Franklin's post practice Wednesday Q & A scrum

[GregInPitt]

Sure didn't want to talk about Paterno's legacy, and got a little adversarial about it.

And then discussing teams in the hunt for the playoff, and the goal of those teams that have legit goal versus other teams, seemed to refer to PSU being involved in the MNC process at a different era of college football, i.e. when Joe was regularly putting teams into the discussion and the seasons Joe's teams played for the MNC. As none of Franklin's teams have made the current playoff, PSU in the discussion must be due to previous success, i.e., Joe's tenure at PSU.....

 

[BW Lion]

A lot of “Ums” in the process of not really answering the posed question.

 

[Midnighter]

Sure didn't want to talk about Paterno's legacy, and got a little adversarial about it.

And then discussing teams in the hunt for the playoff, and the goal of those teams that have legit goal versus other teams, seemed to refer to PSU being involved in the MNC process at a different era of college football, i.e. when Joe was regularly putting teams into the discussion and the seasons Joe's teams played for the MNC. As none of Franklin's teams have made the current playoff, PSU in the discussion must be due to previous success, i.e., Joe's tenure at PSU.....

He definitely could have handled the questions about participating in a piece about Joe better (a lot better IMO; he looks very defensive and agitated), but otherwise same ol’ same ol’. Outside of his initial comments about Joe he’s been pretty quiet about his thoughts about him. I get it, but petty look here from CJF - he doesn’t have to get into detail, but he could have paid some lip service to fans at a minimum. I mean - he’s rather talk about Rutgers FFS. Meh - not the CJF I’m used to - seems checked out.

 

[Pittston-Lion]

Sure didn't want to talk about Paterno's legacy, and got a little adversarial about it.

And then discussing teams in the hunt for the playoff, and the goal of those teams that have legit goal versus other teams, seemed to refer to PSU being involved in the MNC process at a different era of college football, i.e. when Joe was regularly putting teams into the discussion and the seasons Joe's teams played for the MNC. As none of Franklin's teams have made the current playoff, PSU in the discussion must be due to previous success, i.e., Joe's tenure at PSU.....

You guys are nitpicking…1. it was a different era, and 2.he’s had us in the discussion even if he didn’t make a playoff. I mean since the championship in 86 was there any other season outside 1994 that the regular season ended with us in the top 4? Between Joe, BOB, and CJF that would be one playoff appearance in 36 seasons maybe we are what we are. The way some people talk on here you’d swear we were Saban’s Alabama from 1966 to 2011. I’m not defending CJF because the current product of 10-9 the last two seasons is garbage, but some of you are just getting mad for the sake of getting mad.

 

[Bvillebaron]

He definitely could have handled the questions about participating in a piece about Joe better (a lot better IMO; he looks very defensive and agitated), but otherwise same ol’ same ol’. Outside of his initial comments about Joe he’s been pretty quiet about his thoughts about him. I get it, but petty look here from CJF - he doesn’t have to get into detail, but he could have paid some lip service to fans at a minimum. I mean - he’s rather talk about Rutgers FFS. Meh - not the CJF I’m used to - seems checked out.

Would rather talk about these week’s opponent The nerve.

 

[Midnighter]

Would rather talk about these week’s opponent The nerve.

No rule saying that’s all he has to talk about. You’re 6-4 - welcome the distraction. You could use it.

 

[Got GSPs]

He definitely could have handled the questions about participating in a piece about Joe better (a lot better IMO; he looks very defensive and agitated), but otherwise same ol’ same ol’. Outside of his initial comments about Joe he’s been pretty quiet about his thoughts about him. I get it, but petty look here from CJF - he doesn’t have to get into detail, but he could have paid some lip service to fans at a minimum. I mean - he’s rather talk about Rutgers FFS. Meh - not the CJF I’m used to - seems checked out.

There is little benefit to Franklin providing an off the cuff comment on Joe’s legacy, but great risk. To me, it was an A hole move to ask the question and follow up question during a game week press conference for an article that wil run two months from now.

 

[Midnighter]

There is little benefit to Franklin providing an off the cuff comment on Joe’s legacy, but great risk. To me, it was an A hole move to ask the question and follow up question during a game week press conference for an article that wil run two months from now.

Could have said - ‘Happy to talk about that with you; please call the football office and we’ll discuss in a more appropriate setting. Want to focus on Rutgers now though.’ Saves himself the follow up question where he refuses to answer and looks like a tool.

