Penn State Drops Big Game, Franklin's Future Uncertain

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Post on Nov 03, 2024

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Penn State Drops Big Game, Franklin's Future Uncertain: A Look at the Nittany Lions' Struggles

The 2023 season hasn't gone as planned for Penn State football. After a disappointing loss to Michigan State, the Nittany Lions suffered another crushing defeat, falling to their rivals, the Ohio State Buckeyes, in a game that highlighted their offensive woes and raised questions about the future of head coach James Franklin.

A Struggling Offense and a Familiar Narrative

The Buckeyes, with their explosive offense led by star quarterback C.J. Stroud, showcased the gap in talent and execution between the two programs. Penn State's offense, once again, struggled to generate consistency and big plays, leaving fans wondering if the program can truly compete with the top teams in the Big Ten.

The Nittany Lions' struggles can be attributed to a few key factors:

• Quarterback play: While Sean Clifford has been a steady presence for the program, his limitations have become apparent. The lack of a dynamic, play-making quarterback has hampered the offense's ability to consistently move the ball downfield.
• Offensive line woes: The offensive line has been inconsistent, failing to provide adequate protection for Clifford and create space for the running game. This inconsistency has hindered the offense's rhythm and has made it difficult to establish a strong offensive identity.
• Lack of a deep threat: The absence of a true deep threat receiver has limited the passing game's explosiveness. This has allowed opposing defenses to focus on stopping the run, making it difficult for Penn State to find success through the air.

Franklin's Future Under Scrutiny

The back-to-back losses have reignited the debate surrounding James Franklin's future in Happy Valley. While Franklin has consistently built strong teams and achieved success in the regular season, the inability to consistently contend for conference championships and a lack of success in bowl games has put his job security in question.

Here's a breakdown of the arguments for and against Franklin:

Arguments for Franklin:

• Recruiting success: Franklin has consistently brought in top-ranked recruiting classes, ensuring a steady flow of talent to the program.
• Regular season success: The Nittany Lions have consistently been in the hunt for the Big Ten title, often finishing with strong regular season records.
• Strong culture: Franklin has fostered a winning culture within the program, evident in the players' dedication and commitment.

Arguments against Franklin:

• Inability to win big games: Despite strong regular seasons, the Nittany Lions have struggled to win crucial games against top opponents, especially in the Big Ten Championship and bowl games.
• Offensive shortcomings: The offense has been inconsistent and has often struggled to keep up with high-powered offenses, a recurring problem that has hampered the team's ability to win big games.
• Lack of a championship pedigree: While Franklin has built a successful program, the lack of a national championship or a Big Ten title raises questions about his ability to guide Penn State to the next level.

What's Next for Penn State?

The Nittany Lions have a crucial game against Minnesota coming up, a game that will have major implications for their bowl aspirations. The team needs to find a way to improve their offense and address the weaknesses that have plagued them.

Whether Franklin can overcome the recent struggles and lead Penn State to a successful season remains to be seen. However, the upcoming games will be crucial in determining the future of the program and the head coach's place in it. The pressure is mounting, and Franklin will need to find a way to rally his team and deliver results.