Matt Campbell faces scrutiny after Penn State loss to Northwestern

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 3, 2026, 7:07 PM

Last updated Oct 3, 2026

Matt Campbell faces scrutiny after Penn State loss to Northwestern
Summary

Penn State Nittany Lions fell to Northwestern 34-13 on October 3, raising concerns about the direction of the program under new head coach Matt Campbell. Following the defeat, athletic director Pat Kraft faces increased pressure as questions regarding his decision to part ways with former coach James Franklin arise. Campbell took responsibility for the team's performance, admitting they lacked the toughness expected from the program. Northwestern dominated the game, rushing for 413 yards while showcasing the physical issues that plagued Penn State. Campbell's quarterback Rocco Becht is under scrutiny following an inconsistent outing, further complicating the Nittany Lions' outlook moving forward.

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By the Numbers
  • •Penn State loses to Northwestern 34-13 on October 3.
  • •Questions arise about Matt Campbell's early performance as head coach.
  • •Athletic director Pat Kraft faces scrutiny for changing coaching staff.
  • •Campbell admits team lacked toughness and physical preparation.
  • •Northwestern rushed for 413 yards during the game.
Latest Updates
  • 7:07 PMYahoo Sports — “Career is on the Line”: Dan Wolken Puts Penn State AD Pat Kraft on Hotseat as Matt Campbell Experiment Under Extreme Pressure
What they're saying
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Penn State’s decision to move on from James Franklin was supposed to mark the beginning of a new era. Instead, just five games into Matt Campbell’s tenure, the Nittany Lions are already facing serious questions about the direction of the program, with the Campbell experiment quickly looking like it may have backfired.

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