This was the year and this was the team for Franklin and his Penn State program to prove the doubters wrong, to extinguish the derisive "Big Game James" nickname once and for all. Led by Abdul Carter, Tyler Warren and Nicholas Singleton, Franklin compiled enough elite talent to make a real run at finally breaking through that ceiling.

As Penn State's coach, James Franklin owns an abysmal 3-10 record against opponents ranked in the Associated Press Top 10. It's a mark that saw a small but significant boost with Penn State's resounding 31-14 College Football Playoff quarterfinal win against No.

James Franklin coached the Penn State Nittany Lions to a loss in a big game. Franklin cleared one hurdle this year when Penn State finally made the College Football Playoff semifinal after defeating SMU in the first round and Boise State in the second round.

Notre Dame (14-1) and Ohio State (13-2) will meet on Jan. 20 in Atlanta to claim the first championship of the 12-team CFP.

The College Football Playoff, in its first year with a 12-team field, began Dec. 20 and ends Jan. 20, 2025. Here is a full schedule and all results.

A look at Penn State football's record and history in the Orange Bowl ahead of Thursday's College Football Playoff semifinal matchup vs. Notre Dame.