For most college football programs, a playoff victory and a 12-win season would confirm that 2024 is a standout year. However, Penn State and coach James Franklin are still under pressure to silence critics as they prepare for a Fiesta Bowl clash with Boise State.
On Saturday, Penn State not only defeated SMU, a newly recognized Power Four team from the ACC, but they also dominated the game. Still, the 38-10 scoreline could be overshadowed by SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings’ struggles, including three significant interceptions—two of which were returned for touchdowns—detracting from Penn State’s achievement.
In playoff scenarios, securing a win is paramount; the goal is to survive and advance in the 12-team College Football Playoff system, which is precisely what Penn State accomplished. They won, even with their star quarterback Drew Allar completing just 13 of 22 passes for 127 yards, showcasing that the team didn’t rely heavily on him.
While their earlier season victory over USC has lost prestige due to the Trojans’ disappointing finish, and their win against then-ranked No. 19 Illinois now seems less impressive, a playoff victory against a No. 10 ranked (11 seed) team undeniably qualifies as a “big win” for both Penn State and Franklin.
However, it’s important to note that Penn State was favored and playing at home. If they follow this victory with a loss to a Group of 5 team, even one led by a Heisman candidate, critics of Franklin will likely highlight his inconsistent record in “big” games, arguing that Penn State missed another chance to elevate from a solid program to one of the elite in college football.
Franklin’s win over SMU marked his 100th victory at Penn State, bringing his overall record to 100-41. Nonetheless, the prevailing narrative around him will persist unless he can secure win No. 101 and claim the Fiesta Bowl trophy in Arizona.
Franklin’s record against top 12 opponents since 2018 stands at just 2-15, a significant factor in the context of a 12-team playoff. Many of these losses have come against Big Ten rivals like Michigan and Ohio State, including a defeat this season against the Buckeyes, contributing to his lone conference title and the necessity for an expanded playoff system to compete for a national championship.
Like any good coach, Franklin isn’t dwelling on past setbacks with future opportunities ahead. He also isn’t overly focused on the upcoming big game, which will take place away from home and in an atmosphere reminiscent of major bowl games, albeit with heightened stakes this year.
Franklin likely understands that a loss as a significant favorite (-11 according to DraftKings) to Boise State would dampen the excitement of the home playoff win for many fans. Fair or not, the criticism is that Franklin tends to beat weaker teams but struggles against equals or underdogs, a trend that would be underscored if Penn State fails to progress on New Year’s Eve in Glendale, Arizona.
