Top 10 college football teams desperately needing great spring practice
By Logan Shaw
Nov 1, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin waits to lead his team onto the field prior to the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Penn State Nittany Lions
In James Franklin’s first year in State College, the Nittany Lions went 7-6, with a bowl victory over Boston College in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl. Penn State’s first bowl victory since Joe Paterno’s Nittany Lions won the Capital One Bowl back in 2010.
Like USC, Penn State has been pushed down by NCAA sanctions. These sanctions included a bowl ban and loss of scholarships as well. Similar to USC, but for different reasons.
The Nittany Lions have battled back to national relevance since the scandal, and they’re hoping James Franklin is the guy to get them there.
In Franklin’s first season as head coach, the Nittany Lions had a less than desirable season. Penn State won a bowl game, but they suffered bad losses to Illinois, Michigan, and a blowout loss to Northwestern in State College.
Penn State’s biggest victory of the season came when their bowl ban was lifted, allowing the Nittany Lions to take part in postseason play.
However, despite a less than stellar performance from the Nittany Lions in 2014, Franklin and staff pulled in the #15 recruiting class in the nation, per rivals.com. Franklin’s always been a good recruiter, and I’d expect more of the same from him in the future.
This spring is big for the Nittany Lions. Can they finally get adjusted to John Donovan’s offense? Can they move past the hype and actually start regaining momentum towards national relevancy? The conference is only getting better. Franklin and staff must improve on an average 2014 season to keep up with the up swing of talent in the Big Ten this spring.
Next: Vanderbilt Commodores