Maryland Coach Locksley Fumes Over Penn State’s Last-Second Touchdown in Blowout Loss
Saturday’s Big Ten clash between the Maryland Terrapins and the Penn State Nittany Lions ended with fireworks—and not the celebratory kind. Maryland head coach Mike Locksley was visibly upset after Penn State threw a touchdown pass on the final play of their dominant 44-7 victory. The decision sparked a heated postgame exchange between Locksley and Penn State head coach James Franklin, leaving fans and analysts buzzing about sportsmanship, strategy, and the unwritten rules of football.
The drama unfolded as Penn State backup quarterback Beau Pribula connected with wide receiver Tyseer Denmark for a 15-yard touchdown as the clock hit zero. The play capped off a lopsided win for the Nittany Lions, who secured a spot in the Big Ten championship game with the victory. But for Locksley, the final score wasn’t the only thing that stung.
“It was bull—, is what it was,” Locksley said bluntly when asked about the last-second touchdown. “I respect the game. I’ve got a lot of respect for James, his program. I think it was bull—.”
Postgame Tensions Boil Over
The tension between the two coaches was palpable during their postgame handshake. Locksley appeared to confront Franklin about the decision to throw the late touchdown, prompting Franklin to walk away while shouting, “If that’s what you think, that’s fine!” The moment quickly became a talking point on social media, with fans debating whether Franklin’s decision was justified or unnecessary.
Franklin, for his part, defended the play call, citing a combination of competitive factors and the need to give his reserves meaningful game reps. “Your 1s [starters] are in the game, you were trying to score, we’re trying to score,” Franklin explained. “On top of that, you’re playing Cover 0. Play Cover 2. And on top of that, there’s also a change in college football. We are trying to play as long as we can, make the playoffs and be seeded as high as possible, and scoring as many points and a point differential matters. All that matters. If you don’t get that, it’s really not my problem.”
What’s at Stake for Penn State
For Penn State, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Saturday’s win punched their ticket to the Big Ten championship game, where they’ll face No. 1 Oregon on Dec. 7 in Indianapolis. The Nittany Lions haven’t appeared in the conference title game since 2016, when they claimed their lone Big Ten championship under Franklin. With the College Football Playoff committee placing increasing emphasis on point differential and overall dominance, Franklin’s decision to keep the pedal to the metal may have been as much about optics as it was about execution.
A Complicated History
The relationship between Franklin and Locksley adds another layer of intrigue to the story. The two coaches worked together at Maryland from 2000 to 2002, and Franklin was even named Maryland’s head coach-in-waiting in 2009. However, a change in athletic leadership derailed those plans, and Franklin eventually left to take over at Vanderbilt. Since taking the reins at Penn State in 2014, Franklin has dominated the rivalry, posting a 9-2 record against Maryland, including six wins by 30 points or more.
Key Takeaways
- Locksley’s Frustration: Maryland’s head coach didn’t mince words, calling the final play “bull—” and questioning the sportsmanship of the decision.
- Franklin’s Defense: Penn State’s coach pointed to the importance of point differential and playoff seeding, as well as the need to develop his backup players.
- Big Ten Implications: The win secured Penn State’s spot in the conference championship game, where they’ll face top-ranked Oregon.
As the dust settles, the debate over Franklin’s late-game strategy is sure to linger. Was it a necessary move to bolster Penn State’s playoff resume, or an unnecessary slight in an already decided game? One thing is certain: the rivalry between Maryland and Penn State just got a lot more interesting.
Originally Written by: Adam Rittenberg
