What's up?

What's up?

Everybody's LeVar Arrington here with another exciting edition of Quite Franklin with coach James Franklin and myself, LeVar Arrington. That's right, we're gonna talk Ohio State. We're gonna touch on what took place with Wisconsin just super quick because it's a one and oh season. Congratulations on the win. But it's a big week. It's Ohio State week. How does the quarterbacks look? What's Drew Ayler feeling like right now with his health? Is he going to play? Coach's first thought when asked about the Ohio State week? We all know that this is a big game and a big week, so we'll talk to him about that. We'll hear about the matchups and a little bit of detail what his coordinators are doing so well for this team this year, and coach kydle Nikki and coach Allen. We're gonna get to all that and more right now here we go. Let's get going Quite Franklin. This week needs no introduction. I mean it is what it is. My burning first question to you is what is the first thought that comes to you when Coach Franklin hears ps U versus os U at home.

Everybody's LeVar Arrington here with another exciting edition of Quite Franklin with coach James Franklin and myself, LeVar Arrington. That's right, we're gonna talk Ohio State. We're gonna touch on what took place with Wisconsin just super quick because it's a one and oh season. Congratulations on the win. But it's a big week. It's Ohio State week. How does the quarterbacks look? What's Drew Ayler feeling like right now with his health? Is he going to play? Coach's first thought when asked about the Ohio State week? We all know that this is a big game and a big week, so we'll talk to him about that. We'll hear about the matchups and a little bit of detail what his coordinators are doing so well for this team this year, and coach kydle Nikki and coach Allen. We're gonna get to all that and more right now here we go. Let's get going Quite Franklin. This week needs no introduction. I mean it is what it is. My burning first question to you is what is the first thought that comes to you when Coach Franklin hears ps U versus os U at home.

I'm gonna say something I probably shouldn't say, But the first thing I think of is white out, just because that's what it typically has been, which is probably what I shouldn't say right now, because people.

I'm gonna say something I probably shouldn't say, But the first thing I think of is white out, just because that's what it typically has been, which is probably what I shouldn't say right now, because people.

Are already white out energy. You know what, white white out energy? You know what I mean, Let's get it going well.

Are already white out energy. You know what, white white out energy? You know what I mean, Let's get it going well.

So, just because we've had so many, you know, of those games with them.

So, just because we've had so many, you know, of those games with them.

We've had a win, we've had losses by one point, and we've had contracy virtual games.

We've had a win, we've had losses by one point, and we've had contracy virtual games.

We just we've had battles, just just tremendous battles.

We just we've had battles, just just tremendous battles.

And you know, I got a ton of respect, which I think you do as well, for the university and the program. They've been doing it for a long time under a number of different people in leadership positions.

And you know, I got a ton of respect, which I think you do as well, for the university and the program. They've been doing it for a long time under a number of different people in leadership positions.

So got a lot of respect for him.

So got a lot of respect for him.

And I also know a big part of my job, my position is judged based on this game.

And I also know a big part of my job, my position is judged based on this game.

Being in a situation where you know that that's kind of you have. You have supporters every coach does. They have their supporters, They have their detractors. The detractors are always waiting for that one game where they can pounce and say I told you so. The whole entire time going into a game of this magnitude, how much how much do you look at what you guys and I ask you this kind of every week, how much do you look at what you guys have been able to accomplish? Maybe people don't understand the magnitude of what it is. You come to the West Coast and you handle something that most teams haven't been able to do, which is handled coming to the West Coast playing and winning. You go into a hostile environment and can't randall and you're playing against a team that was going in the right direction, and in fact so much so they were in the league at halftime, they were playing a really good game against our team. You guys have shown a resiliency all year long, a almost like a very very veteran type of approach to how you guys doing both on the field and coaching staff.

Being in a situation where you know that that's kind of you have. You have supporters every coach does. They have their supporters, They have their detractors. The detractors are always waiting for that one game where they can pounce and say I told you so. The whole entire time going into a game of this magnitude, how much how much do you look at what you guys and I ask you this kind of every week, how much do you look at what you guys have been able to accomplish? Maybe people don't understand the magnitude of what it is. You come to the West Coast and you handle something that most teams haven't been able to do, which is handled coming to the West Coast playing and winning. You go into a hostile environment and can't randall and you're playing against a team that was going in the right direction, and in fact so much so they were in the league at halftime, they were playing a really good game against our team. You guys have shown a resiliency all year long, a almost like a very very veteran type of approach to how you guys doing both on the field and coaching staff.

