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The complaints started before the third quarter was over. By the time Penn State’s loss to Temple was over, they had really piled up.

Gripes about the blocking. The play-calling. The perceived lack of effort as the deficit ballooned to three scores.

But these weren’t just regular fans venting on social media. These were guys who suited up for the Nittany Lions in recent years. Guys who played for Joe Paterno and Bill O’Brien as well as James Franklin.

It wasn’t just that Penn State had lost to the Owls for the first time in 74 years. It was the manner in which it happened — over the final three quarters, the Lions were outscored 27-0 and had fewer total yards of offense (35) than total plays run (40).

And people were not happy about it.

It adds up to a sense of unease around the program headed into today’s home opener against Buffalo.

“There is going to be criticism and hurt feelings and there are going to be people that are upset,” Franklin said. “The reason people are so upset is because they care so much. I get it. I get it.

“I would just ask for everybody to take a deep breath and have some patience, because the negativity is not going to help. The positive energy and the support for our players is what’s going to be able to get us through this. I know if people are patient and they’re positive, good things are coming down the road.”

Last week’s performance didn’t engender much patience. And the Lions coaching staff doesn’t sound inclined to go through the same motions today against the Bulls.

Though he acknowledged it wasn’t ideal for building cohesion long-term, Franklin said during the week that different combinations would have to be tried out on the offensive line after allowing 10 sacks last Saturday.

“Obviously there’s always criticism,” tackle Andrew Nelson said. “But what’s important are the people in this program who are going to work everyday, the people going out there on the field giving their all every play. Those are the people who are important to me.

“I love our fanbase. But we’re getting everyone in that locker room on the same page. That’s what we’re focused on. We’re not focused on what fans have to say about us. We’re focused on us.”

On defense, the most pressing concern is patching up some sizable holes at linebacker. Jason Cabinda could be in line to replace Nyeem Wartman-White in the middle and strong-side starter Brandon Bell is questionable to play because of an injury.

If he can’t go, Penn State may be looking at a starting trio of former walk-on Von Walker, true sophomore Cabinda and redshirt freshman Troy Reeder.

The Lions never quite regained their footing after losing Wartman-White last week. Both sides of the ball could use an early boost today to get things back on track.

“What has to happen is that we have that moment in a game where it all just starts to click,” Franklin said. “And you see the confidence growing and the plays start coming. That moment just has to happen for us. I think Saturday is our time.”

THREE AND OUT

Oh, those guys

With almost all of the attention on Penn State’s internal problems this week, it’s been easy to overlook the other team that will be at Beaver Stadium.

A typically nondescript MAC program, Buffalo earned some buzz in the offseason when the school hired Division III legend Lance Leipold as its new coach.

Franklin said that Leipold “has one of the most ridiculous coaching records I’ve ever seen.” And he’s not exaggerating. After last week’s opening win over FCS Albany, Leipold improved to 110-6 as a head coach.

The previous 115 games came at Wisconsin-Whitewater, where he won six national championships, dethroning another powerhouse in Mount Union.

Leipold has a veteran offense to work with in his first season with the Bulls, boasting senior starters at quarterback, tailback, wide receiver and tight end.

On Penn State’s staff, linebackers coach Brent Pry played his college ball at Buffalo. One of his coaches during that time? New staff consultant Jim Haslett, who got his coaching career started with the Bulls.

Blitz warning

It’s a different story for the Bulls on defense, where they return just four starters from last season and are transitioning from a 3-4 base to a 4-3 scheme.

One thing’s for certain — Buffalo will be bringing the pressure.

Temple’s success with the blitz a week ago no doubt provided a blueprint for the Lions’ future opponents.

“Their scheme is nothing too special, but I’m sure after watching our game on Saturday, they’re going to come out blitzing a lot on us,” Nelson said. “That’s something we have to be ready for.”

Familiar face

One of those positive voices the Lions are looking for visited them after Thursday’s practice.

Former offensive line coach Mac McWhorter, who was on Bill O’Brien’s staff in 2012 and 2013, spoke to the entire team. The gist, according to Franklin, was that there was plenty of negativity when Penn State returned home with an 0-2 record to play Army in 2012.

“He just reminded us that they lost to Ohio and Virginia and everyone had them written off then,” Franklin said. “This season is far from over.”

Penn State coach James Franklin has been trying to keep his players focused amidst a flood of criticism over the past week.
https://www.timesleader.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_psu-ub-preview.jpg.optimal.jpgPenn State coach James Franklin has been trying to keep his players focused amidst a flood of criticism over the past week. Joe Hermitt | AP photo, PennLive.com

By Derek Levarse

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PSU GAMEDAY

Buffalo (1-0)

at Penn State (0-1)

Noon, today

Beaver Stadium

State College

TV: ESPN2

Reach Derek Levarse at 570-991-6396 or on Twitter @TLdlevarse