 

[91Joe95]

You guys are nitpicking…1. it was a different era, and 2.he’s had us in the discussion even if he didn’t make a playoff. I mean since the championship in 86 was there any other season outside 1994 that the regular season ended with us in the top 4? Between Joe, BOB, and CJF that would be one playoff appearance in 36 seasons maybe we are what we are. The way some people talk on here you’d swear we were Saban’s Alabama from 1966 to 2011. I’m not defending CJF because the current product of 10-9 the last two seasons is garbage, but some of you are just getting mad for the sake of getting mad.

Really? Hello, 2005 and 2008 say hi.

 

[Got GSPs]

Could have said - ‘Happy to talk about that with you; please call the football office and we’ll discuss in a more appropriate setting. Want to focus on Rutgers now though.’ Saves himself the follow up question where he refuses to answer and looks like a tool.

from my perspective, still a strong supporter of Franklin, he didn’t look like a tool at all. If the writer had asked Franklin to comment about NIL (as an alternate example) and Franklin said he’d like to discuss Rutgers, then nobody would care. People are overly sensitive about JoePa legacy and think everyone should go out of their way to help restore it.

 

[OuiRPSU]

from my perspective, still a strong supporter of Franklin, he didn’t look like a tool at all. If the writer had asked Franklin to comment about NIL (as an alternate example) and Franklin said he’d like to discuss Rutgers, then nobody would care. People are overly sensitive about JoePa legacy and think everyone should go out of their way to help restore it.

Are you seriously equating NIL and Joe Paterno on a Penn State football board?

 

[Pittston-Lion]

Really? Hello, 2005 and 2008 say hi.

We’re both wrong, in 2005 they were ranked 3rd going into bowl season. In 2008 they were 8 in the BCS poll going into bowl season. The point remains that’s twice in 36 seasons the program finished in the top 4 going into bowls. We are what we are. The next closest to 2005 was 2016’s number 5 playoff ranking placing PSU one spot out of the playoff.

 

[GregInPitt]

You guys are nitpicking…1. it was a different era, and 2.he’s had us in the discussion even if he didn’t make a playoff. I mean since the championship in 86 was there any other season outside 1994 that the regular season ended with us in the top 4? Between Joe, BOB, and CJF that would be one playoff appearance in 36 seasons maybe we are what we are. The way some people talk on here you’d swear we were Saban’s Alabama from 1966 to 2011. I’m not defending CJF because the current product of 10-9 the last two seasons is garbage, but some of you are just getting mad for the sake of getting mad.

Really? Hello, 2005 and 2008 say hi.

PSU will hopefully never be Saban's Alabama. The Alabama that was oversigning, cutting down after Spring practice, and pushing the envelope of many other NCAA rules and common ethics.

But yes Joe's PSU had a pretty long run, without a playoff system, where he had his team in the direct discussion with being the top team in the country, or one of the top 4. And Saban has a very long way to go to match Joe's bowl game record.

1968, 1969, 1971, 1973, 1977, and 1978 PSU teams also say hi.

 

[Pittston-Lion]

PSU will hopefully never be Saban's Alabama. The Alabama the was oversigning, cutting down after Spring practice, and pushing the envelope of many other NCAA rules and common ethics.

But yes Joe's PSU had a pretty long run where, without a playoff system, where he had his team in the direct discussion with being the top team in the country, or one of the top 4. And Saban has a very long way to go to match Joe's bowl game record.

1968, 1969, 1971, 1973, 1977, 1978 also say hi.

This is absolutely laughable, first you have no evidence of anything Alabama may or may not have done. If so you should certainly report it to the NCAA. Nick Saban is the most dominant coach the game has ever seen. He has 6 national titles in 15 years as a coach. I’m sure his players love him and think he’s a great teacher and person as well. Joe was great a coach a LONGTIME AGO, there are many many great men who have coached this game and Joe was one of the best of them. The point remains this program under Joe, BOB, and CJF is the same today as it’s been for the last 36 years. We are one of the “haves” in the sport who makes a run every now and then. Oh and thanks for saying “hi” from examples between 43 and 55 years ago. If you need a reminder the year is 2021.

 

[Got GSPs]

Are you seriously equating NIL and Joe Paterno on Penn State football board?

When TF did I equate the two? I used NIL as a comparablely innocuous topic that would ruffle no feathers if Franklin said let’s talk about Rutgers. You are proving my point, BTW, that many Penn State fans expect every future coach to genuflect at the mention of Joes name. Franklin is struggling to make his own legacy and doesn’t want to deal with fallout if he doesn’t say the precise response the fans or the media expect.

