Greg Schiano shares what stands out about Penn State
Greg Schiano rejoined Rutgers in 2020, looking to rebuild the program. He has found some success to this point, going to a bowl in 2021 despite a losing record. At 4-6, Rutgers will likely need to win out if it hopes to go bowling. However, standing in the Scarlet Knights’ way this week is Penn State.
While speaking to the media, Greg Schiano explained what he thinks stands out about Penn State, praising them for being a great all around team.
“They’re a very good team,” Greg Schiano said. “It’s not just defense, it’s all three phases.”
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“Certainly, defensively, they played extremely well last week. Suffocating. They can cover. They play a lot of man or match-up, which turns into man once the routes declare. I think the thing they’re doing the best, they’re second in the Big Ten in sacks, only to Michigan by one. So, they’re getting after the passer. Pass coverage and pass rush usually go hand in hand. So, they’re doing both very well,” Greg Schiano explained.
“Offensively, I think their freshman tailback is an elite player, really good at the skill positions, and I think the line has really developed quite a bit. If that was a weakness, at one point early in the year, it’s not anymore. Then the special teams, they’re pretty complete in the kicking game.”
Greg Schiano is referring to Nicholas Singleton, Penn State’s freshman running back who is just 199 yards short of 1,000 on the season. Importantly, he’s gotten better blocking as the season has gone on, with the Nittany Lions improving as a team as the season has continued.
“So, I think what you’re looking at is what they are,” Greg Schiano said. “They’re one of the top 15 teams in America. They’re playing at that level now. That’s what I would say the biggest thing is. They’ve gotten better over the course of the season and they’re playing at a high level right now.”
How Penn State has grown under James Franklin
When James Franklin first got to Penn State in 2014, the program needed to be rebuilt. Since then, Franklin has been able to invest in the program and build them into a top-15 team.
“When we first got here, it was under very different times and very challenging times. There’s been a ton of changes,” James Franklin said.
“Penn State’s a place that isn’t used to a whole lot of changes like we’ve had the last 10 years but I’m looking forward to the direction we’re going and what we’ve done. When you look at the entire picture, I’m pretty proud. Obviously, there are some things that we need to do better and I need to do better. But the overall body of work, I’m pretty proud of.”