How Penn State football's Terry Smith's experience proved he 'can truly do this job'

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Terry Smith is the latest example of how experience can be the best teacher.

Penn State football's interim head coach just won his third consecutive game, a 40-36 victory over Rutgers to be bowl eligible with a 6-6 overall record. It was Smith's sixth game leading the Nittany Lions, and potentially his last in such a position as AD Pat Kraft may name a permanent head coach at any time.

Smith was asked about what the last few weeks have meant, knowing that his time could be coming to an end in State College. His response was one of confidence, but experience as well.

"It taught me that I know I can truly do this job," Smith said about being a head coach. "It taught me the role of one of the biggest jobs in college. I taught me that I have a special bond with people and players, and when I go forward in coaching, I have to take advantage of that.

"That's why they let me chew Zion Tracy out, and he's staring down my throat because he knows I love him and give him the proper correction."

Smith further elaborated on his experience when he was asked about Penn State's fourth-down conversion in the fourth quarter, which ultimately sealed the victory. He said he learned his lesson from the Indiana game, where the Nittany Lions gave the ball back to the Hoosiers, which gave them a chance to win the game.

"We all learn from experience," Smith said. "I'm a ton better coach than I was the night of Iowa, and a ton better than Indiana. We shouldn't have given the ball back then, and I said 'We're not gonna do that tonight.' It worked out for us. Nothing better than going into victory formation."

When asked about any updates on the coaching search, Smith said there was "no timetable" from Kraft. Players and fans alike have campaigned for Smith to be the permanent head coach. Most have at least expressed personal support for Smith, like senior linebacker Dominic DeLuca.

"He's a hell of a dude," DeLuca said. "Anything he does in his future endeavors, I'll have his back no matter what. Whether it's here or somewhere else, he's gonna make it. He's gonna make a name for himself."

If this is the end of the Terry Smith head coaching era at Penn State, he will be remembered fondly by Nittany nation.

This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Penn State football's Terry Smith believes he 'can do this job'