 

[barry j fenchak]

Interesting. The fact those questions were asked says a lot. That is very significant.

 

[PSUJam]

I’m sure his players love him and think he’s a great teacher and person as well.

When was the last time you heard of any of the seemingly 10,000 players Saban put in the NFL say they love him and gave him credit for where they are now? They used him just like he used them to get where they're at. Business.

 

[PSUFTG]

He definitely could have handled the questions about participating in a piece about Joe better (a lot better IMO; he looks very defensive and agitated), but otherwise same ol’ same ol’. Outside of his initial comments about Joe he’s been pretty quiet about his thoughts about him. I get it, but petty look here from CJF - he doesn’t have to get into detail, but he could have paid some lip service to fans at a minimum. I mean - he’s rather talk about Rutgers FFS. Meh - not the CJF I’m used to - seems checked out.

Obviously,

 

[Midnighter]

When TF did I equate the two? I used NIL as a comparablely innocuous topic that would ruffle no feathers if Franklin said let’s talk about Rutgers. You are proving my point, BTW, that many Penn State fans expect every future coach to genuflect at the mention of Joes name. Franklin is struggling to make his own legacy and doesn’t want to deal with fallout if he doesn’t say the precise response the fans or the media expect.

I like Joe but don’t worship him. He should have called it quits in the early 00’s IMO. And it wasn’t just some ‘let’s worship Joe’ question; it had to do with the 10 year anniversary of his death. That only happens once - now. As a guy carrying on the legacy Joe built - whether wanted or not - you should have a better answer than the petty deflection CJF displayed. Worse was saying nothing when asked about it a second time. I get there is a game this weekend - but the season is a wash and a disappointment no matter what happens. Be better James.

 

[s1uggo72]

Really? Hello, 2005 and 2008 say hi.

They don’t really count.

 

[Pittston-Lion]

They don’t really count.

Again since reading comprehension may not be a strong suit on this board, in 2005 they would have been a playoff 2008 they would not have been…meaning the program would have been in two playoffs in 36 years no matter who the coach was. The best regular seasons since 86 were. 94 number 2 Paterno, 2005 number 3 Paterno, 2016 number 5 Franklin, 1991 6 Paterno, 2008 number 8 Paterno, 2017 number 9 Franklin, 2019 number 10 Franklin. Also the program had 6 losing seasons in that timeframe, Joe had 5 and Franklin 1.

 

[Mufasa94]

He definitely could have handled the questions about participating in a piece about Joe better (a lot better IMO; he looks very defensive and agitated), but otherwise same ol’ same ol’. Outside of his initial comments about Joe he’s been pretty quiet about his thoughts about him. I get it, but petty look here from CJF - he doesn’t have to get into detail, but he could have paid some lip service to fans at a minimum. I mean - he’s rather talk about Rutgers FFS. Meh - not the CJF I’m used to - seems checked out.

I don’t want to say in defense of him, but maybe Franklin’s response isn’t all that shocking if he hadn’t been expecting the subject of Paterno as a question.

We know that when he’s involved and the unexpected , say a storm in ‘17 at MSU or your QB going down against Iowa this year, things haven’t tended to end up well.

Maybe he didn’t want to lie for the 2nd question about a future sit down because he doesn’t plan on being around for the actual 10th anniversary.

There certainly were better ways to handle the questions, but there have been a higher quantity of other things that have upset me more.

 

[Bvillebaron]

Are you seriously equating NIL and Joe Paterno on a Penn State football board?

Wow. This is really dumb.

 

[Texas Lion]

Media: "Hi James. Even though you get paid million and millions of dollars to run the program and meeting with the media is part of running a program, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to meet with us lowly football reporters. I hope all is going well James, I really do"

JF: "As always I obviously want to thank all of you for covering Penn State Football without really asking me anything. Obviously, these press conference aren't worth ****, but I obviously have to stand here and act like they do"

Media: "God bless you James, please don't blackball us from Lasch like you did Audrey a few years ago. Anyhow, could you tell us about Rutgers?"

JF "Obviously they have a lot of guys that have obviously been doing this a long time. We obviously recruited a lot of the players that obviously didn't come to Penn State"

Media: "James, could you tell us why year after year you seem to struggle with in games decisions"

JF: "Obviously, I only want to talk about Rutgers"

Media: "James could you tell us the teeth brushing habits of Tyler Elsdon and how that makes him a future part of the program"

JF: Tyler obviously is a big part of our future here at Penn State. Obviously he starts to brush his teeth with an I Love You and finishes brushing his teeth with an I Love You. Obviously he has a lot of football left in him.

