Penn State fans know there’s something new in the air of Happy Valley. They can feel it, you can feel it; this looks like a season where James Franklin might win the National Championship. It’s like the campus is just gearing up for that coveted trophy to finally make its way here after 1986. Everyone knows that Franklin will showcase a squad that’s already hard to find fault in. However, this is Penn State after all. Franklin has to go over one major hurdle to get his hands on that glittering Natty.
Almost every preseason ranking or list ranks Penn State right at the top. James Franklin has a star QB in Drew Allar, an excellent offense, and a stellar defense. Given the strength of his team, there technically shouldn’t be anything in the season that should be capable of stopping it in their run to the National Championship. Being the best team in the Big 10 right now, Franklin has everything that will help PSU register an impressive season. “This is the best roster Penn State’s had on paper in James Franklin’s tenure,” Brad Crawford said in a July 21 appearance on CBS Sports HQ.
“They’re able to convince essentially all of their top-end juniors to return besides Abdul Carter at the EDGE, [a] top-five pick. And that starts with Drew, our 2000-yard rushers and [Nic] Singleton and Katron Allen,” Crawford added. On the other side of the ball, Franklin will sport a defense orchestrated by Jim Knowles. That unit will feature stars like Zane Durant and Dani- Dennis Sutton. But, this is James Franklin, after all. And fans know what could always be a threat this season too: his record against ranked teams. Crawford named the only team worthy of giving Penn State a run for its money.
NCAA, College League, USA Football 2025: College Football Playoff Semifinal Capital One Orange Bowl Notre Dame vs Penn State JAN 09 January 09, 2025: Penn State quarterback Drew Allar 15 passes the ball during NCAA football game action between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Penn State Nittany Lions at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. John Mersits/CSM. Credit Image: Â John Mersits/Cal Media EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xx ZUMA-20250109_zma_c04_324.jpg JohnxMersitsx csmphotothree342883
“Ohio State has been James Franklin’s nemesis. And then Nittany Lions have to go to Columbus in November, which I think Jacqueline is the first of two matchups we’re going to see between Penn State and Ohio State this season,” the expert noted. There is no reason for Franklin to miss the playoffs. Not with this impressive squad. They will face an equally commendable Ohio State Buckeyes, who are vying for a 2nd consecutive natty. Franklin is yet to register a win against OSU since Ryan Day took the HC job. And because Ohio State features in the Top 5 as usual, Franklin’s inability to win big games kept the natty away from them.
Franklin has to beat Ohio State – probably twice – and win the national championship, in that order. With this squad, he can afford no slip-ups. This highly-anticipated game will decide who gets to rule the Big 10, and ultimately claim the league’s title too.
James Franklin to beat Ryan Day in Big 10 Championship game
With Oregon’s season outlook having dimmed a little this season, it opens the way for either PSU os Ohio State to face off against each other once again, in the Big 10 championship. They sound like the most probable contenders for the title. But like we said, the air is different at Happy Valley. Sure, Franklin can once again fail and continue his losing streak against ranked teams. But this year could be the year that comes to a stop.
Big 10 media’s preseason poll is out, and voting members have made their pick. Penn State is the favorite to win the Big 10 championship, and is ranked the No. 1 team. James Franklin has 11 first-place votes, which means a confirmed seat in the playoffs. He did it last year, too, but OSU was the dominator then. Now, the tables have been flipped. Ohio State will also feature in the playoffs, no doubt. But the Big 10 championship might not be coming their way this year. What James Franklin returns with, most importantly this season, is seniors. Penn State has not lost any formidable players. Ohio State, on the other hand, will debut some entirely new faces.
James Franklin has the elements in play to go to the final mile. It won’t be easy for him to get there, as his nagging problem decides to present itself once again. But college fans would know that this time, it’s all possible for the HC.
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