Franklin Under Fire After Oregon, UCLA Losses

Penn State's College Football Playoff hopes suffered a severe blow with back-to-back losses: a 30-24 double-overtime defeat to Oregon and a 42-37 upset at previously winless UCLA that snapped a 34-game winning streak versus unranked teams. UCLA, operating with an interim staff, dismantled Penn State’s defense behind dual-threat QB Nico Iamaleava and more than 400 yards of offense, while special teams and timely big plays swung momentum. The final sequence — a failed QB-power read on fourth-and-2 at the UCLA nine — crystallized coaching and execution breakdowns that players and coach James Franklin acknowledged. Franklin’s struggles in marquee matchups (roughly 4–21 vs. Top-10 opponents, about 1–15 vs. Top-5) and visible clock-management and preparation errors have intensified fan and media criticism. Franklin remains protected by his 10-year, $85 million contract through 2031 and an estimated $50–56 million buyout, though several outlets say a mutual parting after the season is being discussed. Quarterback Drew Allar has flashed playmaking ability but been inconsistent (14-for-25, 137 yards vs. Oregon; season about 62.8% completion, 763 yards, 6 TDs, 2 INTs), raising questions about fit in offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki’s pro-style system and Penn State’s ability to beat elite competition.