Penn State: Matt Campbell Shifts Focus to More Important Goal

The Penn State Nittany Lions entered their bye last week with a 3-4 record and an 0-4 record in the Big Ten. 

PSU is on a four-game losing streak and will be searching for its first win against a Power 4 team this season when it hosts 3-4 Purdue on Saturday.

The start to the Matt Campbell era has not been what the fan base envisioned when Penn State fired James Franklin last October. Campbell brought in 24 players from Iowa State in the transfer portal, and it's fair to say those former Big 12 players are having a difficult time adjusting to the Big Ten. 

During his news conference on Wednesday, Campbell said he spent the bye week doing something important for the program, hitting the road to recruit players. Per Sports Illustrated, Campbell said that was "the most enjoyable part" of his last few weeks. 

No kidding.

From Sept. 26 to Oct. 17, Campbell watched as Penn State lost to Wisconsin, Northwestern, USC, and Michigan. After a 3-0 start, there was some hope that the Nittany Lions could win two or three of those games and stay in the College Football Playoff conversation.

The CFP is out of the question, and Penn State finds itself in an uphill battle just to make a bowl game. Given a schedule that excludes Oregon, Ohio State, and Indiana, it's unfathomable that PSU could botch its schedule and stay at home during bowl season.

With that being said, Campbell's focus on the recruiting trail is much more important than any of the games remaining. The Nittany Lions are going through a lost season.

Before the season, Campbell made it clear that this season was about establishing his culture. While the losses have been many, Penn State showed fight against USC and Michigan.

Penn State needs better players to compete in the Big Ten. We knew that coming into the season. The lack of development this year is surprising, but the Nittany Lions are going to need Campbell to bring in quality players that can compete for the CFP. 

Those recruits will want to see a competitive Penn State team in November. The Nittany Lions still have Purdue, Washington, Minnesota, Rutgers, and Maryland on the schedule.

All of those games are winnable. They need to win three to become bowl eligible. Any momentum Campbell can gain before the transfer portal opens would be beneficial for next year's team.