Joe's Greatness.

Chumboshifko1

All-Conference
Oct 15, 2025
1,476
1,214
113
Joe was unique. He was a teacher, compelling his Players to obtain degrees, and consequences for those who didn't attend classes or team meetings.

He was a visionary, hence the B10 move and dumping Pitt to put that money into Penn State programs.

He was a student. He studied other teams, players and fields. He noticed the Pitt center had a hitch after snapping where he would raise up, allowing Penn State players to vault off his back to block kicks. Poor Carson Long.

Joe stymied Heisman winners Tormented opposing QBs.

Never be another like him.
 

flash86

Senior
Oct 26, 2001
293
432
63
Huge JoePa fan here - went to two National Championship games w/him and the Lions as student.

I loved Franklin pushing players to be in class early, upfront, make sure profs know you, get more than 1 degree. It inspired my daughter during her D1 time for sure!
 
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STPGopherfan

All-Conference
Aug 10, 2001
32,682
1,590
113
Joe was unique. He was a teacher, compelling his Players to obtain degrees, and consequences for those who didn't attend classes or team meetings.

He was a visionary, hence the B10 move and dumping Pitt to put that money into Penn State programs.

He was a student. He studied other teams, players and fields. He noticed the Pitt center had a hitch after snapping where he would raise up, allowing Penn State players to vault off his back to block kicks. Poor Carson Long.

Joe stymied Heisman winners Tormented opposing QBs.

Never be another like him.
He actually influenced many coaches that did or are trying to instill similar values. Mason, Tressel(s), and Fleck amongst others come to mind. Not his peer in X's and O's but shared the desire to build young men/ leaders.