[5] Franklin completed a master's degree in educational leadership at Washington State in 1999. In his second season (2012), the Commodores finished 94 and ranked in both the Associated Press and USA Today end-of-season coaches' top 25 for the first time since 1948 (and the first ranking in any week since 2008). The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. Franklin has served as the head football coach at Penn State University since 2014 and served in the same position at Vanderbilt University from 2011 to 2013. All Filters. Top ten teams tend to be pretty good, and beating them every time certainly isnt the expectation for most programs. In 2000, Franklin was named the wide receivers coach at Maryland under head coach Ron Vanderlinden, who would go on to coach the Penn State linebackers from 2001-13. Following the regular season they played Kentucky in the Citrus Bowl, losing 2724. Since James Franklin's arrival in 2014, Penn State football has been in a state of disarray. if (el_info && el_button && (button_cookie || (siblingsHidden + bling_len <= 4))) {el_button.parentNode.removeChild(el_button); el_info.classList.add('open'); } In 2016, Franklin secured the No. The Nittany Lions boss, who turns 50 on Feb. 2, 2022,. Wide receiver Jordan Matthews broke the Vanderbilt season receiving record with 1,363 yards on 94 catches. The Nittany Lions additionally had 16 players who recorded at least one sack, tied for the nations lead among Power Five teams. Penn State propelled itself into one of the top defensive units in the nation, ranking tied for ninth in the country in scoring defense and tied for seventh in takeaways. We have done a very thorough vetting of this and we feel comfortable with the situation.' They were invited to the Liberty Bowl where they were defeated by Cincinnati 3124 to finish the season 67 in 2011. The Nittany Lions earned a spot in a New Years Day bowl with an Outback Bowl berth. The team's only losses by more than seven points were at No. All comments and opinions are submitted by Internet users, and . text-transform: uppercase; [35] This marked Coach James Franklin's third New Years Six win with the Nittany Lions, and his first Rose Bowl win. The 3.83 average star ranking for the 2019 class was the highest in program history since the inception of the 247Sports Composite in 2000. 2-8 in true road games against Top 25 opponents, 5-10 counting. and figuring out a new . Filter by City. Michigan: W, 21-17, over Penn State. Shortly before then coach Ralph Friedgen was fired in December 2010, he accepted the head coach position at Vanderbilt.[10]. 2011-13 - Vanderbilt (HeadCoach) Despite 1-5 record against Ohio State in James Franklin era, Penn State has been Buckeyes' toughest Big Ten test The Nittany Lions defeated the Buckeyes in 2016 on the return of a blocked field goal for a touchdown. The Nittany Lions had 19 players garner All-Big Ten accolades, including two first-team selections in Micah Parsons and Yetur Gross-Matos. But immediately after one of the most crushing losses of his career, Franklin echoed the knee-jerk sentiments of the same reactionary fans he previously refused to platform. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. color:#091F40; Here is a look back at each bowl game coached by Franklin heading into the 2023 Rose Bowl against Pac-12 champion Utah. Penn State earned its fourth 11-win season in the last seven years with an 11-2 record. James's personal network of family, friends, associates, . So, is James Franklin bad against top teams? Hes no world-ender, but hes clearly got an impressive program on the rise. 6-3 since 2019, 11-10 since 2016. That deal includes retention bonuses paid at the end of each year of the contract. He set seven school records as a senior to earn team MVP honors and was a Harlon Hill Trophy nominee as the NCAA Division II Player of the Year. Franklin hails from Saginaw, Michigan, and has been boxing professionally since 2015. With Franklins emphasis on safety, along with the precautions he, the coaching staff, medical team and support staff established, the Nittany Lions were one of only two Big Ten teams to play all nine of its scheduled games during a shortened 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 2006-07 - Kansas State (OffensiveCoordinator/Quarterbacks) The SPORTS REFERENCE and STATHEAD trademarks are owned exclusively by Sports Reference LLC. Interestingly, Fleck is 1-3 against top ten teams with the Gophers, but all four opponents were ranked in the top five. Barkley earned Big Ten Networks Freshman of the Year and claimed second-team All-Big Ten honors, while wide receiver Chris Godwin (second team) and defensive tackles Austin Johnson (second team) and Anthony Zettel (third team) also earned All-Big Ten accolades. He has one division title (that led to a Big Ten title) and his record against Ohio State (1-6), Michigan (3-4) and Michigan State (3-4) is a combined 7-14. In 2008, he returned to Maryland as the offensive coordinator, assistant head coach, and head coach in waiting. In the 2020 spring semester, 14 Nittany Lions posted a perfect 4.0 GPA and 89 squad members with at least a 3.0 GPA with the alternative grading also in effect. 