Mondays with Terry: Rutgers Week

Terry Smith met with the media on Monday, his first press conference since his team’s impressive win against Nebraska on Saturday and his pitch to be the full-time head coach at Penn State. You can read the full transcript HERE or check out the highlights.

Opening Statement

Terry opened with a recap of the Nebraska game, noting that the team fulfilled most of its goals and played very well for most of the 60 minutes. There were 10 explosive plays and he noted the fourth down stops as being critical. He also added that he’s excited to face Rutgers for a chance at bowl eligibility and he noted his relationship with Greg Schiano, who was a coach at Penn State when Smith was a player.

The Big Questions

Following Saturday’s game, Smith made his pitch to be the coach fulltime at Penn State. On Monday, the first few questions were tied directly to that. Asked about when he might interview, he said he’s focused on Rutgers, but he thinks there will be an opportunity to sit down and meet with Pat Kraft. Asked about accepting a non-head coach role at Penn State, Smith reiterated that he loved Penn State and he would be open to any possibilities of staying. Later, he said that he thinks he knows Penn State better than anyone and that he’s a good leader who knows the locker room and administration. Lastly, he said that the support from the lettermen – like Michael Robinson – was affirmation that people think he’s doing the right thing.

The Bowl Question

Smith said the team is treating Saturday like a playoff game as a win would allow them another chance to play. He added that should Penn State win and head to a bowl that he anticipates most of the roster deciding to play.

No Time for Pie

In reference to James Franklin asking reporters questions about Thanksgiving dinners, a reporter asked Smith if he liked pumpkin or sweet potato pie better. Smith said sweet potato, which led to a question about the offensive line and their play. Smith said the team has been making it a point of emphasis to run the football.

Improving on Defense

Penn State’s defense has been better the past few weeks, which Smith attributed to some things being simplified, but also just experience with the system. He did say that they have limited some third and fourth down options to allow the group to play faster.

Who Will?

Smith was asked why he advocated more for himself on Saturday night for the full-time job. His succinct answer: If I don’t, who will?

Speaking to and of Franklin

Smith acknowledged that he still talks to James Franklin often, including before and after the Nebraska game. He said that Franklin remains a mentor to him.

On Grunk

Asked to assess the play of Ethan Grunkemeyer, Smith said the young quarterback played outstanding. He said the offense has been putting players in position to make  big plays and that they’ve been succeeding. With a follow-up question, Smith added that he’s been happy with how the passing game has progressed.

Being a Mentor

Smith told a story about how he once had now all-time leading Penn State rusher Kaytron Allen over to his house for a Thanksgiving dinner. He said how it’s important that young people see their coaches as something other than just coaches, which forged what will be a lifelong bond between the two.

Other highlights

-Smith noted that Lavar Arrington, Jr. and Alex Tatsch have both burned their redshirts

-Asked what his offense would look like if he was the full-time head coach, Smith bluntly said that he was currently the head coach and that the scheme was his.

-Smith said there’s no policy in place yet about how they’ll handle potential transfers and players entering the portal

-He said very positive things about Andrew Rappleyea and his toughness

-He closed by talking about how busy the Penn State head coaching spot is, but how he is relishing his time in the big chair