Penn State Football Advances to Orange Bowl

James Franklin, the head coach of Penn State, has led the Nittany Lions to the College Football Playoff semifinals, marking a potential first national title in nearly 40 years for the program. Despite Franklin's past struggles against top opponents, the upcoming game against Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl is viewed as a pivotal moment in his career, where a victory could silence critics. Franklin has advocated for uniformity in college football, suggesting all teams should belong to conferences, a stance he reiterated during the Orange Bowl press conference. The Nittany Lions, considered underdogs against Notre Dame, have a team that echoes the defensive and running game strengths of past Michigan teams, albeit not achieving an undefeated season. Franklin emphasizes the broader impact of these games, focusing on the opportunity to reward the universities and supporters. This season's success is partly credited to offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki, who has revitalized the team's offense and committed to staying with Penn State for the next year.