Franklin’s formula not working in big games

Ahead of this year’s clash with Ohio State, I was optimistic, telling friends this would be the year Penn State finally beats the Buckeyes. I was wrong.

One thing is clear: Penn State can’t win big games under James Franklin.

Ohio State entered the game as a 3.5-point favorite. Penn State got off to a strong start with a long opening drive for a field goal and a Pick-6 on Ohio State’s first possession and led 10-0 at the end of the first quarter.

However, the Nittany Lions managed only a single field goal in the final three quarters, losing 20-13.

Without Ohio State’s fumble out of the end zone, it could have easily been a 27-6 blowout. No Penn State fan should be shocked by the result.

Franklin’s mantra of focusing on “1-0” every week sounds good, but what has it produced? Penn State is 1-10 against Ohio State under Franklin, with the lone victory in 2016 being a fluke.

Under Joe Paterno, Penn State was 8-14 against Ohio State. Since joining the Big Ten, the Nittany Lions are 8-23 against the Buckeyes.

Franklin’s record against Top-10 teams is 3-18. Penn State has also failed to crack the Top-10 in wins against FBS teams over the past decade, ranking 18th. It trails Big Ten teams like Ohio State, Michigan and Wisconsin, as well as non-conference teams like Boise State and UCF. The results are underwhelming at best.

It’s hard to argue that Franklin isn’t a class act. He generally avoids controversy and loves Penn State. He’s also great with fans and has been a positive ambassador for the university. But goodwill doesn’t win games, especially big ones.

This parallels Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin: a great guy, but his inability to win in crucial moments is a glaring flaw. Franklin, despite his positive qualities, has failed to deliver when it counts — on gameday.

There’s a group of Penn State fans who defend Franklin at all costs, the “Coach James Franklin Apologists” (CJFAs).

They claim he’s a great recruiter and would be sought after by other programs. But the reality is that recruiting success doesn’t translate to on-field victories.

Franklin has had numerous seasons of mediocrity and hasn’t been able to win the big games. The CJFAs continue to settle for consistency, but for me, “good enough” isn’t enough.

Yes, Penn State could still make the expanded playoffs — now with three times the teams — but would any of us be shocked if they lose to a lesser opponent on the road? Given Franklin’s track record, it’s hard to believe this year will be different.

So, are Penn State fans truly satisfied with mediocrity? If you are, carry on, CFJA. But if you expect more from this program, it’s time for a change.

Mediocrity may be good enough for some, but I’m hoping for much more from my Nittany Lions.

Mike Baker

Altoona

Smith had big dreams for hometown

The Smith family lost an icon with the recent passing of our beloved cousin, Terry Smith.

Terry loved attending all of the local parades downtown while waving at the participants as they passed by. He was also a fixture at most local sporting events, rooting for his favorite teams.

Terry loved following both the boys and girls basketball teams at Altoona Area High School, and he attended countless playoff games over the years.

He treasured the Altoona football games and looked forward to watching the band perform. He rooted passionately for the Steelers, Pirates, Penguins, Altoona Curve and Penn State teams.

Until his recent health failures, Terry could be found attending every Altoona High baseball home game while wearing his team hat and shirt.

Terry was a frequent contributor to the Altoona Mirror sports mailbag, where he graced us with his ideas of a hockey rink at the Station Mall complex and a domed stadium at Mansion Park.

Terry always dreamed big when it came to his hometown of Altoona, which he truly loved.

The Smith family is forever grateful to those in the community who returned that love to Terry for all of these many years.

Tom Smith

Altoona