weren't really stable, the defense was still inconsistent, and some MSU fans were calling for Dantonio's head. Now at 9 years that program is stable and solid. It won't take that long for Penn State and Franklin but it will take 4-5. I think it's reasonable to expect that 2017 will be the first year Penn State will field the kind of athletes, the kind of depth and experienced talent, that PSU fans used to take for granted. 2016 should be exciting and maybe an improvement, but 2017 is the first year the OL recruits will really have enough training and experience under their belt to have a chance to be really good.

 

[NittanyLionRoar]

I totally agree. I am really excited where this program is headed and so are recruits, it seems.

A lot of people are frustrated, including Franklin and the team--but there are some fans misdirecting their anger. The BOT really abandoned the school they were supposed to protect in its neediest time.

 

[MtNittany]

I wish I could get excited about the future after watching another 7 win season. I'm trying. I really am.

 

[Ranger Dan]

We are in the heart of the doldrums from the sanctions. We are recruiting well. Had a ton of young guys get playing time this year. A number of good players are redshirting. Lost Wartman-White in first game (early) and had some LB's step in and do pretty well. They will get better.

The o-line is comprised 2/5ths of converted d-lineman. Injuries caused 6 different lineup changes in that key group. The receivers really improved from 2 years ago to this season just completed - they are playmakers and continue to get better. I love how Godwin manhandles d-backs. We've found a gem of a RB, have other good ones on the roster and Sanders is on the way.

QB - we all love Hack - he's family now. At the same time, I think we are anxious to see more mobility in our QB. Also, let's see how JoMo and Franklin want to morph that roll. Mc-Score-ly did well yesterday once he got rolling.

I hope we can fill some key D line departures - I think Antoine White and P Cothran are good. Sickels got better every game including in the bowl game. Defensive end - we seem to be 'next man up' every year, and saw some good things from #52 (C Cothrane) and #19 (forgetting his name now - he's from Alabama) this year.

If I am a recruit - I see this as a team where I can be additive early, play at a really cool place to play football and get a great education. Best college environment "total package" in the Big10 by far. I've not met a single Penn Stater that is not passionate about the school. I have had people ask me what it is about Penn Staters and how 'into' the school they are. It's truly unique.

Let's stand behind Franklin and be hugely supportive as Penn Staters as a matter of character imbedded into us - keep the good energy flowing and we will be on top again. It does take your support and positivity as fans - lest we hear nonsense about 'don't want to go there b/c the situation is in flux.' It is NOT in flux - WE ARE getting better, WE ARE supportive of our teams, WE ARE….

I share your optimism and enthusiasm. There will always be holes that need to be filled due to departing starters and other key contributors. As such, teams will always have a weak link. Ours will likely be on the DL, but remember that we thought the DL would be a weakness this season as well.

 

[21Guns]

2017 is what I'm looking at to make some noise also. Second year of Moorhead offense and the Offensive Linemen we've recruited will have experience and a few years of the strength program. They should be experienced monsters. Iowa, Northwestern and Nebraska as cross over opponents will hopefully help strength of schedule.

But will they? WILL those linemen we recruited have experience?

Next years line: Palmer, Mahon, Laurent, Gaia, Nelson.

 

[21Guns]

It's so easy to forget how long it takes to build/rebuild a major college football program. Some things can get fixed in a week or two, but some things really take years. I think Dantonio's experience at Michigan State is worth keeping in mind. Even after 5 years things weren't really stable, the defense was still inconsistent, and some MSU fans were calling for Dantonio's head. Now at 9 years that program is stable and solid. It won't take that long for Penn State and Franklin but it will take 4-5. I think it's reasonable to expect that 2017 will be the first year Penn State will field the kind of athletes, the kind of depth and experienced talent, that PSU fans used to take for granted. 2016 should be exciting and maybe an improvement, but 2017 is the first year the OL recruits will really have enough training and experience under their belt to have a chance to be really good.

Again you keep saying that our OL in 2017 will have experience, but we will not be starting anyone new in 2016: Palmer, Mahon, Dowrey, Laurent, Gaia, Nelson, our top six on the field.

Nobody new.

 

[Locolion]

Again you keep saying that our OL in 2017 will have experience, but we will not be starting anyone new in 2016: Palmer, Mahon, Dowrey, Laurent, Gaia, Nelson, our top six on the field.

Nobody new.

Not necessarily true. There are redshirt guys and true freshman that can play if they win the jobs.

