James Franklin updates Theo Johnson status, more: Radio Recap

Penn State coach James Franklin was preoccupied during what would have been his first Thursday radio show of the 2022 season last week. With a 35-31 win over Purdue out of the way, though, he rejoined host Steve Jones for his weekly appearance from The Field restaurant in State College, Pa.

While the bulk of Franklin’s roughly half-hour guest spot was devoted to some of the big issues of the day in college football, fans asked questions about name, image, and likeness as well as transfer portal changes and what they’ve meant for the sport, he did offer some insights relevant to Penn State’s matchup with Ohio this Saturday (noon, ABC). 

Here’s a look at the pertinent news and notes to emerge from Franklin’s weekly radio show:

James Franklin radio show recap

1) Theo Johnson might not play again

Franklin was asked by a fan Thursday night about tight end Theo Johnson and whether or not he’d be available to play this weekend. 

Having made the trip to West Lafayette, Ind., for the opener at Purdue, the Nittany Lions’ veteran tight end didn’t play in the game. Tuesday this week, Franklin followed by saying the decision was the medical staff’s, but that by game-time, Johnson had been ruled out. 

Taking into account the fan question Thursday night, though, Franklin offered a little more insight into Johnson’s situation moving forward. 

“That’s to be determined,” Franklin said, asked if he’ll play Saturday afternoon at Beaver Stadium. “He’s got some bumps and bruises that we’re working through with the trainers. It’s not our call, that’s the trainers and the medical professionals. And I typically don’t get into those things. 

“So, we’re hopeful. He’s an unbelievable young man. Love him, his mom, and the whole family. And he’s got a chance to be a big-time player for us. So we hope to get him back as soon as possible. Hopefully, that’s on Saturday.”

Ohio Bobcats preview

2) Ohio has a quarterback who can play

James Franklin was asked by a fan to give something of a scouting report of Penn State’s opponent this weekend, and the head coach obliged. 

Coming out of a 41-38 win over Florida Atlantic last Saturday night in Athens, Ohio, the Bobcats have a signal-caller directing the offense in redshirt junior Kurtis Rourke that Penn State is taking seriously.  

“They played well last week,” Franklin said. “Their quarterback I think threw for like 80 percent in the game, which is unusual and hard to do. They lost their tailback to an injury that, I’ll be surprised if he’s back. But the backup came in and ran well. He’s a local kid from DeMatha High School in Maryland that we’re familiar with. 

“But offensively, they did some really good things that are gonna be challenging. They were option and then kind of spread option, and they stayed within the family. So they still have elements of that they have to be aware of offensively.”

The running backs in question are Julian Ross, who was injured with an ankle ding, and Sieh Bangura, who is likely to start in his place. Bangura was an On3 Consensus three-star performer in the Class of 2021. He was rated No. 80 among all running backs nationally and was the 28th-ranked prospect in Maryland in the class. 

Defensive prep

3) Ohio’s defense could present a few surprises

As Franklin had done earlier this week, he doubled down on the notion that Penn State is preparing for any number of different looks that new defensive coordinator Spence Nowinsky could show in the game.

“Defensively, they went out and hired the defensive coordinator from Miami of Ohio who had a lot of success,” Franklin said. “So we only have one game to really kind of get a feel for, but they played well in week one and we’re excited about the opportunity to play them.”

The Bobcats gave up five passing touchdowns and 38 points to FAU in the opener, but have an extremely experienced front seven loaded with seniors.