It’s an exciting time to follow the Penn State Nittany Lion’s Football Program for fans and sports commentators alike. Not only has the team gone undefeated during the regular season so far, but it’s putting up some of the strongest stats and records across the league. The team looks stronger than ever before and looks poised to make it to postseason play, where they will show fans across the country that when Penn State hits the field, they mean business. But if you want to watch the hottest football action for this team, then make sure you book your tickets to see the team defend their home turf at Beaver Stadium. Because the Lions are never stronger than when they are playing a home game.
If you purchase your ticket to see the Nittany Lions, then you will be cheering on your favorite NCAA football team alongside over 106,000 fellow fans. Whether you are seated alongside the field or up in the bleachers, you’ll have a great view of some of the hottest football action to hit the league this year. Head Coach, James Franklin has worked with his roster to get the most out of Penn State’s finest and many commentators expect his .704 record to rise after the regular season and into the postseason. Fans have taken notice of his drive and determination and are already lining up to book their tickets to see the home games. So now is the time to act and make sure that you don’t miss out on the excitement. Every tackle, every hard-earned yard gained, every clutch catch or game-changing interception can be seen as it happens, but only if you order your tickets. So what are you waiting for?
Why the Lions Will Dominate the AP Polls
As of Week 6, the Nittany Lions have made it to the 10th highest-rated program according to the Associated Press polls. This rare honor marks them as one of the 25 hottest programs in NCAA football at this time. What marks this ranking as special is how this season has seen a steady climb for the Lions. At Week One, the team was voted as the 15th best program in NCAA play and they have either held position or improved their ranks every week. We can’t say if they’ll top the charts by the time the regular season is over, but we can say that the team will continue to dominate in the AP Polls.
If you’re wondering why the team is making such a strong showing, then you don’t have to look any further than their all-star level roster, which includes such strong players as number 14 quarterback, Sean Clifford or number 11 linebacker Micah Parsons.
Sean Clifford made his start with the program after redshirting in 2017. He spent 2018’s season as Trace McSorley’s backup appearing in four games where you completed five of seven passes for 195 yards with two touchdowns. His reliability in skill in the role made him an easy choice for starting quarterback in the 2019 season. Many sportswriters see high hope for Clifford’s leadership as he grows into the role.
As for Micah Parsons, it came as a surprise to many when he was started as a middle linebacker since his high school career had his work as a defensive end. But Head Coach Franklin saw potential in Parsons’s ability and announced that he would be in contention for the starting position even as a true freshman. During his freshman year, he only started in one game but showed off his ability when he led the team in tackles with 82. He has since become the first Nittany Lion to ever lead the team in tackles in their freshman year.
With power players like Parsons and Clifford on the lineup, it’s easy to see why Penn State has done so well on the AP Polls and why many writers expect them to rise even higher than their current 10th best placement.
Head Coach James Franklin Is Worth The Investment
Head Coach James Franklin is, without a doubt, one of the best coaches in the league to date. Not only has he served in a coaching capacity since 1995, but he produces undeniable results. As a former player, he also understands what it means to play on the field and has a way of getting into his player’s heads and figure out how to get the best out of them.
His career with Penn State began with an announcement of his appointment on January 11, 2014. Penn State had agreed to pay the $1.5 million that Franklin owed Vanderbilt for early termination of his prior contract with them because they wanted Franklin for their team. This led to a six-year contract that offered Franklin $4.3 million for the 2014 season and a $300,000 retention bonus payable if he was Penn State’s coach on December 31 of that year. The contract also stipulated an annual pay increase of $100,000 along with retention bonuses and performance incentives.
But Franklin’s decision to go to Penn State wasn’t just about the pay. He said in interviews that he wanted Penn State to return to being the most dominant school in recruiting in Pennsylvania. Some sportswriters doubted that Franklin was worth all of this investment, so he would have to prove himself in the years to come. During the 2016 season, the team started with a middling 2-2 but then, he rallied the team to win their next eight games and go on to win the Big Ten’s East Division. This success was followed by a victory over Wisconsin in the 2016 Big Ten Football Championship Game. For leading the team to such a stellar turnaround, Franklin was named the Dave McClain Coach of the Year in the Big Ten. Penn State loved Franklin’s success and offered him a six-year contract extension worth $5.738 million a year including retention bonuses payable at the end of each contract year.
Franklin loves his team and works diligently to see them improve. He has even gone on record saying how pleased he was with the program, community, and classroom performance and how he looks forward to working with the Director of Athletics to implement plans to make the university the most competitive in life and on the field. Franklin proves this motto during his 2017 year where he led the Nittany Lions to a 10-2 regular-season record and defeated the Washington Huskies in the Fiesta Bowl 35-28.
Whatever happens with the Nittany Lions, one thing is for certain. The team excels thanks to Franklin’s stellar leadership.