BLOOMINGTON, Ind.
James Franklin clapped twice and jogged through the Memorial Stadium tunnel to faint cheers from a hundred fans who withstood the wind and flying trash. A few assistants cracked smiles, but not many. And aside from Shaka Toney — whose four sacks proved vital — the Penn State players walked off without a peep.
It was a subdued celebration, but one they would take. After all, it was only three weeks ago that Franklin exchanged words with a heckler and Beaver Stadium’s heart ached after a one-point loss to Ohio State. And last weekend, the coach slowly strolled through the south end zone stunned as the student section offered a pity clap after a four-point loss to Michigan State.