9 in the final College Football Playoff rankings. 5-rated recruit in the 247Sports Composite, which is the highest recruit signed by Penn State since 2005 when Derrick Williams was the No. Credit to him, that is a lot, but its also a lot of opportunities. Franklin has coached 14 All-Americans and 40 NFL Draft picks at Penn State. The Nittany Lions surged in 2016, winning nine consecutive games en route to the Big Ten Championship, a Rose Bowl berth and an 11-3 overall record. Franklins first season was bookended with a pair of thrilling victories for the Nittany Lions. Big Ten Quarterbacks 2023: The Old Reliables. Barrett (2014, 2017). Locksley lost to #7 Oregon and #4 TCU while at New Mexico, and has gone 0-7 against top ten teams and 0-3 against top five teams so far at Maryland. Four Vanderbilt football players were arrested on August 9, 2013, and charged with five counts of aggravated rape and two counts of aggravated sexual battery. 12/15 Wisconsin and No. Penn State won 31-30 in overtime Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports, JACKSONVILLE, FL JANUARY 02: Head coaches Bryan McClendon of the Georgia Bulldogs and James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions shake hands after the TaxSlayer Bowl game at EverBank Field between the Georgia Bulldogs and the Penn State Nittany Lions on January 2, 2016 in Jacksonville, Florida. The Nittany Lion defense allowed opponents only a 66.7 percent conversion rate in the red zone, which ranked third nationally. Stout was named the Big Ten Eddleman-Fields Punter of the Year, becoming the first Penn State player to win the award. The Nittany Lions posted their first 1,000 single-year APR in program history in 2018-19, topping the previous high of 993 in 2014-15. Penn State football head coach James Franklin directs his players and entices the crowd during the annual Blue-White game in Beaver Stadium on Saturday, April 23, 2022 in University Park, Pa. . Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. After five successful years at Maryland, Franklin was named wide receivers coach on Mike Shermans Green Bay Packers staff in 2005. 1996 - East Stroudsburg (GraduateAssistant/Secondary) 1 Pennsylvania recruit in three-straight years (2018 Micah Parsons; 2017 Lamont Wade; 2016 Miles Sanders) for the first time since 2004 (Anthony Morelli), 2005 (Justin King) and 2006 (Jared Odrick). } Sports Illustrated named him a National Player of the Week that season. Regardless, Locksley clearly is the worst coach in the conference against top competition. I look forward to diligently working with President Barron and Director of Athletics Sandy Barbour on implementing a plan that puts our University and our student-athletes in the best position to compete on the field and in life.". The Nittany Lions finished first nationally with 85 pass breakups and had four games with double-digit pass breakups. The Nittany Lions claimed their fourth overall Big Ten Championship and first outright title since 1994 with a thrilling 38-31 comeback win over Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship Game. display:inline-block; He played college football at Missouri. Court Records; James Hazelwood was born on 09/30/1943 and passed away at 55 years old. And rightly so. 1 player in Pennsylvania (Jven Williams). Hes 1-1 in neutral site games, winning the 2016 Big Ten Championship Game over Wisconsin before losing to USC in the Rose Bowl. The Penn State Nittany Lions defeated The Northwestern Wildcats 17-7. . During his first few press conferences, he had said how he wanted Penn State to again be the most dominant school in recruiting in Pennsylvania.