Penn State Falls to 4-21 Under Franklin vs. Top Ten Teams

On September 27, 2025, at Beaver Stadium, the No. 3 Penn State Nittany Lions fell 30-24 in double overtime to the No. 6 Oregon Ducks in a thrilling White Out game. dropped Coach James Franklin’s record against AP Top Ten teams to 4-21. Penn State trailed 17-3 in the fourth quarter but mounted a comeback, forcing overtime with back-to-back touchdown drives led by quarterback Drew Allar. However, an interception by Allar in the second overtime sealed the defeat, marking another high-profile loss for Franklin.

Franklin’s Record Breakdown

James Franklin’s 4-21 record against Top Ten teams reflects a persistent challenge during his 12-year tenure at Penn State. His lone Big Ten Top Ten win came in 2016 against Ohio State (24-21), with other victories including bowl games against Utah (2022 Rose Bowl) and Boise State (2024 Fiesta Bowl). The .160 winning percentage ties him for the third-worst among coaches with 25+ games against Top Ten foes since 1936. Against Top Five teams, he stands at 1-15, highlighting the difficulty against elite competition.

Key Moments and Turning Points

• Fourth-Quarter Comeback: Down 17-3, Allar orchestrated two touchdown drives, tying the game at 24-24 with 1:15 left.
• Overtime Drama: Penn State scored first in the opening overtime, but Oregon answered. In the second overtime, Allar’s interception to Dillon Thieneman ended the game.
• Defensive Struggle: Penn State’s defense allowed 30 points, a critical factor against a ranked opponent.
• Turning Point: The interception, Allar’s attempt to go over a defender, shifted momentum decisively to Oregon.

This loss mirrors past close calls, like the 2016 Ohio State win, but underscores ongoing big-game woes.

Fan and Expert Reactions

Franklin took ownership post-game, saying, “I get that narrative… it’s factual. I take responsibility.” Fans on X expressed frustration, with #PennStateTopTenLosses trending, some calling it “inexcusable” given the White Out hype. Experts note the 1-18 Big Ten Top Ten record as a glaring issue, with posts on X suggesting pressure mounts on Franklin despite his 104-42 overall record. The passionate fan base’s disappointment was palpable, echoing Franklin’s own acknowledgment of their investment.

What’s Next for Penn State?

• Next Game: Hosts UCLA on October 5, 2025, a chance to rebound against a lower-ranked foe.
• Season Outlook: At 4-1, Penn State remains in Big Ten contention but faces Ohio State next, a critical test.
• Franklin’s Future: The loss intensifies scrutiny, though his contract runs through 2026.

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