The excitement is palpable as Coach James Franklin and his Penn State Nittany Lions are gearing up to face Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl semifinal. After an impressive season, the team secured a sixth seed in the College Football Playoff. However, there’s a cloud looming over this achievement: Franklin’s tough history against top teams. With a record of just 1-15 against AP top-five opponents, many fans are wondering if this year could finally signal a change in fortune for him and the Nittany Lions.
There’s No Sugarcoating It
James Franklin has faced criticism over the years, especially because of his struggles in high-stakes games. His record against top-10 teams shows that he’s had a challenging time leading his squad to victory in critical matchups. Just to highlight how tough it’s been:
- Franklin holds a 4-19 overall record against top-10 AP teams.
- In top-10 matchups while his team is also ranked, he has a 3-10 record.
- His only win against a top-5 CFP-ranked opponent came back in 2016 against No. 2 Ohio State.
It’s a Mark That Saw a Small but Significant Boost
Despite this record, Franklin has achieved numerous successes during his time with Penn State. Earlier this year, he celebrated his 100th win with the team—a huge milestone! Plus, this current season has brought some much-needed positivity, including the Nittany Lions’ victory against No. 8 Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl. These moments show that while he’s had struggles, there are also bright spots in his coaching journey.
Now Franklin is Two Wins Away from the School’s First National Championship Since the 1986 Season
With the upcoming matchup against Notre Dame, Franklin has a chance to rewrite his legacy. Winning this game would mean a shot at the national championship, something that hasn’t been achieved at Penn State since 1986. That’s a long wait for a school known for its storied football history! The stakes couldn’t be higher, and fans are hopeful that this could be the turning point Franklin needs.
Franklin ‘Understands’ Fans’ Frustration
Franklin knows that many fans feel disappointment at his team’s performance against top rivals. It’s important for him to connect with the supporters who have been there through thick and thin. He acknowledges their frustrations while also encouraging them to look at the bigger picture of what he and his coaching team have been building. Goals are not always met overnight, and sometimes, great things take time.
Despite His Struggles Against Top Teams
Even with his shaky record, Franklin has still managed to bring Penn State to the forefront of college football. His leadership has led to five top-10 finishes and a Big Ten title. These accomplishments, though overlooked sometimes, highlight a significant turnaround in the program’s culture and competitiveness. It’s evident that there’s a strong foundation being built for the future.
What Franklin Has Accomplished So Far is Often Overshadowed by What He Hasn’t
Success is not only measured by numbers in the win-loss column. Franklin has fostered a more robust culture at Penn State that focuses on teamwork, effort, and development. Penn State athletic director Patrick Kraft has publicly backed Franklin, emphasizing the overall growth that Penn State has seen under his leadership. This reassurance plays a big role in Franklin’s fight to achieve more, not just for himself but for the entire program.
One Current Big Ten Head Coach Shared Thoughts on Expectations
Another Big Ten coach commented that expectations for Franklin should match the resources he has to work with. This implies that while expectations for winning are high, they must also reflect the realities of building a competitive team. Franklin’s challenge is not only to win but also to develop young athletes into future champions.
Future Meetings with Top Teams Remain Critical
The upcoming game against Notre Dame will not just be crucial for the Orange Bowl; it will also impact how fans and critics view Franklin’s capability as a coach moving forward. There’s a lot of anticipation around the game, and it’s a chance for Franklin and his players to show what they are truly made of.
| Team | Record Against Top-10 | Notable Win |
|---|---|---|
| Penn State | 4-19 | Vs. Boise State |
| James Franklin | 1-15 (top-5) | Vs. Ohio State (2016) |
