Penn State’s 2024 season remains a rollercoaster of highs and lows, largely defined by James Franklin’s ongoing challenge to lead his team to victory in high-stakes games. In their recent loss to Ohio State, Penn State’s offense faltered in critical moments, highlighting a familiar pattern in Franklin’s tenure — success against lesser opponents but difficulty with top-ranked teams.
James Franklin’s Challenge at Penn State
James Franklin has been at Penn State for over a decade, turning the Nittany Lions into a consistently strong team that wins games they’re expected to win. Against top-tier competition, however, the story is different. Franklin’s record against top-five teams remains a sore spot, with a string of losses that frustrate fans and raise questions about his ability to elevate Penn State to championship status. This Ohio State game continued that trend, showing both the strengths and limitations of the program under Franklin’s leadership.
The Impact of the Ohio State Game
This recent game against Ohio State was one of the most anticipated matches of the season, bringing 111,030 fans to Penn State’s Beaver Stadium. It was a prime opportunity for Franklin to prove that his team could compete with the nation’s best. However, despite a close score of 20-13, Penn State failed to capitalize on several critical moments, including two drives that stalled at Ohio State’s 3-yard line. Fans were left disappointed as they watched their team struggle to break through the Buckeyes’ defense.
Missed Opportunities on the Field
One of the most frustrating aspects of the game was Penn State’s lack of offensive creativity in key moments. The team had a first-and-goal from the 3-yard line but couldn’t score after running three near-identical plays. This lack of innovation on offense left fans questioning the coaching staff’s approach in high-stakes situations. As the game clock ticked down, Penn State found itself unable to catch up to Ohio State, resulting in yet another missed opportunity to make a statement against a top-tier opponent.
A Familiar Story for Penn State Fans
For Penn State fans, this loss to Ohio State felt all too familiar. Under Franklin, the Nittany Lions have been consistently competitive, but they struggle to win the games that would truly elevate the program. Franklin’s record against Big Ten powerhouses Ohio State and Michigan is 0-7 in recent years, while his overall record against other teams is strong. This contrast highlights the frustration of Penn State fans, who see their team succeed in most games but falter in the ones that matter most.
A New Hope with the Expanded College Football Playoff
Despite the disappointment of the Ohio State game, there’s reason for optimism. The new 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP) format, set to begin this season, gives teams like Penn State a better chance to compete for a national title. Under the old four-team playoff system, a loss like this might have ended Penn State’s playoff hopes. However, with a larger bracket, the Nittany Lions still have a clear path to the CFP, even after the Ohio State loss.
This expanded playoff format provides a safety net for strong teams that face tough competition throughout the season. Penn State, with only one loss, is still in a favorable position to make the playoffs as long as they avoid further setbacks. Franklin himself acknowledged this after the game, saying, “The reality of college football is everything is still ahead of us.” This perspective gives Penn State fans hope that this season could still end on a high note.
The Road Ahead for Penn State
Looking forward, Penn State’s focus will be on winning the remainder of their games to secure a spot in the CFP. The Nittany Lions need to maintain their strong performance against less challenging teams and avoid any more losses. With the expanded playoff format, Penn State’s chances of competing for a national title are much better than in previous years. The team could even end up hosting a playoff game at Beaver Stadium if they secure a high enough seed.
Franklin’s Legacy and the Pressure to Win
James Franklin’s legacy at Penn State may be defined by his performance in this new playoff era. While his record against top-five teams has been a point of criticism, the expanded CFP provides more opportunities for Penn State to prove itself on a national stage. Franklin has built a solid program at Penn State, with an impressive overall record. However, the pressure to win meaningful games remains, and the CFP format may increase scrutiny on his ability to lead Penn State to a national title.
At a salary of nearly $9 million per year, Franklin faces high expectations from both fans and the administration. While his job may not be in immediate jeopardy, a strong performance in the CFP could solidify his position and validate his approach. Conversely, another disappointing playoff run could amplify calls for change. The expanded CFP creates a new level of accountability for Franklin and other coaches, as success in this new format will be a significant measure of their ability.
What the Expanded CFP Means for College Football
The new 12-team playoff format represents a turning point in college football, making it possible for teams like Penn State to compete for a national title despite occasional losses. This format allows for a more inclusive and balanced championship race, where strong programs have a chance to recover from tough games. For fans, the expanded playoff adds excitement and ensures that meaningful games continue into December.
For Penn State, this system could be a game-changer. In the past, a single loss often spelled the end of a team’s national title hopes. Now, with room for error, the Nittany Lions can focus on building momentum and improving throughout the season. The CFP format rewards resilience and consistency, qualities that Franklin’s teams have shown in abundance.
Conclusion: Penn State’s Future in the New CFP Era
Penn State’s loss to Ohio State may have been disappointing, but it doesn’t have to define the season. With the expanded College Football Playoff, the Nittany Lions still have a clear path to compete for a national title. James Franklin’s challenge is to guide his team through the remainder of the season without further losses, ensuring a spot in the playoff bracket.
For fans, the expanded CFP offers renewed hope that this season could end differently from previous years. While Penn State has struggled against top-ranked teams, the new playoff format gives the Nittany Lions a chance to compete at the highest level. Franklin’s legacy at Penn State may ultimately be shaped by his performance in the CFP, and this season could be a turning point for the program.
In the end, college football’s expanded playoff system benefits teams like Penn State, allowing them to stay in contention even after tough losses. As the season progresses, Franklin and his team have an opportunity to prove themselves and possibly make a run for the national title. For Penn State and its passionate fan base, the journey is far from over, and the best may still be yet to come.
