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Franklin's record against top-ranked opponents is sobering; he holds a mere 1-4 record in that arena. The first significant loss came in Franklin's second year when Penn State faced the number-one ranked Ohio State in 2015. The Nittany Lions lost decisively, 38-10. Later that season, a brutal defeat against Michigan State rounded out a disappointing year, finishing with a 7-6 record.
The 2016 season introduced a glimmer of hope with a historic comeback against Ohio State, eventually leading to a Big Ten Championship. However, this was overshadowed by subsequent failures to capitalize on momentum in high-stakes games against formidable opponents like Michigan and Ohio State, further entrenching the narrative of missed opportunities.