James Franklin Achieves 100th Win at Penn State

James Franklin, head coach of Penn State, has been named one of eight finalists for the George Munger College Coach of the Year Award, following a successful season that saw the Nittany Lions achieve a program-record 12 wins and make their first-ever appearance in the College Football Playoff. Franklin recently recorded his 100th win at Penn State with a decisive 38-10 victory over Southern Methodist University in the playoff's first round. Although Franklin's team was expected to contend for the playoffs, Coach of the Year awards typically favor underdog stories, which may hinder his chances of winning. As the Nittany Lions prepare to face Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl, they are considered strong contenders, given their solid performance and a 10.5-point favorite status in the matchup. Franklin's tenure has been marked by consistent success, yet questions remain about his ability to secure a national title. The Fiesta Bowl is set for December 31, 2024, at 7:30 PM on ESPN.