Official PSU - Nebraska '25 game thread

[bwc]

Yes.

I swear, had Franklin pounded these weaker teams the past two weeks, it would be ignored since we did what we were expected to do. But now, it’s a monumental feat.

This is correct, it would've and should've been ignored if it was Franklin and it is now a monumental feat.

The expectations for a 12 year head coach that made zero improvements from week to week and in fact regressed until he got fired are far different than that of an interim first time head coach that's already reshaping the team back to what they should be.

 

[Bvillebaron]

To be fair, don’t forget he royally butchered the clock management at the end of the Indiana game.

Other than not throwing on third and long with 2:09 left with the clock stopping at 2:00 any way, what else did he “royally butcher”?

 

[Erial_Lion]

Other than not throwing on third and long with 2:09 left with the clock stopping at 2:00 any way, what else did he “royally butcher”?

Calling timeout rather than spiking the ball on the final drive

 

[donaldfair71]

Calling timeout rather than spiking the ball on the final drive

Which was monumental and can’t be overstated.

 

[laKavosiey-st lion]

Guys, you’re aware we’re playing out against blue hens right? You never seem to judge State when they’re not playing blue hens. Every single dude on here could have coached State to a win last nite. Just stop

 

[JoePaMajorCFBrecord409Ws]

Nope, try again. The university pays those teams to come here and get whooped, its a "buy" game.

Oh, that's what you meant - you do realize that all of P4 does this, yes?

 

[Ram20]

Oh, that's what you meant - you do realize that all of P4 does this, yes?

Has absolutley nothing to do with how bad we looked against our 3 buy games, ive watched college football for 45 years, yes, I know how early season games work....I know why Furman was at clemson yesterday.

 

[LB99]

Other than not throwing on third and long with 2:09 left with the clock stopping at 2:00 any way, what else did he “royally butcher”?

Not realizing the importance of spiking the ball vs using a timeout

 

[JoePaMajorCFBrecord409Ws]

You keep saying this as though it's true- but it isn't.

The downside risk is that he fails, and the program gets worse instead of better. That could lead to decades of futility.

There is no way to know what the result would be, but there certainly IS a downside risk.

Really? Your statement is naive - failure is RELATIVE in this situation. Are you really attempting to claim Smith is more likely to to do worse over the next 2 years than a new coach brought in at least a month from now with no 2026 players and a salary 3 to 4 times what they'd have to pay Smith to hold the current team together and a MASSIVE long-term guarantee that would act as an over-hang to replacing the new 10-12 Million Dollar Man when he's still posting crap/mediocre records fhree years out??? You clearly are clueless as to what the greatest risk that PSU faces here - paying a new guy the going market rate, having him fail (which he is guaranteed to do the first couple years given the condition of PSU's roster if Terry leaves - Smith has alread STATED that he will be doing what he loves, coaching, next year whether it's for PSU or somewhere else. Smith is likely going to VaTech as Franklin's new DC along with all the players and recruits if PSU hires someone else) and giving new guy a MASSIVE long-term guarantee anchoring you to him regardless if he fails. There are no contingencies attached to replacing Smith if you don't like the direction a couple years out - can be replaced no strings attached. You're out of your freaking mind if you think Smith has downside relative to the alternative.

 

[Nitt1300]

Really? Your statement is naive - failure is RELATIVE in this situation. Are you really attempting to claim Smith is more likely to to do worse over the next 2 years than a new coach brought in at least a month from now with no 2026 players and a salary 3 to 4 times what they'd have to pay Smith to hold the current team together and a MASSIVE long-term guarantee that would act as an over-hang to replacing the new 10-12 Million Dollar Man when he's still posting crap/mediocre records fhree years out??? You clearly are clueless as to what the greatest risk that PSU faces here - paying a new guy the going market rate, having him fail (which he is guaranteed to do the first couple years given the condition of PSU's roster if Terry leaves - Smith has alread STATED that he will be doing what he loves, coaching, next year whether it's for PSU or somewhere else. Smith is likely going to VaTech as Franklin's new DC along with all the players and recruits if PSU hires someone else) and giving new guy a MASSIVE long-term guarantee anchoring you to him regardless if he fails. There are no contingencies attached to replacing Smith if you don't like the direction a couple years out - can be replaced no strings attached. You're out of your freaking mind if you think Smith has downside relative to the alternative.

I'm not claiming anything- just identifying a real downside risk that you continue to claim doesn't exist- who is being naive here?

 

[cntblvitsbutter]

If PSU does hire Smith as HC, you absolutely cannot lowball him on his contract. You'd have to give him something like 8mm/8 years. Otherwise, you're telling everyone that this is an audition because you don't have full confidence in the man. Who's gonna come here to play for that coach?

 

[KingLando]

I wanted Joe to step down in 1999

but to act like having a coach embrace his history isn’t a good thing is crazy.

again, doesn’t have to be a Penn state alum or have any connection. But you need to acknowledge it and embrace it.

frankins biggest flaws IMO

Franklin had much bigger flaws...
I was cool with the post until then lol

 

[KingLando]

I really don’t see the “OMG no” rationale in giving terry 1-2 years. He’s not going to command a crazy contract and just because he hasn’t doesn’t mean he can’t. As previous posters mentioned, what the hell do you expect when first three games are at kinnick, then Ohio State, then an Indiana team that seems to be anointed by God this year…..

