Penn State’s Franklin explains new defensive look, rise of TE Strange

STATE COLLEGE — Penn State’s offense has earned the spotlight after what the Nittany Lions did to Auburn last Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

James Franklin’s 3-0 team generated 245 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground in a 41-12 triumph. PSU’s offensive line had a major say in the outcome. The maligned unit also didn’t allow a sack.

And the presence of true freshmen runners Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen didn’t hurt. The duo combined for 176 yards and four touchdowns on only 19 carries.

Central Michigan (1-2) is next for No. 14 Penn State Saturday afternoon at Beaver Stadium.

Here are a few takeaways from Franklin’s Tuesday media session.

Penn State’s seven-defensive back package is here to stay.

The Lions used a unique defensive alignment for a significant number of snaps against Auburn — three linemen, a linebacker and seven defensive backs (four corners, three safeties). As looks go, they don’t get much faster than a 3-1-7.

“That’s because we feel like our DBs are our strength this year,” Franklin said.

“Coming into the season, there was more question marks at linebacker than there was at DB. That will change year to year based on getting your best players on the field, and these different personnel groupings also help with that, right?

“You may be able to play a kid earlier in his career because he may not be able to do these two or three things, but he can do this,” Franklin continued.

“So that’s a factor in it, as well.”

Penn State’s depth on both sides was a major reason the Lions were able to dominate Auburn.

The Lions are heavily favored against Central Michigan and Franklin and his assistants should continue to play a large number of young players.

“It was great that on offense we had 17 players play double-digit snaps (against Auburn); 28 players on defense with double-digit snaps, 45 overall,” Franklin said.

Penn State tight end Brenton Strange had a game to remember against the Tigers.

The 6-3, 247-pound Strange led Penn State in receptions (six) and yards (80). His blocking on the perimeter was a big reason why the Lions averaged 6.3 yards per carry.

Strange had a pancake block on the outside that helped spring Singleton for his 53-yard romp off the right side that led to the Lions’ third touchdown early in the third quarter.

“I think he’s playing his best football right now,” Franklin said of Strange.

“He’s an older guy who has played a bunch of football for us already. … I think Brenton is playing really well-rounded tight end play right now. I think the real true football people understand that. I think that’s going to help us throughout this year, offensively.

Singleton has looked like Superman on the field during the last two games, but his personality is more like Clark Kent’s.

“The players kind of give (Singleton) a hard time because … after he scores a touchdown or something they say he has no swag,” Franklin said. “No swag, all substance. Like, doesn’t wear gloves. They love to give him a hard time, but it doesn’t faze him.

“I think he’s said 17 words since he’s been at Penn State. Very Steady Eddie, level-headed, doesn’t get too high or get too low.”