LGS: Ohio State š
Take care of business on Saturday. Quiet the noise. And work toward accomplishing your goals. All of these are still there to be had for Penn State in 2023 and beyond.
FINAL: Penn State 12 - Ohio State 20
This column was bound to come out late no matter the result of Saturdayās game. Not only was it a super emotional game ā I have more thoughts on this ā but I had family travel early in the week.
But here we are! And after the Nittany Lionsā first loss of the season, I thought it was appropriate to switch up the format this week.
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Emotions Versus Ohio State
Iāve thought a lot about this topic since Saturday. Iāve concluded that the emotion of the game dictates the psychological approach individuals and a team take when preparing and playing.
This is hardly a new concept. Iām not breaking any news. But what I find interesting is why there is an elevated level of emotion every time Penn State and Ohio State clash.
They arenāt exactly rivals ā especially lately; Ohio State has rolled off seven consecutive dubs after being upset in Happy Valley in 2016. But even with the lopsided results, Ohio State coaches, fans, players, and media members know who their rival is. By a long shot, the Michigan Wolverines evoke more emotion between the two schools.
To be fair to Penn State, they donāt have a rival like that. Not anymore, anyway. It used to be Pitt. But that series has been largely scrapped since the start of the new millennium.
Is Penn State searching for a rival? I donāt think you can say that. But what I believe this ties back to is the identity Penn State is trying to compose. Itās, frankly, an identity theyāve been searching for since they joined the B1G in the early 1990s.
Again, to be fair, the move to the B1G has benefited Penn State athletics in so many ways. In the changing landscape of collegiate athletics, they were pioneers in moving from being independent to being part of a conference. But on the flip side, itās left Penn State in a strange spot, no matter how hard they try to fit in.
So I think the idealism of being an Ohio State ā a program that has dominated the conference for the better part of two decades ā is extremely enticing. Itās no secret that James Franklin has used the Buckeyes and how they conduct their football business in his negotiations. In that way, Ohio State is an asset. Something visible for those to see. Something to aspire to be.
When you want to be someone, it can be an emotional experience like no other. Think about all of the parent-child relationships in this world. No bond evokes greater emotions. In most instances, kids grow up idolizing their parents. But when they are old enough to realize that they can be their own person and also be happy and successful, they may start to rebel a bit.
Is this where Penn State has gotten to? Theyāve looked up to Big Brother Ohio State for so long that I wonder if itās time they stop using them as the measuring stick. Instead, they could create their own path.
Is it scary to go out on your own? Sure. But the emotion of what Penn State is trying to accomplish is getting in the way of the ultimate goals: win the B1G and play for a national championship. The future of the B1G and college football may make the path to the playoff a bit more realistic, especially for a program that hasnāt had an undefeated season since 1994.
No matter what, Penn State football should operate the way it wants to operate. Be selfish. Be bold. Create something exciting. But stop trying to measure up against Ohio State. Itās not working; letās try something new!
The Future of James Franklin and Penn State Football
Part of me cannot believe I have to write about this. But this is the world we live in.
Back in June, I wrote a feature on James Franklin applauding the University for their patience and investment. I stand by that stance, not just because Iām stubborn, but because I fundamentally believe that one loss in 2023 doesnāt equate to full-on panic mode.
For a second, forget Franklinās abysmal overall record versus the Buckeyes. Instead, remember all that heās accomplished against everyone else. Remember, this program was decimated when he took over in 2014. He had less than four weeks to secure a recruiting class, was down dozens of scholarships, and had the negative connotation of the Sandusky Scandal still attached.
Franklinās meteoric rise to success in 2016 may have misaligned future expectations. Iām not saying donāt have better expectations. Iām just saying you should check them before crushing a coach who has turned the program into a national powerhouse like they havenāt seen since the 1980s.
Iām not a Franklin apologist. I just want to be realistic. Because when you think about it, Penn State is one of only a handful of programs to stay nationally relevant even in the wake of the devastating sanctions. Miami had far less serious sanctions back in the early 2000s and they still havenāt recovered. Texas and Nebraska went from being blue blood to train wrecks, with Nebraska teetering into being a dumpster fire.
The point is, that there is a negative alternative that Franklin has mostly avoided while at Penn State. There is something to be said about that. And again, beginning next season, the path to the playoffs expands. Once you get into the playoffs, anything can happen. Ask Ohio State back in 2014, or more recently in baseball, you can point to the Arizona Diamondbacks.
So letās pump the breaks for a bit. Penn State is in a strong position as the new frontier of college football approaches. Plus, they still have five games left to play this regular season. They could sneak into the B1G championship. They are still a Darkhorse national champion and playoff contender.
Take care of business on Saturday. Quiet the noise. And work toward accomplishing your goals. All of these are still there to be had for Penn State in 2023 and beyond.
UP NEXT āļø
Game #8: Saturday, October 28, noon ET versus Indiana from Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania.