‘It’s really not my problem’: James Franklin lays into criticism of late score, talks heated post-game handshake

It was a celebratory atmosphere in Beaver Stadium Saturday evening as Penn State football punched its ticket to the Big Ten Championship Game with a dominant 44-7 win over Maryland. But despite the jovial mood, Nittany Lions coach James Franklin still voiced some strong opinions for critics of his decision to punch it in the end zone one final time as time expired on the regular-season finale.

“I get it, right? At the end of the game, we throw a touchdown. I get it,” Franklin said after the game. “But a couple things I will say. My job is to put the threes and fours [on the depth chart] in the game. But when the threes and fours get to go in the game, they get to play football. Those guys deserve to play football.

“Your ones are in the game. You were trying to score. We’re trying to score. On top of that, you’re playing cover zero. If you don’t want [want us to throw], play cover two. So I’m good with it.”

Following an interception from freshman safety Dejuan Lane, Penn State football took possession at the Maryland 13-yard line with 1:04 remaining in regulation. On fourth down with two seconds remaining, backup quarterback Beau Pribula connected with freshman receiver Tyseer Denmark for a 15-yard touchdown.

Closing the game in style 😎 @PennStateFball pic.twitter.com/VAxTwseFzJ

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 30, 2024

The play led to a heated postgame conversation between James Franklin and Mike Locksley. What the Maryland coach said to initiate the exchange isn’t audible. As he disengages from the handshake, Franklin can be heard saying, “If that’s what you think, that’s fine.”

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“I just asked about his family, Christmas cards, address, all those things,” Locksley said afterward. The Nittany Lions put up 412 total yards on the Terrapins. “It was bullshit, is what it was. Alright? I respect the game. I got a lot of respect for James, his program. I think it was bullshit.”

Maryland head coach Mike Locksley when asked about the exchange postgame: “I asked about his family, Christmas cards, address, all those things.

Bullshit is what it was. I respect the game. I got a lot of respect for James [Franklin], his program. I think it was bullshit” https://t.co/wUVLvCUA3D pic.twitter.com/9H0Mqtozmc

— Inside the Black & Gold (@Insideblackgold) December 1, 2024

“And on top of that, there’s also a change in college football,” Franklin continued. “We are trying to play as long as we can to make the playoffs and be seeded as high as possible. And scoring as many points and a point differential matters.

“All that matters, and if you don’t get that, it’s really not my problem. So W. 1-0. I’m good with it. Anybody that’s not, that’s their problem.”

You can watch James Franklin’s entire postgame press conference on the Basic Blues Nation YouTube Channel.

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James Franklin speaks after Penn State football clinches Big Ten Championship berth

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James Franklin speaks after Penn State football clinches Big Ten Championship berth

Penn State football will face the Oregon Ducks in the Big Ten Championship Game on Saturday at 8:00 p.m.

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