What did Penn State coach James Franklin have to say on Wednesday night before Northwestern?

Penn State coach James Franklin held his second news conference of Northwestern week on Wednesday night. The first question he fielded inside of Holuba Hall focused on his staff’s choice to name the entire offensive line its player of the week on that side of the ball after a dominating 31-0 win over Iowa.

“Yeah, it’s not like, this isn’t everybody gets a trophy or everybody gets a smiley face type of deal,” Franklin said. “We watch the film, we evaluate it and we kind of make decisions based on how guys perform. One of the things I thought was really cool is those guys got the Joe Moore weekly pancake award.

“To me, that’s like the best and coolest award in college football because it’s given to a group. Which, to me, is really cool. But, with the with the weekly [staff players of the week] awards, it’s not like we’re trying to spread the wealth. Or, it’s not like we’re trying to build confidence, or any of those things. We just grade the tape and give it to the group or the guy that we think is most deserving.”

The Joe Moore weekly pancake award was given to an entire unit for the first time this week when Penn State won it. Franklin’s next answer focused on a question about the leader of the offensive line, position coach Phil Trautwein.

More: Wednesday practice notes: Offense | Defense

“He recruited well,” Franklin said. “I think we have developed well, not only on the fiel, but also in the weight room. As you guys know, nutrition as well. I think [performance diaticien] Leanne [Louden] and the department have done a nice job. We got a lot more food available now under Pat [Kraft]. That’s been a big win for us as well. So it’s really all of it. But, Phil’s been really good. He’s got great experience.

“When you have a guy that’s won two national championships as a college player, and then also found a way not only to make it to the NFL but be able to play four to five years, it’s got instant credibility with the guys as well as with as well as with recruits. He’s done a really good job. He has the guys over his house all the time. They got a really strong connection and network. And then I think [analyst] Frank Leonard has been a nice complimentary piece to Phil, as well. So, it’s been a positive. I think we’re headed in the right direction. But, we got to continue to grow and we got to continue to evolve at that position throughout the entire season.”

Read on for Franklin’s full comments from Wednesday night. You can also watch a video of the Penn State coach speaking in the video player above.

On the redshirt plan for freshmen entering Week 5

James Franklin: “Nothing has changed. We have the guys that we had as green that we’re going to play,” Franklin said Wednesday night. “[For] those guys, the model hasn’t changed. We’re going to continue to play those guys. The guys that we would characterize as yellows, as of right now, those guys are staying yellow unless we get some bumps and bruises that we have to kind of change their status,” Franklin said. “I think it’s also, we’re trying to be as strategic as we can. The play early and then maybe hold and save some games for late in the season.”

On Penn State defensive coordinator Manny Diaz and his players

JF: “I think Manny has done a really nice job obviously. I think our defensive staff have done a really nice job. And, I think the players, we’re in a position where we’re keeping those guys fresh, we’re playing a lot of guys, we got talent and depth. And, I think our guys are getting more comfortable and more consistent playing within the scheme. I think year two plays a part in that as well. Kind of all those things. And then I think, from a scheduling perspective, opening up with with a Power Five opponent who’s playing well, I think we’ve been tested as well. So, I think we’re doing a good job, really good job. And I think Manny, he’s done a really good job of not just from a scheme standpoint, but leading that side of the ball. And, I think really all the assistants have done a great job in terms of reinforcing the overall message of the program and then specifically Manny, he’s done a great job”

On how the team will prepare to play at Northwestern in a quieter environment this week after last weekend’s White Out game environment

JF: “Well, I think just being honest. Just being very honest about what it’s going to be like. These guys are 2-0 win at home. You look at Northwestern, they’ve typically had good home records. Why? Because it can be challenging to play there. They’re used to the environment. Other people may not be. It’s going to be very different than what we played in last week. So just being transparent and honest. A we internally motivated? Are we externally motivated. But, for me to act like it’s not a factor, it is. You got to get prepared for it.

“We haven’t had any music. Even our [Penn State practice] period 20, we usually play the Phil Collins [song In The Air Tonight], and it’s usually blaring. They were asking me to turn it up today. And I said, No. It’s just little things like that. But at the end of the day, it’s going to be about us executing our jobs and our assignments and playing the game for each other, playing the game for our love for the game of football and for our teammates, and playing up to our standard no matter the circumstances.”

On the work of kicker Alex Felkins and linebacker Curtis Jacobs on Penn State special teams

JF: “Felkins is doing a nice job as an older guy. He’s got some pretty good experiences. And, I think is kicking the ball and playing with confidence right now. We need to continue that building. And then Curtis has played a ton of football here. Kind of steady Eddy, and then has been able to make some splash plays, however you want to describe it, as well. I thought last week he played as fast and as physical as he’s played this year. So we need those guys to continue to play this way on a consistent basis, starting this week.”

On the play of Penn State guard Saleem Wormley through five weeks

JF: “I think Sal’s playing well. He’s played a ton of football here, has in the same system for a while. I think he had a really good offseason. I think he’s playing well. And, he should be as a veteran player at this point of his career. Obviously there’s a lot of confidence that comes from that.”

On ensuring his coaching staff doesn’t lose focus in a game like Iowa with going back to things that are working well

JF: “Well, I guess what I was saying is, I talked to the coaches at halftime just about, ‘Ol yeah, we’re not explosive, but we’re running the ball, I think in the first half, we were like 2.5 yards per carry or something like that. And we made a jump in the third quarter. Made a jump in the fourth quarter. But, we were controlling the game. And I think sometimes as a play caller, you want to take shots, and be a little bit more explosive, and call maybe what people consider maybe a sexier game. But this was working for us. It was working not only for the offense, but it was working for the defense. And we had control of the game. So, I just felt like that was a message that needed to be sent.

“And then really the only message I’ve given like that to the team is, we do ball security on offense, and turnover, ball disruptions on defense every day. And, my message to them is to not get bored with those periods. Really make sure that we’re investing in those periods. Because, it’s been a huge part of our success at this point in the season. Obviously, we want it to continue.”

On what fewer snaps for the defense this season means moving forward

JF: “I think we’ve we’ve played 86 less plays on defense [this year]. So, the combination of 86 less plays, the offense and the style that they’re playing, the score, is allowing us to substitute all of those things, hopefully puts us in a position to have a healthy team this week, be healthy and fresh in the fourth quarter this week. And then hopefully all these small wins and adjustments allow us to be healthy throughout the year. Because, that’s part of it as well: Who can be as healthy as you can be throughout the duration of the season?

Does Penn State want to start faster on offense early in games?

JF: Yes.

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