Tensions boil as Penn State fans boo James Franklin, players after loss to Michigan

Yesterday was not fun for any of us. The Penn State football community, fans, players, coaches, none of us want to lose the biggest game of the season against Michigan. Not only did Penn State lose, but they looked unprepared, and uninspired, especially on offense. Which at the end of the day falls on the shoulders of the head coach James Franklin. As the game moved forward the more the offense struggled the louder the boos were in Beaver Stadium. Look, I’m not here to tell you if you should or shouldn’t do it. But at the same time, I understand the frustration that every Nittany Lion fan felt yesterday.

Penn State fans boo James Franklin, players after loss to Michigan

As James Franklin made his walk into the tunnel and to the locker room after the Penn State football loss to Michigan 24-15 fans let him hear their frustrations. Loud boos directed at James Franklin for another disappointing loss to Big Ten East foe. This is the second time this season that Penn State has looked dreadful on offense in a big game.

James Franklin’s walk through the tunnel sounded much different after a loss to Michigan pic.twitter.com/9yvrxtIFEq

— Audrey Snyder (@audsnyder4) November 11, 2023

There were a few head-scratching decisions made by Franklin during the game yesterday. Going for both two-point conversions when it didn’t help the team, the misuse of timeouts, and how poor the offensive game plan was is a direct reflection on the head coach. When the fans show up with the 2nd largest crowd in Beaver Stadium history and they are let down, they have the right to express their frustration.

Penn State players react to fans

I truly believe the booing from Penn State fans was directed at the coaching staff and not the players themselves. Regardless they hear it all as they are on the field or walking to the locker room. Which led to the below-heated interaction between guard Vega Ioane and a group of Penn State fans.

Penn State fans had some words for James Franklin, and OL Vega Ioane had enough. pic.twitter.com/bNK12JLNO0

— Joe Smeltzer (@joesmeltzer775) November 11, 2023

Following the game star defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton commented on the fan’s reaction to their loss to Michigan. Dennis-Sutton said, “I appreciate all the fans that support. Love for the Penn State University. But when people boo us, half of them wouldn’t step on the field.”

It’s safe to as that the loss to Michigan has created a slight divide in the fan base and the program. Fans expect more and players are working as hard as they can to produce that for this team.

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