James Franklin Defends SEC, Big Ten Playoff Rankings

Penn State head coach James Franklin has emphasized the dominance of the Big Ten and SEC in college football, stating that the talent in these conferences is unmatched. With both conferences holding eight of the twelve spots in the current College Football Playoff projections, Franklin believes they deserve the majority presence in the playoffs due to their performance throughout the season. He acknowledged the growing narrative surrounding playoff selections but urged for unity rather than rivalry between the two powerhouses. Franklin argued that while other conferences like the ACC and Big 12 have talented teams, they lack the depth found in the Big Ten and SEC. Furthermore, he stressed that criticism over rankings should be avoided, as both conferences have proven their strength over time. Franklin's comments reflect a desire for both conferences to be recognized fairly in the upcoming playoff discussions.