Media: "Thank you so much James. You are great to do this and even though you just wasted 35 minutes of everyones' day, we want to make sure we keep telling you thank you for your time. We learn nothing but get a ton of clicks on our sites because people actually think you might dive in to the tough questions people aren't allowed to ask."

 

[Ram20]

Media: "Hi James. Even though you get paid million and millions of dollars to run the program and meeting with the media is part of running a program, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to meet with us lowly football reporters. I hope all is going well James, I really do"

JF: "As always I obviously want to thank all of you for covering Penn State Football without really asking me anything. Obviously, these press conference aren't worth ****, but I obviously have to stand here and act like they do"

Media: "God bless you James, please don't blackball us from Lasch like you did Audrey a few years ago. Anyhow, could you tell us about Rutgers?"

JF "Obviously they have a lot of guys that have obviously been doing this a long time. We obviously recruited a lot of the players that obviously didn't come to Penn State"

Media: "James, could you tell us why year after year you seem to struggle with in games decisions"

JF: "Obviously, I only want to talk about Rutgers"

Media: "James could you tell us the teeth brushing habits of Tyler Elsdon and how that makes him a future part of the program"

JF: Tyler obviously is a big part of our future here at Penn State. Obviously he starts to brush his teeth with an I Love You and finishes brushing his teeth with an I Love You. Obviously he has a lot of football left in him.

Media: "Thank you so much James. You are great to do this and even though you just wasted 35 minutes of everyones' day, we want to make sure we keep telling you thank you for your time. We learn nothing but get a ton of clicks on our sites because people actually think you might dive in to the tough questions people aren't allowed to ask."

Pitch perfect.

 

[Midnighter]

I don’t want to say in defense of him, but maybe Franklin’s response isn’t all that shocking if he hadn’t been expecting the subject of Paterno as a question.

We know that when he’s involved and the unexpected , say a storm in ‘17 at MSU or your QB going down against Iowa this year, things haven’t tended to end up well.

Maybe he didn’t want to lie for the 2nd question about a future sit down because he doesn’t plan on being around for the actual 10th anniversary.

There certainly were better ways to handle the questions, but there have been a higher quantity of other things that have upset me more.

One thing I think CJF is really good at is press conferences - he's usually really sharp. He hasn't been this year and I think the reasons why are pretty obvious (aside from our dismal performance this year, there are no doubt efforts to either re-negotiate his current contract or find a new one somewhere else). I personally don't think that kind of question is appropriate the week of a game after a practice, but you have to do better than CJF did there, even if it pains you to do so.

Not worth belaboring any longer - looking forward to the game this weekend.

 

[psu31trap]

I think coach Franklin could have handled the Joe Paterno question more professionally. It wasn’t disrespectful but rather cool and to the point. A definite thumbs down. On the flip side, I sometimes feel bad for coach Franklin because he will forever be trying to fill the shoes of a coaching legend and that is slowly wearing thin on him. I think Nick Saban was able to overcome the aura of Bear Bryant in Alabama by winning multiple National Championship’s the same will apply here at PSU. No one will ever forget Coach Paterno but winning another National Championship will help the fan base take that next step. JMHO

 

[91Joe95]

I think coach Franklin could have handled the Joe Paterno question more professionally. It wasn’t disrespectful but rather cool and to the point. A definite thumbs down. On the flip side, I sometimes feel bad for coach Franklin because he will forever be trying to fill the shoes of a coaching legend and that is slowly wearing thin on him.

Filling FLO's shoes is a tall order.

 

[PSUFTG]

One thing I think CJF is really good at is press conferences - he's usually really sharp. He hasn't been this year and I think the reasons why are pretty obvious (aside from our dismal performance this year, there are no doubt efforts to either re-negotiate his current contract or find a new one somewhere else). I personally don't think that kind of question is appropriate the week of a game after a practice, but you have to do better than CJF did there, even if it pains you to do so.

Not worth belaboring any longer - looking forward to the game this weekend.

Whatever the underlying reasons may be, he has been "checked out" for the better part of two years, and it shows.

 

[bbrown]

Could have said - ‘Happy to talk about that with you; please call the football office and we’ll discuss in a more appropriate setting. Want to focus on Rutgers now though.’ Saves himself the follow up question where he refuses to answer and looks like a tool.

