Overview

• Penn State fell 42-37 to previously winless UCLA at the Rose Bowl, becoming the first top-10 team in about 40 years to lose to an 0-4 opponent.
• James Franklin accepted blame, citing missed assignments, critical turnovers, penalties, and poor early energy after the prior week’s overtime loss to Oregon.
• The defeat severely dents Penn State’s playoff outlook, with projections now hinging on an unlikely run that includes winning at Ohio State.
• Reports place Franklin’s buyout near $56 million this fall, dropping in January, prompting talk of an offseason resolution or a mutual parting; his cost to leave is about $2 million.
• Reaction escalated as ESPN’s Paul Finebaum called for change and Nicole Auerbach urged Franklin to explore open jobs, while fans floated speculative replacements and a viral postgame moment with Franklin’s daughter drew wide attention.