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Pressure Mounts on Franklin After UCLA Upset Loss

10/5/2025

32 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Franklin's Job Pressure

Penn State coach James Franklin faces mounting pressure after a 42-37 loss to winless UCLA.
The defeat follows a loss to Oregon and leaves Franklin 4-21 against top-10 teams.
Franklin's contract includes a $56 million buyout, complicating any potential dismissal.
The upcoming games against Ohio State and Indiana are crucial for Franklin's job security.

Summary

Franklin Faces Criticism

Penn State's 42-37 loss to winless UCLA marks the first time since 1985 that a top-10 team lost to an 0-4 opponent.
James Franklin faces intensified scrutiny, with a 4-21 record against top-10 teams and 0-3 when favored by 20+ points.
Nico Iamaleava scored five touchdowns as UCLA built a 27-7 halftime lead, and Penn State's playoff hopes are severely diminished.

History

Historical Context

In 1985, the University of Miami's stunning victory over top-ranked Nebraska reshaped college football rankings. This year, Penn State's loss to winless UCLA mirrors that upset, marking the first time since 1985 that a top-10 team fell to an 0-4 opponent. Coach James Franklin's 4-21 record against top-10 teams raises concerns about his future as the team faces critical upcoming games.

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Franklin's Job Pressure

Penn State coach James Franklin faces mounting pressure after a 42-37 loss to winless UCLA.
The defeat follows a loss to Oregon and leaves Franklin 4-21 against top-10 teams.
Franklin's contract includes a $56 million buyout, complicating any potential dismissal.
The upcoming games against Ohio State and Indiana are crucial for Franklin's job security.

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