The Big 10 championship weekend is raising temperatures around the Lucas Oil Stadium. Penn State’s James Franklin is gearing up to face No. 1 Oregon in a high-stakes matchup. Dan Lanning was not this explosive when he last faced the Nittany Lions. Time has changed. Now, the Ducks sit at the center stage of the Big Ten teams, leading the table with an undefeated season record. Their consistent wins speak for the integrity, quality plays, and roster development Lanning has navigated through his tenure. Penn State has to break some extra sweat to move past the bluebloods, no matter how well-prepared they are. Adding to the looming uncertainty, analyst Gary Danielson dished a gentle reality check on Franklin.

With just one exception in 2016, you can’t find much to add to Franklin’s feat since he stepped into the program. But he successfully restored steadiness, if not luster, to one of the nation’s most highlighted yet tormented programs. The 52-year-old will certainly want to fill his cup with a Big 10 win this weekend, and that too against a rugged opponent like the Ducks. How much feasible does the dream look like? Does the coach stand a chance to smash the season with a banger?

Reflecting on their tough 20-13 loss to Ohio State on November 2nd—their only defeat this season—CBS Sports’ Gary Danielson highlighted the Nittany Lions’ struggles in that matchup. “Anybody, any team that has to go through Ohio State and Michigan every year, that’s not easy football. You know they’ve come close, but they have not been able to win those games. You know that’s the way life is. You know we’ve all experienced that have played Big Ten athletics. You know you’re great when you win. But when you lose that close one, people want to know why you can’t take that next step,” he said.

Through 11 seasons, Franklin has racked up a whopping 99-40 record most can only think of. The five finishes among the AP’s top 15, the frequent appearances in big-time bowl games were the cherries on the top. But a first-ever win over a No. 1 ranked team since 1990 will add some unprecedented value to the program’s resume.

Penn State earned some much-needed help from Ohio State (after they failed to keep up with the Michigan Wolverines) to get to the Big 10 title game. On the other hand, the Ducks head to the game, controlling their own destiny as the only undefeated squad left on the FBS. Rest; you know whom to bet a dime for. But no matter what, Franklin remains alert yet hopeful ahead of a stunning opportunity.

James Franklin is not ready to let the Big 10 slip

It’s a lottery situation for Franklin. While the thought of playing the nation’s No. 1 team triggers excitement and a lot of delusional hope, the seed positioning calls for a high alert. CFP chairperson Warde Manuel already made it clear that they will place the team wherever they feel is right, depending upon their performances. So, there is zero room for error. A loss here could really hurt their seeding, and they risk falling behind the Oklahoma Sooners and Tennessee Volunteers, all ending up with two losses and facing a tougher road in the playoffs. But that is not even a concern for Franklin. He has his eyes fixed on the prize.

During a pre-game interview, the Penn State coach silenced the comparison between the lure of a championship and the risk of losing seeds, saying, ”Great opportunity, playing the number one team in the country. We’re excited about that. That’s what we control. That’s what we’re focused on, not focused on anything else.”

Above all, and beyond, he wants to stay ahead in a close, competitive game and, at any cost, avoid letting the playoff opportunity turn out to be a penalty.