Penn State's Terry Smith wants to be considered for the permanent role originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Interim coach Terry Smith says he wants the permanent job at Penn State, and the longtime assistant may soon get his formal chance to make that case.

Former Penn State quarterback Michael Robinson backs Smith's candidacy to become the Nittany Lions' next head coach.

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.

Player support, on-field momentum and a looming formal interview are pushing Terry Smith closer to Penn State’s full-time job.

Nebraska is led by third-year head coach Matt Rhule, a Penn State alumnus and State College area native. The Cornhuskers, much like Penn State, are onto their backup quarterback after starter Dylan Raiola sustained a season-ending injury.

“Yeah, the buy-in has been awesome,” interim head coach Terry Smith said. He offered an example of “one of our older guys” who asked Smith if Penn State had plans to practice the first weekend of December because he has a family conflict. The Lions need to beat the Cornhuskers and then Rutgers in the regular season finale to become bowl eligible.