One of the most anticipated matchups in Week 10 of the College Football season was the Big Ten rivalry game, was the Penn State Nittany Lions facing off against the Ohio State Buckeyes. The Nittany Lions come into this matchup ranked third in the nation with an undefeated record of 7-0, while the Buckeyes come in ranked fourth with a record of 6-1 after losing to the first-ranked Oregon Ducks a couple of weeks ago. Needless to say, this matchup had MAJOR College Football Playoff Implications.
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James Franklin Slammed For Controversial Decision
Despite the Nittany Lions jumping out to a 10-0 lead over the Buckeyes after returning a pick-six on the opening defensive drive, the game remained close throughout. After falling behind at halftime, the Nittany Lions had a chance to make the game interesting in the second quarter. But a huge blunder by Penn State coach James Franklin may have cost the Nittany Lions. And fans on social media were notably upset with him.
"So stupid for thinking this time it would be different for James Franklin," one fan said on X, formerly known as Twitter.
"James Franklin is the worst coach in the Big 10. Just an absolute disgrace," another fan added.
4th Down Blunder Spelled Penn State's Demise
Trailing 20-13 in the fourth quarter with the ball in Ohio state territory, Penn State had a chance to cut the lead to four and possibly get the ball back. They have had one of the stingiest defenses in the country this year.
However, Franklin decided to take a risk and go for it on 4th down and goal to go with over five minutes remaining in the game. Penn State quarterback Drew Allar was unable to connect with a receiver in the end zone and the Nittany Lions turned the ball over on downs.
That play ultimately spelled their demise as they were upset at home by the fourth-ranked Buckeyes and are no longer undefeated with their record at 7-1. It will be interesting to see how the win for the Buckeyes and the loss by the Nittany Lions shakes up the college football rankings heading into Week 11.
