Sacrifices have paid off for Nittany Lions
Some Penn State players, like Rasheed Walker, haven’t been home since May or June.
Some haven’t even seen their families since then. Coach James Franklin can relate; he hasn’t seen his wife and two daughters since August.
They’re all making the effort to keep themselves and their loved ones safe from COVID-19. Somehow, though, they’ve managed to block out their personal distraction, focus on game preparation and win their last three games.
“I kind of adjust pretty well,” said Walker, an offensive tackle from Waldorf, Md. “I actually left home in May and haven’t been back since. It’s like I’ve been adjusting my mind and my body so I can learn how to just be on my own.
“At this point, I’m comfortable where I’m at. I’ve been in State College all this time and it really doesn’t matter to me. I’m just thankful to be here, wherever my brothers are. If we’re going to play, I’m playing.”
Penn State (3-5) is scheduled to complete its regular season against Illinois (2-5) Saturday at 5:30 p.m. at Beaver Stadium (TV-FS1). The teams were paired Sunday as part of the Big Ten’s championship week.
The Lions, it seems, are not reluctant to keep playing, even though many players from other teams have opted out in the last few weeks. Two Big Ten games have been canceled this week because of a coronavirus spread: Purdue-Indiana and Iowa-Michigan.
Penn State is on track to become one of only two Big Ten teams to play nine games, joining Rutgers, which is scheduled to face Nebraska.
“For this week and the rest of the season, my goal is to continue to keep everybody healthy, which is what I’m very proud of,” Franklin said Tuesday. “We’ve done a really good job of that, knock on wood.”
If the Lions can beat Illinois, which will be without fired head coach Lovie Smith, they probably will be in line to receive a bowl invitation. Projections have them playing in the Guaranteed Rate Bowl Dec. 26 in Phoenix, possibly against West Virginia, or in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl Dec. 30 in Charlotte, N.C., possibly against North Carolina State or Virginia Tech.
“It would honestly be a great opportunity and a great honor to receive a bowl invite,” junior linebacker Jesse Luketa said. “Where we’re at as a team right now, we’re just focused on going out strong for our seniors this week and dominate this week.
“It’s going to be a great opportunity if it does come. It’’ll be an opportunity that I’m going to make sure I maximize, if given.”
Franklin said he plans to meet with the players and staff after Saturday’s game to discuss their options, if they have any.
Junior wide receiver Jahan Dotson was asked after Penn State’s 39-24 win over Michigan State if he would play in a bowl game.
“Definitely,” Dotson said. “I wouldn’t want any other thing but to play with my brothers. You only get so many opportunities to suit up in the Blue and White. Anytime I get a chance to play for those guys in the locker room, I’m going to do it. Absolutely.”
Playing in a bowl game would extend their season by a week or so. The Lions also might be motivated by achieving a .500 season, an improbable thought when they were 0-5.
“I’m just thankful for every opportunity I have to play football,” Walker said. “I’m focused on today. I’m just excited to go out today and practice because at one point no one knew if we were going to be able to play this season.
“So I’m just thankful to be able to play one game this season. Everything else is just a bonus for me.”
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NOTES » Pat Freiermuth, whose season was cut short after four games because of an injury, was selected Tuesday as the Big Ten Tight End of the Year.
Freiermuth, a preseason All-American, was named to the All-Big Ten first team by the coaches and to the second team by the me
dia. He made 23 catches for 310 yards and one touchdown before undergoing season-ending surgery on his shoulder or arm last month.
Guard Mike Miranda and tackle Will Fries were voted to the second team, Miranda by both the coaches and the media and Fries by only the coaches. He was an honorable mention choice by the media.
Michal Menet, a three-year starter at center, was voted to the all-conference third team by the coaches and media. He’s started 34 of the last 35 games for Penn State, which is ranked second in the Big Ten in total offense and eighth in rushing.
Wide receiver Jahan Dotson was a thirdteam selection by the coaches and the media and tackle Rasheed Walker by the media and honorable mention from the media.
The defensive team will be announced Wednesday.