James Franklin Responds to Pat McAfee Comments

As the Penn State football team prepares to face West Virginia in their season opener, anticipation is high on both sides. Head coach James Franklin praised ESPN's Pat McAfee, acknowledging his positive impact on college sports, but emphasized the need for his players to avoid creating 'billboard material' that could serve as motivation for opponents. McAfee, a former West Virginia player, expressed displeasure with Franklin's comments, suggesting they implied a lack of confidence in his team. Franklin noted the challenges of playing in a hostile environment and highlighted West Virginia's successful previous season, which included nine wins. The game is set for Saturday, August 31, with both teams looking to assert themselves early in the season. Last year's matchup ended with a decisive 38-15 victory for Penn State.