TIM WEIGHT/Special to the Sun-Gazette Penn State interim coach Terry Smith congratulates his players during Penn State’s game at Beaver Stadium against Nebraska. Smith expects “to sit down” with Penn State athletic direcot Pat Kraft soon regarding an official interview to be Penn State’s next coach.

Last week Terry Smith said he had not yet received a formal interview with athletic director Pat Kraft for the head-coaching position, vacated when James Franklin was fired on Oct. 12.

Brandon Marcello of CBS Sports reported Sunday that Smith will be interviewed this week.

Though he didn’t confirm specifics, Smith said he was confident he’d have an opportunity to sit down with Kraft, and “we’ll just go from there.”

He did not shy away from reiterating his desire to be the Nittany Lions’ head coach but is trying to stay on task.

“Right now, my focus is just trying to beat Rutgers and become bowl eligible,” he said. “Obviously, I would like to be the head coach here.”

Asked why he thought he’s the best candidate, he said: “No one knows Penn State better than me. I know the history, the culture, the DNA. I know the locker room. I know administration. I think I’m a good leader, I think I’m a leader of men.”

And, finally, asked why he’s become more intentional in advocating for the position, he said: “If I don’t speak for myself, who will?”

Fans chanted his name after Saturday night’s 37-10 win over Nebraska. Broadcasting with NBC, former Lion quarterback and captain Michael Robinson strongly endorsed Smith and said he’s spoken with “hundreds of alumni and former players,” who feel the same way.

Smith said that support “means everything to me.”

The early signing period for recruits is Dec. 3-5, which underscores some urgency on PSU’s search.

Scouting Rutgers

The Knights weren’t gifted any favors by the Big Ten to close the season with No. 1 Ohio State and Penn State.

Rutgers was whipped in Columbus, 42-9, on Saturday. Greg Schiano, the former PSU assistant, is 99-107 in his second stint at Rutgers, covering 16 seasons.

“They’re hungry, fighting for postseason, just like us,” Smith said. “I’m excited to face Coach Schiano. He was a coach on staff when I played here, so I know him very well.”

Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis has thrown for 2,705 yards and has a touchdown-interception ratio of 17-7. Antwan Raymond is has rushed for 1,000 yards.

The Knights have struggled on defense, uncharacteristically under Schiano, and are ranked 129th against the run.

Bowling?

Upperclassmen with an eye on the NFL have been known to opt-out of bowl games — especially lesser games for .500 teams.

Smith said he’s confident the majority of PSU players would elect to participate in a bowl if the Lions win Saturday and are invited.

“I would anticipate our guys are going to play,” he said. “I’m sure there may be a one-off or two-off here or there, with some type of circumstance. We’ll just work through that.”

Holiday bonding

Smith opened the press conference by wishing the media a “happy Thanksgiving.”

Kaytron Allen, who broke PSU’s all-time rushing record last week and is now closing in on 4,000 yards (he needs 46 more), told the story Saturday night of spending a Thanksgiving with Smith.

Because Allen had no family in town, Smith drove him to Pittsburgh for a meal with Smith’s extended family, which included former Lion backup running back Tank Smith.

It tightened their bond.

“Kaytron saw me in a different light,” Smith said. “He saw me with my entire family. And it’s really good for our young people to be able to see us as role models differently than coaches. See us with our kids, see us with our families. From that day forward, Kaytron and I became (close), and we have a different relationship now.”

NOTABLE

• Smith thinks tight end Andrew Rappleyea has improved the overall play of the offensive line, which played its best game of the season vs. Nebraska. Smith said: “He’s a road grader.”

• True freshmen linebackers Alex Tatsch and LaVar Arrington II, who plays special teams, burned their redshirts vs. the Huskers. Smith said both families were consulted in the decision.

• Smith remains in frequent touch with Franklin, saying Franklin texted him good luck and congratulations before and after the Nebraska game.