"We didn’t love the formula": James Franklin delivers fiery response on 'biased' selection system of CFP

James Franklin came forward to share his thoughts on the selection system of the college football playoffs. This format was introduced during the 2014 season, replacing the previous BCS era to determine the national champion.

During a press conference, James Franklin highlighted the problems with the current playoff format in college football. The Penn State head coach believes that bias from the selection committee is one of the major challenges of this system.

"The problem is, everybody voting and everybody involved in the process, whether you want to be biased or not, we are all biased, right?" Franklin said.

The Penn State coach then talked about the transition from the BCS era to the current playoff era in college football. He also talked about building a formula that creates an even playing field for all college football programs.

"So I think in a lot of ways, you could make the argument a formula could be better," James Franklin said. "But we didn't love the formula. So we went to this other system. But there's a lot of challenges, right? You got East Coast people voting on this, and they haven't watched enough of the West Coast games based on the time." "All the different rankings that are out there. So, there's just, in my mind, a formula makes the most sense. Because it takes the bias out that we all have. But I also think maybe there's a way to kind of do both. And I guess you could make the argument they are doing both right now, because I think committee uses some formulas to come up with it, which I think makes a ton of sense."

Last season, the 12-team format was introduced into the playoff system. Franklin and the Penn State Nittany Lions qualified for the playoffs based on this new format. Unfortunately, they lost to Notre Dame in the Orange Bowl semifinal game. This was James Franklin's first playoff appearance with the program.

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Paul Finebaum gives a reality check to James Franklin

James Franklin has spent 11 seasons with the Nittany Lions. He has managed to put up a winning record every year except for their underwhelming 4-5 campaign in 2020. Last season, the program showcased that they have the potential to become a national champion.

Despite the gradual improvement over the years, Paul Finebaum is not sold on Franklin. On his show, he expressed the reasons behind his doubts about the Penn State coach.

"I believe that they (Penn State) have a chance," he said. "Now. it's low-hanging fruit to attack James Franklin, but he's never had the groceries like he does this year. "By the way, he made it to within a second of the championship game last year. So, it's not like he was slumming it..... He's a hard coach to believe in."

The Nittany Lions begin their 2025 campaign with a season opener against Nevada on August 30th. Only time will tell if Franklin can help the team emerge as a national championship contender this year.

Edited by Ruth John S