Penn State football struggles continue under coach James Franklin, who is now 2-21 against top-six opponents. Explore the reasons, key games, fan frustration, and what lies ahead for the Nittany Lions in the 2025 season.
Penn State Football Struggles: Breaking Down the Nittany Lions’ Ongoing Battle Against Top Teams
Penn State football struggles have once again taken the spotlight after a heartbreaking 30-24 double-overtime loss to Oregon. The defeat highlighted a long-standing issue under head coach James Franklin — his inability to consistently beat elite opponents. With Franklin’s record now standing at 2-21 against top-six ranked teams, the conversation around Penn State football struggles is louder than ever.
James Franklin’s Record Against Top Teams
Penn State’s football struggles are closely tied to James Franklin’s poor record against powerhouse programs. While Franklin has brought stability and consistent 10+ win seasons, his inability to get over the hump in marquee matchups has left fans frustrated.
| Coach | Record vs Top-6 Teams | Notable Struggles |
|---|---|---|
| James Franklin (PSU) | 2-21 | 15 straight losses vs top-six teams |
| Frank Beamer (VT) | 2-24 | Known for consistent near-misses |
| Ryan Day (Ohio State) | 6-5 | Consistently competitive |
| Jim Harbaugh (Michigan) | 7-9 | Turned corner in recent years |
Franklin admitted after the Oregon game:
“I get that narrative. It’s really not a narrative, it’s factual. I get it. But I try and look at the entire picture and what we have been able to do here. At the end of the day, we have to find a way to win those games.”
This self-awareness highlights that even the coaching staff recognizes the core of Penn State football struggles.
The Oregon Loss: A Case Study in Penn State Football Struggles
In Week 5, the Nittany Lions fought back from a 14-point deficit to force overtime. Quarterback Drew Allar, who has shown moments of brilliance, ultimately sealed the team’s fate with a costly interception on the first play of the second overtime.
That mistake echoed similar breakdowns from the Orange Bowl loss to Notre Dame, where another late interception set up the game-winning field goal. These repeated late-game failures showcase how Penn State football struggles often come down to execution in high-pressure moments.
Why Do Penn State Football Struggles Persist?
There are several factors contributing to the ongoing Penn State football struggles:
1. Inconsistent Quarterback Play
While Drew Allar is highly talented, his decision-making under pressure has cost Penn State in close games.
2. Recruiting vs. Development Gap
Penn State recruits well, but often lags behind Ohio State, Michigan, and now Oregon when it comes to developing elite-level depth.
3. Big-Game Coaching Decisions
James Franklin’s game management has been questioned in nearly every major loss, particularly in close matchups.
4. Psychological Block Against Elite Opponents
After 15 straight losses to top-six teams, Penn State enters these games with a mental hurdle that magnifies mistakes.
Penn State Football Struggles in the Big Ten
With the expansion of the Big Ten and the addition of powerhouses like Oregon and Washington, Penn State’s path is tougher than ever. Their struggles against Ohio State and Michigan were already well-documented, but the new-look conference now raises the stakes.
Upcoming Key Games:
- Penn State vs Ohio State (Nov 1) – A must-win to keep CFP hopes alive.
- Penn State vs Indiana – Trap game against a strong No. 11 team.
- Penn State vs UCLA (Week 6) – A bounce-back opportunity on national television.
How Penn State Can Overcome Its Struggles
To shed the label of Penn State football struggles, the program must:
- Win a signature game against a top-six opponent.
- Protect the football in critical late-game moments.
- Strengthen offensive line play, ensuring Drew Allar has time to make smart reads.
- Embrace accountability, as Franklin himself has acknowledged.
Fan Reactions to Penn State Football Struggles
The Penn State fan base is loyal but increasingly restless. Many supporters feel the program is stuck in a cycle of good-not-great seasons.
| Fan Sentiment | Reaction |
|---|---|
| Loyalists | “Franklin built us into a stable program.” |
| Frustrated fans | “We’ll never win a title if this continues.” |
| Neutral observers | “Consistently good, but not elite.” |
Franklin himself acknowledged:
“I get the frustration that comes with a fanbase that’s invested and cares. I get it.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why does Penn State football struggle against top teams?
Penn State football struggles mainly because of inconsistent quarterback play, game management issues, and a mental block in high-pressure games.
2. What is James Franklin’s record against top-6 ranked opponents?
James Franklin is currently 2-21 against top-six ranked teams in the AP Poll.
3. Has Penn State ever made the College Football Playoff?
Yes, Penn State reached the CFP for the first time last season but lost in the semifinals to Notre Dame.
4. Who is Penn State’s quarterback in 2025?
Drew Allar leads the Nittany Lions offense but has faced criticism for costly turnovers in big games.
5. Can Penn State still make the College Football Playoff in 2025?
Yes, but they must beat Ohio State or another top-ranked opponent to change the narrative.
Conclusion
The ongoing Penn State football struggles define the James Franklin era. While the Nittany Lions are consistently competitive, they remain a step behind the nation’s elite. For Franklin to shake off the criticism and silence the doubters, Penn State must finally win a defining game against a top-six opponent. Until then, the phrase “Penn State football struggles” will continue to dominate conversations around the program.