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James Franklin reveals if Penn State will make offensive line changes after Oregon loss

Grant Grubbs Profile Pictureby: Grant Grubbs1 hour agogrant_grubbs_
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Penn State head coach James Franklin. (Credit: Steve Manuel | Blue White Illustrated)

Penn State allowed two sacks and five tackles for loss in its 30-24 loss to Oregon on Saturday. On Wednesday, Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin revealed if he plans on making any changes to the team’s offensive line.

“I think it’s the same group of guys,” Franklin said. “Cooper [Cousins] and TJ [Shanahan Jr.], as well. I think it’s the same group of guys. I think, you know, we’d like to create a little bit more flexibility and get that group playing consistently. But no, I think it’s the same group of guys.”

In fairness, Penn State’s offensive line has still had a solid season thus far. The unit has only allowed five sacks this season, ranking No. 29 in the country.

The Nittany Lions’ front five entered the season as one of the most highly-touted offensive lines in college football. Penn State’s offensive line this season includes five guys who started at least six games last season.

However, Penn State’ run game has taken a step in the wrong direction. Last season, the Nittany Lions averaged 202.3 rushing yards per game. They’re averaging 180 this season.

The decrease doesn’t make sense considering Penn State returned star running backs Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton. On Monday, Franklin opened up on Penn State’s issues in the ground game.

“We’ve been inconsistent in how we’ve been trying to run it,” Franklin said. “Those are the things we look at every single week. What do we need to do to be successful? What are we doing well? How can we build on those things?

“What are we not doing well? How can we either fix those things or pivot in a different direction? Just because this is how we did it last year doesn’t mean that’s how we have to do it this year.”

Whatever Penn State’s problem is, the program must quickly solve it. In only a few weeks, the Nittany Lions will put their College Football Playoff hopes on the line against teams such as Ohio State and Indiana.

After reaching the CFP semifinals last season, Nittany Lions fans won’t be happy with a regression. James Franklin understands the fans’ expectations and is hungry to deliver.

“I’m not going to allow one loss to define our season,” Franklin said. “I’m not going to allow a few losses to define my career and what we have done here at Penn State, because although I don’t think a lot of people spend a ton of time on what we have done over our 12 years here. I get it.”