 

[broey]

2016 the goal is to make another bowl game (personally, I think 8-4 is realistic). 2017 and beyond is where we will see the fruits of CJFs recruiting efforts.

 

[sluggo72]

But will they? WILL those linemen we recruited have experience?

Next years line: Palmer, Mahon, Laurent, Gaia, Nelson.

I'll take 2-1 it ain't mark it down!!!

 

[Big 0]

Hack going down was a blessing in disguise. It gave McSorley 2 1/2 quarters of game experience against a top notch opponent with one of the best defenses in the country. That experience is invaluable.

 

[MtNittany]

Not picking on Franklin, but if 7 win seasons continue he will be looking for a new job. Sandy's got a stadium she wants to build.

 

[Locolion]

Not picking on Franklin, but if 7 win seasons continue he will be looking for a new job. Sandy's got a stadium she wants to build.

I believe next year will be a 7 win year - regular season. It's the year after that we'll be back in contention. Hopefully that continues if we keep racking up good recruiting classes, which depends on us being supportive and Franklin staying put - which he will. We just gave to cease with the whiny-ness and over-inflated expectations for 1 more year.

 

[BTMurphy]

I wish I could get excited about the future after watching another 7 win season. I'm trying. I really am.

I came of age during Joe's hey-day (I am 50), so 10 win seasons and competing for N.C.'s was expected. When the scandal broke and the BOT abandoned all that was good, my support for the players and this team only strengthened. 7 win seasons are tough. But the climb back to the top of the mountain is a long, arduous effort. Franklin appears to be completely committed to that journey. The players certainly are and, As a fan, I will be here to support in any way I can. I am confident Franklin is the right man to get us back to consistent 10 win seasons and with a few breaks, perhaps even a run or two at a national title.

Hang in there

 

[bmejnes]

With a NEW OC, next year could turn out to be a pleasant surprise.. How many of us were thinking, "if we only had a better OC we could have won that game"? Scheming, play-calling, red-zone plays, etc

Look at how OSU struggled most of this year! The OC was part of the problem and even had Zeke calling out the coaches at one point. THEN look at what Houston accomplished throughout the year.. A good OC will make a huge difference!

Watching the NFL pregame show now.. One of the analysts (former player) just said the coordinators and assistant coaches are WAY more important to a teams success than the head coach..

 

[dawgduice]

I think the redshirt OL guys will play a lot more this coming season. The following year add the additional highly thought of redshirt OLs and we will be good to go in 2017. After 2017 we will have the depth to be good EVERY year, some years great.

I do think we will be OK next year and probably make a low level bowl. Keep in mind the lose on the DL.

 

[21Guns]

Brosnan, Beh, Sorrell: All were eligible to play this year, none came close to getting on the field.

 

[StinkStankStunk]

Brosnan, Beh, Sorrell: All were eligible to play this year, none came close to getting on the field.

None were anywhere in the SAME AREA CODE with the highly regarded linemen of that recruiting cycle. None of them would have gotten a sniff at starting on the lines of any decent P5 program.

If any of them were better than what was out there - and, yes, what was out there was NOT B1G level talent - it would be a bloody miracle.

"Our 5 best offensive linemen stink.....so lets go with the next best 5!!!"
That's pure genius right there!

 

[AWS1022]

I came of age during Joe's hey-day (I am 50), so 10 win seasons and competing for N.C.'s was expected. When the scandal broke and the BOT abandoned all that was good, my support for the players and this team only strengthened. 7 win seasons are tough. But the climb back to the top of the mountain is a long, arduous effort. Franklin appears to be completely committed to that journey. The players certainly are and, As a fan, I will be here to support in any way I can. I am confident Franklin is the right man to get us back to consistent 10 win seasons and with a few breaks, perhaps even a run or two at a national title.

Hang in there

I'm the same age as you...what did you do, stop watching during the first half of the 2000's, when we were way worse than we are now and without any legitimate reason?

 

[anon_is9z1n0h3zblb]

But will they? WILL those linemen we recruited have experience?

Next years line: Palmer, Mahon, Laurent, Gaia, Nelson.

If that's our line by the bowl game next year then I will be very disappointed. Younger guys, with more talent, should displace most of the starters listed.

 

[slwlion]

We are in the heart of the doldrums from the sanctions. We are recruiting well. Had a ton of young guys get playing time this year. A number of good players are redshirting. Lost Wartman-White in first game (early) and had some LB's step in and do pretty well. They will get better.

