In their highly anticipated matchup on November 2, 2024, Ohio State defeated Penn State 20-13 in a closely contested Big Ten game. The Buckeyes overcame an early 10-0 deficit with key plays from quarterback Will Howard and wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. Despite an impressive pick-six by Penn State’s Zion Tracy, Ohio State’s offense gradually found its rhythm. This win helps solidify Ohio State’s position in the Big Ten standings and boosts their case for the College Football Playoff.
James Franklin has faced challenges in matchups against Ohio State, holding a record of 1-9 since he became Penn State’s head coach in 2014. His lone victory over the Buckeyes came in 2016, a memorable 24-21 upset during a “White Out” game at Beaver Stadium. Despite often competitive performances, Penn State has struggled to secure wins, and Ohio State has won the last seven meetings under Franklin’s tenure. This performance adds to Franklin’s record against top-tier teams, where he has similarly faced difficulties.
James Franklin has had a challenging record against Top 25 teams during his time as head coach. At Penn State, Franklin is 12-22 (35.3%) against ranked opponents, which includes tough losses to powerhouse teams like Ohio State and Michigan. His struggles against top-tier teams are often highlighted, especially in comparison to his high-profile position and salary. Notably, he also has a 3-17 record against top 10 teams, further underscoring the difficulty he’s faced in securing wins against elite competition. These statistics highlight the ongoing challenge for Franklin to lead Penn State to victories over the nation’s best teams.
James Franklin’s record against top 5 teams has been notably challenging during his tenure at Penn State. He has won only one game against a top 5 opponent, with that victory coming in 2016 against Ohio State. Overall, his struggles against highly ranked teams are a major point of discussion among fans and analysts, especially as Penn State frequently competes in high-stakes games within the Big Ten. This record contributes to ongoing conversations about his performance in critical matchups and postseason aspirations​.
Franklin decide to go after a fan who was heckling him after another loss to Ohio State.
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