James Franklin’s Penn State program is once again under the microscope after another marquee game slipped away.
Less than a year after guiding the Nittany Lions to two College Football Playoff victories, Franklin absorbed criticism following last weekend’s 30-24 double-overtime defeat against Oregon.
The setback reignited questions about whether he can consistently win on the biggest stages. The conversation became a headline on The Herd with Colin Cowherd, where former Ohio State coach Urban Meyer offered perspective on Franklin’s situation.
Cowherd suggested this might be the first time Franklin truly deserves scrutiny, prompting Meyer to respond with a nuanced view.
While Meyer acknowledged criticism was warranted, he also made clear he believes it is far too early to consider moving on from Franklin in Happy Valley.
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Meyer weighs Franklin’s standing as Penn State falls in double OT
On Thursday’s show, Meyer explained the difference between fan reactions at powerhouse programs, saying,
“It certainly is fair whenever you’re at a blueblood place, and Penn State is. But I brought this up on Big Noon, Colin… I’ve been in Columbus when you lose a game and walking out that stadium and life ends as you know it. I mean, the world goes dark.”
Meyer contrasted that with his experiences at Beaver Stadium.
“Penn State, the pageantry, the White Out is second to none. However, I’ve been at Penn State when we’ve won some close games and I walk off the field and, you know, it’s, ‘Hey coach, see you in a couple years,’ and the nicest people. And I’m thinking, I wonder if deep down, I’m not saying it’s good enough, it’s just not life or death.”
Despite Franklin’s critics, Meyer praised his overall body of work.
“I think he’s doing a great job,” Meyer said. “I think you talk, Ryan Day’s got a Wolverine problem and Penn State’s got a couple problems; Oregon. Everyone’s just got their little flaws they’ve got to work out. So is criticism right, to answer your question? Yes. Is it time to make a change or even talk about that? Absolutely not.”
The loss came in front of 111,015 fans as the No. 2 Ducks extended their FBS-best streak to 23 straight regular-season wins.
Dillon Thieneman sealed it with a second-overtime interception of Drew Allar, while Jamari Johnson, Dierre Hill Jr., Jordon Davison, and Atticus Sappington each added key scores for Oregon.
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Coach Dan Lanning summed up the night:
“Never lost our composure one second. Highs and low in this game. That’s a great football team. Threw some punches; we punched more and hit a haymaker at the end.”
Penn State, ranked seventh entering the matchup, now faces renewed pressure. For Franklin, the fallout may hinge not just on the loss itself but on whether his program can keep pace with college football’s elite.