What's Happening?
James Franklin, head coach of Penn State football, has achieved a significant milestone by leading the Nittany Lions to their first-ever College Football Playoff (CFP) appearance. Last season, Penn State qualified for the expanded 12-team CFP as the sixth seed, marking a historic moment for the program. Franklin's team secured victories against SMU and Boise State before narrowly losing to Notre Dame in the semifinal with a score of 27-24. Despite this achievement, former Penn State quarterback Todd Blackledge, now an NBC analyst, suggests that Franklin still has more to prove, particularly in winning games where the team is either evenly matched or considered the underdog.
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Why It's Important?
The success of Penn State under James Franklin's leadership has elevated the program to the upper echelon of college football. This achievement not only enhances the reputation of the university but also sets higher expectations for future seasons. Franklin's ability to lead the team to the CFP reflects positively on his coaching prowess and the program's competitiveness. However, the pressure to maintain this level of success and potentially win a national championship remains. The team's preseason No. 2 ranking indicates that Penn State is no longer seen as a dark horse, and Franklin must navigate these heightened expectations to avoid any setbacks.
What's Next?
As Penn State prepares for the upcoming season, the focus will be on replicating or surpassing last year's success. The team aims to achieve another strong conference record, with a key matchup against Ohio State on the horizon. Franklin's challenge will be to ensure that the Nittany Lions continue to perform at a high level and meet the expectations set by their recent achievements. The program's ability to sustain its competitive edge will be crucial in maintaining its status among the top college football teams.
