Campbell Confident to Excel Where Franklin Failed

CHICAGO — At Big Ten Media Days, new Penn State head coach Matt Campbell introduced himself with polished talking points reminiscent of predecessor James Franklin, but with a key difference: confidence in taking the program to the next level. Campbell, who replaced Franklin last October, acknowledges the similarities in their public personas but insists his ability to convert high-end resources into signature wins sets him apart.

The former Iowa State coach emphasized his belief in Penn State's culture and expressed optimism about contending for a national title this fall. His quarterback Rocco Becht, who followed him from Iowa State, has already bought into the new vision, comparing Campbell's impact to that of Indiana's Curt Cignetti. Penn State's hopes hinge on Campbell's ability to deliver where Franklin fell short in a competitive Big Ten landscape. newsindata.com