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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GLENDALE, AZ – DECEMBER 30: Wide receiver DaeSean Hamilton (Image via Getty Images) /

No. 7 – 2017 vs Washington (Fiesta Bowl)

The win over the Washington Huskies in the 2017 Fiesta Bowl was James Franklin’s first New Years Six bowl win at any school, let alone at Penn State. Plus, it was Penn State Football’s first New Years Six bowl win since the 2006 Orange Bowl win over Florida State (2005 season).

In his final game in a Penn State uniform, Saquon Barkley rushed for 137 yards and two touchdowns on just 18 carries. DaeSean Hamilton, Penn State Football’s all time leader in receptions, also had a great finale as a Nittany Lion. He had five catches for 110 yards and two touchdowns in the win over the Huskies.

The win over the 11th ranked Huskies was James Franklin’s first win over a ranked, non-conference opponent. It was also the program’s first win over a Pac-12 school since a regular season win over Oregon State in September of 2008.

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