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braska, which has had two losing sea- sons. That Penn State has avoided the same fate, developing consistency and stabil- ity at a time when many of its elite peers have been faced with coaching upheaval and unmet expectations, is even more impressive when you consider the diffi- culties that Franklin had to overcome when he took over the program in 2014. He and his staff and players were dealing with the fallout from a scandal they had nothing to do with, yet the program weathered a fierce public backlash and came out on the other side looking as healthy as it's been in decades. In the seven seasons since the NCAA levied its sanctions in July 2012, Penn State has fielded winning teams every year, going 61-29 overall, winning two of four bowl appearances and earning a berth in the upcoming Citrus Bowl. Since regaining postseason eligibility, the Lions have qualified for a bowl every year. In the midst of any football season, it can be hard to zoom out and look at the big picture. When there are games being played, everyone is understand- ably focused on short- term successes and failures. But Franklin tried to create a sense of perspective re- cently when he described his senior class as possibly "one of the most im- pressive [in school history], all things considered." That's not to say there haven't been disappointments. The Lions have en- dured a few heartbreakers during the past two seasons, the most notable being those back-to-back losses to the Buck- eyes and Spartans in 2017 and '18, four games in which Penn State's combined losing margin was nine points. But look- ing at their entire body of work, one can't help but be impressed with what the Lions have accomplished. "There are high expectations and standards here, and nobody has higher expectations and standards than we do," Franklin said. "But to think that this may be one of the best three-year runs in Penn State's history in the Big Ten era, and where we're standing nationally, in our conference and things like that, I'm proud." As Franklin noted, since the start of the Big Ten era, the Nittany Lions have en- joyed only one three-year stretch in which they've compiled a better winning per- centage than the 79.5 percent mark they've put together since the start of the 2016 season. In their first three years of league membership, 1993, '94 and '95, the Lions went 31-5, for a winning percentage of 86.1. That's the high-water mark so far, but they also had a good run from 2007- 09, going 31-8 to equal the winning per- centage from the past three seasons. Restricting the comparisons to the Big Ten era leaves out some of Penn State's best teams, of course, including both of its national championship teams. But even if you include the en- tirety of Joe Paterno's tenure as head coach, which began in 1966, the Nittany Lions' most recent three-year winning per- centage is tied for sixth-best. The program's best three-year runs have been from 1971-73 (33- 3 overall; 91.1 percent), 1967-69 (30-3-1; 90.9 percent), and 1980-82, '85-87 and '93-95 (31- 5; 86.1 percent). Franklin is aware of the critiques that have come along the way, even at this relatively early point in his career with the Nittany Lions. But what has emerged is an undeniable set of achievements and, maybe more important, a feeling of momentum that can carry them further into the future. "Are there some things that we would have liked to do better, some games we would like to have back, some plays we would like to have back? No doubt. But you look around, that's a similar tune all over the country," Franklin said. "I also try to look at the big picture." Leading a group of young men who conduct themselves well in the commu- nity, in the classroom and on the field, Franklin, his staff, and Penn State play- ers past and present can be proud of the picture they've painted. ■ CENTER OF ATTENTION Franklin con- ducts a post- game interview following the Lions' victory over Ohio State in 2016. Photo by Steve Manuel

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