In week 6, the entire United States witnessed the worst loss of the season. James Franklin and the former No. 2-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions hit a new low after losing to a 0-4 UCLA team led by an interim OC calling plays. Just like that, Franklin became responsible for arguably the program’s worst defeat of the decade. And when you thought it couldn’t get any worse, Franklin poured salt on the wound.

On October 5, Franklin hopped onto X with what came off as either rage-baiting or forced optimism, posting: “Game Week! Let’s do this TOGETHER & go 1-0, Nittany Nation. Northwestern, Northwestern, Northwestern!!! #WeAre.” Guess what? The Happy Valley isn’t buying James Franklin’s ‘everything’s under control’ mindset now – pride comes before a fall.

James Franklin and Penn State messed up the game in the worst way possible. Despite being favored by 24.5 points, the Nittany Lions looked like a JUCO team from the jump. The Nittany Lions allowed UCLA to jump to an early 10-0 lead and adhered to playing the chase game. The offense was almost nonchalant in the first half, while the defense seemed clueless against UCLA’s Nico Iamaleava. Ironically, the former 5-star had a career day with two touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns. Special teams even chipped in with a botched onside kick recovery by the Bruins.

The Nittany Lions’ performance was baffling, given their national championship aspirations and the significant investment in the program. Penn State’s defense wasn’t better under Jim Knowles; his defense allowed 42 points, 435 yards, and a 62.5% conversion rate on third down. Missing linebacker Tony Rojas didn’t help, but the overall lack of answers against a team with a newly installed interim offensive coordinator, Jerry Neuheisel, was concerning.

Penn State’s future, especially its playoff aspirations, is now hanging by a thread. With Ohio State and Indiana still on the schedule, winning out seems like a tall order, especially considering Franklin’s track record in big games. The Nittany Lions, once considered national title contenders, are now fighting to prove they can bounce back from this “unmitigated disaster.” It automatically warranted some reactions from fans.

Happy Valley isn’t rocking with James Franklin’s tweet

When James Franklin hit that tweet on X, Happy Valley went out and torched him. Fans started with a diabolical burn: “Almost tore my ACL racing to the comment section.” That’s harsh and funny at the same time. This user knew there would be digital haymakers at Franklin’s first tweet following their loss to a 0-4 UCLA team. It felt like everybody was just waiting for this moment.

Another fan called out Franklin’s audacity: “Genuinely can’t believe this is a real tweet.” At first, it felt like something straight out of a spam page. Imagine putting “1-0” and “let’s go” after losing back-to-back games and falling out of the AP Poll for the first time since the 2000s.

Following an overtime defeat to Oregon, this loss has put James Franklin and Penn State in a tough spot. While firing Franklin might be financially complex due to his large buyout, questions surface about his ability to win big games. His post-game comments, failing to describe the collapse fully, ruffled some feathers. The team’s two losses, particularly the upset against UCLA, have put a serious dent in any natty hopes, making their path to a potential championship appearance diabolically harder, if not impossible.

Penn State troll pages piled on Franklin’s tweet and even called for a breakup: “Do us a favor, Coach. Have your agent start making phone calls to Arkansas, UCLA, and anyone else that may need a head coach coming up. Let’s do this amicably and go our separate ways. It’s time.” Penn State firing James Franklin would have to break the bank; James Franklin’s buyout is $56 million. It’s a bit too early to say whether Penn State will cash the check.

One fan went way over the top with her comment: “I would rather s— in my hand and clap than watch you call another play as Penn State’s coach.” Penn State’s offense has been trash against Power 4 opponents. OC Andy Kotelnicki’s magic ain’t working. Against Oregon, Penn State only managed to get 276 total yards. And against a UCLA defense giving up over 430 yards per game?

One fan at least gave Franklin some backhanded props for that type of tweet: “You got some b—- James, I’ll give you that.” That’s one way to put it. Penn State’s natty aspirations are out the window now. With Indiana and Ohio State still on deck, it’s safe to say a 4-loss team won’t be sniffing the playoffs.