Per Neil Rudel:

[fastlax16]

the schedule next year, I would say that 6-6 is not out of the question.

Next year's schedule is the easiest of the next 3 years on paper. Auburn is tough but they're not an unbeatable team. No Iowa or Wisconsin in the crossover games. OSU home during a warm weather white out. What's likely the toughest crossover at home.

23 we open w WVU and Iowa rotates back on. Play @OSU Iowa and Michigan b2b2b (thanks Big Ten)
24 we open @ WVU. Iowa drops back off but @Wisconsin comes back on. @wisconsin, neb, osu, @mich 4 straight weeks (thanks big ten)
25 it lightens back up but there is still an ooc slot open. No Iowa or Wisconsin. OSU and Michigan back to back again.

Unrelated observations:

We haven't opened the big ten schedule at home since 2015 (and that was originally an OOC game against Rutgers the conference kept. The next home opener is rutgers in 2025. How the hell do we go a decade between home conference openers?

we play osu and michigan back to back 3 of the next 4 years

 

[fastlax16]

I'm OK with Franklin staying, I do however, question the wisdom of a 10 year extension.

A lot of these long deals are strictly symbolic. Unlikely he makes it to the back half of that deal without it being renegotiated or terminated through dismissal or Franklin accepting a job elsewhere.

 

[Obliviax]

Next year's schedule is the easiest of the next 3 years on paper. Auburn is tough but they're not an unbeatable team. No Iowa or Wisconsin in the crossover games. OSU home during a warm weather white out. What's likely the toughest crossover at home.

23 we open w WVU and Iowa rotates back on. Play @OSU Iowa and Michigan b2b2b (thanks Big Ten)
24 we open @ WVU. Iowa drops back off but @Wisconsin comes back on. @wisconsin, neb, osu, @mich 4 straight weeks (thanks big ten)
25 it lightens back up but there is still an ooc slot open. No Iowa or Wisconsin. OSU and Michigan back to back again.

Unrelated observations:

We haven't opened the big ten schedule at home since 2015 (and that was originally an OOC game against Rutgers the conference kept. The next home opener is rutgers in 2025. How the hell do we go a decade between home conference openers?

we play osu and michigan back to back 3 of the next 4 years

B1G hasn't done us any favors. I believe we've started on the road in of the last 11 of 12 years. And, as you say, the back to back UM/tOSU is a real challenge.

 

[fastlax16]

B1G hasn't done us any favors. I believe we've started on the road in of the last 11 of 12 years. And, as you say, the back to back UM/tOSU is a real challenge.

Getting Michigan the week after OSU ruins their season a few times would be nice. The fact that its always OSU first UM second is also weird and seems suspicious. I don't know how that happens randomly 3 out of 4 seasons.

 

[Obliviax]

Getting Michigan the week after OSU ruins their season a few times would be nice. The fact that its always OSU first UM second is also weird and seems suspicious. I don't know how that happens randomly 3 out of 4 seasons.

Agreed....and keeping tOSU and UM for the last game of the season screws everyone else because you end up getting those two grouped up in the middle of the season.

 

[old&tired76]

I know a lot of people on the board don't like him, but I would be willing to give BO'b another shot.

Considering Bill O'B's personality and the glad-handing BS that a head coach has to do with boosters, I'm not convinced he would want the gig again, especially knowing the unfulfilled expectations that exist here.

 

[fastlax16]

Agreed....and keeping tOSU and UM for the last game of the season screws everyone else because you end up getting those two grouped up in the middle of the season.

Which is why the big ten is where it is and the SEC is where it is.

Bama has had a bye before playing LSU every season since 2018 (excluding the redone schedules last year, but it was originally a bye). This continues next year. They play an ooc against teams like citadel almost every season before Auburn. They basically never play UGA or Florida. They haven't played both in the same regular season since 1991.

UGA has played Bama in the regular season twice in over a decade, they've only played LSU twice in over a decade as well. They haven't played both during the same regular season since 08.

 

[marshall23]

Considering Bill O'B's personality and the glad-handing BS that a head coach has to do with boosters, I'm not convinced he would want the gig again, especially knowing the unfulfilled expectations that exist here.

It's actually pretty amazing that anyone would think that BOB would consider coming back to PSU.....or that PSU would have him if he did.

 

[marshall23]

A lot of these long deals are strictly symbolic. Unlikely he makes it to the back half of that deal without it being renegotiated or terminated through dismissal or Franklin accepting a job elsewhere.

Correct. However, it will likely be effective in keeping his name out of the headlines for awhile.

