How much pressure, if any, is on Franklin to win this Saturday?

[Calabrin]

For years we have anguished over losses that denied us a chance at the playoffs. Well here we are, with a game at home against the last team admitted to the tourney. On the horizon is Boise State, as if we hand picked our next possible opponent. There is significant pressure being felt in Lasch. Lose Saturday and the season is a failure of high magnitude. We would have the celebrated recruiting class producing nothing of note this year, with our best win against ____________. It's a big game.

I know there's a breed of fan that loves to see the glass as half-full when there's no more than a drop in it, but it's going to be difficult to rationalize this being a successful season if they lose on Saturday.

Penn State is already facing widespread criticism for its relatively easy road to New Year's Day, while many are saying Oregon seemingly got punished for winning the conference championship due to a perceived much tougher road.

I do agree with those that are saying this is a must-win for Franklin, but it's actually worse: is a lose-lose.

If Penn State wins, everyone will say we beat up the weakest opponent in the playoff. If we lose, we're a national joke. The only way to silence the critics is they need to make a decent showing by winning these first two games, and then at least putting up a flight in the Orange Bowl.

Anything less, and there's absolutely fair grounds to level criticism.

 

[Calabrin]

Competitions have a winner and a loser. Participants and fans should be mature enough to understand that reality. Losses, for the most part are directly associated with superior execution and demonstration of talent by the winning side. Coaching and officiating are important components to the competition, but rarely the primary deciding factors. Weak people go through life blaming "them" for their failure. Blaming coaches and or officials for EVERY loss is just an extension of this sad attitude.
But on the bright side, even if PSU should lose Saturday, you will have at least 2 more years to remind everyone of Franklin's record.

So, the better team ALWAYS wins? I have over a hundred years of evidence to the contrary.

 

[psu31trap]

We have a home playoff game in 2 days

Be happy, guys!

I agree, I’m really looking forward to this game. I went nuts getting my weekend chores completed and out of the way so I can watch the entire game uninterrupted.

 

[Moogy]

I know there's a breed of fan that loves to see the glass as half-full when there's no more than a drop in it, but it's going to be difficult to rationalize this being a successful season if they lose on Saturday.

Penn State is already facing widespread criticism for its relatively easy road to New Year's Day, while many are saying Oregon seemingly got punished for winning the conference championship due to a perceived much tougher road.

I do agree with those that are saying this is a must-win for Franklin, but it's actually worse: is a lose-lose.

If Penn State wins, everyone will say we beat up the weakest opponent in the playoff. If we lose, we're a national joke. The only way to silence the critics is they need to make a decent showing by winning these first two games, and then at least putting up a flight in the Orange Bowl.

Anything less, and there's absolutely fair grounds to level criticism.

You're top 4 or you're crap!

That's totally sane.

 

[PSUJam]

I know there's a breed of fan that loves to see the glass as half-full when there's no more than a drop in it, but it's going to be difficult to rationalize this being a successful season if they lose on Saturday.

Penn State is already facing widespread criticism for its relatively easy road to New Year's Day, while many are saying Oregon seemingly got punished for winning the conference championship due to a perceived much tougher road.

I do agree with those that are saying this is a must-win for Franklin, but it's actually worse: is a lose-lose.

If Penn State wins, everyone will say we beat up the weakest opponent in the playoff. If we lose, we're a national joke. The only way to silence the critics is they need to make a decent showing by winning these first two games, and then at least putting up a flight in the Orange Bowl.

Anything less, and there's absolutely fair grounds to level criticism.

Yep. Georgia's QB Carson Beck is out for the semi and the team isn't what it has been. This is the year. Don't blow it.

 

[laKavosiey-st lion]

So you demand that we win, but you don't care that we win.

I have a new idea for your job - you know the one that you work at while you're retired from working. Interrogator for the CIA/FBI/HSA ... you could just have a "normal" conversation with the suspects, and within minutes, they'd be begging to confess to get it over with.

Ok moogy, explain to me how to solve this problem. Based on your college search coming up, let’s guess you’re 42 or so. Imagine you kick enough asss and put away enough money to call it quits at 55 like me n moms did. What to do about health benefits for 10 years while you wait for Medicaid?

 

[psu31trap]

Ok moogy, explain to me how to solve this problem. Based on your college search coming up, let’s guess you’re 42 or so. Imagine you kick enough asss and put away enough money to call it quits at 55 like me n moms did. What to do about health benefits for 10 years while you wait for Medicaid?

