Initially James Franklin faced numerous obstacles upon arriving at Penn State. Balanced against that was his background. First, Franklin is from Pennsylvania. Second, he worked a virtual miracle at Vanderbilt. For instance, he led the Commodores to three straight bowls. Additionally, he posted back to back nine-win seasons. As a consequence, he became the hottest name in the game. But Penn State was a daunting college football betting online challenge. Consider the horrible child abuse scandal that appalled the world. Yet the fan base remains stuck on the past. And continues to worship the coach of that era.
Penn State Nittany Lions College Football Betting Online Futures
Date and Time: Season opens September 1, 2018
Location: Check Schedules
College Football Betting Online Odds at SBG: Penn State Nittany Lions +1200 to win the National Championship
Penn State Nittany Lions TV Coverage: Check Listings
Challenge Up Ahead
James Franklin’s biggest challenge is appeasing Penn State’s unique fan base. Embracing the past is a major part of PSU tradition. The late Joe Paterno remains an iconic figure to many. Despite the abuse of children under his watch. Thus, Franklin is on a high wire act. Previous coach Bill O’Brien departed over this. Specifically, he was fed up with the Paterno worshipping. Franklin has quickly rebuilt Penn State. To illustrate the Nittany Lions have posted consecutive 11-win seasons. As a result, Rose and Fiesta Bowl berths were achieved. Additionally, they covered eight college football betting online matchups last year.
James Franklin
Recruiting is key for Franklin’s Penn State program. And among the reasons he jumped at the chance to coach in Happy Valley. Concurrently few states are as fertile for top tier talent than Pennsylvania. The blue-chip talent base is large enough to feed a championship program. Therefore, the departure of stars such as Saquon Barkley are not disastrous. In fact, players like quarterback Trace McSorely simply fill such voids. Last season McSorely led the Big Ten with 275 yards passing per game.
Miles Sanders
Conversely the mediocre ground game needs improvement. PSU ranked 59th in FBS for rushing last year. Running back Miles Sanders brings hope for improvement. Consider that Sanders averaged 6.7 yards per carry his first two seasons.
Defensive Test
By contrast Franklin’s program will be tested defensively. To exemplify nine starters from last year have departed. In particular the linebacking corps is quite thin. But strengths remain at defensive end and backfield. Punter Blake Gillikin is one of the Big Ten’s best. However, place kicking is a definite concern. To illuminate the starting kicker is yet to be named. Subsequently the competition will be fierce in August camp.
Strong Recruiting
Above all defensive production is the top Sports betting concern. Should the defense perform another top tier bowl game is possible. Comparable to other top Big Ten contenders it must. Franklin’s recruiting has been strong. For this purpose, it’s reasonable to believe the stop unit won’t suffer much of a drop.
Matchup to Watch
The Big Ten East Division could be the toughest in the nation. Ohio State, Michigan State, and Michigan are tough outs. Certainly, Penn State is among the college football betting online chalks to contend. In comparison their offense is an asset. Defense remains the mystery.
College Football Betting Odds Picks
To conclude this should be another double-digit win season for Franklin’s program.
College Football Betting Online Pick: Penn State to win 10 games in 2017.
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