Penn State is unranked in Week 7 after two consecutive losses. The Nittany Lions were ranked as high as No. 2 this season but quickly dropped after they lost to then No. 6 Oregon 30-24 in overtime of Week 5.
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On Saturday, PSU suffered a humiliating upset, losing 42-37 to a previously winless UCLA program at the Rose Bowl. After entering the season as a favorite to return to the College Football Playoff, head coach James Franklin’s status with Penn State is being questioned early in October.
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The Nittany Lions still have seven games left to impress the CFP selection committee, and Franklin is charged with getting his team ready to host 3-2 Northwestern on Saturday.
On Sunday evening, Franklin took to X to post a positive message about his mindset heading into Week 7.
“Game Week! Let’s do this TOGETHER & go 1-0, Nittany Nation. Northwestern, Northwestern, Northwestern!!!” Franklin posted.
The post wasn’t out of the ordinary for Franklin, who posted a similar message last week about wanting to be “locked in” to go 1-0 against UCLA. However, the message wasn’t well received by fans frustrated with the results of the last two games. Most fans want to see a better product on the field than a post about beating a middle-of-the-pack Big 10 program.
“You might be coaching there soon, my guy,” wrote a fan.
“Don’t worry Coach, Northwestern isn’t top 5 ranked like Oregon and UCLA so you shouldn’t be doomed to lose this one,” commented another.
“Log off bro,” suggested a fan.
“This is funny. Good luck with that coach,” posted another.
“Read the room man nobody wants you here anymore,” commented a frustrated fan.
“If you read these, know that even the fans who have tried to back you have even lost faith,” wrote a fan.
“What a pathetic post,” piled on another.
Per ESPN BET, Penn State is a 21.5-point favorite to beat Northwestern. A loss to the Wildcats would further upset a fan base that has been on edge since the heartbreaking defeat to the Ducks on Sept. 27.
Franklin’s best shot at redemption is to overcome No. 1 Ohio State in Columbus on Nov. 1.
For more on the NCAA, head to Newsweek Sports.
