By Ryan Evan Schroat
It has been well documented that James Franklin struggles in big games. This season is a perfect example: Their two biggest games were losses. Hosting Ohio State and the gift-wrapped Big Ten title appearance after the Buckeyes choked at home against Michigan. Penn State showed its worth in the 8-point loss to Oregon last weekend in Indianapolis. But as we know, close doesn’t matter.
Franklin is 13-28 against Top 25 opponents and a pathetic 3-20 against Top 10 teams. That’s exactly why critics don’t see PSU as an elite program and Franklin has admitted such. They will host 11th seed SMU this Saturday in Happy Valley. That avoids the 3-20 part but the game is still a must-win, nonetheless.
White Out in late December
Penn State hosting a college football playoff game will be something special to see. A clear home-field advantage should be another reason the Nittany Lions are favored over the Mustangs.
Penn State is an 8.5-point favorite for Saturday’s noon kickoff. The weather will favor PSU as well. High of 25 and kickoff temperature right around 20 with flurries possible during the day. That’s Big Ten football weather. This is a game PSU needs to win for many reasons. A Fiesta Bowl matchup with Boise State looms.
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Losing a key piece
Penn State backup QB Beau Pribula entered the transfer portal Sunday night and left Nittany Lion nation shocked and angry. While this isn’t a fatal blow, it does cause some controversy and issues with the offensive packages he was used in. Why so late? I’ve heard rumblings Drew Allar is thinking about returning due to not likely being a first-round draft pick. Also, Pribula can go somewhere else and get paid more and start. Can’t be mad at the decision, but timing is troubling. Either way, this will put a dent in some game-planning for SMU Saturday
Ultimately Penn State got a giant gift with its CFP path and it’s up to Franklin to figure out a way to make the semi-finals at the very least. Oregon and Ohio State could very well have to play each other again. This will be the year to take advantage of the system that likely changes next season. Penn State has the talent to get the job done; excuses have been too many. Close doesn’t count anymore for James Franklin
