ICYMI: Mad Dog Russo slams James Franklin, Penn State as ‘disgrace’

It’s no secret that last week’s loss at Ohio State was deflating for Penn State football. The Nittany Lions were pedestrian on offense, and, despite great defensive play, the secondary struggled to contain Buckeyes star Marvin Harrison Jr. The game appeared to have an impact into this week as well, as Penn State was taken to the brink Saturday against the two-win Indiana Hoosiers. The spotlight has been directed right on head coach James Franklin in recent weeks, perhaps most notably by popular radio and TV personality Chris “Mad Dog” Russo. In a video that has now gone viral, Mad Dog Russo went as far as to call Franklin and Penn State a “disgrace.”

Mad Dog Russo calls James Franklin disgrace, overrated

National debate shows like ESPN’s First Take typically stick to NFL and NBA talk. Last week was an exception, as First Take personality Mad Dog Russo took some time to express his displeasure with Penn State football after its 20-12 loss at Ohio State.

More specifically, Mad Dog Russo took some shots at James Franklin for what he called a “disgrace” of a performance. Russo continued his rant by calling Franklin “incredibly overrated,” saying that under his leadership, Penn State football has “never beat a halfway decent team.”

ESPN personality says Jim Harbaugh doesn’t even need to prep to beat Penn State

But Mad Dog Russo wasn’t done. As many college football fans have followed, the ongoing allegations of sign-stealing at Michigan have called into question the rapid turnaround that has occurred recently under Jim Harbaugh.

As he continued his rant on James Franklin, Russo brought the saga unfolding in Ann Arbor into the discussion. Mad Dog poked fun at the allegations while slamming the Penn State football coach, yelling, “It’s a disgrace! This is Penn State! Even Harbaugh doesn’t have to look at the freakin’ tape to beat Franklin!”

Did anyone else see this Mad Dog rant about James Franklin, Drew Allar, and Penn State? 🤔

Wasn't this guy supposed to retire after he said the Diamondbacks couldn't beat the Phillies 👀😂 pic.twitter.com/2YMRVpfm04

— Zach Seyko (@zach_seyko) October 27, 2023

Is it fair to describe James Franklin as an overrated coach? Since the loss to Ohio State, the debate has reemerged among the Penn State football community. More fuel was likely added to the fire this weekend, as the Nittany Lions looked sloppy in a near-upset at home by the 2-6 Indiana Hoosiers.

Another road test awaits Franklin and the Nittany Lions next week, as Penn State football travels to College Park for what could be a tough outing against the Maryland Terrapins. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on FOX.

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