James Franklin faces ranked SMU following struggles against top opponents
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 6, 2026, 11:01 AM
Last updated Nov 6, 2026
James Franklin's Virginia Tech team is set to face No. 24 SMU in Week 10 of the 2026 college football season. Franklin, who recorded a 15-29 mark against ranked opponents during his tenure at Penn State, aims to improve this statistic as he rebuilds at Virginia Tech. Franklin's teams have struggled against ranked opponents, including a 4-21 record against top-10 teams. This matchup presents an opportunity for Franklin to address his past challenges against tougher competition.
- •Virginia Tech takes on No. 24 SMU on November 6, 2026.
- •Franklin has a career 16-37 record against ranked opponents.
- •He was dismissed from Penn State after a lack of success against top teams.
- •Franklin's teams at Penn State often fell short of expectations in big games.
- 11:01 AMYahoo Sports — James Franklin gets another shot at the problem that haunted his Penn State tenure
"One ugly stat followed James Franklin from Penn State to Virginia Tech. A ranked SMU showdown offers a chance to bury it.
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