 

[Obliviax]

Which is why the big ten is where it is and the SEC is where it is.

Bama has had a bye before playing LSU every season since 2018 (excluding the redone schedules last year, but it was originally a bye). This continues next year. They play an ooc against teams like citadel almost every season before Auburn. They basically never play UGA or Florida. They haven't played both in the same regular season since 1991.

UGA has played Bama in the regular season twice in over a decade, they've only played LSU twice in over a decade as well. They haven't played both during the same regular season since 08.

Agreed. This desire by the B1G to preserve the tOSU Michigan rivalry has really screwed up the B1G. From scheduling to perceived prejudice to uneven conferences. Total crap show.

 

[Sunsox]

I know a lot of people on the board don't like him, but I would be willing to give BO'b another shot.

Yeah, maybe he can throw a defensive tackle back to return punts this time....

 

[Sproul]

I know a lot of people on the board don't like him, but I would be willing to give BO'b another shot.

Would he recruit lineman this time? No chance he comes back. He couldn’t wait to leave.

 

[fastlax16]

Correct. However, it will likely be effective in keeping his name out of the headlines for awhile.

I think its unlikely any contract is going to keep his name out of the news unless there are some massive buyouts that someone has to pay to take him. The only thing that's going to stop those conversations is probably a national title. Lincoln Riley has zero reasons to leave OU for LSU but his name is getting mentioned. Until Franklin wins a natty here there will always be rumors about him going somewhere with a recent history of winning them. Or as many here claim, we are on the precipice of 3-5 win seasons for 3-5 years and then no one actually wants him

 

[Wallace Breen]

I thought the argument that 2016 and 2017 were only good because he had NFL talent? Now he can't even win if he has it? Go root for OSU/Alabama/Clemson or OU (but only until they join the SEC). Any other program is assuredly going to disappoint you repeatedly.

The problem with the 2016 and 2017 argument is that those teams were primarily driven by O'Brien's Lions. No Franklin's. Grant Haley was the only Franklin recruit that really mattered on those teams.

 

[TFBaum]

Considering Bill O'B's personality and the glad-handing BS that a head coach has to do with boosters, I'm not convinced he would want the gig again, especially knowing the unfulfilled expectations that exist here.

I know zero about PSU boosters but I think HC Paterno knew how manage the room. He was NYC (Brooklyn) at heart. NYC people are a breed apart.

 

[fastlax16]

The problem with the 2016 and 2017 argument is that those teams were primarily driven by O'Brien's Lions. No Franklin's. Grant Haley was the only Franklin recruit that really mattered on those teams.

You consider Saquon an O’Brien guy even tho he committed after James was hired so honestly shove your opinion up your ass.

 

[Psugo823]

I think that is an emotional issue. If you ask "OK, you want to get rid of CJF. Who do you want who is available and better given the current conditions of the program?" That is the rational, unemotional question. You know what you get? Either "crickets" or "there has to be SOMEBODY better!" Neither answer is acceptable to a rational person.

That's penn state basketballs go to, not penn state football. Try again apologist.

 

[Psugo823]

So if 6-6 is expected, would an 8 win season would be considered exceeding expectations or is an 8 win season still Franklin sucks and couldn't coach peewee?

Nobody expected 6-6 apologist.

 

[marshall23]

I think its unlikely any contract is going to keep his name out of the news unless there are some massive buyouts that someone has to pay to take him. The only thing that's going to stop those conversations is probably a national title. Lincoln Riley has zero reasons to leave OU for LSU but his name is getting mentioned. Until Franklin wins a natty here there will always be rumors about him going somewhere with a recent history of winning them. Or as many here claim, we are on the precipice of 3-5 win seasons for 3-5 years and then no one actually wants him

Riley's window will close when OU joins the SEC. I think the Sooners will have a difficult adjustment learning to play defense.

 

[fastlax16]

Riley's window will close when OU joins the SEC. I think the Sooners will have a difficult adjustment learning to play defense.

I agree it closes, but assuming his hypothetical LSU staff is made up predominantly of his staff from OU I don’t see how a move necessarily eliminates the issue of playing defense. It’s not like his d coordinator is suddenly going to become Don Brown just because he switches to a yellow and purple polo. If Riley can change his approach to defense once he gets to LSU he can do it at OU. He won’t…. but he could.

 

[marshall23]

The problem with the 2016 and 2017 argument is that those teams were primarily driven by O'Brien's Lions. No Franklin's. Grant Haley was the only Franklin recruit that really mattered on those teams.

