Nico Iamaleava Leads Winless UCLA to Stunning Upset Over No 7 PSU Putting James Franklin on Hot Seat
Penn State Suffers Upset Loss to UCLA in Historic Football Game
In a shocking turn of events, No. 7 Penn State became the first team this season to fall victim to UCLA, marking a significant upset in college football history. The Nittany Lions lost to the Bruins with a score of 42-37, making UCLA the first 0-4 team since 1985 to defeat a top-10 opponent.
Nico Iamaleava Shines with Five Touchdowns
Bruins quarterback Nico Iamaleava delivered a standout performance, scoring five total touchdowns in UCLA’s long-awaited first victory of the season (1-4). His remarkable plays kept the pressure on Penn State’s defense throughout the game.
Fans Demand Changes Following Disappointing Performance
This defeat has led to increased scrutiny surrounding Penn State’s head coach, James Franklin. Despite leading the team to the College Football Playoff semifinal less than ten months ago, the loss raised concerns among fans. Many are calling for his dismissal, especially considering his contract with the university extends through 2031, with a hefty buyout estimated at $56 million, according to Emegypt.
Penn State’s Struggles Against Top Opponents
Last week’s loss to No. 6 Oregon, where Penn State fell 30-24, significantly impacted Franklin’s record against top-10 teams, now standing at 4-21 at Penn State. His performance against Big Ten teams in the top 10 is even more troubling, with a record of 1-18, as per reports from ESPN’s Jake Trotter. Saturday’s defeat to an unranked opponent under interim coaching only added to the challenges faced by Franklin and his squad.
UCLA’s Game Dominance
UCLA’s game strategy was evident from the outset, as they dominated possession for most of the first half without punting once. Their scoring sequence included:
- Three touchdown drives
- Two field goals
This aggressive approach allowed the Bruins to establish a commanding 24-7 lead early in the game. Meanwhile, Penn State struggled to regain momentum, with quarterback Drew Allar fumbling at a critical point in the third quarter. Although UCLA missed a subsequent field goal, the Nittany Lions were unable to capitalize, as UCLA continued with three additional touchdown drives.
Defensive Woes for Penn State
Despite entering the game with one of the lowest-ranked run defenses in the FBS, UCLA managed to contain Penn State’s offensive efforts effectively. The Nittany Lions were limited to just 157 rushing yards in this pivotal matchup. This outcome marked the first time since 2017 that Franklin’s team allowed an unranked opponent to score 42 points or more, highlighting significant defensive shortcomings.
Looking Ahead for Penn State
With the loss fresh on their minds, Franklin and the Nittany Lions now face the crucial task of regrouping ahead of upcoming games. The schedule includes two more matchups against unranked teams, Northwestern and Iowa, before a high-stakes encounter on November 1 against No. 1 Ohio State. The Nittany Lions will need to find solutions quickly if they hope to turn their season around.
