Penn State suffered a surprising defeat at the hands of a previously winless UCLA, catching the college football world off guard. Head coach James Franklin openly acknowledged that the team “did not handle last week’s loss well,” underscoring the Nittany Lions’ deeper struggles.
Everything James Franklin said after Penn State stunned by UCLA: ‘We did not handle last week’s loss well’

Key Takeaways:
- Penn State was stunned by a UCLA team without a prior win.
- James Franklin admitted the team struggled to move on from a previous defeat.
- The upset shines a spotlight on Franklin’s job security.
- The article was written by Cody Nagel for Cbssports.
- Ongoing chatter surrounds Franklin’s leadership and the program’s outlook.
Stunning Defeat
Penn State endured a jarring setback when a previously winless UCLA squad bested the Nittany Lions. The loss was unexpected and quickly labeled an embarrassment by observers, given the difference in each team’s record and standing.
Franklin’s Postgame Remarks
Following the upset, head coach James Franklin offered a blunt assessment: “We did not handle last week’s loss well.” His comment points to a possible lack of focus or motivation within the team, suggesting that the lingering effects of prior setbacks contributed to the outcome against UCLA.
Impact on Program and Leadership
In the wake of this defeat, Franklin’s role and future at Penn State have come under greater scrutiny, as hinted by mentions of a potential “hot seat” and discussions of a technology-laden “buyout.” While no immediate changes are confirmed, the loss has prompted questions about the direction of the Nittany Lions’ season and how the coaching staff might address the underlying issues.
Where Penn State Goes From Here
For Penn State, the path forward involves regrouping and addressing whatever led to the team’s underperformance. Without offering new promises or specifics not in the original feed, the focus remains on learning from this defeat and reestablishing the discipline and resilience that Penn State fans expect.