After James Franklin was fired, Terry Smith took over Penn State as the interim head coach. The early games didn’t show much impact, but in the last two matchups against Nebraska and Michigan State, everyone witnessed the dominance of Terry Smith and his Penn State squad.

As interim coach Terry Smith did his on-field interview, several players clustered behind him holding signs that read, "Hire Terry Smith." Moments earlier, Smith walked to midfield to shake hands with Matt Rhule -- the coach who gave him his first FBS opportunity at Temple more than a decade ago.

Open the Youtube video The Penn State football team has one more game left in the 2025 season, and it’s an important one. The team needs to win on Saturday against Rutgers to reach bowl eligibility after a disastrous season.

PennLive’s Max Ralph and Bob Flounders react to Terry Smith’s Monday press conference ahead of Penn State’s road trip to face Rutgers on Saturday. Smith was asked if he believes Penn State’s senior players want to play in a bowl game if the Lions finish 6-6. Bob and Max discuss Smith’s response.

Allen surpassed Evan Royster for the most rushing yards in Penn State history, while Smith received massive support from his team to become the program's next head coach after the 37-10 win.

Rutgers season ends with close loss to Penn State

Penn State interim head coach Terry Smith described the defense’s performance Saturday night as “horrible.” But linebacker Amare Campbell and nickel back Zion Tracy made two game-changing plays in the final eight minutes that enabled the Nittany Lions to turn back Rutgers 40-36 at SHI Stadium.