Why hasn’t Penn State set its White Out game? That and more from Franklin, assistants (2024)

Fans who want more information on the White Out are going to have to wait a little longer. James Franklin said he doesn’t know when it will happen, but has had recent discussions around it.

“As you can imagine, if I could tell you I would,” Franklin said at a press conference Thursday afternoon. “I literally just walked out of a meeting with (athletic director) Pat (Kraft), (deputy athletic director) Vinnie (James) and (chief of staff) Kevin Threlkel and that was one of the topics. And to be honest with you, it’s not solely my answer or even Pat’s answer. If we want to provide the opponent, the experience, the time of day that our fan base wants and expects, there’s a lot of pushing and pulling and compromising and working with the conference and working with the TV partners to find a win-win for everybody.”

The Nittany Lions aim for an ideal opponent and ideal kick time might not be as achievable as it has been in the past. The team’s most obvious choice is the game against Ohio State, but that matchup doesn’t have a kickoff time yet and could very well be chosen by Fox to be the network’s Big Noon Kickoff game on Nov. 2.

If that’s the case, the atmosphere could lose some of its luster with the usual travel difficulties and traffic issues that come with a game taking place at noon. Some of the other options, like UCLA and Washington, also don’t have kickoff times yet but even still don’t have the marquee appeal of a matchup with the Buckeyes.

As for Franklin, he has the same hopes as fans for what it will look like.

“I want it all, right?” Franklin said. “Very few times in life do you get it all. You’d like the opponent and time of day for sure. But again, that’s challenging.”

Wide receiver improvements

There isn’t a position group under more scrutiny heading into the 2024 season than the wide receivers. The group struggled last year and was unable to have enough success to make for a formidable passing game against Penn State’s opponents.

One offseason later, Julian Fleming is in from Ohio State while leading receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith is out and at Auburn.

Beyond that, the room will need to rely on collective growth for improvement this season, something wide receivers coach Marques Hagans says he’s seen.

“Everybody has a chance to grow and learn in different areas and aspects of their career,” Hagans said. “The guys we have here, we made a pact, we’re not looking back. Everything we’re focused on is now and then into the future. Guys are getting better at little things. Culturally we’re growing collectively that will allow us to play harder, to play better, and do whatever is required for us to help our team win. ... I do expect them to get better just like anybody else.”

Why hasn’t Penn State set its White Out game? That and more from Franklin, assistants (1)

Some of that growth can be aided along by Fleming, who has been praised by teammates and coaches alike this spring for his role in helping the other receivers in the room.

Hagans said he’s been what you’d expect of a veteran when it comes to doing the right things and helping out the entire room.

“I think now that he has an understanding of how we do things, he’s started to take young guys underneath his wing,” he said. “He’s been a good addition as far as leadership. Just another presence of experience within the room. We’re excited that we have him.”

That being said, the players aren’t blind to the criticism and neither is Hagans.

The coach said they’re aware of it and looking to use that to help push them forward even more.

“I’d be lying if I said (the criticism) didn’t matter because what we do is important to us,” he said. “We take pride in our performance and contributing to helping us win championships. So to say we don’t hear it or it doesn’t matter, I’d be lying to you. So we hear it and use it as motivation. But that’s not everything to us. These guys that show up every day that we’re part of the same team, the coaches, the staff, like that’s what we try to focus on.”

Offensive line adjustments

Penn State’s offensive line was without Drew Shelton this spring, opening the door for other younger tackles to get reps at tackle and grow their game.

There was one player in particular that Franklin singled out as taking steps forward in Shelton’s absence.

“J’Ven (Williams) has played well enough in practice that he should get time, too,” Franklin said. “We’d like to be able to get him some legitimate reps. ... J’Ven has done enough that we need to get him some experience as well.”

However, that doesn’t mean that will stick heading into the year. There’s still a summer full of work and fall camp for all of the team’s offensive linemen to differentiate themselves from their teammates.

That includes Shelton, who Franklin said he thinks is fully cleared for full participation after missing the spring due to injury. While he’s going to competing for his own reps, the young offensive tackle was also an asset to the rest of the group that took his snaps while he was out with an injury.

“I think he handled his time out, physically, the right way,” Franklin said. “He’s been a really good coach and mentor to some of the younger players. ... I think he’s really in a good position.”

Quick hitters

  • Offensive line coach Phil Trautwein said freshman offensive lineman Cooper Cousins is one of the best freshmen he’s ever seen.

  • Safeties coach Anthony Poindexter said there’s a lot of crossover between what the safeties do and what the Lion position, the fifth defensive back in Tom Allen’s system, does.

