James Franklin one-ups Brian Kelly with handling of Penn State’s continued struggles in big games
Adversity is a guaranteed problem for any sports team, but how a coach handles it can define their career. While the Penn State Nittany Lions and LSU Tigers share little in common, the two are also strangely connected: neither of their head coaches can get over the big game hump. James Franklin and Brian Kelly […]
Adversity is a guaranteed problem for any sports team, but how a coach handles it can define their career. While the Penn State Nittany Lions and LSU Tigers share little in common, the two are also strangely connected: neither of their head coaches can get over the big game hump. James Franklin and Brian Kelly continue to produce talented rosters with household names and high expectations, but struggle to overcome defining moments.
That said, the two handle their business in very different ways. While Kelly has the tendency to go scorched earth on his players, including recently, and the media, Franklin has taken a more tactful route. He again opted for the right words in the aftermath of losing to Oregon in double overtime last week.
While words don’t win titles, Penn State should feel more confident in its future than Kelly’s Tigers likely do.
James Franklin takes the blame after dropping top 10 matchup
In front of a raucous “White Out” crowd at Beaver Stadium, Penn State’s hopes for a signature win were dashed in double overtime as the third-ranked Nittany Lions fell 30-24 to No. 6 Oregon. The loss not only stung emotionally but also added another chapter to a troubling trend under head coach James Franklin.
“I get that narrative and it’s really not a narrative — it’s factual. It’s the facts,” Franklin said. “I try to look at the entire picture and what we’ve been able to do here. But at the end of the day, we got to find a way to win those games. I totally get it. And I take ownership. I take responsibility.”
Franklin, now in his 12th season at the helm in Happy Valley, acknowledged the growing frustration among the Penn State faithful. “I get it,” he said postgame. “They’re passionate. When we win, there’s nothing better. When we lose, there’s nothing worse.”
The defeat dropped Franklin’s record against Associated Press top-10 opponents to 4-21, including a staggering 1-18 mark against top-10 teams from within the Big Ten. According to ESPN Research, his .160 winning percentage in such matchups ranks among the worst for any head coach at a single school with at least 25 games played since the AP poll era began in 1936.
Saturday’s game nearly saw Penn State pull off its largest fourth-quarter comeback since 2016, when the Nittany Lions stunned No. 2 Ohio State. Trailing 17-3, senior quarterback Drew Allar led two consecutive touchdown drives to force overtime. Penn State struck first in the extra period, but Oregon responded with back-to-back touchdowns, the second coming immediately in double overtime. On the ensuing play, Allar’s pass was intercepted by Dillon Thieneman, sealing the Ducks’ dramatic victory.
Despite the setback, Franklin emphasized that one game—or even a handful—shouldn’t define the program’s trajectory. “I’m not going to allow a few losses to define my career or what we’ve built here,” he said. “There are a ton of positives.
James Franklin Career Head Coaching Stats
- Overall Record: 128–57 (.692 win percentage)
- Penn State Record (2014–2025): 104–43
- Vanderbilt Record (2011–2013): 24–14
- Bowl Record: 8–7
- Record vs. Ranked Opponents: 16–36
- Record vs. AP Top-10 Teams: 4–26
- Big Ten Championships: 1 (2016)
- College Football Playoff Appearances: 1 (2024–25 season)
Franklin’s tenure has been marked by consistent regular-season success and strong recruiting, but the inability to win marquee matchups continues to cloud his legacy. With key games still ahead this season, including a showdown with Ohio State, Franklin has another chance to rewrite the narrative.
