Penn State HC James Franklin blames "travel" for players' unpreparedness after crushing loss to UCLA

Geoff
Penn State coach James Franklin (Image Source: IMAGN)
Penn State coach James Franklin (Image Source: IMAGN)

Penn State coach James Franklin blamed travel issues above anything else in No. 7 Penn State's shock 42-37 loss to UCLA on Saturday at Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.

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Franklin spoke with the media after the game and admitted the team hasn't moved on from the close loss to Oregon in a "White Out" game the previous week. He noted that Penn State failed to get going early and listed a variety of reasons for the bad start.

"Obviously, we did not handle last week's loss well," Franklin said. "We also lost some players in that game during the week and then everything else, travel, everything else. (We) did not come out with the right energy to start the game."
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The coach also conceded that UCLA contributed to Penn State's defeat with some plays that caught them off guard.

"And before you know it and obviously they get a touchdown drive and an onsides kick and they were fighting," Franklin said. "They gained confidence and we're fighting for the next three quarters. That's my responsibility and I didn't get it done."
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Penn State fell behind 27-7 in the first half, and it was too late for Drew Allar and the Nittany Lions to recover as the team dropped to 3-2 (0-2 in Big Ten).

UCLA maximizes ground game edge to stun Penn State

UCLA maximized their edge on the ground to outduel No. 7 Penn State and grabbed its first win of the season.

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Nico Iamaleava and the Bruins ran 53 rushing plays and gained 269 yards to keep the Nittany Lions' defense on the field for 39 minutes and 17 seconds.

The rushing yards allowed UCLA to accumulate 22 first downs and secured several opportunities to score. They were also patient and efficient on third-down plays, making 10-of-16 third-down attempts compared to 4 of 9 for the Penn State.

Overall, the Bruins accumulated 435 total yards, their highest this season, eclipsing the 428 yards they gained in a 30-23 loss to UNLV.

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The rushing attempts and yards gained on the ground were also the most in five games this season.

Drew Allar passed for 200 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 78 yards for Penn State. Kaytron Allen had two rushing TDs and 58 rushhng yards.

UCLA will attempt to make it two in a row this season when they visit Michigan State (3-2, 0-2 in Big Ten) on Oct. 11. Penn State, on the other hand, will face Northwestern (3-2, 1-1 in Big Ten) also on Saturday.

Penn State Nittany Lions Fan? Check out the latest Nittany Lions depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place

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Edited by Geoff
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