Penn State entered this season ranked No. 2.

The Nittany Lions returned a boatload of stars, led by hyped quarterback Drew Allar and a whopping 20 players with starting experience.

They were supposed to be a true national championship contender, a team capable of winning the Big Ten.

<div class="nyp-slideshow-modal-image__wrapper"><a href="#" aria-controls="nyp-slideshow-modal" data-slideshow-modal="trigger" title="Open a slideshow of all 4 article images." aria-label="Open a slideshow of all 4 article images." data-slideshow-slide-number="1" data-slideshow-slides-total="4"> 4 </a></div><figcaption>Penn State head coach James Franklin reacts against Oregon during the fourth quarter of their NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025 AP</figcaption>

This year was going to be different in Happy Valley. Instead, Saturday night was more of the same under James Franklin, whose team came up small in a big spot.

Saturday night was more of the same under James Franklin. {ai:summary}Penn State started the season ranked No. 2 with a star-filled lineup led by Drew Allar, expected to chase a national title.Saturday night in Happy Valley, the Nittany Lions again came up small in a big spot, failing to deliver against Oregon. #sports

James Franklin has done nothing to escape his haunting Penn State reality

Loading...