James Franklin Continues to Answer That Same Question

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Penn State head coach James Franklin has needed to answer the same question since the Nittany Lions put together a thrilling 38-31 win against the Wisconsin Badgers on Dec. 3, 2016, in the Big Ten Championship Game. The question is this: Will he win a big game again? 

James Franklin Struggles in Big Games

Franklin has won "white-out games" at home against ranked teams and games earlier in the season in tough road environments. Still, when the opposition clicks on all cylinders, Franklin’s Nittany Lions have never been talented enough for the big games.

To look at it another way, they tend to “psych” themselves out of the moment (watch every Ohio State game since 2017). So, for some on the No. 3 Penn State team, a win against the No. 1-ranked Oregon Ducks will mean more than just winning the Amos Alonzo Stagg Championship Trophy. That goes to the winner of the Big Ten Championship game. And it will mean more than just getting a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff.

Fans Growing Restless

Some would say that looking back at that 2016 Penn State team that last won the Big Ten Championship was truly the best one in Franklin’s tenure. Why? Because that team didn’t just win the big one in Lucas Oil Stadium. They won it despite their head coach's lack of success in big games.

It seemed at the time when the Nittany Lions stood at the podium, in the middle of the field, that the game would serve as a coronation of sorts for Franklin. After all, this is the same football program that employed a head coach who lasted 45 years in Joe Paterno. It also seemed that longevity could be in play for Franklin. Maybe not for 45 years but certainly for some time.

Since then, it’s been an up-and-down relationship with the fans. "I understand the frustration," Franklin said after the Ohio State loss. "We get unbelievable support, you don't do that without passion." Fans are tired of the lopsided win-loss records against non-ranked teams versus ranked teams. A lot of times they'll show Franklin their displeasure as well.

The program has made tremendous strides in recruiting, fan support and overall success since the Jerry Sandusky scandal. Still, there is one outstanding part of Franklin’s coaching that needs to improve: Can he win the big games? Maybe this time next week, Franklin will be answering a different question.