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Penn State head coach James Franklin Wednesday press conference: Northwestern

Headshot 5x7 reduced qualityby: Thomas Frank Carr10/08/25ThomasFrankCarr
James Franklin Penn State Football On3
Penn State head coach James Franklin says his team and staff won't overreact to the two conference losses. (Photo: Thomas Frank Carr/BWI)

The Penn State Nittany Lions Football team needs to bounce back this weekend against the 3-2 Northwestern Wildcats. The team is also 3-2 and is coming off back-to-back losses to Oregon and UCLA. The team fell from number two in the polls to outside the top 25 in the last two weeks. The man tasked with righting the ship, Penn State head coach James Franklin, spoke with the media on Wednesday after his team’s latest practice. Hear Franklin’s complete comments on the Blue White Illustrated YouTube Channel, or embedded below in this article.

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Penn State head coach James Franklin press conference

Of course, Penn State fans are frustrated after the team’s loss to winless UCLA last weekend. Franklin saw several questions from the media related to the ambient anger around the program. After two losses, players want to see changes to the lineup. When does Franklin know when it’s time to make a change like that?

“I think it depends on the history, right? If it’s a newer player that doesn’t have significant history and credibility built up within the locker room and with the coaching staff, then it’s different. You can make a decision,  pretty soon, pretty early. If it’s a guy that’s been around and been successful in the past, then you’re a little bit more patient, because you’re giving everybody, you know, the benefit of doubt. You know, so every situation is a little bit unique and specific to the scenario based on past success, experience, those types of things.”

More this week from Blue White Illustrated

Get a recap of Wednesday night practice on the BWI Live Show Thursday morning at 10 a.m. on the Blue White Illustrated YouTube Channel. We’ll react to what Franklin and his players said after practice, as well as our thoughts on what we saw this evening. We’ll also give you our preview and predictions for this weekend between Penn State and Northwestern.

Game day starts at 12:30 with the Penn State Football Tailgate Show, presented in conjunction with Seven Mountains Media. We’ll discuss Penn State’s struggles, how they can course correct against Northwestern, and what you should know about the team’s matchups this weekend.