Flashback: It’s the night of September 29th, 2018, and Penn State Football head coach James Franklin is set to address the media after falling to Ohio State, in Beaver Stadium, 27-26.

A game that Penn State led until midway through the 4th quarter.

During the following post-game press conference, Franklin talked about Penn State going from being a great program to an elite program. Here’s some of what he said.

“We’re a great program, we lost to an elite program. And we’re that close. We have gotten comfortable being great. We will no longer be comfortable being great … we are going to get this done. I give you my word.”

Fast forward to the current day and the question still looms, over six years later, when will it get done?

Penn State football has lost seven straight games to the Buckeyes. They lost three straight to Michigan before realignment allowed Michigan to be off the schedule this year.

The Nittany Lions sit 7-0, as the No. 3 team in the nation, and have a clash with top 5 Ohio State on Saturday in Happy Valley.

So is now the time?

Is the program ready to become elite?

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Can James Franklin, Penn State Football Finally Shake Ohio State Monkey Off Program’s Back?

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Why 2024 Could Be Different for Penn State Football

Penn State fans, so far in 2024 have seen this team win games they just haven’t over the last 5-6 years.

The double-digit comeback against USC on the road. The ability to withstand Drew Allar going down, and winning on the road against Wisconsin. Games like that have not gone the Nittany Lions’ way in the past, but this year they have.

There’s new leadership.

Pat Kraft has shown his ability to fundraise, with multiple seven-figure donations coming to help renovate Beaver Stadium.

Franklin has praised the addition of a training table now available to current players. Penn State has continued to improve its’ NIL game with new ways to raise money. One might say the stars are aligning for this program.

Drew Allar has taken a significant step in his second year as a starter.

The addition of Andy Kotelnicki has the Nittany Lions’ offense sitting top 15 nationally in total offense. Tyler Warren can be an X factor again on Saturday.

Defensively, under new coordinator Tom Allen it’s more of the same.

Penn State’s defense once again sits in the top 10 nationally with their toughest assignment coming on Saturday.

Finally, the head coach has shown he’s learned and taken steps as well.

Beau Pribula was far more prepared than Robinson was in 2021 in Iowa City.

Franklin handled a lightning delay in Morgantown far better, than the one in East Lansing years ago.

So, one could argue that this program, this community, and this team specifically, are ready to take the next step.

Most Penn State fans have probably accepted a loss on Saturday, and rightfully so. The health of Allar will be a question all week, but if Allar does play, Penn State has a legitimate shot.

This is a talented Buckeyes team, and they pose significant challenges, but Penn State can take advantage of some weaknesses. OSU’s offensive line has been subpar, specifically on the left side. Will Howard has played well, but he’s not CJ Stroud or Justin Fields, nor is he as mobile.

This isn’t me trying to get your hopes up, but I’d remind everyone no one saw 2016 coming either.

The signs are there that this program is ready. Happy Valley will be the epicenter of college football. All eyes will be on State College come November 2nd, and I personally think there’s a chance a new narrative is talked about on November 3rd.

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