Penn State fans are calling for James Franklin to be fired after a heartbreaking loss to Notre Dame

If one doesn’t keep up with what’s going on in college football right now and just happens to see Penn State’s name among the remaining four teams, one would assume the program has enjoyed a glorious 2024-25 season. Although, as die-hard fans know, it’s a lot more complicated than that. James Franklin and his Nittany Lions managed to advance to the semifinals of the playoffs without a characteristic victory.

Heck, there are plenty of people who would remain skeptical even if Penn State beat Notre Dame on Thursday in the Orange Bowl. Despite what the bookies said, another defeat is not an acceptable outcome for this team. But it happened at Hard Rock Stadium.

The Lions blew an early 10-0 lead, started to unravel in the second half, came back in the fourth quarter, then finally melted away in the closing seconds. With the score tied and less than 40 seconds remaining, Franklin decided to be aggressive. Drew Allar threw a brutal interception in the middle of the field in the face of huge pressure from the defense. The Fighting Irish took advantage and converted the winning 41-yard field goal.

Penn State’s season ends bitterly as Notre Dame advances to the national championship. University Park must be in shambles after the 27-24 loss. However, despair isn’t the only emotion flooding the fan base.

James Franklin draws the ire of the masses after a heartbreaking loss

Penn State football supporters are demanding repercussions for what is yet another big stumble on stage. Specifically, they are calling for the head coaching job. “For the millionth time, fire James Franklin,” @Skeeterbot69 posted on Ks.

“Fire James Franklin.” period”, @DT3Iut expressed. “What else needs to be seen?” Completely outplayed in the second half. Another big game, another big loss.” Some fans were a little more emphatic when articulating their displeasure with the outcome of this one College Football Playoff the game.

“UNLESS PENN STATE FANS GET TO SUPPORT THE PENN STATE FOOTBALL PROGRAM AFTER JAMES FRANKLIN EMBARRASSES US YET AGAIN, SORRY I’M DONE SUPPORTING OUR FOOTBALL PROGRAM.” @JosephMadison38 exclaimed. “SO IF WE DON’T FIRE FRANKLIN, I WILL WITHDRAW ALL MY FINANCIAL SUPPORT!”

Others have resigned themselves to an unpleasant fate, which they unfortunately know well, and recognize the likelihood that HC will return for next season. “We’re not going to fire James Franklin, but we should.” @ti5holman posted. “I don’t know how much more evidence you could get to show that schools with the same talent consistently beat him.”

Will Penn State football make a comeback?

Cries of “Franklin on fire” usually surface whenever Penn State loses an important game, and the athletic department has always ignored them. However, this defeat is a little different. The Lions were up against an opponent who faced similar questions about their own credibility. Alar’s reputation for failing to pass in the clutch was about to find its remedy in the form of Riley Leonard’s passing limitations.

The Notre Dame KB really struggled, throwing two picks, but Alar’s flaws proved more costly. Defensive lapses in the fourth quarter cannot be forgotten either. Despite a three-touchdown effort from Nicholas Singleton and an active night from Abdul Carter, Penn State football missed a golden opportunity to compete for its first national title since 1986.

How much blame falls on Franklin’s shoulders? He is now 1-15 against top-five opponents while coaching the Nittany Lions. This loss should hurt the most. From the sounds of it, fans definitely feel that way.