Penn State coach James Franklin sees progress from offense

Auburn’s 2-0 start has been fueled by a defense that has allowed just 10 points and a running game featuring the dynamic Tank Bigsby and Jarquez Hunter.

Penn State’s start isn’t too shabby, either. The No. 10 Nittany Lions own a road win at Wisconsin and impressive home victory over defending MAC champ Ball State.

The No. 22 Tigers visit Beaver Stadium on Saturday night.

Penn State coach James Franklin is encouraged by the play of his offense through two games but knows there are elements that need to be cleaned up.

First-year offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich made some key adjustments at halftime of the Nittany Lions’ 16-10 win at Wisconsin. Penn State scored all of its points after halftime and produced 254 yards of offense.

The Lions then scored touchdowns on their first two drives against Ball State and amassed 493 total yards.

“I don’t think I’m ever going to be satisfied where we’re at on offense, defense, special teams,” Franklin said. “I think we’re always going to be striving for more. I think we’ve shown flashes. I think we can be more consistent there. We could be more explosive.

“There’s also some plays that we’ve missed, whether it’s missed a read or overthrew a ball a little bit or maybe a different call. It’s a combination of factors: It’s execution. It’s all of it. I think for kinda where we’re at for the season, if we just continue to get better and continue to take strides in every area — running the ball, protection, explosive plays — I think we’ll like where we’re at. I think we’ll have to do that on Saturday.”

The improved production in the run game against Ball State was one area of the offense that stood out last Saturday.

Penn State ran for 240 yards against the Cardinals, and Franklin knows there will come a time this season — possibly on Saturday — that the Lions must be able to execute their 4-minute offense to seal a win.

“I think we’re coming along in that area,” Franklin said. I think it really helps as a play-caller when you know you can call one of your favorite run plays based on that gameplan (on) that week and feel confident you’re going to pick up at least three yards. There’s a lot of value in that. I think we’re making strides there.”