Penn State Shocks The World!

The scene was electric! 107,000 people pumped up for a prime time game with almost all of them wearing white. Despite some strange and humiliating circumstances, the Lions still had plenty of fans who were excited to show support for the team. Of course many players contributed to this 4th quarter comeback win over the 2nd ranked Buckeyes. But even with over 100,000 in the building, it all came down to one man. One man under endless scrutiny. One man charged with managing an iconic program that took a massive fall from grace. One man doing everything he can to rebuild the program. That one man is Head Coach James Franklin.

James Franklin celebrated by hugging all of those close to him while tears clearly were building up in his eyes. The outpouring of emotion was about more than one game, one night or one week. It was about the two and a half years he has fought through all of the difficulties involved with being the head coach at a program with some much pride and disgrace. Franklin has continued to believe in his players, and told everyone Penn State has the right type of guys in the program.

So when Penn State used a swarming defense, some timely offensive plays and huge special teams plays to shock Ohio State, it was a validation that Franklin was on the right track. It was proof he can lead, organize and motivate young men. Now that Penn State has knocked off Ohio State, the questions turn to how will Franklin and company build on this win. This staff is known as relentless recruiters, so it will be interesting to see if this huge upset can sway some high school stars to come to Happy Valley. Can this game be considered the program's "turning point" in two or three years?