As the College Football Playoff heats up, the stakes couldn’t be higher for teams dreaming of national championship glory. The semifinal showdown featured two powerhouse programs: the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, each desperate for a coveted spot in the championship game.
The game kicked off with the Nittany Lions racing out to an early lead, going up 10-0 and giving their fans hope. But as the clock wound down, the Fighting Irish clawed back to snatch a 27-24 victory. While this season was generally a success for Franklin and his team, head coach James Franklin found himself once more at the center of criticism. Fans and analysts alike pointed fingers at his less-than-flattering record of 4-20 against ranked opponents, a troubling stat that has dogged him throughout his tenure.
The disappointment didn’t just end with the game; it spilled over into the realm of social media. One fan, encapsulating the sentiments of many, took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express their frustration: “James Franklin is the bronze medal of college football head coaches.” Such comments indicate a growing impatience within the fan base, who are tired of watching promising seasons fizzle out when it counts the most.
Another frustrated fan compared Franklin’s situation to that of Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, stating, “James Franklin and Mike Tomlin are the same coach. They both lead their teams to winning records during the regular season but falter in the playoffs. It’s a never-ending cycle.” For many, Franklin’s failures in critical moments overshadow the regular-season success, amplifying the discontent.
On a different note, the future of Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar has sparked conversation amongst analysts and fans alike. Earlier this year, Allar had declared he would be returning to Penn State for the 2025 season. Yet, after some mixed performances, some believe he should reconsider his plans and enter the NFL Draft. An analyst has even pointed out that the Las Vegas Raiders might be the ideal landing spot for him should he choose to go pro.
Ezekiel Trezevant from Sports Illustrated noted, “One player the Raiders might evaluate in the upcoming NFL Draft is Penn State quarterback Drew Allar. Although he has recently confirmed plans to return to college, Allar still has the opportunity to change his decision. A standout performance in the College Football Playoffs could elevate him on many QB draft boards in what is considered a relatively weak quarterback draft class.” This reflects a growing belief among some experts that Allar has the talent to shine on the big stage.
With the Raiders in desperate need of a quarterback—having to compete against formidable talents like Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs, Justin Herbert from the Chargers, and Bo Nix of the Denver Broncos—it’s clear that Allar’s decision could have significant implications for both him and the franchise. If he can showcase his abilities in the remaining playoff games, it could be a turning point not only for his career but also for the Raiders’ future.
As the playoff journey continues, emotions run high on every side—from the fervent fans lamenting missed opportunities to the eager analysts contemplating future possibilities. This is the world of college football: thrilling, unpredictable, and filled with high hopes and harsh realities.
