Franklin: PSU can’t be ‘pleased’ with 10 wins

• Adam Rittenberg, ESPN Senior WriterJul 24, 2024, 01:49 PM ET

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  • College football press reporter.
  • Joined ESPN.com in 2008.
  • Graduate of Northwestern University.INDIANAPOLIS– After five

10-win seasons at Penn State but no College Football Playoff appearances, coach James Franklin understands that the bar has been raised, specifically with the CFP expanding to 12 groups this season.Franklin, entering his 11th season at the university, led the Nittany Lions to a Big Ten title in 2016 and six AP top-20 surfaces, including No. 13 last season. The team is 21-5 over the previous two seasons with two Brand-new Year’s 6 bowl looks however hasn’t beaten Ohio State or Michigan since 2020.”You’re discussing a program that you can win 10 or 11 games and individuals are not happy or pleased,”Franklin said at Big Ten media day.”We absolutely get that and embrace that. Our players comprehend that when we hire them, our staff understands that when we hire them and, as the head coach, I welcome all of those things also.”Editor’s Picks 2 Related Franklin is 88-39 overall as Penn State’s coach but simply 3-17 versus the AP Top 10, which ranks 17th out of the 21 groups with a minimum of 20

matchups versus those during the period,

according to ESPN Statistics & Info. The Nittany Lions’ only regular-season losses in 2023 pertained to Ohio State and Michigan, the latter of which caused the shooting of offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich.Penn State is bringing in 3 brand-new planners in Andy Kotelnicki(offense), Tom Allen (defense)and Justin Lustig (unique groups ). Allen is the previous Indiana coach.”They chose Penn State much like I picked Penn State– to contend for champions,”Franklin said.Franklin admitted the offense didn’t show sufficient volatility in 2023 as it ranked 129th out of 130 groups in percent of passing attempts of 20 or more lawns downfield

. Penn State averaged simply 4.5 yards per pass effort against Ohio State and 3.2 backyards against Michigan.”We’ve got to play our finest when our finest is required most, “Franklin said.” In the biggest games, at the most significant minutes.”