Penn State coach James Franklin held his final news conference of Purdue week on Wednesday night. The first two questions directed toward the 11th-year leader of the Lions focused on the status of junior running back Nick Singleton after he was hurt last week and his improved play in the passing game.

Look, Franklin has his obvious warts. The big-game shortcomings aren’t going away. But Penn State could also do a lot worse, and who knows what new problems the next coach would present. Those fans should take a look at Michigan, uncertain to even reach a bowl game, under new coach Sherrone Moore. Odds are the next coach would be a downgrade.

We are getting the type of support at a level that I think this place demands and should have,' the Penn State coach says.