You mean Medicare. Medicaid (usually) implies something else.

 

[Moogy]

Ok moogy, explain to me how to solve this problem. Based on your college search coming up, let’s guess you’re 42 or so. Imagine you kick enough asss and put away enough money to call it quits at 55 like me n moms did. What to do about health benefits for 10 years while you wait for Medicaid?

If you still have to work to cover your bills, you didn't kick enough *** and put away enough money to call it quits. Because you didn't quit ... you're still going.

 

[Moogy]

You mean Medicare. Medicaid (usually) implies something else.

He was probably more accurate to reference Medicaid ... the guy thinks he's retired while working a full-time job, and he's "retired" in inland Delaware, while he dreams about buying a middling car, but can never pull the trigger because he doesn't have the cash. I'd say Medicaid is on the table. Right, @laKavosiey-st lion?

 

[PSUJam]

He was probably more accurate to reference Medicaid ... the guy thinks he's retired while working a full-time job, and he's "retired" in inland Delaware, while he dreams about buying a middling car, but can never pull the trigger because he doesn't have the cash. I'd say Medicaid is on the table. Right, @laKavosiey-st lion?

 

[LionJim]

Ok moogy, explain to me how to solve this problem. Based on your college search coming up, let’s guess you’re 42 or so. Imagine you kick enough asss and put away enough money to call it quits at 55 like me n moms did. What to do about health benefits for 10 years while you wait for Medicaid?

Medicare.

 

[Nittering Nabob]

What to do about health benefits for 10 years while you wait for Medicaid?

Obamacare, but for a couple that would run about $15 - $20k per year depending on other income (interest + dividends).

 

[psu31trap]

He was probably more accurate to reference Medicaid ... the guy thinks he's retired while working a full-time job, and he's "retired" in inland Delaware, while he dreams about buying a middling car, but can never pull the trigger because he doesn't have the cash. I'd say Medicaid is on the table. Right, @laKavosiey-st lion?

Geez Moogy, lighten up. Where’s the Christmas spirit!

 

[laKavosiey-st lion]

If you still have to work to cover your bills, you didn't kick enough *** and put away enough money to call it quits. Because you didn't quit ... you're still going.

Are you honestly questioning my nut?

 

[BiochemPSU]

James Franklin cannot exit this first round, at home, against a team that he has out recruited for multiple years/classes in a row. You have early round NFL talent at multiple positions, a very underrated o line, and experience galore. If drew Allar throws 100 interceptions, James better put a uniform on and go out to throw the next pass. If the blue band director tears his ACL in the second quarter, James better start waving a baton. Any problems with the electric system or sound system during the game, James Franklin better start tightening up the tool belt on his waist and get to work. If the Lion looses his scarf, James better whip out a sewing machine faster than you can say Amazon.com. This is on him and him alone. He is the metaphorical guy in charge of the ball dropping in Times Square on new year’s eve: it’s your job to deliver the goods buddy, it’s time, we are all watching.

this guy has lamented, lobbied for more resources, gotten raises, fired assistants to take the heat off of himself, and excused a lack of championship playoff births because of the very small size of the invited field of 4 and his inability to find a way to beat OSU for years. OSU isn’t going to be a problem on Saturday and neither is the 4 team playoff format. All of that is done and every advantage screams Penn state should win. Ball drops at midnight James, it better be there, on time.

 

[PSUJam]

James Franklin cannot exit this first round, at home, against a team that he has out recruited for multiple years/classes in a row. You have early round NFL talent at multiple positions, a very underrated o line, and experience galore. If drew Allar throws 100 interceptions, James better put a uniform on and go out to throw the next pass. If the blue band director tears his ACL in the second quarter, James better start waving a baton. Any problems with the electric system or sound system during the game, James Franklin better start tightening up the tool belt on his waist and get to work. If the Lion looses his scarf, James better whip out a sewing machine faster than you can say Amazon.com. This is on him and him alone. He is the metaphorical guy in charge of the ball dropping in Times Square on new year’s eve: it’s your job to deliver the goods buddy, it’s time, we are all watching.

this guy has lamented, lobbied for more resources, gotten raises, fired assistants to take the heat off of himself, and excused a lack of championship playoff births because of the very small size of the invited field of 4 and his inability to find a way to beat OSU for years. OSU isn’t going to be a problem on Saturday and neither is the 4 team playoff format. All of that is done and every advantage screams Penn state should win. Ball drops at midnight James, it better be there, on time.

