Penn State quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer has found a rhythm under interim head coach Terry Smith and stabilized the Nittany Lions' offense. (Mandatory Credit: Matthew O'Haren-Imagn Images)
Throughout this tumultuous fall season, Penn State Football has found little success.
The season that began with monster National Championship aspirations now finds itself six weeks into a coaching search.
While the Nittany Lions will suit up for one more regular season game and try to fight for bowl elgibility, there are some things to still be thankful for.
The Penn State Coaching Search Nears Its Conclusion
From Terry Smith to Wild-Card Possibilities, No One Knows
This is something that nearly all Nittany Lion fans can be happy about.
With this week being the final regular season game, the expected timeline now falls into early next week. I would anticipate that whoever the hire is, that their name would begin to trickle out into the media sometime on Sunday after the Penn State game.
It could be as simple as Terry Smith, as successful as Marcus Freeman, or as off the wall as Kalani Sitake.
No one knows.
Pat Kraft and company have played this very close to the vest. One thing is certain, the coaching search is nearing it’s end and that is something to be thankful for.
Offense Awakens Behind Ethan Grunkemeyer and the Ground Game
Following the Ohio State loss, Penn State’s offense has looked remarkably better. They put up 24 on Indiana, 28 on Michigan State, and 37 on Nebraska.
Each game, Ethan Grunkemeyer has looked more and more comfortable. Against Indiana, he started to push the ball down the field in the second half.
In the Michigan State game, he and Devonte Ross were able to connect on a 75 yard touchdown pass and against Nebraska he was incredibly efficient.
Additionally, the offensive line and running game has finally emerged. Over the last 2 games, the Nittany Lions have racked up 471 yards on the ground.
They’ve been pushing people around.
The run game and the offense as a whole has began to take shape and that is something to be thankful for.
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Terry Smith Steadies the Turmoil as a Second-Generation Penn Stater
Whether Terry Smith gets the job or not- whether you think he should get the job or not- on thing is certain. Terry Smith loves Penn State.
He bleeds blue and white.
Smith who is a second generation Penn Stater and former Letterman has shown how much he clearly loves Penn State University.
Whether it’s what he says in his press conferences, to how he actually coaches and engages the community, it is crystal clear that Terry Smith loves Penn State. That is the type of person you need leading during this time of uncertainty.
The future is coming fast, but the Lions still have one more chance to play as one — a small thing, maybe, but a very Penn State thing to be grateful for.
Penn State Coaching Search Hot Board Narrows: Who’s Still in the Running After Major Extensions?
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Ian Purdy covers Penn State Football Recruiting for NittanyCentral.
Purdy was born and raised in central Ohio and served for four years writing for his high school's newsletter. Currently studying Biblical Studies at Lancaster Bible College in Pennsylvania, Ian has been a lifelong Nittany Lion fan.
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