James Franklin wild explanation for disastrous fake punt borders on insanity

Penn State was favored going into the game versus No. 21 Arkansas in the Outback Bowl, but they were without six of their defensive starters, defensive coordinator Brent Pry, and wide receiver Jahan Dotson. Regardless, Penn State had every chance to defeat Arkansas, but they made too many questionable decisions.

One of the biggest headscratchers was its decision to go for a fake punt with 45 seconds to go in the second quarter.

On 4th-and-13 at Arkansas 32-yard line, Penn State head coach James Franklin decided to go for a fake punt to try and extend their 10-7 lead.

After the game, Franklin explained that the fake punt was designed to make Arkansas commit defensive pass interference or to intercept Jordan Stout’s pass in the end zone for a touchback.

It’s, quite possibly, the most bizarre answer to a play-call you can have.

Coach Franklin said the goal of the fake punt at the end of the first half was to “get a DPI or for Arkansas to pick it off in the end zone” mentions nothing of actually calling a fake that would gain the yardage normally

— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) January 1, 2022

The following drive, Arkansas would account for a 4-play, 26-yard drive where quarterback KJ Jefferson’s pass was intercepted. Arkansas would outscore Penn State 17-0 in the second half to win 24-10.