Penn State Football’s top 10 wins of the James Franklin era

STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 18: Head coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions looks on during the second half of the game against the Auburn Tigers at Beaver Stadium on September 18, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

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Head coach James Franklin of the Penn State Nittany Lions points to running back Saquon Barkley (Image via Getty Images) /

No. 9 – 2017 at Iowa

This game might have the one of the most memorable endings to any game in the James Franklin era.

In a game that Penn State Football entered ranked fourth in the nation, Franklin’s Nittany Lions were tested in one of the toughest places to play in the country, but escaped an upset.

In a game that Penn State only scored five point in the first half, despite having a star studded offense, they were able to turn it around in the second half.

Saquon Barkley had a career night in Iowa City, setting the school record for all-purpose yards in a game with 358 (211 rushing, 94 receiving, and 53 kick return). Barkley also added a rushing touchdown, as well as a solo tackle, following an interception.

With one minute and 36 seconds left to play, the Nittany Lions down by four, and with 80 yards to go to reach the Hawkeye end zone, Trace McSorley led a game-winning touchdown drive. On a fourth and goal with four seconds remaining, McSorley found Juwan Johnson for a walk off touchdown as time expired.

This was the first big, primetime road matchup as a highly ranked team of James Franklin’s tenure, and the Nittany Lions survived.

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