Big Ten football has a new jester as Penn State continues to make a mockery of the conference.
For years since entering the conference, Rutgers has been the laughingstock of Big Ten football. However, in 2020, we may have a contender for the throne as Penn State’s program, led by James Franklin, headlines a team under fire.
While the Nittany Lions have dealt with a great deal of misfortune, this is no excuse for a supposed top-tier program led by a top-tier recruiter in Franklin. The woes of Penn State have not gone unnoticed, as their beloved faithful spare no punches as the Nittany Lions are off to an 0-5 start after a loss to the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Here are some instant reactions from fans and national pundits who are growing impatient with the winless Nittany Lions.
Penn State has replaced Rutgers as the automatic win in the Big Ten
It would be one thing if Penn State was losing generally competitive games. Surprising thing this year has just been how bad Penn State has looked en route to losing.
— Ben Jones (@Ben_Jones88) November 21, 2020
If someone was watching this team play for the first time and had no idea, I think I could credibly convince them that the entire Penn State roster opted out of the season and the players on the field are just random students who volunteered to help out
— Carolyn Lasky (@carolaskyn) November 21, 2020
This Penn State team is painful to watch, yes. But COVID issues, and others, have completely decimated this team. Parsons, Brown, Cain, Freirmouth lost, an utter lack of confidence, guys being thrown into tough situations. The season sucks. But it's an outlier.
— Tim Hyland (@IntelligentCFB) November 21, 2020
Perhaps not all is lost at Penn State as they have had to deal with the unusual losses of top-tier players such as star linebacker Micah Parsons, and running backs Journey Brown and Noah Cain.
me, to penn state football pic.twitter.com/2yiWCi0QC9
— Bill DiFilippo (@billdifilippo) November 21, 2020
I just checked the score on the Penn State game and let out maybe the most evil chuckle I have ever let out in my life
— obnoxiously pitt girl (@the_opg_) November 21, 2020
Penn State has now been outscored 117-33 in first halves this year.
— Matt Brown (@MattBrownCFB) November 21, 2020
A reason for concern, however, is the regression of quarterback Sean Clifford as he is leading a historically bad Penn State offense. Franklin has now handed the keys over to Will Levis.
Penn State has allowed 163 points through four-and-a-half games. The 2019 Lions allowed 169 points in 12 regular-season games
— Bob Flounders (@BobbyFlo7) November 21, 2020
Penn State Football pic.twitter.com/zEQClphpwN
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) November 21, 2020
Wondering if Penn State knows you don’t get the No. 1 pick if you go winless in college football.
— Jeremy Birmingham (@Birm) November 21, 2020
Just how long will Penn State have to wait until they get their first win of the 2020 season? With three games left, the Nittany Lions are set to face off against Michigan, Rutgers, and Michigan State.
Wow penn state really sad af this year.. we look like Rutgers
— Jawnny P 🤫🤫🤫 (@Lyonhearted_) November 21, 2020
Penn State is the new Rutgers.
— Trey (@RogCrump) November 21, 2020
Ladies & Gentlemen now playing the role of Rutgers in Big Ten Football is Penn State. Please note the change in the program.
— Paul Seville (@PaulWSeville) November 21, 2020
I'm not ready to live in a world where Rutgers will be favored in a football game against Penn State, but here we are.
— Dan Arnoldi (@ArnoldiPSU) November 21, 2020
Penn State may not have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving but they hope to get a win vs. Michigan next Saturday.
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