Because this isn't something you want to do again in 2 years...or next year.
Franklin was fired because he couldn't win big games...you can't promote someone from his staff

 

[LB99]

If PSU does hire Smith as HC, you absolutely cannot lowball him on his contract. You'd have to give him something like 8mm/8 years. Otherwise, you're telling everyone that this is an audition because you don't have full confidence in the man. Who's gonna come here to play for that coach?

Good point.

 

[KingLando]

Todd Blackledge also said that he thought PSU should hire Terry Smith based on his performance since taking over (especially the way the team has responded and gotten better week-over-week) and he's in a position to solidify the roster.

He absolutely did not say that

 

[KingLando]

I do not recall Todd saying they should hire him rather he has earned a serious interview and consideration.

Correct...which is entirely different than what the idiot claimed

 

[KingLando]

Nope, try again. The university pays those teams to come here and get whooped, its a "buy" game.

Well played sir

 

[KingLando]

Guys, you’re aware we’re playing out against blue hens right? You never seem to judge State when they’re not playing blue hens. Every single dude on here could have coached State to a win last nite. Just stop

Facts...Nebraska without Dylan is like playing a scrimmage.

 

[Big_O]

It may have started with love and ended with love with Franklin, but it clearly starts and ends with effort and honesty with Smith.

It seems he's axed a lot of the gimmicky stuff on offense, opting to play to their strengths instead of repetitively forcing things that don't work. He's honest and straightforward in interviews. The things he says the team needs to do (like throwing downfield), he gets done. There is no more coach speak or hollow words. The better players are seeing the ball and guys are put in better positions to succeed. These are things the prior head coach couldn't figure out or wouldn't do for some reason.

If Smith can dominate Rutgers, get buy in for the bowl game and win convincingly, I think you give him a shot. He may not immediately recruit to Franklin's level, but he's already proven to be a better gameday coach, more willing to adapt, and he clearly will sell the school to recruits first, not himself.

IMHO, the key is to hire a good GM and pair him with a HC that can actually coach and motivate a team without doing inexplicable things during the game, especially when it comes to time management. I believe Coach Smith could be the guy to pair with a good GM and stabilize the program in the short term and also may be a long term answer.

 

[trufan]

Guys, you’re aware we’re playing out against blue hens right? You never seem to judge State when they’re not playing blue hens. Every single dude on here could have coached State to a win last nite. Just stop

Well, as long as Terry checks here, we should be in great shape, then.

 

[84lion]

Kind of off topic, but looking at the standings, there are currently 11 teams in the B1G that will finish the season with winning/even records. Penn State and Rutgers are both 5-6, so that game is for a bowl, potentially. My question is, are there enough bowl slots available for the B1G that they could send 12 teams? Or could Penn State or Rutgers be shafted out of a bowl appearance?

 

[TigersandLions]

hate to keep circling back to James Franklin when obviously we need to move on, but after the shock of this season, I'm still processing. I like Franklin, and for the past several years, I've given thumbs up to most of the posts that supported him. Brief digression, I had a boss once who had an impeccable pedigree, all the right schools, outstanding credentials, and decades of experience. Every decision he made was based on empirical evidence and thoughtful consideration. And on nearly every 50/50 judgment call - he was wrong. He just didn't have "it." I think that's like JF. He did everything right. But when it came to in-game coaching, he just didn't have "it."

As another aside - We also seemed to get a heck of a lot of highly rated recruits who turned out to not be great football players. Again I think having the ability to assess whether or not a recruit is more than just measurables requires some kind of innate feel.

To win the occasional game against a team that has you outmanned, it ultimately comes down to your coach just having that special knack. I like the fake punt call last night - because it worked. Every fake or gimmick play is a genius or horrible call depending on whether it works. Maybe it's all luck, but it just seems to work more often for some guys. guys who just have some unique feel. I don't know if it's Terry Smith or whoever or if there's even any way to accurately assess for it - but man it would sure be fun if Penn State's next coach just had "it."

 

[laKavosiey-st lion]

Well, as long as Terry checks here, we should be in great shape, then.

lol don’t get it

 

[cntblvitsbutter]

None of the Brohms, Keys, Leas, Campbells excite me that much. Assuming that Elko, DeBoer, et al are a pipe dream, I think Chesney or Smith would be the best gamble for the near/far future.

I think what Chesney's been able to do at his previous stops and what Smith has been able to do this year, is due to their ability to communicate and lead. You can be a great with XOs or be a great recruiter but if you can't lead then games like MSU after a lightning storm or UCLA after a crushing loss will always happen.

 

[Ludd]

10 wins would be good enough lol

But it wasn’t obviously.

 

[Ludd]

Terry is definitely the emotional choice right now. There is no doubt he is a loyal and true Penn State guy. But rarely do the emotional choices work out well.

