A Win Could Turn Tables for James Franklin Against His Critics

© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Once again, the No. 6 Penn State Nittany Lions (13-2, 8-1) head coach James Franklin has another opportunity to quiet his critics against the No. 7 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (13-2) in the Orange Bowl.

James Franklin Feud with Fan

Penn State suffered another disappointing loss weeks earlier to the No. 6 Ohio State Buckeyes (12-2, 7-2) in a 20-13 setback at Happy Valley. At the end of the game, Franklin had a verbal dispute with a fan as his team was walking off the field (not for the first time, either). Franklin coaches for one of the most passionate fan bases in college football, and far and away the most crazed north of the Mason-Dixon Line and west of the Pennsylvania-Ohio state border. He is going to be called out with much criticism. Let’s face it: Penn State has fans in big sports cities like Philadelphia. New York and Boston. That’s a dangerous recipe that will bring tons of scolding, and when you have a 1-10 record against the Buckeyes, you’re going to hear it from the fans and media.

Staying Disciplined

The scolding could become even greater if Penn State is not a disciplined team in the Orange Bowl. If you take away the penalties from the College Football Playoff to make the playing field more even with other Big Ten teams, then Penn State sits among the top half of teams penalized in the conference at 64.

If you count the penalties from the two College Football Playoff games, the Nittany Lions have totaled 80. Coincidentally, the Irish have totaled 86 penalties this season. Early on in the Big Ten Championship game, the Nittany Lions were marred by face mask penalties and an unsportsmanlike call that hurt them. Those same penalties absolutely cannot happen against the Irish. 

Now, against another threat in the Fighting Irish, how will Franklin respond? Some of the best sports minds around the country believe Notre Dame will win this game simply because Franklin cannot win big games (see video above, skip to 21:28 to hear New York talk-show host Mike Francesa's CFP opinions). That task could become more difficult if edge rusher Abdul Carter can’t play on Thursday. Carter is one of the most impactful players in the country and losing him could almost guarantee a win for Notre Dame. Another “big game” looms large for Franklin and his staff to advance to the National Championship game in Atlanta, Ga.