Penn State vs Oregon heats up as James Franklin makes a bold White Out prediction that could redefine college football’s toughest atmosphere.
Penn State vs Oregon: James Franklin makes bold claim ahead of white out clash originally appeared on The Sporting News
Penn State head coach James Franklin believes Beaver Stadium is about to deliver something unforgettable. Ahead of Saturday night’s top-10 showdown between No. 2 Penn State and No. 5 Oregon, Franklin told ESPN’s College GameDay that the atmosphere will eclipse anything seen before in the sport.
“This will be the best environment in the history of college football tonight,” Franklin said, drawing loud cheers from Nittany Lion supporters as his team prepared for one of the season’s biggest games.
"This will be the best environment in the history of College Football tonight..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 27, 2025
I feel very strongly about that" ~ @coachjfranklin#CollegeGameDaypic.twitter.com/mNi2RK9pQf
The matchup, which kicks off at 7:30 p.m. on NBC, serves as a rematch of last year’s Big Ten championship game.
With College Football Playoff stakes looming, Franklin and Penn State are seeking not only another victory but a defining home-field advantage during their famed White Out.
Franklin doubles down on bold White Out prediction
Franklin’s strong words on Saturday echoed what he had already stated earlier in the week. At his Monday press conference, he emphasized the importance of the home crowd.
“We need this place rocking,” Franklin said. “We need to have a distinct home-field advantage. We always do. But I’m expecting this to be an environment like nobody has ever seen.”
The coach referenced Urban Meyer’s long-standing debate over the toughest settings in college football, often comparing Penn State’s White Out to LSU at night. Franklin added that he wanted the discussion settled once and for all.
“We want to make it obvious to everybody what’s the most difficult environment to play in all of sports, not just college football,” he said.
ESPN analyst Pat McAfee, interviewing Franklin on set, praised the remark as “good promo.”
Franklin’s tenure in State College backs his confidence. He holds a 104-42 record with Penn State, including a 64-33 mark in Big Ten play, plus five top-10 finishes, a 2016 conference title, and two College Football Playoff wins.
His overall career record stands at 128-57 when including his time at Vanderbilt. Penn State enters the game undefeated following wins over Nevada, Florida International, and Villanova.
Each required strong second halves to pull away, but the Nittany Lions arrive well-rested after a bye week, eager to prove Franklin’s prediction right when Oregon takes the field under the lights.
Category: General Sports
