Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1490816
2 4 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 3 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M N ine years ago, Penn State coach James Franklin stepped off a plane at the University Park Airport with a big smile on his face. He had an umbrella in one hand, and with the other he waved at fans who had braved the rain to welcome him. It was the first sign of the enthusiasm he would go on to display for what he later called his "dream job." Franklin's 10th year with the Nittany Lions started on Jan. 12. His teams have gone 78-36, with three victories in four New Year's Six bowl games and four 11- win seasons. Many believe the 2023 season could be his best year yet at Penn State. Ac- complishing most, if not all, of the 10 lofty goals listed below could make that a reality for Franklin and the Lions. 1. Take advantage of PSU's institutional alignment Franklin has repeatedly pointed out that athletics director Patrick Kraft and university president Neeli Bendapudi have made a major impact even though neither has been on the job for a full year. Their partnership has led to many benefits so far, and the three must con- tinue to work in harmony to find even more ways to earn victories big and small. Penn State will have to be able to fast-track the enrollment of transfers, provide academic support, find and retain on- and off-field staff, upgrade facilities, and so much more. Franklin told reporters last fall that the working relationship between the three "has been phenomenal." "I've always been happy with the leadership," he said, "but I did feel we needed more alignment, specifically when it comes to football. "I think that's been obvious from the [board of trustees] chair to the presi- dent. If you spend time around our president, she just has an energy, an en- thusiasm and a positivity for Penn State specifically, but for this community and for students and their experience. It's infectious." 2. Earn more transfer portal victories Penn State has had its share of success stories in this new era of pen- alty-free transfers. Specialist Jordan Stout, defensive end Arnold Ebiketie, punter Barney Amor, offensive lineman Hunter Nourzad and receiver Mitchell Tinsley all found success at PSU after starting their college careers elsewhere. The Lions will never build their roster primarily through the transfer portal, but more victories are needed to get the team where it wants to go in 2023. Cornerback Storm Duck was a major acquisition, as were wideouts Dante Ce- Goals To Go These are the mile markers Penn State must pass in order to reach its preferred destination — the College Football Playoff G R E G P I C K E L | GREG.PICKEL@ON3.COM Rising sophomore Drew Allar is Penn State's presumptive starter at quarterback after seeing action in 10 games as a true freshman. PHOTO BY DANIEL ALTHOUSE