[21]. Largest margin of victory over rival Tennessee (23) 4118 since 1954 (260). He became the first (and only) African American head coach to win a Big Ten title and is the first African American FBS head coach to reach 100 career wins. In 2003, Franklin's duties expanded to include the position of recruiting coordinator. He received a six-year contract, which paid him $4.3 million for the 2014 season, including a $300,000 retention bonus payable if he was Penn State's coach on December 31, 2014. The 2018 recruiting class was ranked No. Sean Clifford (2021) and Trace McSorley (2018) were selected as National Football Foundation (NFF) Scholar-Athletes and finalists for the Campbell Trophy, known as the Academic Heisman. They are the 18th and 19th Nittany Lions to be selected as an NFF Scholar-Athlete. PSU led the Big Ten with 104 tackles for loss (T-4th nationally) and 42 sacks (T-6th), and 26 different Nittany Lions had at least a full tackle for loss, good for second in the nation. Franklin led Vanderbilt to a bowl game in each of his three seasons in Nashville, with the last two years resulting in wins over NC State (Music City Bowl) and Houston (BBVA Compass Bowl). This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Penn State football: James Franklin, Nittany Lions vs. Michigan State. In August 2019, Franklin was named a Penn State University Renaissance Fund honoree, which awards outstanding community members for helping students in need. For the second-straight year, Penn State landed six out of the Top 10 recruits from Pennsylvania in 2023, to go along with 16 total four-star signees. Quarterback Sean Clifford closed out his career breaking school records in wins by a starting quarterback (32), completions (833), passing touchdowns (86), passing yards (10,661) and total yards (11,734). 11 Washington in the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl. For the third straight year, Vanderbilt made it to a bowl game. The third victory was James Franklin's 24-21 signature win over No. In his first 12 years as a head coach, Franklin mentored 98 players who have gone on to the NFL ranks. 8 Arkansas 3128, at Florida 2621, and at Tennessee in overtime 2721. Hes 2-3 against top five teams, which means hes 4-0 against teams ranked 6-10. Zettel earned All-Big Ten first-team honors, while receiver DaeSean Hamilton garnered All-Big Ten second-team accolades after pulling in 82 catches for 899 yards. Some school's results have been altered by retroactive NCAA penalties. [18], A minor controversy occurred when Vanderbilt canceled games at home with Northwestern and away games with Ohio State. Franklin has guided the Nittany Lions to an 86 percent graduation success rate, a perfect single-year 1,000 APR for the 2018-19 school year and record-breaking performances in the classroom. Franklin was born in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, on February 2, 1972, to James Oliver and Jocelyn "Josie" Franklin. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & resort (KS). James Geoffrey Franklin (born February 2, 1972) is an American football coach and former player. He is still just 1-5 against top five teams with the Wolverines, but 1-1 at home (and 4-4 against the top ten in the Big House). Regardless, he lost, and so hes 0-1 in his career. 1999 - Idaho State (Wide Receivers) It is understandable that USC fans who watched Penn State. 1995 - Kutztown University (Wide Receivers). Remember when it was a big deal that Harbaugh didnt win the big ones? font-size:1.10em; James Franklin was named Penn State's 43rd Annual Renaissance Fund honoree in 2019. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports, Dec 30, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin walks onto the field with wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton (5), safety Marcus Allen (2) and linebacker Jason Cabinda (40) prior to the game against the Washington Huskies in the 2017 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Former Penn State head coach Joe Paterno continues to hold the record for the most coaching victories in a college football game with 24, and that record appears to be safe for a few more years. In 2015, Franklin joined the FOX studio crew for pregame, halftime and postgame coverage of the Big Ten Championship Game. Matthews broke the SEC season record with 112 receptions for 1,477 yards and seven touchdowns in 2013, becoming the first SEC receiver to make 100 catches in a season. Franklin did come into Happy Valley already carrying an 0-5 record, but since arriving, hes lost 15 of 17 opportunities against top ten teams. He did earn a win over Penn State in 2019, the high point of a magical season for Minnesota. On January 11, 2014, the Athletic Department at Penn State announced the appointment of Franklin as the head football coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions. Even with a losing record, the 2011 team outscored their opponents 347 to 281. As a short yardage quarterback, Franklin tied a CFL record held by Doug Flutie of most rushing touchdowns in a season, with 14. In 2017, the newest set of Nittany Lions finished in the Top 15 in the country, ranking as high as 12th by