Penn State Rumored to Be Featured in Docuseries
Penn State is one of four teams rumored to participate in a “Hard Knocks” style series coming this year.
The Nittany Lions are said to be accompanied by Alabama, Washington State and Arizona State as the four programs to be highlighted. The proposed HBO series will spend one week with each team as they prepare for game day.
Penn State released a statement saying they are “exploring the prospect of working on this project.” If it comes to fruition, fans could witness Penn State football personalities they may not otherwise see.
Of course, this exposure comes with pros and cons.
James Franklin will use the opportunity as a recruiting tool. He is a known charmer who would never shy away when the camera is on. Recruits will see the best sides of Franklin and the program.
While Mike Leach at Washington State will come off as a space cadet, Herm Edwards at ASU will play up his old school approach and Nick Saban will be Nick Saban, Franklin will undoubtedly represent himself, the program and the University well.
He will present a great image of Penn State football, but anything can happen in the edit bay. After all, this is reality television.
It’s hard to imagine any university would consider this if they don’t have some editorial control. HBO might want to take the show in a dark direction. They may want the narrative to showcase Penn State still rebuilding after the horrific events of the past. The Penn State brass probably don’t want an hours worth of that content.
Players and coaches showing their fun sides, Sean Clifford throwing tight spirals, and maybe an appearance from Keegan-Michael Key would be ideal for Penn State.
Will that be interesting enough for viewers? Maybe.
Which week the camera crew follows the Nittany Lions around is key. Sure, if Penn State is undefeated and preparing for Michigan it would be intriguing television, but would it cause a distraction for the players? If the stakes aren’t high for the Nittany Lions on a particular week, it may be difficult to find natural drama.
There are many ways this can go and many questions that still need to be answered.
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