James Franklin, once dubbed the “head coach in waiting” during his time as an assistant at Maryland, likely doesn’t harbor much love for the Terrapins — and perhaps for good reason.
During Penn State’s dominant victory over Maryland on Saturday, Franklin made a pointed decision late in the game. Leading 38-7 with just one minute remaining, he allowed his second- and third-string players to continue pressing down the field instead of running out the clock. Backup quarterback Beau Pribula snapped the ball with only two seconds left and threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to freshman receiver Tyseer Denmark.
The final score ended at 44-7, and tensions flared as Maryland coach Mike Locksley and his sideline began walking toward midfield before Penn State could even line up for the extra point. Game officials exited the field while Locksley and Franklin exchanged words in what became a visibly heated handshake. The confrontation was brief, with Maryland linebacker Kellan Wyatt stepping in to lead Locksley away.
When asked for his thoughts on the late-game touchdown, Locksley initially offered a curt response: “I don’t have a reaction.” Pressed further about the exchange with Franklin, Locksley began with sarcasm but ultimately vented his frustration.
“I asked about his family, Christmas cards, things like that,” Locksley said dryly, before adding, “It was nonsense. I respect the game, and I respect James and his program. But that? That was nonsense.
Watch here:
Locksley’s press conference after the game:
Per ESPN:
Maryland coach Mike Locksley took issue with Penn State throwing a touchdown pass on the final play of Saturday’s 44-7 Nittany Lions win and let his counterpart James Franklin know about it.
Locksley and Franklin had a tense exchange after the game, which ended with Franklin walking away and yelling, “If that’s what you think, that’s fine!” Nittany Lions backup quarterback Beau Pribula threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Tyseer Denmark as the clock expired.
Penn State’s win clinched a spot in the Big Ten championship game, where it will face No. 1 Oregon on Dec. 7 in Indianapolis. The Nittany Lions have not appeared in the game since 2016, when they won their lone Big Ten title under Franklin.
“It was bulls–, is what it was,” Locksley said about the final play. “I respect the game. I’ve got a lot of respect for James, his program. I think it was bulls—.”