Does that play a part.

Does that play a part.

In going into this game or is it just a one to no mentality and whatever it was is what it was. But we're approaching this game from the standpoint of this is a one game season or is there a balance?

In going into this game or is it just a one to no mentality and whatever it was is what it was. But we're approaching this game from the standpoint of this is a one game season or is there a balance?

Is there a balance of it? Yeah?

Is there a balance of it? Yeah?

I would say our approach is the same, right you can't preach the one in oh mantra and the one and oh philosophy and then get to a certain game and be like, hey, this is a big one. Like they know it's a big one. I don't got to tell them. Everybody's telling them it's a big game. People in their community, when they go home, everybody wants to talk about this game. When they walk around campus, everybody wants.

I would say our approach is the same, right you can't preach the one in oh mantra and the one and oh philosophy and then get to a certain game and be like, hey, this is a big one. Like they know it's a big one. I don't got to tell them. Everybody's telling them it's a big game. People in their community, when they go home, everybody wants to talk about this game. When they walk around campus, everybody wants.

To talk about this game.

To talk about this game.

So we don't need to talk about that. We just need to handle our business. So if you change your approach this week, then everybody kind of sees through it. Then what we're living and what we're doing isn't real.

So we don't need to talk about that. We just need to handle our business. So if you change your approach this week, then everybody kind of sees through it. Then what we're living and what we're doing isn't real.

But I think to your.

But I think to your.

Point, what we've done this year and how we've done it, I think is part of it. I think what we've done over my eleven years here is part of it. It's all of those things. But this is an important step for us. This is an important hurdle. I don't think there's any doubt about it. I think it was different in the past because making the playoff in four teams magnified games like this, where now the twelve game playoff is a little bit more like the NFL, not us but other teams, you're gonna be able to have some setbacks and still be able to get in and then still have the opportunity to peak at the right moment and make a run for the whole thing. So I think I read somewhere somebody said the level of interest across a large number of teams has never been the way it is this year. There's a number of teams that people are still very interested and invested in at this point of this So for a lot of different reasons, you know, we understand what this is all about.

Point, what we've done this year and how we've done it, I think is part of it. I think what we've done over my eleven years here is part of it. It's all of those things. But this is an important step for us. This is an important hurdle. I don't think there's any doubt about it. I think it was different in the past because making the playoff in four teams magnified games like this, where now the twelve game playoff is a little bit more like the NFL, not us but other teams, you're gonna be able to have some setbacks and still be able to get in and then still have the opportunity to peak at the right moment and make a run for the whole thing. So I think I read somewhere somebody said the level of interest across a large number of teams has never been the way it is this year. There's a number of teams that people are still very interested and invested in at this point of this So for a lot of different reasons, you know, we understand what this is all about.

Codal Nikki, did I get it?

Codal Nikki, did I get it?

Yeah?

Yeah?

Killed it. He's a beast.

Killed it. He's a beast.

He's kind of like he's kind of he's kind of like a beast man. Like I've been I've been watching how you guys, and look, take no credit away from you as well, because I've been next to you on the sideline.

He's kind of like he's kind of he's kind of like a beast man. Like I've been I've been watching how you guys, and look, take no credit away from you as well, because I've been next to you on the sideline.

I know your involvement.

I know your involvement.

I know you don't need to take the credit for anything, because you will take all the.

I know you don't need to take the credit for anything, because you will take all the.

Credit if they if they come up short.

Credit if they if they come up short.

But the amazingness of how you guys are stressing out defenses. Like I'm watching how you guys move around and how you shift and the different sets that you guys are in and I'm also and I'm gonna double down on this. You said get over a hurdle these fronts that you have. I think it's a run through the hurdle. I don't think you guys have to try to clear it. I think it's more of a This is the mentality if I'm saying, what is the identity of this year's because we always had this ever since we've been doing this show, we always have the conversation of what is the identity of this team? And in this particular question as it applies to the offense, what is the identity y'all? It's too chippers Like I feel like you guys are physical. You stress defenses out by where you guys are aligning. There's a creativity in how you guys are using your personnel, and I think that it's a tremendous difference the fact that you guys are at the point of attack much more probably as physical as I've seen out of an offensive line that has gone out there. How are you looking at this in particular, this challenge in particular, because I think this is one of those types of teams where, for once, I think our offensive front has the advantage in the matchup against Ohio State's defensive front.

