Penn State has become the poster child for the expanded playoff as the Nittany Lions have not been able to get over the hump in the 4-team Playoff era but would like to have been included in many 12-team playoffs over the last decade.
James Franklin addressed that and more during his time at the podium at Big Ten Media Days.
What Did James Franklin Say at Big Ten Media Days?
1) He Wants the Offense to Be More Explosive
Most metrics show the Penn State offense wasn’t bad last year, but the Nittany Lions struggled to create explosive plays in both the passing or running games. Instead, the offense was more methodical, something Franklin says he wants to change in 2024.
In fact, Franklin said explosive play rate was an important factor when searching for a new offensive coordinator and part of the reason he settled on former Kansas OC Andy Kotelnicki.
Kotelnicki and the Jayhawks were one of the most explosive teams in the country last season, something that wasn’t lost on Franklin in the search. Franklin made it clear he wants and expects the offense to be more explosive in 2024.
2) Penn State Will Rely On Abdul Carter’s Versatility
Junior defender Abdul Carter transitioned from linebacker to defensive end in the offseason, at least on paper. But Franklin rebuffed the idea that this is a complete position change.
Carter was an All-Big Ten selection last season and borderline All-American at linebacker. Still, at over 250 pounds, some would argue he was playing out of position. After edge rushers Chop Robinson and Adissa Isaac each went in the first three rounds of the NFL Draft, Carter should get some more playing time at defensive end.
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However, Franklin said he isn’t abandoning his linebacker roots. In fact, according to Franklin, Carter might start a few games at the second level. He said it could be a week-to-week thing.
“We’ll decide where he’s going to have the most success for us, whether it’s at defensive end or linebacker,” Franklin said. “He’s open to doing both.”
We don’t know the details, but perhaps the matchup will dictate where we see Carter the most.
3) There’s Confidence In the Receiver Room
This year, there’s more confidence both inside and outside of the receiver room about the impact that group can have.
Adding a former five-star from Ohio State will do that. Franklin said he’s excited about Julian Fleming’s potential and his ability to get down the field.
There’s no doubt Franklin will expect more from that position group, which struggled some last season, especially down the field. If the Nittany Lions want to take the next step, they’ll need more on the outside of the offense.
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