Penn State coach James Franklin may be missing out on the College Football Playoff, but it doesn’t mean he’s upset, at least publicly.
Franklin was diplomatic after missing out on the playoff despite a Big Ten Championship, saying his team was grateful for the opportunity to compete in the Rose Bowl.
“Our guys would have obviously loved to have been in the playoff, but they’re also excited about the opportunity to play in a big bowl game,” Franklin said on ESPN’s selection show, via Tom Fornelli of CBS Sports. “We’ve had a great year — I’m really proud of our guys. Yeah, they would have loved to have been in the playoffs, but we’re still very, very appreciative and honored for the opportunities that we have.”
Obviously, Franklin was campaigning hard for his team Saturday night. That’s to be expected, and now that it didn’t work out, he’s wisely looking forward instead of being bitter. Penn State wasn’t supposed to go anywhere this season, and Franklin was firmly on the hot seat four games into the year. The playoff would have been great, but the fact that they won the Big Ten at all is something worthy of admiration.