  • Franklin said the team held a vote for captains but there were no clear players running away with it, so no captains have been named.

Why hasn’t Penn State set its White Out game? That and more from Franklin, assistants (2024)

FAQs

Why hasn’t Penn State set its White Out game? That and more from Franklin, assistants? ›

There are many variables as to why Penn State has waited so long. The most notable one is the new television deal with Fox, who is the primary television network, and the emergence of ratings giant “Big Noon Kickoff.” In totality, Penn State has hosted 15 White Outs.

What is the Penn State White Out game for 2024? ›

The nationally-recognized Penn State White Out is scheduled for Nov. 9 against Washington, while the Penn State Stripe Out will take place on Oct. 5 against UCLA and the Helmet Stripe happening on Nov. 2 against Ohio State.

Does Penn State have a White Out game? ›

Penn State will welcome Washington the Big Ten, and to Beaver Stadium, with a November White Out. Penn State football on Monday announced its theme games for the 2024 season, which included the long-awaited White Out date and opponent.

What Penn State player is no longer with the team? ›

Two Penn State football players who began training camp on "interim suspension" no longer are with the program. Linebacker Kaveion Keys and defensive end Jameial Lyons are not enrolled in school and are not listed on the team's online roster, a program spokesperson confirmed.

Did Penn State originate the White Out? ›

So a marketing pro named Guido D'Elia suggested a group function at Beaver Stadium. "Everyone's got a white T-shirt," he said. Penn State held its first White Out, limited to the student section, in 2004. It was successful, even though the Nittany Lions lost to Purdue, and the athletic department tried again in 2005.

Is the Penn State White Out game always at night? ›

Penn State has only faced an unranked opponent in the White Out four times since its inception. These include Notre Dame in 2007, Iowa in 2009, Michigan in 2010, and Minnesota in 2022. While traditionally played at night in prime time, there have been six White Outs that have started during the day.

What is the Penn State acceptance rate? ›

Penn State admissions is selective with an acceptance rate of 55%. Students that get into Penn State have an average SAT score between 1210-1390 or an average ACT score of 26-31. The regular admissions application deadline for Penn State is rolling.

What time does the Penn State White Out game start? ›

Penn State's White Out game is set for Saturday, Nov. 9 against Washington, the university announced Monday. A university source confirmed to The Athletic that the game's start time will be 3:30 p.m. or 7 p.m. ET.

Where did the chant "We Are Penn State" come from? ›

The phrase is iconic for Penn Staters, especially at football games. Penn State cheerleaders first used the cheer at a game held on September 11, 1976, as told by an article written by Lou Prato in 2011.

How many people does Penn State's stadium hold? ›

With its 106,572-seat capacity, Beaver Stadium is the second-largest stadium in the United States. Penn State football plays a major role in the economy of Centre County as well, bringing thousands of fans to State College to patronize stores, restaurants, and hotels on seven Saturdays a year.

Who is the paralyzed Penn State football player? ›

Adam Taliaferro to serve as honorary captain for Penn State against Auburn in Whiteout game. Adam Taliaferro, 39, led Penn State out of the Beaver Stadium tunnel in September 2001 about 11 months after he suffered a career-ending spinal cord injury that paralyzed him.

What NFL running back went to Penn State? ›

Prior to entering the NFL in 2018, Barkley played college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions, where he set several school records for his offensive production over three seasons, before forgoing his senior year to enter the NFL. The Bronx, New York, U.S.

What was Penn State originally called? ›

Penn State first started under the name of "The Farmers High School." On February 22, 1855, Governor James Pollock signed the charter that would become the birth of the agricultural school. However, in order to establish the school, the board of trustees needed to find a location for the school.

How loud is a Penn State White Out? ›

Later that season, when Penn State hosted Ohio State, an acoustics team measured a sound pressure level in the stadium of 122 decibels. Or, as the researchers reported, "loud enough to cause physical pain on the eardrum."

What airport do you fly into to go to Penn State? ›

The State College/University Park Airport (airport code: SCE) is located near the conference site. Call 814-865-5511 or visit the State College/University Park Airport website for information on flights. We recommend that you make the State College/University Park Airport your final airport destination.

What town is Penn State? ›

As the largest Penn State campus, Penn State University Park offers academics, activities, and recreation in the classic college town of State College.

What does nittany mean in Nittany Lions? ›

The name: The history of the name “Nittany” (or “Nita-Nee”) is a little unclear. Many say it comes from a Native American word meaning “single mountain.” Others say it is named after a legendary Native American woman said to be from this area.

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