James Franklin – Season Comparison
Maybe the only thing about Penn State and James Franklin’s 2015 season that was similar to last year was their 7-6 record. What looked like to be a fun and exciting season for the Nittany Lions quickly fell off the rails towards the end. Penn State was sitting pretty at 7-2, with losses coming at the hands of Temple and Ohio State, both of who spent a significant part of the season undefeated. Turns out, Penn State would not win another game. But that does not accurately describe the disappointing finish that has left a bitter taste in the mouths of fans.
In 2014, nobody knew what to expect out of Franklin, his staff and the entire program. Bill O’Brien had just left and the NCAA sanctions against Penn State still had not been lifted. However, Penn State was once again bowl-eligible as the NCAA made the announcement early on during the 2014 season. Franklin led the way to a 4-0 start and Penn State was abuzz. Although the team sagged to a 2-6 finish, the Nittany Lions were heading to the Pinstripe Bowl against Boston College. The Nittany Lions would go on to capture a thrilling 31-30 overtime victory.
Penn State had some positive momentum heading into the 2015 season with Franklin and Christian Hackenberg leading the charge. However, Hackenberg struggled as the offensive line continued to sputter in pass protection, crippling the passing game for much of the season. The struggles culminated in the firing of offensive coordinator John Donovan at the end of the regular season.
Franklin’s squad was dominated against the nation’s very best in Ohio State, Michigan State and Michigan. But, it’s not fair to compare Penn State against those programs, as the Nittany Lions are not at the elite level yet. Penn State limped to the TaxSlayer Bowl, but had an opportunity against a Georgia team who entered the game with a patchwork coaching staff. Hackenberg left the game early, certainly putting Franklin and his own staff in a bind, as the Nittany Lions’ comeback fell short in their defeat to the Bulldogs.
The biggest difference between Franklin’s first two seasons is a sense of optimism. After 2014, it looked like Penn State was heading in the right direction and on track to have a successful 2015. Franklin deserves credit for establishing those expectations after a solid debut year. But his team came up short in 2015, and with that comes the inevitable blame as well.
Now, Hackenberg has declared for the 2016 NFL Draft. Several members of Penn State’s talented defensive front are slated for the draft as well, such as Austin Johnson, Anthony Zettel and Carl Nassib. It is up to Franklin to take the program to another next level in 2016. This past season’s finish was largely disappointing, but it could be said that it went the way it was supposed to, looking at the team’s wins and losses. Franklin’s first two seasons can be considered largely the same. Yet, finishing the season with four straight losses and firing the offensive coordinator cannot be considered a positive for a program that is trying to reestablish itself as a premiere one.
2016 will be Franklin’s most important season as the head coach, as whatever positive momentum that the program had entering 2015 is walking away. It is up to Franklin to not only rebuild those vibes, but to have Penn State improve upon a middling 7-6 record.
Ryan Leonardo is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him email jimmmzerx@yahoo.com.
