Penn State set for opener against Temple

James Franklin feels a lot better about leading Penn State into its second season than he did the first, and that's not even counting the fact that he and a party of 300 had to deal with a difficult and cumbersome trip to Ireland last year.

This year, it's a simple bus trip from Happy Valley to Philadelphia for the Nittany Lions' season opener Saturday against Temple before a sellout crowd at Lincoln Financial Field. Franklin feels his team is deeper, improved, and more familiar with what is expected.

"I would say that myself and the staff and the team are in a much better position this year," the coach said this week. "Last year we were excited to play the first game but I think we could have used another two weeks of preparation. I don't feel that way as much [this year]. I feel like we're ready to play the game."

That doesn't mean he isn't concerned about the Owls, who have lost 31 games in a row to the Nittany Lions since a 14-0 win in 1941. In the last 39 meetings, Penn State is 38-0-1 but recent scores reflect more competitive games.

"You look at the overall record, that's one thing," Franklin said, "but you look at the scores – 2012, 24-12; 2011, 14-10 at the Linc the last time we were there; 2010, 22-13. So although the overall record is strongly in Penn State's favor, the games have gotten closer and closer over the years."

The teams did not play in 2013, but the Nittany Lions capitalized on five Temple turnovers and a rushing game that gained 254 yards last year in a convincing 30-13 victory at Beaver Stadium.

Like Penn State, Temple was a young team last season. Not only do the Owls return all of their starters on defense and eight on offense, they have some talented incoming freshmen who will be in the mix for playing time.

Quarterback P.J. Walker threw four interceptions in last year's meeting but brings a running dimension to Temple's attack. The Owls also are bolstered by the return of wide receiver Robby Anderson, who was ruled academically ineligible last year.

"P.J. Walker can hurt you with his athleticism, he's very shifty," Lions senior cornerback Trevor Williams said. "Robby Anderson has come back. Watching him on film, he's a big play threat. It's going to be a great game, a competitive game, and I'm excited."

Like Temple, Penn State has some question marks. Junior college transfer Paris Palmer will make his first start at left tackle, protecting the blind side of quarterback Christian Hackenberg. Franklin said Palmer improved during training camp and that the coaches will put him in positions to be successful.

Philadelphia native Nyeem Wartman-White, a starting outside linebacker last season, has taken over the middle linebacker spot responsible for calling signals and recognizing offensive formations. Linebackers coach Brent Pry thought he did an excellent job in camp.

It's a highly anticipated matchup of two improving teams. But other than knowing his team will play hard, Franklin doesn't have any predictions.

"Opening games are still opening games," he said. "You're never sure. You never completely know what you're going to get until you get out there."