Franklin: More people talking about Penn State nationally this year

Penn State finished 2016 as one of the hottest teams in the country, winning the Big Ten title before a narrow loss to USC in one of the most dramatic Rose Bowls in recent memory.

The Nittany Lions finished the season on a 9-1 run and, with Saquon Barkley and Trace McSorley returning, are likely a preseason top-10 team.

While Penn State fans always hold the program to a high standard on the field, head coach James Franklin says the program's closing run to 2016 has put it on the map nationally.

"I think the expectations are always pretty big at Penn State, but I think where it has probably changed is nationally," Franklin admitted during Big Ten Media Days. "I think there's more people talking about Penn State nationally right now then in years past."

Despite the increased attention, Franklin has the team focused on short-term goals, as evidenced by his response to a question about the team's Week 2 matchup with in-state rival Pitt.

"We open the season against Akron, and I would love to talk about Akron and Akron, and Akron and Akron and not get ahead towards any other games," Franklin said with a smile. "We're excited about the teams we're going to play this year. It starts with Akron and we'll go from there from that point after that."

The Nittany Lions host the Zips on Sept. 2, the first of three home games that also see the Panthers and Georgia State come to town. The biggest home game of the year for Penn State is Michigan's visit Oct. 21.