Is Penn State big enough in the Big Ten? James Franklin doesn't think so ...

James Franklin said, once more this week, that Penn State needs to get bigger.

He was talking about his defensive line, in particular, but all of his linemen, in general.

That was a postgame message following the Nittany Lions' crushing defeat at Michigan. He was asked to expound upon it Tuesday during his weekly press conference.

The Lions now prepare to face another run-heavy opponent Saturday in Minnesota. One with more dominating blockers and plow-driving tailbacks.

"Size is a tool, and size is a weapon," Franklin said.

He went on to analyze Michigan with star nose tackle Mazi Smith (337 pounds) and edge rusher Mike Morris (292 pounds) without mentioning names.

"They've got two 300-pounders or a 330-pound defensive tackle, a war daddy in there, and he's between two 255 or 270 pound defensive ends − that’s a problem," Franklin said. "There's some defenses we have played or have studied that do that. And don’t get me wrong, I really like our d-line room. But there are some guys who would help us and help themselves if they gained a few pounds.

"Size is a weapon and I would like to be bigger, really across both fronts."

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But is the real problem being bigger or just better? Penn State has been lauded as owning one of the better strength and conditioning programs in the nation, at least in terms of preparing its players for the NFL.

Previously, the Nittany Lions, at least in terms of recruitment and player development, have seemed to prefer quickness, speed and versatility to raw size and power under Franklin.

And yet size was an issue he pointed to after Penn State got mauled up front for more than 400 rushing yards by the Michigan Wolverines.

It was an intriguing and bit unexpected point to dwell on. The Wolverines' main defensive tackles, who average about 310 pounds per man, are certainly larger than Penn State's rotation (290-pound average). But the defensive ends are about a wash, with the Lions' rotation actually a bit bulkier per man (253 to 247 pounds).

The teams' offensive lines are pretty equal by the numbers too, starters on both ranging between 300 to about 310 pounds.

So who's undersized at Penn State?

Former 5-star recruit Chop Robinson, who's been the team's best rusher off the edge this season, is 240 pounds and could certainly bulk up. But he just arrived at Penn State this spring, as a transfer from Maryland, and is playing his first season as a regular in college.

Another 5-star recruit, Dani Dennis-Sutton, still looks lean at 253 pounds but, again, just arrived at Penn State as a true freshman this summer.

Veteran defensive tackle Hakeem Beamon certainly is small for a tackle at 265 pounds, but he has flexed between tackle and defensive end during his career. Promising prospect Zane Durant is only 276 pounds but still a true freshman.

Penn State senior nose tackle PJ Mustipher is listed at 318 pounds and is an All-America candidate − the playing equal to Michigan's Smith.

"There’s that fine line and sweet spot you have to find in terms of size you can put on that’s good weight, lean muscle mass," Franklin said. "So that they're as big and as strong as they can be and not putting on weight for weight’s sake."

The Nittany Lions are priming to sign three blue-chip offensive line prospects this December in 285-pound Alex Birchmeier, 290-pound J'Ven Williams and 310-pounder Anthony Donkoh. All are rated as elite 4-star prospects.

On defense, the Lions have verbal commitments from edge rushers Ta'Mere Robinson (225 pounds) and Jameial Lyons (255) and tackle Tyriq Blanding (275).

Frank Bodani covers Penn State football for the York Daily Record and USA Today Network. Contact him at  fbodani@ydr.com and follow him on Twitter @YDRPennState.

This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Penn State football: James Franklin in Big Ten vs. Minnesota White Out