Paul Finebaum has expressed his bewilderment over James Franklin’s decision-making in the Orange Bowl, particularly during the final moments of Penn State’s 27-24 loss to Notre Dame. The Nittany Lions, tied at 24-24, had possession at their own 15-yard line with just 47 seconds remaining. On the second play of the drive, quarterback Drew Allar threw an interception, setting up Notre Dame’s game-winning field goal and ending Penn State’s season.
During an appearance on Friday’s Get Up, Finebaum criticized the decision to call a risky passing play in that situation. “It was a massive mistake,” Finebaum told host Mike Greenberg. “I just don’t understand what James Franklin was thinking. Sometimes, when you’ve had as many close calls as he has, you might feel pressure to take a gamble.”
Finebaum argued that a more conservative approach, aiming for overtime, would have been wiser. “Why put such a high risk in this situation? They had lost momentum after leading 10-0, just like they did against Ohio State,” Finebaum said. “It turned out to be a disaster. Franklin is a great coach, but he still hasn’t won that big game.”
While Franklin’s critics are vocal, others note Penn State’s two College Football Playoff wins this season, arguing that reaching the semifinals is itself a significant achievement.
“It turned out to be an absolute mess and he will pay for it. … He’s an outstanding coach, but he still hasn’t won that big game.”
—@finebaum on Penn State’s head coach James Franklin after their CFP loss to Notre Dame pic.twitter.com/F0mbb88q3M
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) January 10, 2025
