Penn State is ranked No. 6 in the AP Poll going into its matchup with UMass (1–6) on Saturday. The Nittany Lions will likely improve their record to 6–0 and currently look like one of the best teams in the country.
Yet fans and media see a team that still isn't fulfilling its potential, especially when it comes to utilizing the talents of first-year quarterback Drew Allar. However, when asked about his offense throwing deep more often, coach James Franklin rejected the idea and said it was triggering a physical reaction in him.
"I don't really understand what you're saying because we would never–like my skin is curling when you say 'Just drop back and chuck it deep no matter what,'" Franklin replied. "I don't even know what you're saying. It's like you're speaking from Mars."
Quite the scene from #PennState Football HC James Franklin's press conference this week ☠️ pic.twitter.com/5NDvegIh4s
— Happy Valley Insider (@PennStateRivals) October 10, 2023
The reporter, Cory Giger of DK Pittsburgh Sports, attempted to clarify what he meant, asking if post patterns or routes down the field should be used more often. That was part of the Penn State game plan with receivers like Chris Godwin, Jahan Dotson, and KJ Hamler. But Franklin's response gave him nowhere to go, making it seem as if a stupid question was being asked.
"It's like you're speaking Japanese," Franklin added.
As Giger pointed out in an article, Penn State averages 10.81 yards per completion, ranking 104th in the nation. The offense ranks No. 49 in passing efficiency. Allar has only attempted two deep passes in five games.
With Ohio State and Michigan looming on Penn State's schedule, the passing game will likely have to open up. It's possible that those types of plays are being saved so that opposing coaches can't prepare for them. For now, however, Franklin is claiming ignorance. And Nittany Lions fans are jumping on Giger for asking such questions.
