The 12-team playoff system may have benefited Penn State coach James Franklin the most, but that does not mean he is prepared to take it easy.
In five of Franklin’s ten seasons, the Nittany Lions have won ten or more games, although they have never advanced to the four-team playoffs. They would have had a bye in addition to hosting a few playoff games in a 12-team tournament.
At Big Ten Media Days on Wednesday, Franklin said, “Obviously, a lot of people have made that statement and talked about that statistic, or that data, and that is great.” “For us, the most important thing is to figure out how to get Penn State into the best possible position to not only qualify for the playoffs but also to position ourselves favorably there? How can we position ourselves to get a first-week bye?
Penn State’s 2024 schedule certainly shapes up for a successful season, with Oregon, Washington, Michigan and Iowa off the schedule — and Ohio State at home.
How can we position ourselves to have a home game at Beaver Stadium if a bye is not an option? Franklin asked. This, given the time of year, would be a favorable position. That is our main concern.
Despite having a fantastic record (88-39) at Penn State, Franklin has not performed up to par while facing the best teams in the league. He is 3-17 versus the AP top 10 since taking over. Moreover, the Nittany Lions’ dismal offensive efforts cost them 20-12 against Ohio State and 24-15 against Michigan in 2023.
With transfer wide receiver Julian Fleming from Ohio State, new offensive coordinator, and quarterback Drew Allar, a Medina High School alum, entering his second season as the starter, the hope is that Penn State’s offense will be in a position to finally upset one of the best programs in the country.
If not, Franklin and the Nittany Lions will remain where they are.
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