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What is the most disappointing aspect of the Lions' season?
There are a lot of choices --all low-hanging fruit -- for this topic.
The lack of a run game has been a year-long issue. The absence of a competent offensive line, once a program staple, remains a huge issue. And the inability to field or develop a serviceable backup quarterback is the difference between a 6-4 and an 8-2 record.
But, to me, without question, the biggest disappointment this year has been the job James Franklin has done.
The No. 1 question on the minds of most Nittany Lion followers has concerned Franklin's tenure. It's been all about him, and it's totally overshadowed what had a chance to be a good season.
When the USC and LSU jobs opened, Franklin did not firmly squelch the speculation. Then news broke that he had switched agents. Even though the move was done this past summer, it still made headlines.
And kept the storyline squarely on him and not the players or the season.
Penn State followers do not appreciate a coach with a rubber neck looking at other jobs.
While all this was happening, the play on the field declined. Franklin did not have a backup quarterback ready as the team fell apart at Iowa and then, true to Franklin's track record, did not regroup after their first loss of the season and lost a nine-overtime debacle to Illinois.
A team good enough to show up in Columbus unbeaten instead successfully drove the expectations down far enough that being in the game in the fourth quarter - trailing by just a touchdown - was good enough.
And then came the fourth loss in the last five games last week, a 21-17 come-from-ahead setback to Michigan, a game marred by a ridiculous decision to attempt a fake field goal, with an early lead, by having the holder try to hit the kicker with a pass. Sandlot stuff.
Afterward, Franklin said he'd call the same play over again and blamed the players' execution - rather than just say, "That was a bad call, and we shouldn't have made it. That was my fault."
There have been misstatements, calling Ohio State (of all teams) "Illinois," probably because he couldn't get Illini out of his mind.
Cory asked Franklin on Tuesday if he's been distracted. Franklin said no.
"We've been in the same situation before (with speculation on his future) and have had really strong seasons," he said. "Obviously, this year, we've lost some games that we had a chance to win and our record looks a little bit different. I get that people are trying to connect the dots there."
It's added up to Franklin's worst season in the eight he's been at the Happy Valley helm.
September concern that he might leave has been replaced by an indifference among the fans if he does.
Rudel can be reached at nrudel@altoonamirror.com