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Video: James Franklin gets into heated conversation with PSU fan after loss to Will Howard, OSU | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

Posted on by L. Dreeye
Video: James Franklin gets into heated conversation with PSU fan after loss to Will Howard, OSU | News, results, highlights, statistics and rumors

STATE COLLEGE, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 2: Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin reacts during the second quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Beaver Stadium on November 2, 2024 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Thatch/Getty Images)

Scott Thatch/Getty Images

Penn State head coach James Franklin appeared to argue with fans at Beaver Stadium on Saturday after the No. 3 Nittany Lions lost 20-13 to No. 4 Ohio State.

Video posted by ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg shows Franklin talking to a fan heading toward the tunnel after the game.

Adam Rittenberg @ESPNRittenberg

Penn State coach James Franklin had a poignant conversation with a fan on his way off the field after yet another loss to a top-10 opponent. pic.twitter.com/zJYUXleZck

In a closer video of the incident posted by StateCollege.com’s Seth Angle, Franklin asks for the fans’ names.

“If you’re going to be man enough to talk, what’s your name?” Franklin asks fans before ringing Penn State’s victory bell and leaving the field.

Seth Engle @bigsengtweets

James Franklin responded to criticism from Penn State fans after the loss to Ohio State: “If you’re going to be man enough to say what’s your name?” pic.twitter.com/kILxOn8UqU

Another video, posted by The Athletic’s Audrey Snyder, shows Franklin facing booing and negative heckling as he leaves the field.

Audrey Snyder @audsnyder4

There are screams in the tunnel as James Franklin emerges. Also sings “Franklin of Fire”. Franklin is now 1-10 against the Buckeyes. pic.twitter.com/BGGr8gu408

After the loss, Franklin told reporters he understood why fans were upset (h/t Rittenberg.)

“We have an incredible crowd here. We’re getting incredible support,” Franklin said, according to Rittenberg. “You can’t do it without passion, and great things come from it, and difficult things come from it. It’s part of the job, and it’s all mine.”

The Penn State coach continued, “Nobody looks in the mirror harder than I do. Ninety-nine percent of college football programs would die to do what we’ve been able to do in our time here. But I also understand that when you’re in a place like Pennsylvania, you have very high expectations.”

Franklin concluded, “I understand, I completely understand.”

Since hiring Franklin in 2014, Penn State has posted five 11-win campaigns but holds a record of just 1-13 against top-five opponents.

Penn State is also 1-10 against Ohio State during Franklin’s tenure. The Nittany Lions have lost eight straight to the Buckeyes since they last won the game in October 2016.

The Nittany Lions jumped out to a 10-point lead on Saturday after the first field goal was followed by a pick-six thrown by OSU quarterback Will Howard.

Penn State quarterback Drew Allar was unable to keep the home team’s momentum going as he finished the game going 12 of 20 for 146 yards and a pick.

The Nittany Lions received the ball at the Ohio State one-yard line, facing a seven-point deficit with more than five minutes left, but Franklin and Allar were unable to get the ball into the end zone.

The ball returned to Ohio State. Howard, who completed 16 of 24 pass attempts for 182 yards, two touchdowns and an interception to lead the Buckeyes to victory, appeared to taunt Allar after a first down in the fourth quarter that put the game out of Penn State’s reach.

The Nittany Lions have no games remaining against ranked opponents. Penn State will look to bounce back from the team’s first loss of the season next Saturday at home against Washington.