James Franklin, with the wind at his back, really needs to make 2025 his version of the Penn State football program.
James Franklin and the Weight of Expectation
When you look at Penn State coach Franklin, a conflict starts to surface. While Bill O’Brien applied the bandage to the open wound caused by the Paterno era, Franklin actually stitched the wound and made football appreciably better than it was for a while. The coach endured that rough 14-12, beginning to enjoy double-digit wins over the next nine seasons.
Now, he elevated the program to the next level, re-establishing itself as a national power once again. However, with those plaudits comes a bit of a cynical eye. Why hasn’t Franklin taken the team to a national championship? Locked On College Football host Spencer McLaughlin gives his take on what he sees as a pivotal year in Penn State Football:
“Now or never, it really feels that way. Give me a season as a Penn State fan, either listening to or watching this show, that the Nittany Lions had a better chance of winning the national championship than they do this year. You have more players coming back than I thought there would be. What more are you looking for?”
McLaughlin clearly defines a point that many should make. Instead of needing to portal to jump for a quarterback this season, Franklin can rely on the exact one that he developed as a freshman.
Allar’s Last Chance
When you hear the term “unfinished business” in college sports, a level of cringe washes over you. Yet, Drew Allar really does, in his own estimation, need to return to Happy Valley. Right now, he is the best quarterback in the Big Ten, with the most game experience of many Power Four passers returning in the fall.
Franklin relied on Allar to bail him out of tough situations when Penn State could not boast the best wide receivers. Via social media, Allar discussed this need to leave on winning terms:
“This season has been the most fun I’ve ever had in my entire life playing football, and I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished as a team,” Allar said in a social media post. “I know there’s still more work to do, which is why I look forward to making more memories with my teammates this year and beyond. But right now, we are solely focused on the opportunity we have as a team in front of us.”
No Excuses
Armed with a favorable schedule that includes five of six games to begin the season at home, PSU can jump out to a lightning-fast start. The lone hiccup, welcoming Oregon to Pennsylvania on Sept. 27, looks like a tough game.
However, drawing the Ducks away from the friendly confines of Autzen Stadium almost levels the playing field. Moreover, hiring defensive coordinator Jim Knowles away from Ohio State actually gives that side of the ball a little more depth in coaching and execution.
With that said Franklin needs to finally defeat his eternal demon in Ohio State. On a yearly basis, it looks like the Lions would finally break through and grab control of the Big Ten.
However, one game against the Buckeyes completely derails that plan, seeing the team spin and sputter down the stretch. In all honesty, you cannot label the game as a rivalry when one team dominates. Nails don’t really claim rivalry with hammers.
Overview
Whether he wants to admit it or not, Franklin enjoys time but no excuses. Ohio State and Oregon will march behind two new quarterbacks. Meanwhile, Drew Allar, with a full grasp of the offense, grants PSU an advantage.
KEEP READING: James Franklin Called Top 10 Coach by Josh Pate Amid Transfer Portal Outburst
Furthermore, despite losing Abdul Carter to the NFL draft, Jim Knowles’ knowledge will actually improve the defense. Fans will no longer remain satisfied with a ten-win season and count that as a success. Now, it’s championship or bust.
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