Rivals. Prior to Penn State's 2019 appearance in the Cotton Bowl, James Franklin matched a $10,000 donation from Goodyear to the Children's Medical Center Dallas. He then was the wide receivers coach at James Madison (1997), a graduate assistant (tight ends) at Washington State in 1998 and the wide receivers coach at Idaho State (1999). First Vandy player Zac Stacy to rush for over 3,000 yards in career, the first time since 1949 to 1951 that Vanderbilt beat rival Ole Miss in consecutive years. Couple that with a 3-2 record while at Stanford, and maybe the Michigan Man is actually okay at this coaching thing. To answer this, I decided to compile the records of every Big Ten coach against top ten and top five opponents so we can see what kind of coaches do handle their toughest foes. Franklins career head coaching record is 102-51 and is one of eight active FBS coaches with a 66+ winning percentage and 12+ years coaching experience. Franklin is first all-time in wins and winning percentage (minimum 80 wins) by an FBS African American head coach. Nobody in the Big Ten has beaten more (or played more) top ten teams than Ferentz, but maybe give Ryan Day like three more years. Unfortunately for Michigan fans, Harbaugh's last win. Franklin is 65-30 at Penn State with a Big Ten championship in 2016 and three AP top-10 finishes from 2016 to 2019. Singleton was named the Big Ten Thompson-Randle El Freshman of the Year, becoming the fourth Penn State player to win the Big Ten Freshman of the Year award and the 11th conference major award winner in the Franklin era. A letter was sent cancelling the games, the explicit reason being the need to accommodate Mizzou into Vanderbilt's SEC East Division. Allen is in his sixth year at Indiana, and, because he plays in the East, has already faced fifteen top-ten teams. [5] He joined head coach Ron Prince as the first coaching staff to follow the legendary Bill Snyder. The 2016 season brought record-breaking performances from the Nittany Lions as the offense set marks for total offense (6,056), passing yards (3,650), points scored (526) and double-digit comeback wins (4). Recently, Penn State announced at the end of the 2019 regular season that the Board of Trustees had confirmed unanimous approval of an extension of James Franklin contract after rumored interest from several other programs including the USC Trojans[29] and Florida State Seminoles. The 2011 bowl berth was Vanderbilts second since 1983. Penn State recorded at least seven tackles for loss in each of the last eight games of 2022 (Michigan, 7; Minnesota, 7, Ohio State, 7; Indiana, 16; Maryland, 9; Rutgers, 15, Michigan State, 7; Utah, 9). [39] The Renaissance Fund dinner was held on October 30, 2019, at the Bryce Jordan Center on the campus of Penn State. Guess theres something in the water in Michigan that prevents coaches from beating Ohio State. In February 2020, Franklin received a new contract through 2025 that pays him $5 . Of the 17 current coaches with 100 career wins at the FBS level, Franklin is one of seven with all their first 100 wins coming while coaching at a Power Five program. First time a Vanderbilt team went to a bowl in back-to-back years. Defense was dominant for the Nittany Lions, finishing in the top 10 nationally in yards per rush (1st; 2.55), forced fumbles (1st; 22), rushing defense (5th; 95.0), sacks (7th; 3.46), scoring defense (8th; 16.0) and fumble recoveries (10th; 12). [31] They were able to rebound, however, by winning their last four games after that to finish 45. Someone leaving the stadium shouted "go home, losers" and "Franklin is a fraud" during the interview. Idaho State ranked ninth nationally in total offense that year. Vanderbilt continued its historic rise under Franklin during the 2013 season, capping a school-record 9-4 campaign with a 41-24 win over Houston in the BBVA Compass Bowl. With a 35-21 win over No. Offensively, Penn State finished seventh nationally with a 41.1 scoring average, the third-highest in program history, and 19th in total offense with a 460.3 average, which also ranks third in PSU history. Offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead left to become the head coach at Mississippi State, star Running Back Saquon Barkley was drafted as the 2nd overall draft pick by the New York Giants, and Tight End Mike Gesicki was drafted by the Miami Dolphins. