James Franklin Expresses Frustration Over Penn State’s Third Down Struggles Against USC

Penn State head coach James Franklin was visibly upset during the game against the University of Southern California (USC) on October 11, 2024. The frustration stemmed from issues with third down conversions, which significantly impacted the team’s performance.

At halftime, Penn State was trailing USC 20-6, and Franklin’s concerns were evident. He engaged in a lengthy conversation with officials during a TV timeout, highlighting the discrepancy between the announced third down and the first down indicated on the scoreboard.

The third down woes have been a recurring problem for Penn State, and Franklin’s reaction underscored the importance of addressing this issue to improve the team’s overall performance. Despite the challenges, Franklin remains committed to finding solutions and improving the team’s strategy.

The game against USC was part of a critical stretch for Penn State, and the team’s ability to convert on third downs will be a key factor in their upcoming matches. Coach Franklin’s emphasis on this aspect reflects his dedication to enhancing the team’s competitiveness.