But the amazingness of how you guys are stressing out defenses. Like I'm watching how you guys move around and how you shift and the different sets that you guys are in and I'm also and I'm gonna double down on this. You said get over a hurdle these fronts that you have. I think it's a run through the hurdle. I don't think you guys have to try to clear it. I think it's more of a This is the mentality if I'm saying, what is the identity of this year's because we always had this ever since we've been doing this show, we always have the conversation of what is the identity of this team? And in this particular question as it applies to the offense, what is the identity y'all? It's too chippers Like I feel like you guys are physical. You stress defenses out by where you guys are aligning. There's a creativity in how you guys are using your personnel, and I think that it's a tremendous difference the fact that you guys are at the point of attack much more probably as physical as I've seen out of an offensive line that has gone out there. How are you looking at this in particular, this challenge in particular, because I think this is one of those types of teams where, for once, I think our offensive front has the advantage in the matchup against Ohio State's defensive front.

So, first of all, Andy is doing a great job. I don't think there's any doubt about that. I also think the staff is doing a great job. I also think having two really good running backs, having a deep tight end room, having an offensive line who's experienced in physical and a special player like Venga in terms from a physicality standpoint, a veteran quarterback in year two, and a receiver room that is on the rise and has shown flashes of true potential.

So, first of all, Andy is doing a great job. I don't think there's any doubt about that. I also think the staff is doing a great job. I also think having two really good running backs, having a deep tight end room, having an offensive line who's experienced in physical and a special player like Venga in terms from a physicality standpoint, a veteran quarterback in year two, and a receiver room that is on the rise and has shown flashes of true potential.

But I think the big thing, and you know this.

But I think the big thing, and you know this.

Because you played with some of these guys like Tyler Warren.

Because you played with some of these guys like Tyler Warren.

Not only is he.

Not only is he.

Talented, but Tyler Warren is football smart and he also played the quarterback position. So a lot of times you have a really good player, but they can't play, they can't process, and it's like a wide receiver who's your slot receiver and he's a great one, but you can't move him because he can't learn all the other spots and play as fast. So now that defense knows, yeah they got a they got a difference maker, but we always know where he's gonna line up. You can take that guy away when when one of your best players can line up at number one, line up at number two, line up at number three, play quarterback, play running back, motion, shift, throw the ball, throw the balls.

Talented, but Tyler Warren is football smart and he also played the quarterback position. So a lot of times you have a really good player, but they can't play, they can't process, and it's like a wide receiver who's your slot receiver and he's a great one, but you can't move him because he can't learn all the other spots and play as fast. So now that defense knows, yeah they got a they got a difference maker, but we always know where he's gonna line up. You can take that guy away when when one of your best players can line up at number one, line up at number two, line up at number three, play quarterback, play running back, motion, shift, throw the ball, throw the balls.

Play center.

Play center.

Now it's hard to stop that guy because the defense can't put him into a category. That that's you know, I mean, all these years game plan it and for us, not only with Tyler warn but then we're doing a ton of different things from a formation standpoint, We're doing a ton of different things from a motion standpoint.

Now it's hard to stop that guy because the defense can't put him into a category. That that's you know, I mean, all these years game plan it and for us, not only with Tyler warn but then we're doing a ton of different things from a formation standpoint, We're doing a ton of different things from a motion standpoint.

That's a lot to work on in one week.

That's a lot to work on in one week.

So the combination of all those things, as you know, I look at it a little bit like when Joe Moorehead got here. I thought Joe did a great job for us, but it also helped that when Joe Moorehead was here, Chris Godwin was here, Mikeiki A.

So the combination of all those things, as you know, I look at it a little bit like when Joe Moorehead got here. I thought Joe did a great job for us, but it also helped that when Joe Moorehead was here, Chris Godwin was here, Mikeiki A.