There was someone that came in at the end (sounded like a female voice) that said exactly that.
Also apparently someone knew about the question that was going to be asked and was told not to. But they did it anyway.
I don't care either way but it does seem to give the people that don't think his head is shiny enough something to ***** about.
I'm more bitchy about being 6-4.

 

[bbrown]

Wow. This is really dumb.

This entire thread is really dumb.

 

[Corner Room Breakfast]

JF brought this on himself with the cloudy answers on USC and LSU.

The biggest mistake he made was not getting a portal QB, the decision was either his or the staff's , probably his. These two topics festered into depth, line, running game , inexperienced players etc. Now he has to answer for it.

 

[TheWizardofCamelot]

giant nothing-burger right here.

 

[Midnighter]

giant nothing-burger right here.

Like our offense most of this year.

 

[lions1995]

JF brought this on himself with the cloudy answers on USC and LSU.

The biggest mistake he made was not getting a portal QB, the decision was either his or the staff's , probably his. These two topics festered into depth, line, running game , inexperienced players etc. Now he has to answer for it.

This was discussed. We can say he should have gotten a portal QB, but the only way that happens is the coaching staff has to think he is better than Clifford and tell the transfer that he will start. The best they probably offered was an opportunity to compete. Most of the players in the portal are looking for more playing time, not to sit the bench.

 

[PSUFTG]

This was discussed. We can say he should have gotten a portal QB, but the only way that happens is the coaching staff has to think he is better than Clifford and tell the transfer that he will start. The best they probably offered was an opportunity to compete. Most of the players in the portal are looking for more playing time, not to sit the bench.

I don't think it is as easy as some might want to proclaim, but it also is not even a little bit presumptuous to assume that a coaching staff paying any attention to detail over the last couple years should be expected to have developed - one way or the other - greater roster competency at the most important position on the field.

Even just looking at the Portal - and I think that is just one of several QB depth chart issues, and maybe not the most important one - both Michigan and Michigan State got portal transfers at QB, neither of whom were promised starting spots (or have even started) but who both would very likely have been much more functional than what PSU had behind Clifford. One of those guys was a native Pennsylvanian. Why Penn State, with such an emphasis on family, has lost more players to the portal than anyone else in the Big Ten, including at least three QBs who would have been on the 2021 roster, is certainly another very significant part of the puzzle. I think.

 

[Midnighter]

I don't think it is as easy as some might want to proclaim, but it also is not even a little bit presumptuous to assume that a coaching staff paying any attention to detail over the last couple years should be expected to have developed - one way or the other - greater roster competency at the most important position on the field.

Even just looking at the Portal - and I think that is just one of several QB depth chart issues, and maybe not the most important one - both Michigan and Michigan State got portal transfers at QB, neither of whom were promised starting spots (or have even started) but who both would very likely have been much more functional than what PSU had behind Clifford. One of those guys was a native Pennsylvanian. Why Penn State, with such an emphasis on family, has lost more players to the portal than anyone else in the Big Ten, including at least three QBs who would have been on the 2021 roster, is certainly another very significant part of the puzzle. I think.

Fun Fact To Know: Clemson has not signed a transfer portal player.

Dabo Swinney: When Clemson Finally Uses Transfer Portal, It'll be 'One of Greatest Days'

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney has been reluctant to use the NCAA transfer portal, but he knows one day it'll be an inevitable need to help the Tigers' roster.

www.si.com

 

[PSUFTG]

Fun Fact To Know: Clemson has not signed a transfer portal player.

Dabo Swinney: When Clemson Finally Uses Transfer Portal, It'll be 'One of Greatest Days'

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney has been reluctant to use the NCAA transfer portal, but he knows one day it'll be an inevitable need to help the Tigers' roster.

www.si.com

Interesting. I did not know that. I wonder if any other program can say the same? There couldn't be very many others, if any.

I did know Clemson has lost only about 1/2 as many as Penn State to the portal, kids going to other teams.

 

[NEPA Lion]

Fun Fact To Know: Clemson has not signed a transfer portal player.

Dabo Swinney: When Clemson Finally Uses Transfer Portal, It'll be 'One of Greatest Days'

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney has been reluctant to use the NCAA transfer portal, but he knows one day it'll be an inevitable need to help the Tigers' roster.

www.si.com

If Vanables take the VT job Clemson will be hitting the portal.

 

[PSUForever]

Would rather talk about these week’s opponent The nerve.

Did he remember who we play?