If Saturday’s game against Ohio State was a barometer for how close James Franklin and Penn State Football are to competing for the College Football Playoff, the answer is as far away as ever.
Even prized sophomore quarterback Drew Allar played as if the moment were too big for him, and his receivers struggled to gain any meaningful separation against the Buckeyes’ secondary.
Despite a spirited, physical, and at times dominant effort from Many Diaz‘s defense, Penn State still fell 20-12 in a game that for stretches didn’t even feel that close.
Afterwards, Penn State Football fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice their disgust, with some even calling for Franklin’s firing:
FIRE JAMES FRANKLIN!!!!!
— Blue and White (@BlueWhiteSports) October 21, 2023
I’m ready for Penn State to fire James Franklin and make Manny Diaz the head coach
— Phil Moore (@philmoorept) October 21, 2023
I don't know why people lay it at the feet of Franklin. Penn State isn't a good enough program to expect much more than this. https://t.co/GtUui6PcYF
— Kyle (@puckandrally) October 21, 2023
https://twitter.com/RyanKinney_27/status/1715802417541849254
Penn State sucks.
Same as always. This isn’t a rivalry, it’s just sad.
Another year, another L.
— Philly Sports – Love & Pain (@PHLSportsPain) October 21, 2023
James Franklin ranted 5 years ago about Penn State needing to take the next step being a great program to an elite program. None of that has happened. They will never compete for anything relevant under James Franklin. Period.
— Josh (@_Philly_Talk) October 21, 2023
Penn State fanbase is absurd. The only problems we had today was not getting separation to unlock the passing game and MAYBE the O-Line not giving Allar enough time. Not Franklins fault, Not Allar’s fault. Ohio State was just the better team today. Season is not dead
— Daniel Sarp Ozel (@danielsozel) October 21, 2023
I can't wait for the " Penn State wasn't that good anyway!" talk to start.
After 2 weeks of "Penn State is going to boat race you."
Happens every time.
— Richard Murphy (@Richard77Murphy) October 21, 2023
If Penn State wants someone to stand on the sideline and make empty promises every year, I’ll do it for a hell of a lot less than $7 million pic.twitter.com/KpV9NaVnKh
— Matt Hoffman (@hoffmanmatt99) October 21, 2023
Somebody please tell me the last time Penn State had a threatening offense.
It’s been well over a decade
— Kevin (@LuckySwantucky) October 21, 2023
Another year of Penn State beating up on crap teams and getting handled when it actually counts.
— JCoulter (@JCoulterB) October 21, 2023
Penn state blows man they disappoint me every year
— steph (11-6) 🇵🇸 (@stephn0tcurry) October 21, 2023
Penn State you absolute chumps! You had one job. Why can’t you do anything right
— Paul Redman (@predman) October 21, 2023
Penn State Football aims to rebound from Saturday’s loss, when Indiana visits Beaver Stadium in Week 9.
However, even with a home date against Michigan, who shut out Michigan State 49-0 on Saturday night, it appears that Franklin and Penn State’s playoff aspirations once again remain a longshot.
MORE: Drew Allar Report Card From Disappointing Showing vs. Buckeyes
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