James Franklin addresses the possibility of Drew Allar getting a shot this season
Two straight losses for James Franklin have brought quarterback questions into the program. Sean Clifford has been the guy for Penn State all season but true freshman Drew Allar is sitting there on the bench, waiting to be thrown into action. While Allar has seen playing time at certain points, it’s never been consistent for the Nittany Lions.
Franklin was asked if Allar would get a look to start after losing to both Michigan and Ohio State. He gave the answer any college football coach around the country might, saying there is a constant evaluation process. However, he did say there has been conversation with other coaches inside the program, making sure the right quarterback choice is being made.
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“First of all, it’s not a decision I make on my own,” Franklin said. “Whenever there are big decisions like that, I want to make sure that I am not too close to it. So, had a good conversation with (offensive coordinator) Mike Yurcich, obviously. Talked to (defensive coordinator) Manny Diaz about it… I talked to guys that have been a college or NFL head coach before, got everybody’s thoughts. And we’ll continue to evaluate it like we always do.”
Franklin then explained why he is not a fan of the quarterback questions coming up before the Indiana matchup. He said it implies Saturday’s game “is not really important.” While the Hoosiers have lost five straight, Franklin is looking to go 1-0 this week.
“I understand the question, I truly do,” Franklin began. “But, it almost comes off to me when I have gotten that question multiple times as if this game is not really important. For us, we’re going to look at who gives us the best chance to be 1-0 this week and go from there. Whoever that is, based on this week’s practice and preparation, we’ll go with. That’s really how it’s been all year long.”
James Franklin speaks on Drew Allar, possible two-quarterback system
Media members have not been able to see Allar practice this season, with Franklin asked how the quarterback has performed. He gave a brief response, signing the praise of the former On3 Consensus five-star prospect.
“He’s done a nice job in practice,” said Franklin. “Obviously, there is a lot of excitement about him.”
As for if a two-quarterback system is a possibility, Franklin said it’s something they have already deployed this week. He stuck to his guns, saying if Allar gives them the best chance to beat Indiana, he will play.
“Considering we’ve already done that this year, I don’t totally understand the question,” Franklin said. “But each circumstance is kind of on its own. Whatever gives us the best chance to be 1-0 this week.”