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Penn State

James Franklin embraces kicker Ryan Barker, caught dropping F-bomb after OT winner vs. USC

On3 imageby:Andrew Graham•10/12/24•

AndrewEdGraham

NCAA Football: Penn State Spring Game
Matthew O'Haren-USA TODAY Sports

It was a long, emotional day for Penn State in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. But the final result against USC will make the long journey back to central Pennsylvania and enjoyable trek for James Franklin and Co.

And they in large part have kicker Ryan Barker to thank. Barker went 4-for-4 on field goals for the day, including a walkoff game winner in overtime after Penn State climbed back from a 14-point halftime deficit.

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So when Barker walked up to Franklin and CBS sideline reporter Jenny Dell during a postgame interview, Franklin had to pause and embrace his kicker. And that’s when the mics caught some not-safe-for-TV language from the fired-up coach.

“Are you kidding me? Huh? F***ing awesome!” Franklin said while embracing his kicker.

Barker also only recently became the full-time kicker at Penn State, taking over the starting job last week.

So Franklin was gushing with praise after the former walk on stepped into a massive spot and didn’t flinch.

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“I’m just so proud of him,” Franklin said. “Came to Penn State as a walk on, busted his ass. I’m just so proud of him. Opportunity knocks and he took it. Just proud,” Franklin said.

All Barker was thinking about as he sized up his game-winning field goal attempt in overtime against USC was celebrating, he said. And celebrate he did.

After knocking in his fourth field goal in four tries to give his Penn State squad a 33-30 road win to stay undefeated, Barker was quick on the trigger with his celebration, hitting the “Night Night” celebration, one that’s been recently commonly associated with Steph Curry. It was a move he was quite ready for, he said to Dell postgame.

“You know, all week during practice, we visual these types of moments, so all I felt was how I’m ready to celebrate after I make it,” Barker said.

And he’ll have plenty of time to celebrate on the long flight back to Pennsylvania.