Hot candidate? Social media torches James Franklin after stunning loss to Illinois

Yikes, James Franklin.

That undoubtedly was the thought for some college football fans after Saturday’s game for Penn State. The Nittany Lions – coming off a bye and playing at home – fell to unranked Illinois in 9 OTs.

After entering the game at No. 7 in the nation, Penn State fans were more than unhappy with the performance. Playing with a banged-up Sean Clifford, the offense disappointed and was held under 70 rushing yards in the loss.

In regards to Franklin specifically, it will be interesting to see what impact this has on the many rumors swirling about the head coaching vacancies around the country. According to reports and rumors, Franklin appears to be a name that is linked to both LSU and USC.

After Penn State’s most recent performance, social media sounded off on Franklin’s recent work, and it is not pretty. Have a look:

Penn State, USC and LSU arguing over who takes James Franklin next year: pic.twitter.com/YyjHU5a25G

— Adam Spencer (@AdamSpencer4) October 23, 2021

Please stop with any and all talk about James Franklin to @LSUfootball he ain’t close to ready pic.twitter.com/iWDngJ5fVn

— Jason Hood (@jasonhood71) October 23, 2021

https://twitter.com/davesportsgod/status/1452006964188254209?s=20

https://twitter.com/HodgepodgeHoops/status/1452006271545118720?s=20

I can’t believe people think James Franklin is a good coach.

— Joe Giglio (@JoeGiglioSports) October 23, 2021

Can we finally all agree James Franklin isn’t a good coach, or no?

— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) October 23, 2021

Well at least this takes James Franklin out of the running for the #LSU job. Thanks for the assist Illinois.

— Derek Kopp (@DerekKoppTV) October 23, 2021

James Franklin got so caught up in the LSU and USC job rumors that he completely forgot to get his team ready for the worst team in the Big 10.

Congrats @IlliniFootball!!!

— Big Game Boomer (@BigGameBoomer) October 23, 2021

Please Please Please do not hire James Franklin USC

— LA (@LASportsFanatic) October 23, 2021

Clearly. James Franklin should be embarrassed. Because if he's not, then he's probably packing for LSU or USC. https://t.co/7PrpNEuj7I

— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) October 23, 2021

USC is no longer interested in Penn St head coach James Franklin, sources said pic.twitter.com/wPldSxMCfM

— CleWest (@erjmanlasvegas) October 23, 2021

James Franklin's gonna be great in purple & gold, but only mustering up 10pts vs a 2-5 Illinois team ain't a good look, u suppose to be an offensive minded HC fam

— Q⚜️ (@_QTip) October 23, 2021

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.