{"id":1153,"date":"2025-10-13T22:00:57","date_gmt":"2025-10-13T22:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/podcasts\/?p=1153"},"modified":"2025-10-13T04:57:52","modified_gmt":"2025-10-13T04:57:52","slug":"big-ten-paradigm-james-franklin-fired-at-penn-state","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/podcasts\/big-ten-paradigm-james-franklin-fired-at-penn-state\/","title":{"rendered":"Big Ten Paradigm: James Franklin Fired At Penn State"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\nThe Big Ten landscape shifted dramatically in Week 7<\/a>, with the bigest bombshell being James Franklin losing his job.\u00a0 Noah Drury<\/a> breaks it all down this week on Big Ten Paradigm<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Franklin Given Pink Slip After Falling In Evanston<\/h2>\n

In the biggest headline of the weekend, Penn State fired Franklin following a stunning 22\u201321 loss to Northwestern. The upset capped a two-game losing streak and marked a crushing blow for a program that opened the season ranked No. 2 in the country.<\/p>\n

Franklin\u2019s dismissal comes on the heels of a chaotic stretch for the Nittany Lions. Star quarterback Drew Allar suffered a season-ending injury, the offense has stalled, and the defense looked uninspired in back-to-back defeats. Terry Smith will step in as interim head coach, but Penn State now faces a brutal schedule down the stretch and looming uncertainty on the recruiting and transfer fronts.<\/p>\n

Hoosiers Knock Ducks From Ranks Of Unbeaten<\/h2>\n

While Penn State imploded, Indiana University made the loudest statement on the field. The Hoosiers went on the road and stunned Oregon in Eugene, powered by a relentless defensive front and timely offensive execution. Quarterback Mendoza managed the game effectively, and wideout Elijah Sirot delivered another standout performance. Indiana is now unbeaten, ranked No. 3 nationally, and firmly in the Big Ten title conversation. A once basketball-first school is suddenly a legitimate football power.<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Ohio State remains the gold standard. The Buckeyes dismantled Illinois with a stifling defense and steady leadership from quarterback Julian Sayin. Ohio State\u2019s secondary might be the best in the nation, and their depth continues to overwhelm opponents.<\/p>\n

Elsewhere around the conference, USC showed new life with quarterback Miller Moss, while Nebraska continued their surprising climb toward a potential bowl berth. Michigan State, on the other hand, suffered yet another blowout loss, prompting louder questions about the future of the program.<\/p>\n

Week 8 looms large with high-stakes matchups, including Michigan vs. Washington and USC vs. Notre Dame. Ohio State looks unbeatable, Indiana is the surprise of the season, and Penn State faces a crossroads. The Big Ten is officially in chaos mode.
\nListen to “Big Ten Paradigm: James Franklin Fired At Penn State” on Spreaker.<\/a>
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