The o-line is comprised 2/5ths of converted d-lineman. Injuries caused 6 different lineup changes in that key group. The receivers really improved from 2 years ago to this season just completed - they are playmakers and continue to get better. I love how Godwin manhandles d-backs. We've found a gem of a RB, have other good ones on the roster and Sanders is on the way.

QB - we all love Hack - he's family now. At the same time, I think we are anxious to see more mobility in our QB. Also, let's see how JoMo and Franklin want to morph that roll. Mc-Score-ly did well yesterday once he got rolling.

I hope we can fill some key D line departures - I think Antoine White and P Cothran are good. Sickels got better every game including in the bowl game. Defensive end - we seem to be 'next man up' every year, and saw some good things from #52 (C Cothrane) and #19 (forgetting his name now - he's from Alabama) this year.

If I am a recruit - I see this as a team where I can be additive early, play at a really cool place to play football and get a great education. Best college environment "total package" in the Big10 by far. I've not met a single Penn Stater that is not passionate about the school. I have had people ask me what it is about Penn Staters and how 'into' the school they are. It's truly unique.

Let's stand behind Franklin and be hugely supportive as Penn Staters as a matter of character imbedded into us - keep the good energy flowing and we will be on top again. It does take your support and positivity as fans - lest we hear nonsense about 'don't want to go there b/c the situation is in flux.' It is NOT in flux - WE ARE getting better, WE ARE supportive of our teams, WE ARE….

Yesss

 

[Cold Smoke]

We are in the heart of the doldrums from the sanctions. We are recruiting well. Had a ton of young guys get playing time this year. A number of good players are redshirting. Lost Wartman-White in first game (early) and had some LB's step in and do pretty well. They will get better.

The o-line is comprised 2/5ths of converted d-lineman. Injuries caused 6 different lineup changes in that key group. The receivers really improved from 2 years ago to this season just completed - they are playmakers and continue to get better. I love how Godwin manhandles d-backs. We've found a gem of a RB, have other good ones on the roster and Sanders is on the way.

QB - we all love Hack - he's family now. At the same time, I think we are anxious to see more mobility in our QB. Also, let's see how JoMo and Franklin want to morph that roll. Mc-Score-ly did well yesterday once he got rolling.

I hope we can fill some key D line departures - I think Antoine White and P Cothran are good. Sickels got better every game including in the bowl game. Defensive end - we seem to be 'next man up' every year, and saw some good things from #52 (C Cothrane) and #19 (forgetting his name now - he's from Alabama) this year.

If I am a recruit - I see this as a team where I can be additive early, play at a really cool place to play football and get a great education. Best college environment "total package" in the Big10 by far. I've not met a single Penn Stater that is not passionate about the school. I have had people ask me what it is about Penn Staters and how 'into' the school they are. It's truly unique.

Let's stand behind Franklin and be hugely supportive as Penn Staters as a matter of character imbedded into us - keep the good energy flowing and we will be on top again. It does take your support and positivity as fans - lest we hear nonsense about 'don't want to go there b/c the situation is in flux.' It is NOT in flux - WE ARE getting better, WE ARE supportive of our teams, WE ARE….

You're my kind of Loco !

Next year will be tough with a couple big disappointments likely. Lucky to win eight games.
In 2017 we could win nine, maybe ten games. Probably Barkley's last year. But we could spring a big upset or even two.
2018... Save your money for a major bowl trip. Playoff ???
That's the view from Montana.

 

[21Guns]

If that's our line by the bowl game next year then I will be very disappointed. Younger guys, with more talent, should displace most of the starters listed.

To make a bowl game next year we need to win five games. At this point, that's not a guarantee.
Also, at what point do you see it changing? Remember, Brosnan, Beh, and Sorrell were deemed not good enough to start ahead of the five that will go into spring training as the first unit.

 

[AWS1022]

To make a bowl game next year we need to win five games. At this point, that's not a guarantee.
Also, at what point do you see it changing? Remember, Brosnan, Beh, and Sorrell were deemed not good enough to start ahead of the five that will go into spring training as the first unit.

Or they were deemed not ready to start, there is a difference. And our schedule is a little tougher next year but not tremendously tougher, so I see a minimum of six wins.

 

[21Guns]

My point is, we can win 6 games with Gaia, Dowrey, Laurent, and Mahon.

OR we can win 6 games with Bates, Gonzalez, McGovern, and Menet.

OR we can win 6 games with Bates, Gonzalez, Beh, and Sorrell.

The last two options give us a very good chance of having a great season in 2017, the first option sets us up for a brand new line with no experience in 2017.

