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ames Franklin's postgame press conferences typically begin the same way. He starts by thanking the media for covering the team, both at home and especially at away venues. He thanks the fans who made the trip, home or away, for the impact they had on the game. And, ultimately, he gets into the statistics that most directly decided the game – 8eld position, turnovers, penal- ties and explosive plays. Following a 34-27 win against Indiana at Beaver Stadium on Nov. 16, his open- ing statement appeared to follow the protocol. "First of all, like always, I don't ever want to forget, thanking you guys for coming out and covering Penn State football," Franklin said. "I want to thank our loyal, positive fans that come out and support us. We got a great crowd and I want to make sure that we thank them and don't take them for granted, because they've been out- standing. We had a great crowd again today." A9er spending 14 minutes addressing reporters, Franklin ended the presser the same way he started it, by praising the media and, more important, a cer- tain segment of the Nittany Lions' fan base. "Again, I want to thank you guys for coming out and covering Penn State football," he said. "I also want to thank all of our loyal, positive fans out there. You guys have been phenomenal and we appreciate you." The subtext of the moment wasn't hard to recognize. Hours earlier, the Beaver Stadium crowd had grown restless while watch- ing Penn State battle the 7-2 Hoosiers. The Nittany Lions, trying to bounce back from a demoralizing 31-26 loss at Minnesota the week before, were trailing late in the 8rst quarter, 14-10, following an Indiana touchdown. CONTEXT CLUES PSU has had some struggles lately, but it's important to keep in mind the big picture JUDGMENT CALL J Sophomore linebacker Micah Parsons has been named one of 12 semi8nalists for the Butkus Award. Named in honor of legendary linebacker Dick Butkus, the award an- nually recognizes the nation's top collegiate line- backer. Parsons will be vying to become the 8rst Nittany Lion to earn the honor since Paul Posluszny in 2005. LaVar Arrington also won the award in 1999, and 8ve have previously been named 8nalists: Shane Conlan (1986), Andre Collins (1989), Brandon Short (1999), Posluszny (2006) and Dan Connor (2007). … Par- sons and junior defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos have been named semi8- nalists for the Bednarik Award. The award has been presented to the college defensive player of the year since 1995. Chuck Bednarik, a former standout at Penn and with the Philadelphia Eagles, is a mem- ber of both the college and pro football halls of fame. … In ad- dition to his semi8nalist status for the Bednarik Award, Gross- Matos is also a quarter8nalist for the Lott Impact Trophy and was selected as a Midseason All-American by both The Sporting News and The Associ- ated Press. … Redshirt sophomore wide receiver K.J. Ham- ler has been chosen as a semi8nalist for the Maxwell Award. Named in honor of Robert W. "Tiny" Maxwell, the award has been given to the country's collegiate player of the year since 1937. Penn State is tied for the national lead among all schools with its seven Maxwell Award winners. … Senior line- backer Jan Johnson was named one of 10 semi8nalists for the Burlsworth Trophy, which goes to the most outstanding foot- ball player in the country who began his career as a walk-on. Matt McGloin is Penn State's only winner of the trophy, picking up the award as a senior in 2012. Carl Nassib was a 8nalist in 2015. … Senior punter Blake Gillikin has been selected to the CoSIDA Academic All-District team for the third consec- utive year. Gillikin is now on the national ballot for CoSIDA Academic All-America recognition. He was a 8rst-team Academic All-America selection a year ago. ■ A W A R D W A T C H MICAH PARSONS Steve Manuel

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