 

[Moogy]

Are you honestly questioning my nut?

You’re Nutless in NowhereDelaware.

 

[Moogy]

Geez Moogy, lighten up. Where’s the Christmas spirit!

That was light ... I didn't even bring up the Amazon delivery guy.

 

[Moogy]

James Franklin cannot exit this first round, at home, against a team that he has out recruited for multiple years/classes in a row. You have early round NFL talent at multiple positions, a very underrated o line, and experience galore. If drew Allar throws 100 interceptions, James better put a uniform on and go out to throw the next pass. If the blue band director tears his ACL in the second quarter, James better start waving a baton. Any problems with the electric system or sound system during the game, James Franklin better start tightening up the tool belt on his waist and get to work. If the Lion looses his scarf, James better whip out a sewing machine faster than you can say Amazon.com. This is on him and him alone. He is the metaphorical guy in charge of the ball dropping in Times Square on new year’s eve: it’s your job to deliver the goods buddy, it’s time, we are all watching.

this guy has lamented, lobbied for more resources, gotten raises, fired assistants to take the heat off of himself, and excused a lack of championship playoff births because of the very small size of the invited field of 4 and his inability to find a way to beat OSU for years. OSU isn’t going to be a problem on Saturday and neither is the 4 team playoff format. All of that is done and every advantage screams Penn state should win. Ball drops at midnight James, it better be there, on time.

Great Heyzeus's Ghost ... now the poor guy has to give BIRTH during the playoff or he's fired?!?! That's unpossible!

 

[BostonNit]

It's about your insufferable defending of coaches no matter what they do to protect the "coaching shield"... Constantly attacking fans (short for fanatics) on a message board got old about 5 years ago, yet you never stop.

^^^ this. Like when Jeff Brohm stole Purdue defeat from the jaws of victory when they had us on the ropes the first game of '22.

All Brohm had to do was run the ball and burn clock and there was no way we'd have had a shot to come back. Instead he kept throwing the ball, stopping the clock on incompletions, and (thankfully) giving us time for the heroic drive.

I pointed out the inept play calling and got attacked by Marsh for having never coached football and not understanding the intricacies of the game.

Then after the season, another nya nya nah nah nya ya from Marsh after Louisville hired Brohm for $36M, as if someone being willing to pay a coach a lot of money means they never make stupid decisions that cost their teams games.

The constant circling of wagons around all coaches is just tiresome.

 

[PSUJam]

^^^ this. Like when Jeff Brohm stole Purdue defeat from the jaws of victory when they had us on the ropes the first game of '22.

All Brohm had to do was run the ball and burn clock and there was no way we'd have had a shot to come back. Instead he kept throwing the ball, stopping the clock on incompletions, and (thankfully) giving us time for the heroic drive.

I pointed out the inept play calling and got attacked by Marsh for having never coached football and not understanding the intricacies of the game.

Then after the season, another nya nya nah nah nya ya from Marsh after Louisville hired Brohm for $36M, as if someone being willing to pay a coach a lot of money means they never make stupid decisions that cost their teams games.

The constant circling of wagons around all coaches is just tiresome.

I'm certain he's a great guy but just can't understand that fans criticizing coaches on a message board isn't a personal attack on coaches or more importantly on the coaching community. It's kind of sad.

 

[Marshall2323]

So, the better team ALWAYS wins? I have over a hundred years of evidence to the contrary.

I'm not sure how you gleaned this conclusion from my post???? Actually, I'm the guy who cautions that games aren't played on paper or decided by someone in Vegas. So I agree with you. SMU isn't coming here to lose. 1st year in the ACC, playing with house money. Dangerous.

 

[G3624]

He should talk to the Lady Lions VB coach about how to win BIG matches.

 

[laKavosiey-st lion]

I'm the guy who cautions that games aren't played on paper

this is a new thought and makes so much sense. smart.

 

[Nitt1300]

We want your money, not your advice.

 

[Erial_Lion]

He should talk to the Lady Lions VB coach about how to win BIG matches.

While he's at it, I believe the Club Baseball team had a good run in the national tournament last season. Shouldn't he stop his game prep to turn to them for meaningful advice?

