No one embraces the 1-0 mentality more than Penn State coach James Franklin. Literally.
Before walking onto the field for a 3:30 p.m. kickoff against Maryland, Penn State was 60 minutes away from clinching a spot in the 2024 Big Ten Championship Game. But don’t tell Franklin.
While Franklin knew Michigan stunned No. 2 Ohio State and opened the door for PSU to play Oregon, he maintained focus on beating Maryland.
Doubt his commitment level? Franklin fired back at a student shouting, “See you in Indianapolis!” before his team ran out of the tunnel.
I ❤️ fiery CJF pic.twitter.com/q7IJ6xnabo
— Dylan Dawson (@PSU_Dylan) December 4, 2024
“We’re focused on f-ing Maryland,” Franklin said. “Lock the f*** in.”
It seemed like the thoughts of Indy danced in the players’ heads on the first two plays. Nicholas Singleton fumbled and the defense gave up a touchdown on one play to trail 7-0. But after that, Penn State led 31-7 at halftime and won 44-7 to claim its 11th victory, the most regular-season wins since 2008.
Commenting on PSU student Dylan Dawson’s post of Franklin’s frustration, Nittanyville’s own Ethan Connor issued an apology to Franklin and the team.
“I apologize for my comments made here,” Connor said. “I know more than anyone the 1-0 mentality this program has adopted and your dedicated to focus on every opponent is key to the success of this program on a weekly basis. Beat Oregon.”
Only in Happy Valley.
No. 3 Penn State plays No. 1 Oregon in the 2024 Big Ten Championship Game Saturday at 8 p.m. in Indianapolis. A win could catapult PSU to the first overall seed in the upcoming College Football Playoff. A loss may drop Penn State far enough that hosting a playoff game no longer becomes an option. Whether that should be the case is a whole other story.
Penn State has a chance to win its first Big Ten title since 2016. You better believe Franklin is sticking with the 1-0 mentality, all day, everyday.
