2 of college football's best coaches have been criticized for not winning the big game. Saturday could change that.
When the No. 3 Penn State and No. 4 Ohio State meet Saturday, a single question looms over both coaches. Can either win when it matters most?
Few college football programs have won more consistently than Ohio State under Ryan Day or Penn State under James Franklin.
And yet when the third-ranked Nittany Lions (7-0) and the fourth-ranked Buckeyes (6-1) meet Saturday, a single question looms over both coaches.
Can either win when it matters most?
Franklin has won nearly 71% of his games in 11 seasons at Penn State but is 1-10 against Ohio State — meaning nearly a quarter of his 39 all-time losses at the school have come against the Buckeyes. Saturday’s matchup is one of his best opportunities to end a seven-game losing streak in the rivalry. In the process, a win would move Penn State closer to securing what would be the first appearance in the College Football Playoff in Franklin’s decade in charge.
As the playoff field has increased from four teams to 12, the margin for error has expanded for teams. The Nittany Lions can effectively suffer a loss and keep their playoff hopes alive. But a loss to Ohio State would also keep alive the Buckeyes’ dominance in the series and the skepticism that Franklin can beat teams of Ohio State’s caliber in the postseason.
Rating: 5