Is A Mentality Shift Needed Within The Penn State Football Program?

Is a mentality shift needed within the Penn State football program

Once again, Penn State football came up small on the biggest stage, losing 24-15 to Michigan in Beaver Stadium last weekend. Tensions have been high in Happy Valley since Saturday’s loss, as the Nittany Lions come to grips with falling short of expectations in 2023.

Blame has been widespread in the days since the loss, with James Franklin and the Penn State coaching staff taking on the heaviest burden. But is it time for a mentality shift in the Nittany Lions’ locker room? On this week’s episode of Ki and Juice, Penn State legends OJ McDuffie and Ki-Jana Carter called for just that.

Another “wasted” year?

It was a disappointing scene in Beaver Stadium Saturday afternoon. Penn State football came into the day with its Big Ten title and College Football Playoff hopes on the line.

But rather than seize the moment, the Nittany Lions offense looked lifeless, mustering only nine points for most of the game. The Penn State defense started strong, but the unit was eventually worn down. Michigan didn’t even need to complete a pass in the second half.

It’s been an emotional week since the clock struck 00:00 in Penn State’s second loss of the year. Some fans booed Franklin and the team off the field, a vehement response to what some are calling another “wasted” season.

Changes have come inside the Lasch Building as well. On Sunday, James Franklin fired offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich. The departure is the first time Franklin has let an assistant go mid-season, a move he hopes can spark the Nittany Lions in the final two games.

Time for a mentality shift?

While changes at the top were likely warranted, there may be need for a shift in the locker room as well. On this week’s episode of Ki and Juice, Penn State legends Ki-Jana Carter and OJ McDuffie explained that they are struggling to find the tradition of competitiveness in the Nittany Lions this year.

“I don’t want to lose,” Carter said. “I came to Penn State because I knew I was going to a program that I have a chance to be in a national title, and if we lose one game, we’re pissed off. Lose two games, that’s unacceptable. So, I don’t know if the pride is there. I’m not saying it’s not. But it just feels like the tradition and saying ‘we hate to lose’ [isn’t there].

“Remember that feeling you had in the Ohio State locker room, where all those kids were crying? We didn’t want to have that feeling again,” he continued. “So, we should have done everything we could’ve to make sure that doesn’t happen again. And I don’t feel like we did. And I’m going to the players. Not even the coaches, the players.”

“We both know that there were some shortcomings when it came to coaching,” McDuffie echoed. “But the bottom line is this: coaches can’t go out there and run, or catch, or throw, or tackle, or intercept, or sack. They can’t do all that. They put it in and it’s on the players to go out there and get it done. I know these players scratch and claw…But bottom line is that, when the gameplan is in, go out there and execute. Go out there and execute the gameplan…Go out there and do your job.” 

McDuffie drew a stark contrast to what he saw on the field compared to the mentality of his playing days.

“When we were challenged with this, we rose to the occasion. I couldn’t wait to play the best teams in the country. I couldn’t wait to play against UM, Texas, USC…How do you not get up and get ready to play this game? 

Ki and Juice: 14:00 – 17:30

Now sitting at 8-2, the Nittany Lions still have a chance at a double-digit win season and potential New Year’s Six Bowl berth. With games against Rutgers and Michigan State remaining, we will find out soon enough how this Penn State football team will respond.

Exclusive player insights, presented by HVU On-Demand

If you enjoyed this exclusive content, stay tuned for more exclusive insights throughout the 2023 season. HVU On-Demand will be providing exclusive access to player interviews and other content throughout the fall as part of the brand-new partnership between Happy Valley United, Up on Game, and Basic Blues Nation.

This initiative aims to promote NIL opportunities for the over 800 Penn State student-athletes represented by Happy Valley United and provide you with exclusive behind-the-scenes insights from your favorite Nittany Lions.

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