The James Franklin era in Blacksburg began as any Virginia Tech fan would have hoped, with blowout wins over VMI and Old Dominion. The Hokies needed to send an early-season statement against inferior competition, and they did.
Now, things are going to get tougher from here on out against Power 4 Conference foes. After the 44-21 win over the Monarchs at Lane Stadium on Saturday afternoon, Franklin met with the media to discuss the 23-point victory. Meanwhile, in typical Penn State fashion, the Nittany Lions media and fanbase live and breathe everything Franklin says while at Virginia Tech. That continued after a win over ODU.
Penn State media still hangs on every single word James Franklin says
While the Hokies were running the Monarchs out of Blacksburg in a rout, Penn State was struggling to beat Temple, 27-9, in Philadelphia. After the Nittany Lions beat the Owls, Joe Smeltzer of Nittany Sports Now tweeted a Franklin comment from his press conference while chasing down Matt Campbell for quotes at Lincoln Financial Field. It's a very bizarre thing to do, but clearly he was looking for some type of engagement. He got it.
James Franklin after Virginia Tech’s win over Old Dominion.
— Joe Smeltzer (@joesmeltzer775) September 12, 2026
“A lot of fanbases complain about 12 o’clock games. Not our fanbase.”
Franklin made the comments in his postgame press conference, but why would Smeltzer care or tweet about it after the team he is covering beat Temple? As you can imagine, it didn't take Penn State fans long to comment, and this one might have been the best reply.
Those high school teams you are playing at Va Tech have curfews
— Detective Oshiri (@Detective0shiri) September 13, 2026
So, VMI and Old Dominion are high school teams? Yeah, like Marshall and Temple are Georgia and Alabama that Penn State opened with.
Guy has to be trolling at this point. Has to be. Otherwise, he’s even dumber and less self aware than I thought he was. 🤦♂️
— John Chris (@JohnChr13937345) September 13, 2026
Penn State fans are trying so hard to make everything Franklin says about them revolve around Penn State. Trolling? Where did he mention Penn State at all in that comment? He didn't. They just want him to be trolling. He wasn't. He was talking about Virginia Tech fans. It was a simple comment about Virginia Tech fans selling out a noon game. Sounds like there are some sensitive feelings in State College. Many people will never understand why fans (or the media) there can't just move on and embrace what they have.
Look, no matter what Matt Campbell does at Penn State, he's in a no-win situation. It's sad because he is a really good coach and someone who could have a lot of success with the Nittany Lions. Penn State fans have wanted Franklin fired for years, and they got their wish last October. Even after he is gone, the media and fans wake up every day to see what he says and try to twist it and make it about them.
Franklin is that old ex that you broke up with, but you continue to troll and live on every single thing they say and do. It's unhealthy. They have moved on, so should you. Embrace what you have. Virginia Tech fans have.
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