Likewise, O'Bri0en took a team loaded with experience and NFL talent recruited and seasoned by Paterno and won a coach of the year trophy. Despite the fact that he lost to the likes of Ohio......LOL 8-4.

 

[PSUEngineer89]

I know a lot of people on the board don't like him, but I would be willing to give BO'b another shot.

If he WANTED to do the job, then I'd agree.

But I don't think he wants to do it.

I'm disinterested in a 5 year contract for Bob.

 

[marshall23]

I agree it closes, but assuming his hypothetical LSU staff is made up predominantly of his staff from OU I don’t see how a move necessarily eliminates the issue of playing defense. It’s not like his d coordinator is suddenly going to become Don Brown just because he switches to a yellow and purple polo. If Riley can change his approach to defense once he gets to LSU he can do it at OU. He won’t…. but he could.

Well, I think the coaching philosophy can pivot a lot quicker than the recruiting. I believe that Oklahoma will have to retool and look for different kinds of athletes to play D in the SEC. Ultimately, they will be upper tier. But they aren't going to be in the catbird seat like they have been in The Big 12, especially since the demise of Texas.

 

[marshall23]

Some here pine for BOB, a guy who never wanted to be at PSU ( only came here as a last resort when NE Super Bowl run left no NFL jobs open and NE hired Josh McDaniels and replaced him). He left at virtually the first opportunity to get back to the NFL.
Yet they trash someone who has been here 8 years because he won't say he has no interest in another job!
Fanboys! LOL

 

[tlbakernc]

Franklin’s career almost mirrors Dabo Swinney. Clemson fans were calling for his head after 6 years. The biggest difference between Dabo and Franklin is one coaches in ACC, the other Big 10. Clemson is all but guaranteed to make the playoffs. If Franklin would stop the reckless gambling I’d be very happy with him.

I know we’re all pissed about our running game. Think what we had 3 years ago with Brown at RB. We will get back there. Fixing the OL is the most important Franklin can do for next year. Good offensive lines bring team stability. I look for big portal moves on OL this year and possible coaching change. Also think Clifford comes back. That will transition us into Allar perfectly.

 

[DonP74]

Franklin’s career almost mirrors Dabo Swinney. Clemson fans were calling for his head after 6 years. The biggest difference between Dabo and Franklin is one coaches in ACC, the other Big 10. Clemson is all but guaranteed to make the playoffs. If Franklin would stop the reckless gambling I’d be very happy with him.

I know we’re all pissed about our running game. Think what we had 3 years ago with Brown at RB. We will get back there. Fixing the OL is the most important Franklin can do for next year. Good offensive lines bring team stability. I look for big portal moves on OL this year and possible coaching change. Also think Clifford comes back. That will transition us into Allar perfectly.

I'm also convinced Clifford comes back to be the bridge to the two new guys.

 

[SLion]

Wonder how much the 2022 class factored into the negotiations? We will have to wait 2/3 years to see how good they are. But this class could very special. I’m interested to see what Franklin does with Trautwein.

It was the total decision. Of course it makes no sense bc he had good recruiting classes and still 10-9 in last 19. If you can't coach talent to potential level then makes no sense to keep him if he wishes to move on. Not saying I am there yet but next year is final judgement.

 

[Cosmos]

Based on what? Since 2016 PSU has the third highest winning % in the conference and second highest in the division. If Frankin's style is a bad fit so is everyone else who isnt Urban Meyer or Ryan Day.

	w	l	%
Ohio State	46​	3​	0.939​
Wisconsin	36​	13​	0.735​
Penn State	35​	17​	0.673​
Michigan	34​	15​	0.694​
Iowa	32​	19​	0.627​
Northwestern	28​	23​	0.549​
Michigan State	25​	25​	0.500​
Minnesota	24​	26​	0.480​
Indiana	19​	31​	0.380​
Nebraska	19​	32​	0.373​
Purdue	19​	30​	0.388​
Illinois	13​	38​	0.255​
Maryland	13​	35​	0.271​
Rutgers	8​	44​	0.154​

Nice but who wants to finish in 3rd (4th actually by winning %).

Second, we're up against it with regard to inflation. People will have less disposable income to blow supporting an 'also ran'. Not only us but every program on your list under .500 will soon contemplate whether to go the way of the Univ. of Chicago. There will be massive (conference) consolidations not unlike what happens in the business world. It's eat or be eaten. Schools must choose whether to stick to their charter, which is educating kids, or be a de facto farm team for the NFL. So don't disregard the economic backdrop. These are times unlike anything we've seen since the early 1980s. JMO.