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports, Jan 1, 2019; Orlando, FL, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin yells from the sidelines during the second half in the 2019 Citrus Bowl against the Kentucky Wildcats at Camping World Stadium. Running back Saquon Barkley finished a stellar collegiate career by winning the Paul Hornung Award for the nations most versatile player, three major Big Ten awards Graham-George Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year, Ameche-Dayne Big Ten Running Back of the Year, Rodgers-Dwight Big Ten Return Specialist of the Year and the Chicago Tribune Silver Football for the second-straight season. He has the most diverse schedule, with 13 different teams making up his 23-game record. Perhaps most impressive is his 4-2 home record against top five teams since 2008. Like piecing together a revamped offense . All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. Hes 1-0 so far with Illinois Fightin Illini, beating, wait for it, Penn State last year. Schiano actually has a higher win percentage against top five teams, going 2-6 in his career. With PSUs victory in the Rose Bowl Game to conclude the 2022 season, he became the fifth coach to win the Rose, Fiesta and Cotton Bowls at the same institution, joining Joe Paterno (Penn State), Bob Stoops (Oklahoma), Mack Brown (Texas) and Terry Donahue (UCLA). In the eyes of some Nittany Lion fans . Fitzgerald is constantly a thorn in Iowas side, but Iowa isnt good enough for that to be impressive. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports, Vanderbilt coach James Franklin, left, congratulates running back Zac Stacy after he was named MVP of the Music City Bowl at LP Field Dec. 31, 2012. Franklin was inducted into the East Stroudsburg Athletics Hall of Fame October 15, 2016. I mean, theres definitely something in the water in Michigan. Still, those teams were ranked third and second, respectively. 23 . Franklin and Penn State's Board of Trustees agreed to the terms, which include a yearly base salary of $7 million, retention bonuses of $500,000 each year and a $1 million annual loan for life . Franklin is in the second-year of a 10-year contract with Penn State that pays him $8.5 million annually. The 2011 seniors for the Vanderbilt football team became the first class in program history to qualify for two bowl games while at the school. The sophomore receiver from Texas cleanly caught a laser throw from Drew Allar in the first half of Saturday's . Penn State coach James Franklin rockets to the top of any coaching candidate list, . Penn State was ranked in the AP Top 25 for the 63 consecutive polls in which it was eligible from 2016-20, marking the third-longest streak in program history and longest streak since 1993-2000 when PSU was ranked for 121-straight weeks. He should definitely be criticized for his record against quality opponents. The class was also ranked No. That trend might or might not be relevant . 6-ranked recruiting class in 2022 had an average star rating of 3.76 and featured 16 signees who were rated with four stars or higher. Hes 3-1 against top five teams, and 2-0 at home. Eligibility restrictions apply. Cole Cubelic (@colecubelic . Prior to his injury, Freiermuth led all FBS tight ends with 5.8 receptions per game and ranked fifth averaging 77.5 receiving yards per game. Though the Wolverines' 41-17 win over the NIttany Lions came on Oct. 15, coaches Jim Harbaugh and James Franklin keep trading barbs after their teams got into a halftime scuffle in the locker room . Prior to Franklins arrival, the Commodores average class rank was 64.6 since 2000 (based on 247Sports composite). [4], Franklin began his coaching career in 1995 coaching wide receivers at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania. ALTOONA, Pa. -- Jim Harbaugh says a lot of wacky things that you'll never hear the more conservative James Franklin say, but there was also this no-brainer from Harbaugh on Monday that was. https://nittanylionswire.usatoday.com/lists/james-franklins-all-time-bowl-game-record-and-results/, 2012: Music City Bowl vs. North Carolina State. Franklin has also been an ardent supporter of "Be the Match," encouraging community members to join the national bone marrow registry. That includes four losses to top five teams, three of whom were Ohio State. The first 9 win season since 1915. James Franklin's record with Penn State, to this point, is 67-32. The 2019 class featured a pair of 247Sports five-star recruits and three No. 22/20 Auburn, Penn State tallied two wins over ranked teams within the first three games of the season for the first time in program history. Hes in his ninth year, and faces a top-ten foe every five games on average. First win at home vs. Tennessee in 30 years. Read about James Franklin cricket player from New Zealand profile, stats, rankings, records, videos, photos at ESPNcricinfo. Northwestern, like Vanderbilt in the SEC the sole private institution in the Big Ten, alleged that the real reason was fear on the part of Vanderbilt to continue playing its Big Ten counterparta series which had been referred to as the Battle of the Nerds.