Ohio State Football: 4th and Short, questions following Week 5

Q: Did James Franklin make a mistake when he said Penn State was not an elite program? Despite whatever motives he had, do you think his players could take it the wrong way?

A: The Ohio State-Penn State game was full of emotions, especially with the way the game ended. Both teams were feeling it as well as the coaching staff and fans.

The human nature of James Franklin encompassed him during his post game press conference as he delivered questionable, eyebrow raising remarks calling Ohio State an “elite program” and his own a step below the Buckeyes as just a “great program.”

I believe it was a mistake on James Franklin’s part to publicly verbalize his thoughts regarding the state of his program in comparison to another. Especially in an emotional state and in front of dozens of recruits.

His statements can be conveyed as such: losing to a “rival” at home under a raucous Whiteout after your team blows a 12-point late fourth quarter lead. Also, after a blown 4th and 5 play call when you didn’t put the ball in the hands of Trace McSorley who was superman all night.

Then in the post game press conference, instead of commending your team for their valiant efforts and a personal coaching error, you demean your program by admitting your own is not on the level as your “rival’s.” It was certainly not a good look for him or the program.

Remarks such sd these are an easy way to lose a locker room. Also, you can lose the respect of your peers, fellow coaches on the staff, and incoming and interested recruits who may now want to go elsewhere.

The willingness of the head coach to admit his program is not on the level of another blue blood’s largely in part to his own doing.

Addressing the state of your program is something to be done internally, not in front of recruits and the national media. Especially in a susceptible setting following an emotional loss.