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James Franklin ripped a reporter during a recent Penn State press conference over a question regarding his team’s offensive approach. That reporter claims to have received some unsavory messages following the interaction.
The media member in question was Cory Giger, a longtime PSU beat writer. Ahead of the Nittany Lions’ matchup with UMass on Saturday, he made a suggestion to coach Franklin about the quarterback position.
Giger attempted to ask about taking more downfield shots in the passing game. While starter Drew Allar ranks third in the Big Ten in completion percentage and has yet to throw an interception, he sits near the bottom of college football in average “air yards.”
Essentially, how far is the passer throwing on each attempt? A swing route might result in a 60-yard completion, but the quarterback only had to throw the ball a yard down the field.
The low rating suggests Allar has been playing safe with the football, checking down to his outlets rather than going for the big play. It’s worked thus far with the Nittany Lions as they’re off to a 5-0 start while scoring more than 40 points a game.
Much of the offense’s success has come via the run game where PSU averages 195 yards a game. Quickly getting the ball into the hands of playmakers and avoiding turnovers has proven to be a recipe for success in State College.
While the approach has been working, some want to see the offense take a few more big play shots, with Giger being one of them. On Tuesday, he asked about Allar airing it out a bit more and taking some risks.
James Franklin didn’t quite understand the suggestion.
Absolute murder scene in the press room today 💀💀💀 pic.twitter.com/p56BgbzYOI
— TK 🦁 (@PSU_TK) October 10, 2023
“I don’t quite understand what you’re saying… My skin is curling when you say, ‘Just drop back and chuck it deep, no matter what.’ I don’t even know what you’re saying… We have never done that. Like, throw the ball up and maybe he’ll be open. You’re making me uncomfortable.”
PSU reporter says he’s receiving nasty messages after James Franklin question.
Cory Giger, the man that asked the question, hasn’t received a positive response from either Franklin or his supporters. While he agrees that he framed his suggestion poorly, he doesn’t believe it warranted the online shaming.
Things have gotten ugly, according to the reporter.
“I asked a bad question to James Franklin,” Giger wrote on X. “No doubt. I own it. Idea was sound, but I worded it very poorly. I’ve tried to roll with the criticism, but when people message saying I should kill myself or they wish I would actually get murdered… that’s difficult. It’s just football.”
When talking to Franklin, it sounded like Giger wanted Drew Allar to throw a deep ball even if his receiver was double covered. In reality, he was just asking if the offense would take some more shots to expose favorable matchups and keep defenses from sitting on routes.
A downfield passing attack will likely be needed to beat teams like Ohio State and Michigan as the season goes on. Avoiding turnover will also prove crucial, so picking your spots will be the name of the game.
Franklin’s response was somewhat warranted given the phrasing of the question. The fan reaction, however, crossed a line.