Penn State’s hopes of proving themselves on the national stage suffered another setback on Saturday night, as the Nittany Lions lost 30-24 in double overtime to No. 6 Oregon. The defeat once again highlighted head coach James Franklin’s troubling record against elite competition, with the loss dropping him to 4-21 against Associated Press (AP) top-10 opponents during his tenure.
A Night of High Drama at Beaver Stadium
The stage was set for a classic. More than 100,000 fans in a “White Out” at Beaver Stadium roared with anticipation, hoping for a season-defining victory.
Penn State trailed 17-3 late in the third quarter but staged a fierce rally.
Senior quarterback Drew Allar led back-to-back touchdown drives, bringing the Lions level and forcing overtime.
In the first extra period, Penn State struck first with a touchdown.
But Oregon responded immediately and then struck again on the opening play of the second overtime.
When Allar threw a desperate pass that was intercepted by Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman, the Nittany Lions’ comeback dream collapsed.
Franklin’s Record Under Scrutiny
James Franklin has built Penn State into a consistent contender in the Big Ten, but his struggles against elite opposition continue to dominate the conversation.
Against top-10 Big Ten teams, Franklin’s record stands at 1-18.
His only success came against Ohio State back in 2016.
According to ESPN Research, his .160 winning percentage against AP top-10 teams ranks among the worst for coaches with at least 25 such games since the poll era began in 1936.
Franklin acknowledged the criticism head-on:
“I get that narrative and it’s really not a narrative — it’s factual,” Franklin said. “At the end of the day, we have to find a way to win those games. I totally get it. And I take ownership. I take responsibility.”
The Weight of Expectations
Penn State’s fan base remains one of the most passionate in college football. But with passion comes pressure. Franklin admitted he feels the intensity:
“When we win, there’s nothing better. When we lose, there’s nothing worse. So I get it. I get the frustration that comes with a fan base that is invested and cares.”
Drew Allar’s Growing Pains
Quarterback Drew Allar showed flashes of brilliance in the comeback attempt but also suffered a heartbreaking ending. His interception sealed the loss, echoing past struggles in high-stakes games.
Allar is now 0-6 against AP top-6 teams as a starter.
His lone win against a top-10 side came in last year’s College Football Playoff quarterfinals versus Boise State.
He was also the player whose interception in the 2024 semifinals against Notre Dame set up the Irish’s game-winning field goal.
Reflecting on the Oregon defeat, Allar admitted:
“Obviously, it hurts. We had our opportunities. But it’s a long season ahead. We’re going to have more chances to fix this — and I’ll be the first one to go into the fire.”
What This Means for Penn State
This defeat raises tough questions for the Nittany Lions:
Can James Franklin finally overcome the top-10 hurdle?
Is Drew Allar ready to lead the team in clutch moments?
With a passionate but impatient fan base, how long can Penn State tolerate near-misses in marquee games?
For now, Penn State must regroup quickly. The season is far from over, but the loss will sting — especially for a programme desperate to be seen as an equal to Ohio State, Michigan, and other national powerhouses.
Conclusion
Penn State’s double-overtime heartbreak against Oregon adds another painful chapter to James Franklin’s poor record against elite teams. While the Lions showed fight and nearly pulled off a dramatic comeback, the same familiar story played out: a strong effort that fell just short.
With Franklin at 4-21 against AP top-10 opponents and Drew Allar still seeking his breakthrough win in a defining game, Penn State’s quest to “get over the hump” continues.
References
ESPN Research: Coach records vs AP top-10 teams since 1936
Post-game press conference quotes from James Franklin and Drew Allar
NCAA College Football Playoff archives
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