Before Saturday, the UCLA Bruins hadn't beaten anybody. That's right. Penn State's visit to the Rose Bowl in Southern California was against a team that was hollow, empty, and absolutely directionless. Having fired their head coach, DeShawn Foster, for an 0-3 start to the season, the Bruins' most recent result was a loss to Northwestern.
With zero momentum, zero hope, and a season seemingly lost and destined for obscurity, a top-10 Penn State squad entered their house fresh off an overtime loss to Oregon. On paper, and on the field, these two teams were moving in entirely separate directions.
So how, oh how, did James Franklin not only lose in a big game, but in the smallest game of the Big 10 Conference schedule? UCLA, led by Nico Iamaleava, looked the Nittany Lions in the eyes and punched them in the mouth.
Entering this matchup, the prevailing question facing each team were as follows: For Penn State, can the team run the table and prepare for a pivotal November matchup against Ohio State? For UCLA, could this team simply win a game before the year was through?
Entering a game with a 24.5-point spread, it's clear that Penn State got caught overlooking their faltering foes.
So what does this mean for Penn State? How about for head coach James Franklin?
First, one must address the playoff picture. In Penn State's case, this is a death sentence for postseason contention. UCLA has been one of the worst teams in the entire nation, not just the power four. For a postseason resume standpoint, the Nittany Lions have yet to do anything deserving of a top-12 slot. Still with top-10 Ohio State and Indiana on the schedule, this team could still grab statement victories, but it's an uphill climb for Allar, Franklin, and Penn State for a chance at an at-large bid.
MORE COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS:
Iowa State opened the Big 12 floodgates with upset loss to Cincinatti
Dabo Swinney drops brutal ‘coaching failure’ admission on Clemson’s record-worst start
Texas Longhorns could miss College Football Playoff entirely, 'have work to do' on season resume
Penn State’s playoff hopes have no room for error after crushing loss to Oregon
Kelen DeBoer, Alabama face do-or-die matchup against upset-minded Vanderbilt