James Franklin destroyed by social media for disastrous ending to Orange Bowl
James Franklin had a chance to re-write the narrative around his big-game abilities in the Orange Bowl. And early on, it looked like Penn State might dominate the game.
In the first half, the Nittany Lions took control of Notre Dame on either side of the ball. Franklin’s team built a 10-0 lead, and even after the Irish tacked on a field goal, it felt like this was Penn State’s game entering halftime.
However, Notre Dame would not be denied. They would claw to a 17-10 lead and rallied back once again after Penn State had regained the lead at 24-17. Notre Dame would score the final 10 points of the game, and it was a stretch greatly aided by one of the most questionable coaching decisions of the season.
Late in the 4th quarter, the Fighting Irish had a chance to drive for a potential game-winning field goal. The Penn State defense stood tall, forcing a punt after Notre Dame was unable to get into field goal range.
It gave the offense the ball with less than a minute remaining and deep in its own territory, but James Franklin still went for the kill. The decision ultimately led to an interception from Drew Allar in one of the worst decisions of his career, and the Fighting Irish were already on the fringe of field goal range.
It led to a game-winning kick from Mitch Jeter as Notre Dame advanced to the national championship game and sent Franklin to address his coaching record in big games yet again. Here’s how social media reacted to his latest flop:
James Franklin is now 1-15 vs. AP top 5 opponents during his time at Penn State
Notre Dame comes up clutch at the end pic.twitter.com/b4aYyEDpq3
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace_) January 10, 2025
James Franklin in big games pic.twitter.com/liho9YbIVG
— Will (@WillTalksBall) January 10, 2025
If you bet on James Franklin in a big game. You have nobody to blame but yourself.
— Jon “Stugotz” Weiner (@stugotz790) January 10, 2025
James Franklin blew it in a big game with everything on the line? pic.twitter.com/tzpm58ce9w
— Cheese For Everyone! (@CheeseForEvery1) January 10, 2025
James Franklin drops to 4-20 vs. AP Top 10 teams at Penn State.
— Connor O'Gara (@cjogara) January 10, 2025
The James Franklin Special pic.twitter.com/o4UhxMKRCX
— Official Ohio State DG (@DylanEveryday) January 10, 2025
Penn State lost so we know the Orange Bowl was, in fact, a 'Big Game' for James Franklin.
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) January 10, 2025
It’s the James Franklin special. Dominate the first half and get outcoached in the second half
— 🌰 Brandon Go Ohio State 🌰 (@BrandonJBranden) January 10, 2025
It's final: Notre Dame is heading to the national championship game after a 27-24 comeback win over Penn State – its 13th straight victory since a loss to Northern Illinois.
James Franklin has lost 13 straight games against top-5 teams.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) January 10, 2025
James Franklin just James Franklin’d that game harder than he has ever James Franklin’d before.
— LG (@LGhail) January 10, 2025