 

[Fox Chapel Lion II]

Not picking on Franklin, but if 7 win seasons continue he will be looking for a new job. Sandy's got a stadium she wants to build.

Sandy wants the 50,000 seat mini-stadium. 7 wins is all that will fit into it.

 

[NittanyOpp]

I like and root for Franklin. 2 things he MUST get better at. In game coaching, thats timeouts, situational football etc. The other is developing players. I live in Michigan and know full well how Brady Hoke could recruit. Heck, who can't recruit well at schools like Michigan, Ohio St and Penn St. Its about recruiting and DEVELOPING players to become better. Look what Harbaugh did with Hoke players.

 

[hagberg]

Some people seem to think that an offensive lineman should be ready to play by his first or second year in the program. Although it happens sometimes, it's not common. Our two best OL in recent years are prime examples.

Donovan Smith was a highly ranked, highly recruited lineman. He still red-shirted a year. When he did start as RS Fr, he caught all kinds of abuse from fans who thought he stunk. In fact, that continued, to a lesser degree, throughout his career. When he declared for the draft instead of returning for his fifth year, many here thought it was a huge mistake because he wasn't even ready to be the B1G's best, so how could he make it in the NFL? Well, he goes to the Bucs and is a rookie starting at LT.

John Urschel was a Rivals 2-star with few exciting offers, and was one of the last accepted into his class. He didn't start his first three years, then made a huge step up as a RS Jr. If you recall the players in front of him, you'll know they were far from consensus All-Americans! He played as big a role as O'Brien and Robinson (and others on the o-line, of course) in Hackenberg having such a good Fr year when Urschel was a RS SR.

If two - or even one - of the true or RS freshmen make the kind of gains those guys did, the OL will be better in 2016. Not lights out, but better. The same holds true for 2017 and beyond, and having the influx of talented young guys pushing their elders for starting spots can't hurt, either.

 

[Locolion]

I like and root for Franklin. 2 things he MUST get better at. In game coaching, thats timeouts, situational football etc. The other is developing players. I live in Michigan and know full well how Brady Hoke could recruit. Heck, who can't recruit well at schools like Michigan, Ohio St and Penn St. Its about recruiting and DEVELOPING players to become better. Look what Harbaugh did with Hoke players.

Well it was also another year of experience and a very senior team, as well as stealing a very good QB contrary to standard Big10 rules (not buying the "major" that Mich has that Iowa does not)

 

[mikemauti42]

Did anyone notice that the timeouts did not seem to be a problem and getting the play in once Mcsorely came into the game?

 

[StinkStankStunk]

I like and root for Franklin. 2 things he MUST get better at. In game coaching, thats timeouts, situational football etc. The other is developing players. I live in Michigan and know full well how Brady Hoke could recruit. Heck, who can't recruit well at schools like Michigan, Ohio St and Penn St. Its about recruiting and DEVELOPING players to become better. Look what Harbaugh did with Hoke players.

18 Freshmen and Sophomores started at least one game this season.

Since you're from Michigan, how many FR and SO started for UMich? MSU?


[ANSWER: 5 Underclassmen got starts for UMich (2 of them for just one game, another for just two games), and 12 Underclassmen got starts for MSU (3 different ones at TB)....COMBINED, MSU and UMich had FEWER underclassmen get starts than PSU did. OBVIOUSLY then ( ), PSU's staff was leaps and bounds ahead of either of those staffs wrt "developing players" quickly so that they could move into starting roles.]

 

[LaJolla Lion]

Did anyone notice that the timeouts did not seem to be a problem and getting the play in once Mcsorely came into the game?

Once again a timeout was needed after a big play. A few times this year it was due to Hack getting peeled off the ground. Next year will be a no huddle look at the picture play calling so this shouldn't be an issue.

 

[Raffycorn]

Did anyone notice that the timeouts did not seem to be a problem and getting the play in once Mcsorely came into the game?

I specifically recall Franklin shouting onto the field at one point while McSorely was in the game something along the lines of "we need to move a little faster". I didn't notice too much of a difference between them as far as the time it took to get the play in and run it - we were still snapping the ball with <5 seconds left in the play clock almost every snap until the last drive.

 

[dbsteel]

Not picking on Franklin, but if 7 win seasons continue he will be looking for a new job. Sandy's got a stadium she wants to build.

Relax. 7 win seasons won't be the norm when they are actually out from under the scholarship limitations and playing Juniors and Seniors. I can't believe the expectations of some of you right now.