Paul Finebaum is known to criticize, well, just about anything, and Penn State coach James Franklin is no exception.
America’s No. 1 college football radio host has criticized Franklin before, such as after the team’s loss at Ohio State last season.
A little more than a month before this season kicks off, Finebaum gave more input on ESPN’s morning show “Get Up.”
Franklin spoke Wednesday at Big Ten Media Days in Indianapolis, saying he’s well aware of the expectations Penn State faces.
“We are one of the few programs in the country who can win 10-11 games, and people aren’t happy,” Franklin said. “So we embrace that.”
Finebaum offered his response less than 24 hours later.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.“Well James, (the fans are) unhappy with you,” Finebaum said. “You’re a very competent coach, you’ve done a nice job. You haven’t done enough. Penn State fans expect excellence, they expect championships, they’re getting a little tired of 10-2 seasons that the two biggest games of the year you blow.”
“Or last year the bowl game, that does not cut it and for $9-$10 million a year, it’s just not enough,” Finebaum added. “And James has got a big break though Greeny, there is now a playoff. So he can blow those games, as he usually does, and still get to the playoffs and probably get knocked out in the first round.”
"You've done a nice job. You haven't done enough. Penn State fans expect excellence. They expect championships. They're getting a little tired of 10-2 seasons."@finebaum on Penn State HC James Franklin 😯 pic.twitter.com/IerkpRitkz
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) July 25, 2024
Penn State might not be a national title favorite in 2024, but the team will be expected by most— especially its fan base— to at least qualify for the expanded 12-team playoff. If Penn State can’t do that, it will be a rough offseason starting this coming winter.
