Penn State’s Need to Focus Against SMU Mustangs
Confidence plays a crucial role in football, but overconfidence can be detrimental. Penn State’s confidence likely took a hit after their recent loss to Oregon, and they must now turn their attention to SMU. The upcoming game against the Mustangs is a chance for Penn State to regain some composure and fix their reputation.
Head Coach James Franklin has been under pressure, especially after making a comment about the Oregon band during a post-game press conference. Now, his main task is to ensure his team is fully prepared to face SMU. The Mustangs shouldn’t be underestimated; they’ve shown solid defensive performance this season, allowing only 2.8 yards per carry, and their quarterback, Kevin Jennings, is known for his agility.
David Woods, an analyst on the Big Ten Football podcast, offered some advice. He emphasized the importance of respecting opponents to unlock the team’s full potential. Drawing a comparison to former Oklahoma State University coach Jimmy Johnson, Woods highlighted the need for Franklin to instill a championship mentality in his players.
Rhett Lashlee, SMU’s head coach, has been keeping an eye on Penn State’s performance. He has some familiarity with Franklin’s program from the time Manny Diaz was the defensive coordinator. Lashlee acknowledges the strengths of Penn State’s offense but also sees weaknesses, particularly in their defense, which the Mustangs could exploit. With a 10-game road-winning streak, SMU is not a team to be taken lightly.
Franklin needs to approach this matchup as a crucial championship game, treating every opponent with respect and preparing accordingly. The era of underestimating rivals is over; every game now counts.