Virginia Tech football: James Franklin has a long history with Maryland

On November 30, 2024, Virginia Tech’s Hokies secured a 44-21 victory against Old Dominion, marking their 2-0 start in the James Franklin era. This win provided Franklin with ample motivation for his team ahead of their upcoming game against Maryland, a team with which he shares a deep, personal history. Franklin's tenure at Penn State from 2014-2025 saw the Nittany Lions win nine of their 16 matchups against Maryland, including six by 30 or more points.

Maryland's only two victories during that time came against them in 2014 and 2020. The two teams have faced each other four times since Franklin became the head coach at Penn State, with a 31-14, 30-0, 51-15, and 44-7 outcome respectively. Following the 44-7 win in 2024, Maryland's head coach, Mike Locksley, confronted Franklin about a touchdown pass thrown on the final play, which Franklin's quarterback, Beau Pribula, now plays for the University of Virginia.

Locksley expressed his displeasure with the play, stating, "It was bulls—." Franklin replied, "Your 1s are in the game, you were trying to score, we’re trying to score." Franklin emphasized the importance of scoring and point differentials in the game, and noted that his third and fourth-stringers were able to withstand Locksley's starters.

Franklin’s time at Maryland, where he served as wide receivers coach/recruiting coordinator from 2000-2005 and coached under Ralph Friedgen, has always been personal for him. Despite any potential tension with Locksley, Franklin has expressed a positive outlook on his overall experience at Maryland, crediting his time there as where he "grew the most as a coach."