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James Franklin of Penn State: The New Year Begins Now

The Nittany Lions long for a postseason trip in 2024. There isn’t much time to celebrate a 42-0 victory over Michigan State after arriving.

James Franklin, the coach of Penn State, felt that Friday night’s game at Ford Field in Detroit was a success for both sides. After falling to the Nittany Lions 42-0, Michigan State might not have agreed, but Franklin cherished it. Before departing, Franklin said something that will mean a lot more to Penn State football in a year.

It’s good to be trending at the right time, I think we’re playing some of our best football right now,” Franklin said to reporters at Ford Field. “But we’ll save that for next year. We’ve performed well enough this year to win ten games and, ideally, qualify for and perform well in a New Year’s Six bowl game. With everything that has changed in college football over the last five years, I believe that this time around it will likely be more difficult than in the past. Again, though, I’m proud.”

Penn State finished with a 10-2 regular season, which was Franklin’s fifth in the previous eight years, thanks to a strong showing against a struggling squad. Once more, Michigan State is starting from scratch. Penn State, meanwhile, is adjusting following a two-year run in which it defeated every opponent it faced in the regular season save Michigan and Ohio State, going 20-0. The Lions’ record against them was 0–4.

Franklin stated that he intends to meet via Zoom this weekend with potential offensive coordinators for this reason. Ty Howle and Ja’Juan Seider did a good job filling in for the starters, especially on Friday when the Nittany Lions scored a season-high 586 yards of offense. For Year 11, though, when the Lions hope to be in the conversation for a spot in the 12-team playoffs, Franklin has bigger plans in mind.

Over the previous eight years, Penn State may have been the only team to gain from an expanded College Football Playoff. From 2016 to 19, in 2022, and most likely this season, the Lions would have qualified for the 12-team playoffs. As per Fox Sports, Penn State has topped the nation in wins since 2017 even without winning a conference championship. For Penn State, qualifying for the 2024 College Football Playoff is essential.

At his midweek media availability in State College, Franklin explained what he’ll be looking for in those Zoom calls. A proven track record as a play-caller matters, as do success rates on third down and with explosive plays. As always, relationships matter, too. But Franklin also is looking for someone with established success in big games. Beating Michigan State 42-0 is lovely. Franklin wants more.

Franklin gave an explanation of what he will be searching for in those Zoom calls during his midweek media availability in State College. It matters to have a track record of success calling plays, especially on third down and with explosive plays. As usual, relationships are also important. However, Franklin is also searching for a player who has a track record of winning big games. It’s nice to defeat Michigan State 42-0. Franklin is craving more.

During his midweek media appearance in State College, Franklin provided an explanation of the things he will be looking for in those Zoom calls. It is important to have experience calling plays, particularly explosive plays and on third down. Relationships are important, as always. But Franklin is also looking for a player who has experience winning close games. It’s good to win 42-0 against Michigan State. Franklin is hankering after more.

Franklin was questioned following the game about whether Penn State felt vindicated as a result of the victory, particularly in light of his team’s offensive output. Despite not agreeing with the premise of the question, he answered it nonetheless. Franklin’s response was a mix of anticipation and satisfaction with what Penn State has managed to do this year.

Franklin declared, “We won 10 games this season.” There aren’t many programs in the nation that can accomplish that. We’ve carried it out in consecutive seasons. I’m really happy with our accomplishments. Do I accept and understand that there are incredibly high expectations in this place? All of that [about vindication] is up for debate, but no one has higher expectations than the coaches and players. However, I’m proud of this team’s performance tonight and our overall consistency so far this season. However, there are undoubtedly certain actions we must take. I have no doubt that we will act aggressively and take those actions.”

“We won 10 games this season,” Franklin said. Few programs across the country are able to achieve that. We’ve done it in succeeding seasons. I’m quite pleased with what we’ve accomplished. Do I acknowledge and accept that this place has extraordinarily high expectations? It’s all debatable [about vindication], but the players and coaches have the highest standards. Nonetheless, I’m pleased with this team’s performance tonight and our season-long consistency thus far. Still, there are definitely some things we need to do. We will act decisively and take those steps, I’m sure of it.”