[19]. var sr_menus_checkInfoCookie_run_inline = true; Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Sunday, April 30, 6:46AM. In 129 years the Nittany Lions have achieved significant success on the gridiron. The Nittany Lions, started the season off with a 50 record and with wins over #12 Wisconsin and #22 Auburn were ranked as high as #4 in the country. When the pressure is on, Leonhard does not let down. Clifford was selected one of three finalists for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award in 2022, recognizing a student-athlete who demonstrates a record of leadership by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity and sportsmanship on and off the field. James C Franklin, 80. Nine of his losses (and seven of his top-five losses) have come on the road, with just six opportunities coming at home. James Franklin is 2-13 vs AP Top-10 teams at Penn State, including 8 straight losses. Additional information about this arrest can be found below. 2005 - Green Bay Packers (WideReceivers) 2:18. For his team's turn around, Franklin was named the Dave McClain Coach of the Year in the Big Ten.[26][27]. Defensive end and second-team All-American Arnold Ebiketie paced the Big Ten with 17.0 tackles for loss and was second among Power Five defensive linemen in tackles for loss and tied for seventh in sacks. 21+ (18+ NH/WY). Among the season records he set were for total offense (3,128 yards), passing yards (2,586) and touchdown passes (19). In addition, Parsons became the 101st first-team All-American and 43rd consensus All-American in Penn State history. // see sr.menus.js:sr_menus_checkInfoCookie to explain He met with reporters for just 4 minutes after the loss. The 2010 squad was among the national leaders in scoring offense at 32.2 points per game and was led by ACC Rookie of the Year quarterback Danny OBrien. var el = el_button; The 2020 recruiting class finished No. 12 according to ESPN.com, No. Hes had two of those top ten games at home, and five on the road. Additionally, Vanderbilt's 25 combined wins in Franklin's three years in charge was the Commodores' highest total in school history. OSU Football After his eighth loss to Ohio State in nine tries, Penn State head coach James Franklin assumed the podium full of takeaways on his mind. Vanderbilt had posted four nine-win seasons in program history, with Franklins last two teams comprising half of the total. 2 Alabama 340. Birth 08 SEP 1879 - Missouri. Franklin has spoken at every THON since 2014,[40] and the Franklin family has generously supported THON through annual gifts[41] including a $10,000 gift made in honor of football players Charlie Shuman, Nick Scott.[42]. The 2012 team had numerous milestones. Find out more. Do not rely on this site to determine factual criminal records. The Penn State defense was a permanent fixture in the oppositions backfield, leading the country in sacks (3.62) for the second time in the last four years and ranking fourth in tackles for loss (8.2). But I want to hear the argument about how James Franklin had it tougher than Jeff Brohm. Franklins victories in the Fiesta Bowl, Pinstripe Bowl, Music City Bowl and Birmingham Bowl (formerly the Compass Bowl) marked the first time in each bowls history an African American head coach earned the win. He owns an 102-51 career record, leading his teams to four Top 10 finishes (4 at Penn State) and seven Top 25 finishes (2 at Vanderbilt; 5 at Penn State). Barkley became the 100th first-team All-American in program history with Consensus All-America honors and finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting. It goes without saying then that current Penn State head coach James Franklin has a long way to go to catch up to Paterno. Franklin was 2-1 in bowl games at Vanderbilt, a remarkable feat on its own given Vanderbilt is just 4-4-1 all-time in bowl games. { Do you have a sports website? He has an impressive record of 21-1 (14 KOs), and a 67% knockout ratio is ample proof of his hitting power.. During that time, Franklin didn't mince words about his team's. 1 running back in the state of Pennsylvania in 2015 (Saquon Barkley), 2016 (Sanders), 2022 (Singleton) and 2023 (London Montgomery). Big Ten football at Penn State continues to be a learning experience for Omari Evans. Franklin also worked with Donovan McNabb of the Philadelphia Eagles (1999) and Minnesota Vikings (2008) in the NFL program. Michigan James Franklin is 1-7 vs ranked road teams at PSU, and 1-13 overall as a head coach against ranked road teams.