Brian Wright discusses Penn State’s recent return to bowl eligibility and the future of the program.
Nov 15, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions players along with head coach James Franklin (right) sing the alma-mater following the completion of the game against the Temple Owls at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Temple 30-13. (Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports)
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa., (C+P) — For many college football teams, qualifying for a bowl game is a moment worth celebrating.
For Penn State in 2014, this accomplishment carried additional meaning—even more so for a program accustomed to postseason participation.
Granted a reprieve by the NCAA earlier this season—lifting a bowl ban set in place back in 2012—the Nittany Lions were determined to take full advantage of an opportunity most players didn’t anticipate having during their entire stay in State College.
What was a pipe dream in August turned into reality on a chilly mid-November afternoon with a 30-13 victory over the Temple Owls.
Embodying the excitement felt by the more than 100,000 donned in blue and white, James Franklin was seen tackling the school’s operation manager to the Beaver Stadium turf—continuing to belie the perceived temperament normally associated with a head coach.
“Yeah, I do that stuff all the time,” said Franklin, in his first year manning the Penn State sideline. “I’m not a great athlete, so I lost my balance and went down.”
The jubilance, though, was certainly justifiable.
All the disturbing details that had surfaced beginning three years ago created damage that went beyond the Penn State family, much less the action on the gridiron.
But as far as the effect it had on the football team, the sanctions laid down were quite severe: a reduction of scholarships, a limit on practices, vacating wins from 1998 through 2011, and a hefty fine—not to mention the bowl ineligibility.
However, the Lions have overcome all these hits far better than any optimist could have predicted. They have not just remained competitive in the Big Ten but have won 21 games over the past three seasons despite the heavily-depleted resources.
“I’m happy for our players, and I’m happy for this community,” Franklin said. “The support that we’re getting is unbelievable. The thing that makes Penn State special is the people and the support that we get.”
It’s part of the reason why a host of seniors currently on the roster stayed when each could have easily departed when the NCAA’s punishment was handed down. Some players did, in fact, leave—nary any great disdain. Others, including linebacker Mike Hull and defensive tackle Anthony Zettel, remained on the University Park campus.
“I’ve been here through all of the sanctions,” Zettel said. “But all the seniors stuck it through. So for this to come is really rewarding.”
The defense, as a whole, was rewarded for its stellar season-long efforts by way of numerous Temple turnovers. Penn State forced five takeaways (including four interceptions)—leading directly to 24 Nittany Lion points.
Zettel had the Lions’ only sack, while Hull led all defenders with 10 tackles—continuing to etch his name among the long list of great linebackers. And, at the same time, earning grand affection among the patrons of Happy Valley—including his head coach.
“I love Mike Hull,” Franklin said. “I have a man crush on Mike Hull. I love the guy and his leadership. He’s everything you want. He’s blue-collar, hard-nosed, athletic, humble, appreciative.”
While Hull embodies a long-standing Penn State tradition, placekicker Sam Ficken is the ideal representative for the program’s recent resilient nature. Once a point of derision and sympathy with his 2012 struggles, Ficken is now a point of steadiness and reliability—and moved into a tie for fourth on the school’s career scoring list by connecting on three field goals Saturday.
“With every kick that went through, it built confidence,” he said. “I’ve gotten support from tremendous people, including (former PSU kicker) Robby Gould. They really helped me through those tough times.”
More recently, the question of reliability has surfaced upon an offense—and a quarterback—that had been in a tailspin for a month-and-a-half. While sophomore signal-caller Christian Hackenberg continued to struggle (12-of-26 for 112 yards and two interceptions), the rushing attack broke through.
Behind a healthier offensive line, the Lions forged a season-best output on the ground—as Akeel Lynch and Bill Belton provided energy to a unit needing a jolt.
Lynch came through with the game’s first touchdown: a 38-yard scamper, which followed a 37-yard run by Belton. But the senior back would have his moment to score soon after. His TD came from 8 yards out—immediately following a State interception by safety Adrian Amos.
Lynch and Belton would combine for 231 yards, with the junior from Toronto topping all rushers with 130 and staking his claim for a prominent role next year.
“I think highly of him, and he’s going to do great things for this university,” Belton said of his backfield mate. “He’s coming on strong—the sky’s the limit for him. He has a bright future.”
There is also great optimism for Penn State football. A program that was once believed to be a bottom feeder into the next decade has repaired its image and its performance at an accelerated pace.
It was a task first started by Bill O’Brien and has been continued by a more-than-worthy successor in James Franklin. But the daunting rebuilding effort that began in 2012 wouldn’t be where it is today without the players that helped keep the ship afloat.
“It does mean something a little bit more special the fact that we had 49 seniors that stayed around this program when this university and when this community and football program needed them the most,” Franklin said. “The fact that we are going to be able to send them out the right way is special.”
