Eli Drinkwitz and James Franklin’s records against top-10 teams show striking similarities, raising questions about Drinkwitz as a potential successor to Franklin at Penn State. After Franklin was dismissed following a decade at the helm, speculation about prospective coaches has intensified, with Drinkwitz’s name emerging frequently in discussions.
Drinkwitz has undeniably made an impact at Missouri, maintaining a competitive edge that the program has lacked historically, aside from a few notable SEC Championship Game appearances in 2013 and 2014. However, the concerns around his suitability for a place like Penn State lie in the nature of his successes and challenges in the SEC.
Missouri’s recent 11-2 season can be attributed in part to a favorable schedule. While they managed to secure victories over ranked teams, many of these wins raised eyebrows, as they often depended on narrow margins or misfortunes faced by opponents. For example, their victory over Kansas State hinged on a late-record field goal, showcasing a pattern of winning by the skin of their teeth.
Drinkwitz’s struggles are further exemplified by his 0-15 record against conference opponents with winning records since taking over at Missouri. This starkly contrasts with teams ranked higher or expected to perform well. His performance against top-10 teams mirrors that of Franklin—both have produced disappointing records, with Drinkwitz holding a 1-9 statistic versus top-10 opponents compared to Franklin’s 4-21.
The broader context of this coaching search has stirred discussions about the direction of the program. While there are calls for a dynamic hire that could elevate the Nittany Lions to new heights, Drinkwitz might not embody that vision. The fall-back plan to target promising candidates such as Kenny Dillingham or Eric Morris, who showcase potential for impactful growth, would be a more strategic move compared to hiring a coach with parallel setbacks to the previous leadership.
In essence, if Penn State decides to move forward with Drinkwitz, it raises the uncomfortable question of whether they would be better off retaining Franklin instead, given the lack of distinct upside presented by moving to a coach with a comparable profile. As the Nittany Lions navigate this crucial period, the future direction of the program remains an important storyline to follow.