Penn State looks to build depth as it readies for WVU

Aug. 3—STATE COLLEGE — Penn State coach James Franklin told a large group of media assembled in Beaver Stadium’s pressroom on Saturday that preseason camp will be used in a variety of ways, including evolving with three new coordinators, looking at ways to get returning players better and create depth, all with the backdrop of a nine-win West Virginia team looming in four Saturdays.

Penn State held its third preseason practice after its annual media day on Saturday and its first practice in pads. Franklin said knowing the Aug. 31 opener in Morgantown is out there has created a sense of urgency. The Nittany Lions won last year’s opener against West Virginia in Beaver Stadium.

“It’s helpful for us, it kind of gets the guys’ attention,” Franklin said. “I have more respect for West Virginia than just about anyone, played there a ton of times. I know what Mountaineer football means to the people of West Virginia. There are some historic factors there as well.

“It’s going to be a great game in a great environment. They ended up winning nine games, so they have a ton of confidence coming into this season.”

The pressure to be ready for the season opener coupled with an expanded 12-team playoff means an extended season could be in line for many programs, including Penn State.

If a team qualifies for the new playoff bracket, there is a possibility a program could play 17 games to win a national title.

“We’ve always talked about trying to create depth, especially playing in a conference like the Big Ten,” Franklin said. “Now, with the potential of playing 17 games, we have to consider how we are going to do that.”

One way, Franklin said, is taking advantage of redshirt rules that allow players to see action in four regular season games and all postseason games, while still maintaining a redshirt.

“That factors into strategy and…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/penn-state-looks-build-depth-035900026.html

Author : The Daily Item, Sunbury, Pa.

Publish date : 2024-08-04 03:59:00

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