“Probably in a lot of ways just because how our society is now, in some ways it was anti-climactic,” Franklin said on the Big Ten teleconference Tuesday. “Everybody knew already. I found out from the media. Our players from the media and social media. By the time we had our team meeting, 99 percent of our team already knew.”
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The Nittany Lions’ presence now legitimizes the Big Ten East Division race and gives the conference a desperately needed lifeline. Franklin re-emphasized a one-game approach repeatedly Tuesday, but there’s no doubt the players are feeling it. “It’s nice to know that they’re not being limited or held back from any opportunities,” Franklin said. “They have a chance to chase their dreams. That’s kind of a black cloud that’s not over their head anymore.”
That’s good for college football. So is Penn State’s return. A few reasons why:
It restores a blue-blood program
The damage from the Jerry Sandusky scandal can never be undone, but this allows one of college football’s storied programs to move on from the scandal.
It gives Christian Hackenberg a stage
The sophomore quarterback already is projected as a first-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Hackenberg is an incredible raw talent, and there’s a Matthew Stafford-meets-Jay Cutler quality to his game. He’s thrown two interceptions in each of Penn State’s first two games, but he also averages 386.5 passing yards per game. This allows Hackenberg the chance to respond to high-pressure games that mean something more than pride. NFL scouts will be watching closely.
MORE: Will Hackenberg go No. 1 in 2016?
It shines a primetime light
Penn State has three scheduled night games, starting with Saturday’s opener against Rutgers. The Nittany Lions play a night game at Michigan (Oct. 11) before a home “White Out” against Ohio State (Oct. 25). Those last two are high-visibility spots, and few places match Beaver Stadium at night.
It offers a fitting finale
Michigan State is arguably the only team with a hint of a shot at the College Football Playoff, but the Spartans have to travel to Penn State for the season finale on Nov. 29. That game might have more impact on the Big Ten East race than Ohio State-Michigan.
It sends a message to Michigan
Penn State also got back 85 scholarships as a result of Monday’s ruling. That means Michigan — fresh off a 31-0 beating in South Bend — better get its act together. The Wolverines have lost four straight to the Nittany Lions. Penn State could be better-equipped to challenge the Buckeyes and Spartans. If all these programs get clicking at the same time, the Big Ten will be in business.
