Three-Point Stance: Notre Dames big statement
MIKE'S 3-POINT STANCE: Sept. 9
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What happens to Penn State recruiting after a loss to Temple? We don't really know because it's been 74 years since it has happened if I'm doing my math correctly (1941) and I don't know of any recruiting analysts out there to lean on for such information. The answer is likely not much as James Franklin, one of the best recruiters in the game as I've always said, is as good as anyone at turning a negative into a positive (i.e. offensive line playing time, etc.) but the way Penn State lost was alarming.
The fourth-longest losing streak to one opponent and the longest current (it was 31 straight losses) was ended with a 27-10 drubbing where Christian Hackenberg was sacked 10 times and looked awful otherwise while the defense disappeared after a 10-0 lead. The worst part was the reaction of some former Penn State players who now have a voice with social media, and a loud one at that, criticizing the team and coaches. The worst perhaps was former offensive lineman Donovan Smith, now with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, responding to a question on Twitter as to why he left for the NFL …
This exact reason https://t.co/xxxpdThGG9- Donovan Smith (@DSmith_76) September 5, 2015
Penn State's 2016 class is currently ranked No. 8 in the country thanks to Franklin's impressive recruiting ability as a head coach (and a really good staff with Sean Spencer, Terry Smith and Charles Huff) coming off a 7-6 season last year. But if the season goes anything like it appears to be headed after the Temple game, other schools will come swooping in (they already have) and try to flip some of the big-name guys. Of course fans think I hate Penn State, especially after that awkward Lavert Hill interview this summer (my apologies on it, he was brought to me and I was told he was looking around), but that's not the case. I am a big fan of Franklin, but I see some recruiting issues if things continue to spiral downward.
3. Cupcake debate
I like what West Virginia is doing when it comes to changing its schedule and not including FCS programs in 2016. It's gutsy and it makes for a better experience for fans. It also makes your players better. But it's not a great idea for recruiting, at least not unless it's mandated by your conference and there is an even playing field for scheduling. I know recruits, I've been doing this forever, and they want wins and more wins. Rarely do they look at your out-of-conference schedule as a factor in their decision but they will notice a win-loss record.
I've always said that winning is the best bait when trying to catch a big recruit and if you replace FCS teams with FBS programs, even if they are lower-level teams, your record at the end of the season might not be as stellar and you subject yourself to more upsets, something recruits certainly notice.
The Big Ten has mandated that no FCS programs be on the schedule starting in 2016 and I applaud that, but that was a conference mandate. Until the Big 12 does the same thing, West Virginia is putting itself at a scheduling disadvantage versus its brethren. Some say there is no winning by scheduling an FCS school if you're a Power 5 program because if you win big it's expected, if you win in a close game you're criticized and if you lose … forget about it. But, they count as a big W in the old win column and FCS teams can count toward bowl eligibility in certain circumstances.
West Virginia is taking a stand here and I'm not sure it should. Last year it would have finished 6-6 in the regular season and 6-7 overall without a 54-0 win over Towson. While it seems trivial, that's harder to sell than the 7-6 record.
Mike Farrell
National Recruiting Director
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