Franklin calls Penn State's football revival 'significant'
A blocked field goal in the fourth quarter against Ohio State changed Penn State’s season. The Nittany Lions have not lost since, and Happy Valley is happier than it’s been with its football team in the five years since a scandal shook the program and school.
Winning might not cure everything, but it certainly makes it easier to shift the focus away from lawsuits, statues and how best to commemorate anniversaries.
For the first time in the post-Joe Paterno, post-scandal era, Penn State is a championship contender, making its first appearance in the Big Ten championship game tonight against Wisconsin.
“The community’s been through a lot. This is a place where the football program really has always been stable,” junior linebacker Jason Cabinda said. “It was tough for the community to see us kind of fall off a bit. To finally see us kind of arrive again, I think it’s been huge.”
At the very least, tonight’s game in Indianapolis will determine which team goes to the Rose Bowl. Penn State has not won the Big Ten or played in the Rose Bowl since 2008. A victory also could send the winner to the College Football Playoff.
Paterno was fired in 2011 after Jerry Sandusky, his former longtime assistant was arrested for sexually abusing children. Penn State football was sanctioned by the NCAA in 2012.
“I do think it’s significant that we’re at a time in our history where people are talking about what we are, what we currently are, what Penn State is,” coach James Franklin said.
Extra points
Iowa State officials said wide receiver Allen Lazard (69 receptions, seven touchdowns) will return for his senior season.
... Utah State tight end Christopher Copier pleaded guilty to felony drug and weapon charges after he was charged with selling drugs.
He was suspended from the team when he was charged.
Big Ten
Wisconsin vs. Penn State
Kickoff: 8 p.m., Licas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
TV: Fox
The Nittany Lions appear in their first conference championship game on the strength of a big-play offense. Nine players have caught a pass of least 40 yards, and mobile QB Tracy McSorley makes it work. Wisconsin strangth is pass defense, leading the nation with 21 INTs.
CFP impact: Low — the Rose Bowl likely awaits the winner unless ... If Clemson or Washington loses, Michigan, and Penn State/Wiscosnin are next in line.
Big 12
Oklahoma State at Oklahoma
Kickoff: 12:30 p.m., Oklahoma Memorial Stadium, Norman, Okla
TV: Fox
It’s the final season before the return of the Big 12 championship game but the schedule makers have succeeded in title-like showdowns on the final weekend more often than not.
CFP impact: Low — only the Sooners have a chance, and it’s a long shot.
SEC
Alabama vs. Florida
Kickoff: 4 p.m., Georgia Dome, Atlanta
TV: CBS
For the ninth time and second straight year, the Crimson Tide and Gators meet for the title — and a close game would be an upset. With a victory, Alabama will match the Gators’ seven all-time SEC title-game victories.
CFP impact: Low — even if it loses, the Tide won’t be omitted from the CFP ... and the Gators won’t get in.
ACC
Clemson vs. Virginia Tech
Kickoff: 8 p.m., Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Fla.
TV: ABC
QB Deshawn Watson nearly led Clemson to last year’s title, and now has a chance to lead he Tigers to consecutive ACC titles for the first time in 28 years.
CFP impact: High — Clemson is a 10-point favorite and a victory puts the Tigers in the semifinals. A loss means the ACC likely will go without a playoff team.