A Tale of Upsets and Uncertainty: Penn State's Troubling Streak
The once-proud Penn State Nittany Lions are in a crisis, and it's not just a blip on the radar. Under head coach James Franklin, the team has developed a reputation for falling short in crucial moments. And now, in 2025, they find themselves in a deep rut, losing games they were expected to win.
The story begins with a stunning loss at the Rose Bowl to an undefeated UCLA team. But here's where it gets controversial: just a week later, Penn State suffered another defeat, this time at home against Northwestern. It was Northwestern's first victory over Penn State in six years, and it sent shockwaves through the college football world.
This loss marked the third consecutive defeat for the Nittany Lions, their first such streak since 2021. And it couldn't have come at a worse time, as Franklin had just signed a 10-year contract shortly before this downward spiral began.
Penn State entered the 2025 season with high hopes. They were a trendy pick to not only make another College Football Playoff appearance but also challenge Ohio State for the Big Ten title. However, in just three short weeks, those preseason expectations have turned into a swirling cloud of uncertainty surrounding Franklin's leadership.
Franklin, who has been the head coach at Penn State since 2014, has struggled against top-tier opponents. His record against top 10-ranked teams is a meager 4-21, including an abysmal 1-18 against top-ranked conference foes. While the Nittany Lions have typically dominated lesser teams, they've stumbled in recent weeks.
A double-overtime loss to Oregon on September 27 was a sign of things to come. In the following two weeks, Penn State's defense failed to step up when it mattered most, allowing UCLA and Northwestern to run the ball at will and secure victories.
In a crucial moment late in the game against Northwestern, running back Caleb Komolafe broke free for a 9-yard touchdown run, giving Northwestern the lead with just under five minutes left in the fourth quarter. And if that wasn't enough, Penn State's starting quarterback, Drew Allar, suffered an injury on the ensuing drive, limping off the field and leaving the game.
Allar, who returned to Penn State in 2025 after being draft-eligible last season, was unable to continue. His backup, Ethan Grunkemeyer, stepped in but couldn't make the necessary plays, getting hit hard and failing to convert a crucial fourth down.
Northwestern sealed the deal with a series of runs, and as the final seconds ticked away, boos rained down on Beaver Stadium. Franklin, walking to midfield to congratulate Northwestern's coach, David Braun, must have felt the weight of this disappointing season.
This loss highlights a pattern of Penn State's struggles against top competition. And with Franklin's contract extension, the pressure is on to turn things around. Can the Nittany Lions bounce back, or will this be the beginning of a longer-term decline? The answers lie in the upcoming games and the team's ability to adapt and rise to the challenge.
And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about winning; it's about how you respond to adversity.
What do you think? Is Franklin's tenure at Penn State on the line? Share your thoughts in the comments!
