He does?
Outside of Illinois in 2021 - which was a total bizarre game and we didn't have a functional QB - I can't really think of any game that falls into this category. Something like where Penn State is a big favorite and loses to a mediocre team. Michigan St in 2017 maybe you could argue but they were ranked going into that plus the weird weather delay.
Even in the terrible 2021 season, all the teams we lost to were ranked outside of Illinois.
At least twice (MSU 2017, Minnesota 2019) PSU lost heartbreaking games to lower-ranked opponents and it probably cost them a playoff spot. I don't especially fault Franklin for those but it contributes to his reputation that he doesn't win the big game.
It is fair to point out that both MSU 2017 and Minnesota 2019 were better teams than this Minnesota team is, and this PSU team, with strong and deep DL and OL, is a more complete and balanced team than the 2017 and 2019 versions.
There's been almost no mention that PSU beat Minnesota just two years ago 45-17. And that was not a bad Minnesota team, they finished 9-4 and won their bowl game.
They had no answer for PSU's D-line and secondary in that game, they couldn't run the ball (despite a very good running back) and couldn't protect the passer.
This PSU D doesn't have Diaz but personnel-wise it is probably pretty comparable to that 2022 group, especially if Denis-Sutton is healthy. PSU's not putting up 45 on Saturday but the game could play out similarly with PSU wearing them out with depth and taking control of the game in the 2nd half.
