US EditionOnly Franklin to Blame for Penn State’s Inexcusable Loss to UCLA
Penn State's defense allowed 435 yards to UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava, leading to a 42-37 upset loss and the worst in James Franklin's tenure as head coach.
- On Saturday, Penn State fell 42-37 to 0-4 UCLA at the Rose Bowl, a devastating upset that shocked the seventh-ranked Nittany Lions football team.
- After last week's Oregon loss, James Franklin, Penn State head coach, faced scrutiny with his 5-21 record versus top-10 teams despite the team's seventh ranking and CFP semifinal run.
- UCLA's offense, led by Nico Iamaleava, rushed for 128 yards and three touchdowns as Penn State defense under Jim Knowles allowed just 28 rushing and 92 total yards in the first half.
- Fans immediately intensified criticism as Penn State fans and media urged firing James Franklin, Penn State head coach, and analysts warned the loss damages College Football Playoff chances.
- Historically, the upset is notable because this marks the first time since 1985 that a winless 0-4 team defeated a Top 10 opponent, while Jim Knowles, defensive coordinator, failed to stop the collapse.
15 Articles
15 Articles
The Morning Call
Only Franklin to blame for Penn State’s inexcusable loss to UCLA
PASADENA, Calif. – UCLA appeared to be in disarray with a revolving door of coaching changes over the last several weeks. Statistically, the Bruins ranked among the worst teams in the country on offense and defense. Which explains why a lot of folks thought Penn State would stroll into the Rose Bowl Saturday and maul them. Boy, were we wrong. The Nittany Lions lacked energy and urgency from the start and suffered the worst loss in James Franklin…
How Penn State's Upset Loss Impacts Oregon Ducks' Résumé
The Penn State Nittany Lions lost to the UCLA Bruins, their second straight loss after falling to the Oregon Ducks in the White Out game. How does Penn State's struggles influence Oregon? What can the Ducks learn from the Nittany Lions' recent defeat?
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