The energy and attention to detail the 52-year-old coach has exhibited daily for the Nittany Lions have not wavered. Now, becoming the first Black coach in a national title game could be his reward.

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.

As Penn State football head coach James Franklin has struggled against top ranked teams, the AD comes to his defense.