Is Everything Okay, James? Penn State Coach Totally Bombs Press Conference Amidst USC Rumors

James Franklin decidedly lost the press conference this week. In an age where scrutiny can come from all angles, these misspeaks will most certainly fuel a speculative fire.

Franklin has been connected to the open USC job, he changed agents to power broker Jimmy Sexton, and now he totally forgot which team, and what city, his next game will be in.

At his press conference, Franklin TWICE said that the rumors tying him to USC were not a distraction and that the team was getting ready for Illinois.

CoolCoolCool… except that Penn State just played Illinois, and lost to Illinois, 20-18 …. IN NINE FVCKING OVERTIMES… you would think that he would remember that one.

Oh, also, he made sure to let folks know the team was getting ready for the tough atmosphere at “the big house.”

Well, the Big House is where Michigan plays. Michigan plays Michigan State this weekend.

Penn State plays Ohio State.

James Franklin should know this.

“According to sources, he’s interested in USC. He likes that job.,” CBS’ Dennis Dobbs said. “He thinks it would be good. I don’t know what his feeling is about LSU, but LSU is a better job. You’re going to compete for national championships every year. It might be easier at USC. All you have to beat is Oregon and maybe somebody else to win that league. That’s a career-changing job if you got to LSU.”

Franklin did very little to stop the rumor mill with a non-answer earlier in the week.

He gave a non-denial to reporters, “I care what people think and I want to handle things the right way all the time with the players, with the staff, with the administration,” Franklin said. “I want to use the golden rule … treat people the way you want to be treated.”

All good, Coach. We respect the hustle. But, be prepared for questions about your readiness if the team loses (again) this weekend.

Against Ohio State. You are playing Ohio State.