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Penn State coach James Franklin press conference: Michigan State

Screen Shot 2021-11-15 at 6.02.01 PMby: BWI Staff11/22/23
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Penn State head coach James Franklin discussed his desire to play both quarterbacks to end the 2023 season. (Photo: Thomas Frank Carr)

By Thomas Frank Carr

Penn State has entered the final week of the 2023 regular season. Head coach James Franklin held his weekly press conference on Monday to preview the game against Michigan State. The Spartans enter the game at 4-7 after the university fired head coach Mel Tucker earlier this season.

However, the team is coming off its second win of the Big Ten season last week when it beat Indiana on the road. Can the Nittany Lions close out the season strong? Hear Franklin’s thoughts on the upcoming game by visiting the Blue White Illustrated YouTube Channel. 

James Franklin discusses offensive game plan

While the Rutgers game last week changed dramatically once starter Drew Allar left in the third quarter with an injury, Franklin was pleased with how things went from start to finish. He mentioned that he thought the game plan was simpler and allowed the team to play fast. When asked if that was why former offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich was fired, Franklin answered the question directly. However, he did give his thoughts on how to make a game plan, furthering the discussion about the difference post-Yurcich.  

“That’s always the challenge. How tight can you get the game plan to allow the players to get enough reps against all the different looks that they could possibly get during the game to play fast and assignment sound? But, it’s not too small that there are not enough things in the plan to give the defense challenges and issues. That’s always the constant battle,” Franklin said. 

Franklin also discussed Allar’s ability to play this coming weekend for Penn State. 

“We expect Drew to go,” Franklin said. “Just like we planned on last week, I still think both of those guys will have roles. And, I think Beau [Pribula] will be ready to go. He did a great job. He didn’t flinch. And, went in and made plays like we expected him to make. We have not practiced yet since the game. But, all indications, I think we will be back to normal.”

Penn State game week coverage

With the holiday schedule, certain things will move around this week. Due to Thanksgiving and game day, BWI won’t have a show on Thursday. However, we’ll still have game day coverage before and after the primetime clash. Join the Penn State Football Tailgate Show live at 4:30 on the Blue White Illustrated YouTube Channel and then catch the postgame reaction immediately after the game. 

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