I do believe he absolutely needs to be a prominent piece of the new staff. And im hoping he can help hold the current players and restore the recruiting class as much as possible.

Another problem with firing Franklin when they did…gives the interim a chance to look good and puts the AD in a bind.

 

[KingLando]

But it wasn’t obviously.

If Franklin won 10 games this year he'd still be employed

 

[donaldfair71]

But it wasn’t obviously.

But it was. If he won 10 every year he’d still be the coach. But he didn’t.

 

[Ludd]

If Franklin won 10 games this year he'd still be employed

And posters on here would still have wanted him gone.

 

[Ludd]

But it was. If he won 10 every year he’d still be the coach. But he didn’t.

If you think the coach we hire will have more 10 win seasons, I’ve got some swampland in Florida to sell you.

 

[donaldfair71]

Ehh maybe. Maybe not.

I don’t think Franklin was a lock for 10 wins either, as this year showed. The No Room For Error element when you concede 1-2 losses every single season.

 

[Calabrin]

This was the best game the team has played all year...

...and in a way, the most depressing.

I did not expect a win, let alone a blow out, and yet, that is what we got. It's a reminder of what this team could have, and probably should have been this year. And now you look back at what might have been--

-IF Kaytron Allen had been given 10 more carries against Oregon
-IF the team isn't carrying a defeatist attitude into Pasadena
-IF they're not at rock bottom against Northwestern
-IF they play Iowa the way they played Nebraska
-IF Andy Kotelnicky doesn't call for a -1 yard pass on 3rd and 10 with 2:09 remaining against Indiana

I sat there watching last night thinking, "We could have 1 loss right now. Because this team that just wiped the floor with the Huskers shouldn't have lost to Oregon, UCLA, Northwestern, Iowa, or Indiana.

You could see it all there on the field last night. I'm not saying that Nebraska is a particularly good team. But if that Penn State team shows up every Saturday from the beginning of this season, I don't think we're sitting here today going, "Hey... Pitt/PSU in the Pinstripe Bowl?! That might be ok!"

 

[Midnighter]

DDS in a post game interview said one of the biggest differences between Smith and Franklin is that ‘top’ players are held accountable now. Take thet for what it’s worth. I will say - team played their guts out yesterday. Franklin is still our coach if they played like this every game (and we maybe have the two losses to Oregon and OSU - maybe).

 

[KingLando]

And posters on here would still have wanted him gone.

Some...but some want Day gone or Smart gone. Some will always be ridiculous

 

[Corner Room Breakfast]

DDS in a post game interview said one of the biggest differences between Smith and Franklin is that ‘top’ players are held accountable now. Take thet for what it’s worth. I will say - team played their guts out yesterday. Franklin is still our coach if they played like this every game (and we maybe have the two losses to Oregon and OSU - maybe).

Sounds like somewhere Franklin lost the locker room ,players and staff.

 

[Nittering Nabob]

DDS in a post game interview said one of the biggest differences between Smith and Franklin is that ‘top’ players are held accountable now. Take thet for what it’s worth. I will say - team played their guts out yesterday. Franklin is still our coach if they played like this every game (and we maybe have the two losses to Oregon and OSU - maybe).

Ha. And Franklin, at his VoTech introduction, had the audacity to declare himself a players coach who was going to hold players accountable. The guy is a legend in his own mind.

 

[JoePaMajorCFBrecord409Ws]

I'm not claiming anything- just identifying a real downside risk that you continue to claim doesn't exist- who is being naive here?

You keep claiming that "downside" isn't relative equation to the various options available. Smith has no downside, especially relative to financial impact and fire-ability. You hire a New $10 - $12 million/year coach and anchor them to PSU long-term with a massive guarantee of that LT Contract.... you now have massive potential downside of that decision coming out your ears genius.

 

[laKavosiey-st lion]

You keep claiming that "downside" is a relative equation to the various options available. Smith has no downside, especially relative to financial impact and fire-ability. You hire a New $10 - $12 million/year coach and anchor them to PSU long-term with a massive guarantee of that LT Contract.... you now have massive potential downside of that decision coming out your ears genius.

Can he develop QBs and scheme 3 stars open? No? that’s the downside

 

[Ludd]

DDS in a post game interview said one of the biggest differences between Smith and Franklin is that ‘top’ players are held accountable now. Take thet for what it’s worth. I will say - team played their guts out yesterday. Franklin is still our coach if they played like this every game (and we maybe have the two losses to Oregon and OSU - maybe).

So when Terry Smith loses it’s Franklin’s fault, but when he wins it’s because of him…yeah, that sounds about right on this board.

 

[OUIrPSU]

Kind of off topic, but looking at the standings, there are currently 11 teams in the B1G that will finish the season with winning/even records. Penn State and Rutgers are both 5-6, so that game is for a bowl, potentially. My question is, are there enough bowl slots available for the B1G that they could send 12 teams? Or could Penn State or Rutgers be shafted out of a bowl appearance?

Rutgers, maybe. But if Penn State is bowl eligible, they will ABSOLUTELY go…and probably to a better bowl than our record deserves.