Matt Campbell: ‘We’re going to keep learning a lot about this football team’

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Penn State practiced in a downpour Thursday morning and Matt Campbell had the soaking wet outfit and towel to show for it.

“It was fun for me as the head coach because this was as challenging as it can get and you’re gonna have to play in it,” Campbell said after stepping off the practice field.

It might’ve looked and even felt a bit like a soggy fall afternoon at the Big Ten venue of your choice, but Campbell is still trying to figure out what this team does best and how it handles the adversity that will come in waves during the season. Penn State is back practicing in the mornings now, a schedule that they’ll keep throughout the season. Classes begin Monday and come Sept. 5 in Beaver Stadium, everyone will begin to make judgments about this team and Penn State’s new era under Campbell.

“I think we’re going to keep learning a lot about this football team and I hate to tell you, but even through the first part of the season,” Campbell said. “I think we’re all going through each phase of this uniquely for the first time. The challenge is I’d love to tell you what I think we are, but I don’t know.”

Penn State will scrimmage again this Saturday and then use practices next week up until Wednesday to help figure out and solidify what this team looks like before shifting into a game week.

“These types of practices are what brings us closer together,” said quarterback Rocco Becht.

Here’s what’s on my mind after a jam-packed afternoon of interviews over in the football building: