It's a very interesting first year for Matt Campbell and Penn State, as the lights are going to be very bright for him.
Remember, just because James Franklin didn't have the season he was hoping for last year doesn't mean Penn State hasn't done a lot of winning over the past decade or so. Franklin certainly helped this program, but the idea is that Campbell can take it to new heights.
A lot will go into how we get a feel for Penn State, but ultimately, it will come down to wins and losses.
As we look at Penn State's schedule, there's no reason why it can't be one of the best teams in America. At the very least, there's no reason why Penn State can't win nine games.
At the same time, this program is built on other things, including a ton of history. Players, coaches, and everybody in between understand that Penn State has standards that it has to hold itself to. In interviews, it's promising to hear that Campbell feels the same way.
“I think the biggest thing is as you’re building the foundation of the culture, what are the standards and expectations that we are going to live by, aligning and unifying everybody in the program to that value system, then asking and understanding the why with our players. I think that’s one of the things that’s been really rewarding to watch our own football team to be able to put those standards and expectations in place, understanding why, and I think the growth we’ve made in six months understanding those value systems.
“Again, my whole belief process is it goes back to how you do anything is how you do everything. It is all leading to be your best on those 12 guaranteed Saturdays,” he said, per On3.
Over the past few years, it's felt like Penn State hasn't been the same kind of program. What was once viewed as a high-standard program has dipped a bit because it can't beat some of the best teams in America.
Penn State is typically a top 10 to 15 team in America, but it doesn't get the same respect it used to, so Campbell will be tasked with changing that.