Kwon Barkley was here, Trace mcswuny was here. And it's a little bit like that with Andy. That doesn't take anything away from Andy, that.

Kwon Barkley was here, Trace mcswuny was here. And it's a little bit like that with Andy. That doesn't take anything away from Andy, that.

Doesn't take anything away from Joe Moorehead, but you better have the horsepower behind those guys to make it all work.

Doesn't take anything away from Joe Moorehead, but you better have the horsepower behind those guys to make it all work.

That's that's so let me ask you this, do you guys like when I played everything was a setup, you know what I mean? Like we did dives, you know, power action dives with a sweet jet sweep motion, and we're running the jet sweeps and we're running the motions, and we're running the.

That's that's so let me ask you this, do you guys like when I played everything was a setup, you know what I mean? Like we did dives, you know, power action dives with a sweet jet sweep motion, and we're running the jet sweeps and we're running the motions, and we're running the.

Jet sweet motions, but we never ran a jet sweep.

Jet sweet motions, but we never ran a jet sweep.

You get the week four, it's like, Okay, we're seeing we're running the same play. There's a build out variation, but is the defense playing it now we're incorporating the jet sweep into what it's doing and maybe not doing this over here as much. And then now we're able to build off of that, but then add this back into it. Do you feel like you guys are advancing enough that way in your play calling where there's actually really like a systematic approach to how you guys are going in from week to week. And if so, I would assume your bests is going to be coming out of that playbook of what the progressions may be going into a game with this magnitude, and not even just this magnitude of a game, but the fact that, let's be clear and honest, you're undefeated again, by the way, You're undefeated again at this late juncture in the season. So now it's just really there's only a few more games left for you guys to get to that next level of is it a Big ten championship?

You get the week four, it's like, Okay, we're seeing we're running the same play. There's a build out variation, but is the defense playing it now we're incorporating the jet sweep into what it's doing and maybe not doing this over here as much. And then now we're able to build off of that, but then add this back into it. Do you feel like you guys are advancing enough that way in your play calling where there's actually really like a systematic approach to how you guys are going in from week to week. And if so, I would assume your bests is going to be coming out of that playbook of what the progressions may be going into a game with this magnitude, and not even just this magnitude of a game, but the fact that, let's be clear and honest, you're undefeated again, by the way, You're undefeated again at this late juncture in the season. So now it's just really there's only a few more games left for you guys to get to that next level of is it a Big ten championship?

Is it?

Is it?

Is it almost a Big ten championship? But go to the playoffs? How well do you do in the playoffs? How much do you save if you're going to the championship versus the playoffs? You got a lot of things that maybe people don't take the time to think about and realize that you guys have to manage. But in terms of being able to game plan and stay ahead of your opponents, this is this is like there's a lot.

Is it almost a Big ten championship? But go to the playoffs? How well do you do in the playoffs? How much do you save if you're going to the championship versus the playoffs? You got a lot of things that maybe people don't take the time to think about and realize that you guys have to manage. But in terms of being able to game plan and stay ahead of your opponents, this is this is like there's a lot.

To balance there.

To balance there.

Do you do you feel as though, do you keep it simple and just run what you run, like, Hey, we're running a dive, We're gonna beat your ass and we're getting downhill done? Or is it a build off of all the things that you guys do with the movements and all that.

Do you do you feel as though, do you keep it simple and just run what you run, like, Hey, we're running a dive, We're gonna beat your ass and we're getting downhill done? Or is it a build off of all the things that you guys do with the movements and all that.

Yeah, I think that's where it becomes very difficult. Right, You're running the same play, but you're running out of five different formations, five different motions, five different shifts, and then you have a play action off of the same play. You got a run off of the same play. You have a screen off of similar action, and then that's where again you've become really difficult to defend. You're doing the same thing a ton of different ways, but then you have the complementary play that goes with it. So I think that's part of it. And then also, you know, we had two bye weeks, so I'm not saying we did this on air, but those bye weeks give you more time for obviously your next opponent, but if you're strategic, you're also taking a portion of your day and you've identified games in the future, and you say, okay, we're going to take we got we got an extra week this week, and three of those days are going to be sent spent on our next opponent, and two of those days are going to be spent on specific opponents that we're going to play down the road, so that we're getting ahead and we're coming up with a plan.

