For the first time in four years, Penn State football looks to break a multi-game losing streak when Northwestern comes to Beaver Stadium on Saturday afternoon. A season that began with national title expectations, the Nittany Lions are now hoping for a strong performance against the 3-2 Wildcats to stop a further downward spiral.
“I believe in Penn State. I believe in our players,” James Franklin said this week. “I believe in the men and women in the Lasch Building, and I believe in myself. Obviously after the last two games we’re going to get these types of questions. I get it.
“But, again, when you look at the complete picture, which right now no one wants to talk about; we want to talk about what just happened and the games we just played. I get that, but I need to make sure that everybody within the Lasch Building keeps everything in perspective.
“We get this fixed, move forward, find a way to beat Northwestern. As you can imagine, we’re as motivated as we’ve ever been to do that.”
James Franklin press conference updates
On the loss: “We shouldn’t have lost this game. It’s on me, and I’ll get it fix.
Franklin announces that Drew Allar will be done for the season after suffering an injury late in the fourth quarter.
On desire to finish the season: “For me, it’s always been about the players. And they’re hurting right now…I get the fans’ frustration, but ultimately its about the guys.”
LIVE UPDATES: Penn State drops third straight game to Northwestern
Saturday’s action will get underway at 3:30 p.m. ET on FS1. Follow along with this blog for photos, videos, and live updates before, during, and after the game.
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FINAL: Northwestern 22 – Penn State 21
There have been many ups and downs over the last 12 years, but this may be the lowest point of the James Franklin era at Penn State. Northwestern added a late touchdown to take the one point lead; the Nittany Lions comeback drive stalled quickly and quarterback Drew Allar was carted off the field with a lower leg injury.
Sitting at 3-3, Franklin and the Nittany Lions now try to salvage what they can from the 2025 season.
Penn State passing game comes to life, Nittany Lions go up 21-16
Struggling most of the afternoon, Drew Allar and the Penn State passing attack comes to life in the fourth quarter. Allar finds Devonte Ross for a 67-yard pickup. Kaytron Allen gets the Nittany Lions to the goal line on an 18-yard run. The drive was finished off two plays later by Allar on the sneak.
Nittany Lions’ special teams mishap gives Northwestern chance to take lead
The Wildcats would add a field goal to take a 16-14 lead.
Penn State leads Northwestern 14-13 at halftime
Penn State reclaims lead on critical fourth down conversion
The Nittany Lions convert on the Northwestern muffed punt. Singleton punches it in from the 2-yard line on a critical fourth down.
Nittany Lions special teams gets second momentum-turning play of the afternoon
Northwestern gashes Penn State defense for big play touchdown
Kaytron Allen gets Penn State on the scoreboard with an easy touchdown
Kaytron Allen has clearly established himself as the Nittany Lions’ No. 1 running back with a strong start to the afternoon. The senior has 9 carries for 59 yards, capping off Penn State’s last drive with an 11-yard touchdown run.
Nicholas Singleton has yet to get any touches this afternoon.
Penn State special teams shows up again with blocked punt
Nittany Lions arrive at Beaver Stadium
Penn State offensive line to battle attrition against Wildcats
Penn State’s injury report for today is now available: OL Cooper Cousins is out, while Anthony Donkoh and J’ven Williams are listed as questionable.
Starting CB Zion Tracy is also listed as questionable.
Get ready for kickoff with Basic Blues Nation!
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