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By Jordan Sigler
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Penn State head coach James Franklin isn't overlooking Northwestern before their Week 7 matchup at Beaver Stadium on Saturday. Franklin received criticism for his posting on Sunday that the Nittany Lions were getting ready to go 1-0 against the Wildcats.
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Things haven't gone well for either program to begin the season and Big Ten play. Penn State is 3-2 overall and 0-2 in conference play after being upset 42-37 by UCLA in Week 6. Northwestern is 3-2 overall and 1-1 in Big Ten play. While Franklin's status with PSU was questioned after Saturday's loss, there is speculation surrounding David Braun's staff at NU.
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Per Pete Nakos of On3 Sports, Braun was under fire following the Wildcats' 23-3 loss in the season opener to Tulane. But things have "cooled off" for Braun following wins over UCLA and UL Monroe.
Northwestern plans to keep Braun after the season, but there could be some "staffing changes" upcoming in Evanston, Illinois. Money could be part of the equation in not making a coach change at the top, as Northwestern's new stadium has a cost of $850 million.
"Sources have told On3 that the initial reaction to the Tulane loss has cooled off," Nakos wrote. "Braun went 8-5 in 2023, followed by 4-8 last season with a 2-7 mark in Big Ten play. Northwestern might need to make some staffing changes this offseason, but sources have said there is faith that Braun can win with the Wildcats.
"All of this comes as Northwestern prepares to open the new Ryan Field in 2026, which carries an $850 million price tag."
Braun is 15-15 overall and 8-12 in Big Ten play since he took over at Northwestern in 2023. He helped lead the Wildcats to a 14-7 win over the Utah Utes in the Las Vegas Bowl in his first season with the program.
Despite having similar records, the Wildcats enter Saturday's game as 21.5-point underdogs to Penn State.
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