Big Ten Daily (Nov. 25): Penn State Reaches 10 Wins for Fifth Time Under James Franklin

James Franklin has caught grief for struggles against Ohio State and Michigan. But the Penn State coach just led the Nittany Lions to a 10-win season for the fifth time in his tenure.

For the fifth time in 10 seasons, Penn State has reached the 10-win mark under head coach James Franklin. The Nittany Lions secured the achievement on Friday night with an impressive 42-0 win over Michigan State in Detroit.

Drew Allar threw for 292 yards and two touchdowns while Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton each eclipsed the century mark on the ground. The Penn State  defense stymied Michigan State's offense, with the Spartans finishing the game with -35 rushing yards, 53 total yards and only five first downs.

It was a dominant performance from start to finish.

Penn State's effort on Friday night should serve as a reminder that the Nittany Lions have a pretty good leader in Franklin. Often criticized for his in-game management and inability to win big games, he continues to field a pretty good product.

Franklin received plenty of grief after losses to Ohio State and Michigan — deservedly so. When you're the head coach at a place like Penn State, the expectation is to win Big Ten titles, not to fall short.

He certainly deserves criticism for that. I think, deep down, he'd probably tell you the same. But those struggles shouldn't overshadow his success in State College.

Penn State has hit a double-digit win total five times in 10 seasons — nine if you want to erase the 2020 pandemic year. Two of his worst seasons game in 2014 and 2015, when he first took over following Bill O'Brien's departure. Those Nittany Lion teams still finished 7-6.

As frustrating as it's been for Penn State's inability to take down the Big Ten's power hitters, it has never had a losing season under Franklin. The Nittany Lions have finished the season in the Top 25 of the Associated Press Poll five times, with a sixth on the horizon. 

Yes, college football is a "what have you done for me lately" business. That 2016 Big Ten title is fading in the rearview mirror. But what guarantees does Penn State have if it decided to move on from Franklin?

Getting 10 wins is no small feat in college football. Though he's endured his share of struggles, Franklin keeps producing those regularly in Happy Valley.

Kirk Ferentz's Emotional Interview

At various points this year, Kirk Ferentz has had a difficult time hiding his emotions. He fought back tears during Saturday's post-game interview, following Iowa's 13-10 victory over Nebraska.

It's been an emotional year for the Hawkeyes, one that saw tight ends Luke Lachey, Erick All and quarterback Cade McNamara suffer injuries. Defensive back Cooper DeJean was bit by the injury bug, missing the last two games.

Ferentz was also informed midway through the season that this year would be the last for his son, Brian Ferentz, on the Iowa sidelines. Despite everything that unfolded, the Hawkeyes found a way to finish 10-2 and win the Big Ten West.

“Just really excited for our guys,” Ferentz said after the game. “They’ve been really resilient. To find this win… (Ethan) Hurkett gets a pick, a defensive lineman gets a pick, and then an unsung guy comes out and kicks a field goal. It’s kind of representative of this team. “Somehow, some way we’ve won 10 games. It’s pretty good.”

Just listen to how much it means for Kirk Ferentz. pic.twitter.com/Jmzl53dADe

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) November 24, 2023

Jonathan Smith Comments on Michigan State

Michigan State is reportedly zeroing in on Oregon State coach Jonathan Smith to fill its vacancy. ESPN's Adam Rittenberg reported that sides are on the "5-yard line" regarding negotiations.

Friday, following a 31-7 loss to Oregon, Smith was asked about his potential interest in leaving Corvallis for East Lansing.

“No decisions have been made,” Smith said. “I asked this (team) to take an approach to lock in on four months. … I’ve taken the same approach. Decision time, all of that, I’ve been locked in for the last four months. We’ll go from there.”

That sounds like a coach on his way out the door. 

Smith, a former Oregon State player, is 34-35 in six seasons. He led the Beavers to a 10-win campaign in 2022 and the team finished the regular season 8-4 this year.

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