"Chance to Close The Gap" What's at Stake for James Franklin, Penn State vs. Notre Dame

Penn State head coach James Franklin has built a winning program in Happy Valley, but one lingering question follows him into the College Football Playoff: Can he win the big game?

On ESPN’s Get Up, analyst Heather Dinich described the stakes: “This is the biggest game of his career—a chance to close the gap with elite coaches who can win when it matters most.”

But has Franklin already won a “big game,” or is the criticism valid?

What Defines a “Big Game” for James Franklin, Penn State?

Before we judge Franklin, we need to define what counts as a “big game.”

Bowl Games? Franklin boasts a respectable 8-6 record.

Conference Championships? He claimed the Big Ten title in 2016.
Playoff Games? Franklin is undefeated at 2-0 this season.

However, the one glaring statistic critics point to is his 1-15 record against AP Top 5 opponents since arriving at Penn State—a weakness that looms large ahead of the Nittany Lions’ CFP semifinal showdown against No. 3 Notre Dame.

The Fighting Irish leapfrogged Penn State in the final rankings, adding another layer of urgency to Franklin’s pursuit of postseason glory.

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Can a Win Finally Redefine “Big Game James”?

Franklin has undoubtedly won meaningful games, but his struggles against elite opponents have earned him the label of “Big Game James”—a nickname many fans use with more sarcasm than respect.

Could a win over Notre Dame quiet the doubters? Maybe. But a national championship would likely be the only way to truly reshape his legacy.

Penn State Football, James Franklin — Dec 21, 2024; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin celebrates with linebacker Dominic DeLuca (0) after an interception for a touchdown during the first half against the Southern Methodist Mustangs at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

For now, the spotlight is on Franklin and his Nittany Lions. Saturday’s game isn’t just about advancing to the title game—it’s about proving, once and for all, that Franklin belongs in the conversation with college football’s elite.