Yeah, I think that's where it becomes very difficult. Right, You're running the same play, but you're running out of five different formations, five different motions, five different shifts, and then you have a play action off of the same play. You got a run off of the same play. You have a screen off of similar action, and then that's where again you've become really difficult to defend. You're doing the same thing a ton of different ways, but then you have the complementary play that goes with it. So I think that's part of it. And then also, you know, we had two bye weeks, so I'm not saying we did this on air, but those bye weeks give you more time for obviously your next opponent, but if you're strategic, you're also taking a portion of your day and you've identified games in the future, and you say, okay, we're going to take we got we got an extra week this week, and three of those days are going to be sent spent on our next opponent, and two of those days are going to be spent on specific opponents that we're going to play down the road, so that we're getting ahead and we're coming up with a plan.

And now we've.

And now we've.

You got to do it two times this year. Yes, that's pretty dope. That's pretty dope. How's it? How's the quarterback? How's he feeling? What? What? What's your thoughts on it?

You got to do it two times this year. Yes, that's pretty dope. That's pretty dope. How's it? How's the quarterback? How's he feeling? What? What? What's your thoughts on it?

I mean, I think you I gotta believe you're pretty confident either way, with Pabula or with with with Aler how how how are you managing that?

I mean, I think you I gotta believe you're pretty confident either way, with Pabula or with with with Aler how how how are you managing that?

How is he feeling?

How is he feeling?

Yeah, it's early in the week, but I think there's a lot of confidence there. But it's still early in the week, but I think either way, we're gonna have to be prepared like we've done all year long to.

Yeah, it's early in the week, but I think there's a lot of confidence there. But it's still early in the week, but I think either way, we're gonna have to be prepared like we've done all year long to.

Play both guys.

Play both guys.

But it's it's early in the week, but I think there's a lot of confidence there that those guys will be.

But it's it's early in the week, but I think there's a lot of confidence there that those guys will be.

Available defensively, you guys, and and I mentioned the OC. I feel like coach Allen has has really has really started to solidify himself and how he is calling the games and preparing guys for the games. Uh led to a turnover and and a score. That's always a beautiful thing when your defense can put points on the board for you as well. Looking at the defense, how do you see them matching up with Ohio State this week?

Available defensively, you guys, and and I mentioned the OC. I feel like coach Allen has has really has really started to solidify himself and how he is calling the games and preparing guys for the games. Uh led to a turnover and and a score. That's always a beautiful thing when your defense can put points on the board for you as well. Looking at the defense, how do you see them matching up with Ohio State this week?

Yeah, I think we're getting better every single week. I think Tom's getting more and more comfortable back into this role full time. You see it each week. I think he's get more comfortable with our personnel and who we are. And you look how we're playing second half football right now on the defensive side of the ball.

Yeah, I think we're getting better every single week. I think Tom's getting more and more comfortable back into this role full time. You see it each week. I think he's get more comfortable with our personnel and who we are. And you look how we're playing second half football right now on the defensive side of the ball.

You know, we've been elite in that area, so you know, we need to continue to grow.

You know, we've been elite in that area, so you know, we need to continue to grow.

I still think we can start out a little bit faster in all three phases.

I still think we can start out a little bit faster in all three phases.

But I think Tom has done a really good job.

But I think Tom has done a really good job.

And your point about our O line matching up against their D line, I still think that's one of the strengths of their team. But I think our O line is one of the strengths of our team right now, so it is a better matchup than maybe in years past. And then I think our defensive line is in a similar situation. Our defensive line has been good, but I also think we match up pretty well, and we're gonna need to because typically, as you know, you know, whether it's championships in conference or whether it's play off runs in national championships, from the beginning of time, from when you played here till now, it starts up front, and you can have all the bells and whistles on the outside that you want, but if if you can't handle your business up front, you got you got no chance.

And your point about our O line matching up against their D line, I still think that's one of the strengths of their team. But I think our O line is one of the strengths of our team right now, so it is a better matchup than maybe in years past. And then I think our defensive line is in a similar situation. Our defensive line has been good, but I also think we match up pretty well, and we're gonna need to because typically, as you know, you know, whether it's championships in conference or whether it's play off runs in national championships, from the beginning of time, from when you played here till now, it starts up front, and you can have all the bells and whistles on the outside that you want, but if if you can't handle your business up front, you got you got no chance.