 

[s1uggo72]

I agree, I’m really looking forward to this game. I went nuts getting my weekend chores completed and out of the way so I can watch the entire game uninterrupted.

good luck with that? Uninterrupted SMH

 

[BiochemPSU]

Great Heyzeus's Ghost ... now the poor guy has to give BIRTH during the playoff or he's fired?!?! That's unpossible!

Build a time machine, go into the future, learn how to do it, and be back for halftime, ready to deliver a baby and a win.

 

[OuiRPSU]

Have you ever watched the NCAA Basketball tournament? The blue bloods never get upset by low seeds. As for pressure ...LOL. I guarantee fanboys here are walking around with tighter cheerio holes than anyone in Lasch.

I don’t know why I feel the need to do this, but I’d like to turn your attention to Lehigh and Mercer…

 

[psu31trap]

good luck with that? Uninterrupted SMH

Sluggo: You’re correct, it may turn out to be wishful thinking. On Wednesday evening I respectfully put everyone on notice, and that included the honey that my weekend chores were done. On Saturday afternoon I will be in the den by myself and hopefully be able to enjoy the game.

 

[manatree]

He should talk to the Lady Lions VB coach about how to win BIG matches.

And there are some PSU fans that have been displeased with Schumacher-Cawley's results since she was named head coach.

 

[Keyser Soze 16802]

Saban the GOAT with some spot on insights: “I used to tell the players all the time: Why do you care about what some guy puts on the internet who’s a fat guy, in his underwear, living his mother’s basement? Why do you care? Why does that mean anything to you? Why does that affect you in any way, shape or form? We should be focused on what we control and what we can do,” Saban said, before starting to turn his message back to the Buckeyes. “And it’s the same thing for the fans. I would tell the fans the same thing. If Ohio State wants to beat Michigan, they need to be positive about their coach and the players. There’s nobody wants to beat ’em worse than the players and the coaches. That’s No. 1. No. 2: They have an opportunity to win the national championship. Everybody ought to be supporting the hell out of them so that they have the best opportunity to do it, and quit all this negative bulls***.”

 

[johnmpsu]

He has no real pressure. He knows PSU can't afford to fire him no matter what happens.

 

[PSUJam]

But it's perfectly acceptable to trash the coach "over and over?" So everyone here can blame Franklin for every loss (and not just losses, but every perceived problem) but if someone counters those accusations it's "insufferable?"
I'm not sure what the coaching shield is. But I do know that perspective has a lot to do with what or how you see something. How and what you see has a great deal to do with where you stand. I know my perspective on life has changed a great deal as I've grown older. I can recall how frustrated I was with my Father when my Mother passed away. I didn't understand why he couldn't be the same guy at least some of the time. I needed him to still be my Dad. I wanted him to still be Grandpa to my boys. Now I've lost my wife. Guess what? Dad.....I'm so sorry.
You have no idea what Franklin deals with. You just want him to win to make you feel better. Well guess what? No one wants to win more than he does. PSU is fortunate to have him. From behind my "coaching shield" and my perspective, he does a good job. I'm gonna continue to express my opinions even if some find them "insufferable." Because that's the way I feel about the constant criticism of the coaching.

Looks like there may be some puckering even while leading coach.

 

[EPC FAN]

The ESPN ticker just showed that PSU is the favored team most likely to lose.

Should James be puckered?

How’d that work out, nit wit?

​

The 1,000-yard penalty team​

The Mustangs draw flags. A lot of them, for a lot of yards. SMU is the most penalized Power 4 team (107) in the country and the only FBS team to top 1,000 yards in penalties (1,027). That should make Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter happy.

What Penn State Football Fans Should Know About the SMU Mustangs

SMU brings a talented offense, a long-range kicker and a lot of penalties to Penn State for the College Football Playoff.

www.si.com

What do you expect? Lots of transfers from Da U.

 

[Nittering Nabob]

How’d that work out, nit wit?

Thanks for playing. James was puckered, especially during Q1.

 

[laKavosiey-st lion]

Did the 3~17 needle move?

(close: NO. 11 SEED SMU)

 

[LaJollaCreek]

Thanks for playing. James was puckered, especially during Q1.

Just take L!

 

[LB99]

Did the 3~17 needle move?

(close: NO. 11 SEED SMU)

It’s a top 10 win my friend. They were ranked 10. Seeded 11.

 

[laKavosiey-st lion]

So 4-17. I’m all the f in