With a Penn State player holding the flag near the USC logo and a few others nearby appearing to enjoy the spectacle, Franklin quickly appeared from a nearby scrum of bodies and put a halt to gesture. Franklin shook his finger at the player before grabbing the flag himself and walking it over to someone else while saying "take that."

James Franklin didn't realize a mic was nearby as he congratulated Penn State kicker Ryan Barker following a game-winning field goal in overtime.

Watch what Penn State coach James Franklin did when one of his players tried to plant a 'We Are' flag at midfield after winning at USC.

Penn State’s 2023 passing game generated just 11.4 yards per reception. A wideout room led by KeAndre Lambert-Smith produced 10 touchdown passes as the Lions’ quarterbacks leaned on the tight end trio of Theo Johnson (seven scores), Tyler Warren (seven) and Khalil Dinkins (two). Lambert-Smith is now at Auburn.

James Franklin is back in the target of social media as Penn State struggles against another opponent as a top-5 team.

When James Franklin takes his customary pre-game lap around the field this Saturday, take a second and think about what might have been. As Franklin begins the most critical stretch of his 11-year Penn State tenure,

Get behind-the scenes insights, observations and breaking news from PennLive’s award-winning Penn State coverage team. Get a spot inside the Beaver Stadium press box and on the practice field as Bob Flounders, Johnny McGonigal and Max Ralph bring you all the latest on the Nittany Lions as they hear it.

Despite an undefeated start to the season, head coach James Franklin needs to prove that this year can be different.