So how State's going to try to run. They're going to try to run.

So how State's going to try to run. They're going to try to run.

I mean, yeah, Chip is committed to one of the.

I mean, yeah, Chip is committed to one of the.

Ball, They're going to try to run the ball, and.

Ball, They're going to try to run the ball, and.

They're you're committed to running the ball, and then that you know, as you know, what makes it difficult is they got three guys on the outside that that can change the game at any moment. So we've got a ton of respect for those guys as well, and that's what makes stopping the run difficult.

They're you're committed to running the ball, and then that you know, as you know, what makes it difficult is they got three guys on the outside that that can change the game at any moment. So we've got a ton of respect for those guys as well, and that's what makes stopping the run difficult.

What are your hopes going into this game? Because somebody's going to win, somebody's going to lose. But in the end, like there still has to be the main objective always stays the right, keep the main thing the main thing. What what's your main thing this week, coach?

What are your hopes going into this game? Because somebody's going to win, somebody's going to lose. But in the end, like there still has to be the main objective always stays the right, keep the main thing the main thing. What what's your main thing this week, coach?

Yeah, I just try to keep it as simple as positive possible. And what I think we've done a pretty good job all year on is getting better. Like we got to get better each week, and I think we have done that.

Yeah, I just try to keep it as simple as positive possible. And what I think we've done a pretty good job all year on is getting better. Like we got to get better each week, and I think we have done that.

So that was my emphasis with the team on Sunday.

So that was my emphasis with the team on Sunday.

Hey, let's get better Sunday, let's get better Monday, let's get better Tuesday. Let's get better this week and put ourselves in the best position to go win this game. It's gonna be a great environment, the place is gonna be rocking. I don't care if it's twelve o'clock, three o'clock, seven o'clock, the place is gonna be rocking, and we're gonna need that. We're gonna need this place rocking and have a significant home field advantage against a really good team and one of the most talented rosters in the country. But for me, I just want us to be prepared. I want us to get better this week, and I want us to play well. And if we do those things, everything else will take care of itself.

Hey, let's get better Sunday, let's get better Monday, let's get better Tuesday. Let's get better this week and put ourselves in the best position to go win this game. It's gonna be a great environment, the place is gonna be rocking. I don't care if it's twelve o'clock, three o'clock, seven o'clock, the place is gonna be rocking, and we're gonna need that. We're gonna need this place rocking and have a significant home field advantage against a really good team and one of the most talented rosters in the country. But for me, I just want us to be prepared. I want us to get better this week, and I want us to play well. And if we do those things, everything else will take care of itself.

We're calling for another white out energy, white out energy, out energy.

We're calling for another white out energy, white out energy, out energy.

We're calling for a white out energy. Bring the white out energy, y'all. Coach, good luck, babe.

We're calling for a white out energy. Bring the white out energy, y'all. Coach, good luck, babe.

Good luck.

Good luck.

Appreciate you, appreciate you man.

Appreciate you, appreciate you man.

Thanks for coming on, Coach, Thanks for being so open and honest about everything that's going on. If you want to check us out, go on disrupt you PSU and you can check out all of what we got going on episode wise, and you also can check us out on up on Games Presents wherever it is that you get your podcasts from.

Thanks for coming on, Coach, Thanks for being so open and honest about everything that's going on. If you want to check us out, go on disrupt you PSU and you can check out all of what we got going on episode wise, and you also can check us out on up on Games Presents wherever it is that you get your podcasts from.

Check us out. So iHeart iHeart station.

Check us out. So iHeart iHeart station.

This is quite Franklin, Coach, Franklin, me far Arrington, good luck this week, guys, This weekend.

This is quite Franklin, Coach, Franklin, me far Arrington, good luck this week, guys, This weekend.

And hey, you heard coach.

And hey, you heard coach.

Let's bring that white out energy, baby, the white out energy.

Let's bring that white out energy, baby, the white out energy.

Crack a nut. You dig what I'm saying. Crack a nut, They're just buck guys. We're niitny lines until next time. Would check you OUTSI

Crack a nut. You dig what I'm saying. Crack a nut, They're just buck guys. We're niitny lines until next time. Would check you OUTSI