Packers’ Micah Parsons’ message to Penn State before Nittany Lions’ downfall against UCLA
Micah Parsons and the Green Bay Packers are on a bye in Week 5 of the 2025 NFL regular season, so they definitely had time on Saturday to catch some college football action.
Parsons did just that, as he watched his college team, the No. 7 Penn State Nittany Lions, go up against the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.
Before turning pro in 2021, Parsons saw action in two seasons with Penn State, during which he collected 6.5 sacks and 192 combined tackles through 26 games.
Early in the game between the Nittany Lions and the Bruins, Parsons shared a social media post via Instagram, which showed him watching the contest. Based on the photo, UCLA was already ahead by 10 points at the time of Parsons’ post, but the four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher still had confidence in his alma mater.
“Let’s go!!$,” Parsons wrote on the post.
Unfortunately for James Franklin and the Nittany Lions, they suffered an embarrassing 42-37 loss at the hands of the previously winless UCLA side. The Bruins entered Saturday with a 0-4 record, but found a way to score a shocking upset victory.
Quarterback Nico Iamaleava went 17-of-24 for 166 passing yards and two touchdowns and zero interceptions, while also rushing for 128 yards and three touchdowns on 16 carries to carry UCLA’s offense.
Penn State dropped to 3-2 overall and remains winless at 0-2 in Big Ten play.
Jordan Mason’s shocking benching after fumble leaves Vikings fans stunned
Jordan Mason Faces Unexpected Bench Time After Early Fumble
The Minnesota Vikings’ fanbase is reeling after two weeks of early morning football. Following a matchup in Dublin, Ireland, the Vikings are now set to face the Cleveland Browns in London. However, one of the more puzzling storylines to emerge from this week has been the handling of running back Jordan Mason.
Mason’s Sudden Decrease in Role
In a surprising twist, Zavier Scott has been receiving carries in the second quarter, sidelining Mason during crucial moments of the game. The shift follows an early misstep by Mason, who fumbled on the Vikings’ first offensive drive. Since that fateful play, Mason has been relegated to just one carry, as Scott and Cam Akers have taken the lead in the backfield.
The Vikings have even turned to fullback C.J. Ham for third-down blocking duties, further indicating a shift in the team’s strategy. Fans are left to wonder about Mason’s future contributions, especially given his previous status as a reliable workhorse in the absence of Aaron Jones.
Potential for a Comeback
Despite the current situation, it’s difficult to imagine the Vikings completely abandoning Mason for the remainder of the game. His track record suggests that he still has a role to play, even if he is temporarily spending more time on the sidelines than anticipated.
As the game unfolds, the dynamics between Mason, Scott, and Akers will be closely scrutinized. With the stakes high and the pressure mounting, all eyes will be on whether Mason can reclaim his position in the game or if the Vikings will continue to lean on Scott for critical carries.
Wider NFL Implications
This development comes amidst larger narratives in the NFL, highlighting how quickly fortunes can change for players. The Vikings are not alone in navigating tricky roster decisions. Across the league, teams are dealing with their own challenges, from quarterback controversies to unexpected player performances.
For now, Vikings fans are left to ponder the implications of Mason’s benching, hoping that he can bounce back and prove his worth in the coming weeks. The journey ahead will undoubtedly be filled with twists and turns, as the Vikings aim to solidify their identity in a competitive landscape.
