James Franklin has a goal in mind. Just like every other top program before the start of the season: win the Natty. However, Penn State hasn’t had the best of times under Franklin. Of course, his record against Top 10 teams hasn’t helped, but this season, with a bit of luck, they have a chance. The highly ambitious Nittany Lions have a crucial third college football playoff game of the postseason against the Fighting Irish after cleaning out SMU and Boise State from its path. Franklin’s dreams aren’t surreal. They have gas left in their tank. P͏enn S͏tate’s defense did arguably the toughest job against the Broncos. The high-yielding defense limited Ashton Jean͏ty to 104 rushing͏ ya͏r͏d͏s and forced three interceptions from͏ quart͏erback ͏Maddux͏ Madsen. Not a joke at all.
But don’t be too sure of their Natty dreams too soon. Coach JB burst the bubble in a bombshell analysis.
James Franklin fails to gain validation of his lofty Natty dream
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
No matter how badly Franklin wants to make history on his own by lifting the trophy, the idea can turn out nothing but toffee-nosed at the end of the day if they don’t weigh in on the reality. Penn Stat͏e’s offense under James Franklin, ͏led by͏ qu͏a͏rterback Drew Allar, has been spectacular in some games and sloppy in others. There has been a huge inconsistency on the offensive side of the ball. On the flip, if you pitch it against the Irish defense, they have an open record of excelling against the best offenses. So winning it all won’t be a cakewalk for Franklin. Even if it will, Coach Jason Brown will name it a disaster.
https://t.co/kJOhi8qO2G
The College Football Playoffs are set, with Notre Dame facing Penn State in the Orange Bowl and Texas taking on Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl. The winners will compete for the national title on January 20.Despite a disappointing season for Georgia fans,…
— The America One News (@am1_news) January 5, 2025
”If they make it to the Natty, that is my whole point of this thing, it ain’t nothing else, if they make it to the Natty it will be a huge disaster for college football and this committee and the worst of the worst is about to happen because the worst thing the committee could ask for is about to happen,” the veteran analyst came clean on his arguably unpopular thought. The Nittany Lions are largely unaccustomed to a national title since 1986. They have played quite strong this season, but it’s mostly the extended room of the new top 12 that granted them a playoff path.
”They play Ohio State again and get waxed. This is a horrific 12-team format that’s going to be looked back on as a joke because Penn State is clearly not a top-four team in the country,” the veteran coach backed up his argument. The Buckeyes stand as a significant favorite in the title race for the way they’ve shown up through the first two rounds of the playoff. Ohio outshined opponents 83-38 so far and were up 31-0 against the No. 1 Oregon in the second quarter in the Rose Bowl. So, there is a fair chance the Nittany Lions aren’t ready to face them again, even if they survive through Notre Dame.
The odds seem farfetched no doubt, but if you are a Penn State fan and you see it from Nick Saban’s perspective lens, you may find the light at the end of the tunnel.
Nick Saban backs up Penn State’s sublime title hope
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Nick Saban patted the back of the way coach Franklin, and the boys smashed it against SMU in the first round of the playoff and against Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl. Well, nobody denied that the stars worked quite well for the Nittany Lions as they received the easiest schedule, but Saban said regardless of the little push from fate, Penn State is overall playing solid enough to be regarded as a title contender.
”I know Penn State hasn’t played the same level of competition in two games, although those teams are very good. [But] their offensive line and those two running backs they have? These guys have been able to run the ball effectively in the last few games very impressively,’‘ Saban said.
Saban seems to be in awe of Drew Allar and the tight-knit defense that the team has showcased in their recent plays. Allar’s rare ability to play behind the run game, avoiding long-yardage situations, stunned the veteran coach like anything. He used to be skeptical about Penn State’s potential like most of the Twitter pundits, but the recent growth in their performances turned him into a believer.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Getting a nod from none other than the GOAT himself is a huge coup for the Nittany Lions, regardless of what the future holds.
Have something to say?
Let the world know your perspective.
Challenge Your Sports Knowledge!
Solve the puzzle and prove your knowledge of iconic players, terms, and moments.
Debate
Can James Franklin's Penn State defy critics and clinch the Natty, or is it just a dream?
Top Comment by PennStateFan
If he doesnt win the championship he needs to go. The frustration with undisciplined penalties, bonehead plays and lack of...more
Share your take