By Sean Labar
James Franklin hasn’t been able to lead Penn State football into the upper-tier of the Big Ten and Saturday’s home loss against Ohio State felt like the same old narrative.
The Buckeyes have now beaten the Nittany Lions 8-straight times and in 12 of the last 14 meetings.
It’s no surprise, Penn State fans have taken to social media to call for Franklin’s job.
Since taking over in 2014, he’s put together rosters that had the fans finally believing they could play with big boys but it’s been a roller coaster ride full of highs and lows. After average seasons (at best) in 2020 and 2021, the Nittany Lions finished 2022 (11-2) and 2023 with a (10-3) record. But this is a fan base who expects to compete for national championships, and so far, Franklin hasn’t gotten his squad close enough to contention.
Sure, the Nittany Lions have closed out their past two seasons with trips to solid bowl games, but the fan base is tired of that. They want more.
James Franklin’s Message For Penn State Fans After Ohio State Loss Will Make Them Angrier
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In recent years, a loss like this against Ohio State may have knocked the Nittany Lions out of contention for a national title, with only four teams going to the College Football Playoff over the last several seasons.
But 2024 is different. The College Football Playoff has expanded to a 12-team format, so even with the tough loss, Penn State still has a great chance of getting in.
But in a recent press conference, Franklin addressed the Penn State fan base and gave a similar message he’s given in past seasons:
I understand their frustration. Guys in the locker room are just as frustrated, if not more, but college football has changed and we have an opportunity moving forward to right some wrongs from today, and that’s what we are going to focus on.”
While he’s right, the fans won’t be thrilled to hear it. They want to see a team that can beat Ohio State and win the Big Ten. Sure, the Nittany Lions still have a great chance of making the College Football Playoff, but even if so, is this a team that can truly win it all?
“Nobody is looking in the mirror harder than I am. I’ve said this before, but 99% of the programs across college football would die to do what we’ve been able to do in our time here,” Franklin said.
Penn State will likely make the College Football Playoff, but unless the Nittany Lions make some kind of magical run, the narrative surrounding Franklin will be the same.
Sooner or later he needs to win a big game in a big moment.
