James Franklin gives definitive statement on reason for replacing Sean Clifford with Drew Allar

The Penn State Nittany Lions fell on the road on Saturday against the Michigan Wolverines 41-17 in a much anticipated top-25 matchup. After the game, head coach James Franklin was in no mood for questions he deemed unnecessary, especially ones about starting quarterback Sean Clifford. During the postgame press conference, one reporter attempted to gauge the Nittany Lions headman’s likelihood use backup quarterback Drew Allar more going forward. He also questioned why he replaced Clifford with him during the game.

“Sean got hurt,” said Franklin in a definitive statement. Nothing more, nothing less.

The final score of Penn state’s matchup is not indicative of how the game actually played. Much of the game was a defensive battle between the two teams, with the Nittany Lions’ defense helping them secure a 14-13 lead late in the second quarter. However, thanks to huge back-to-back runs, on consecutive drives, in the third quarter by Michigan running backs Donovan Edwards and Blake Corum, the Wolverines would jump up 31-17. Those two plays made a comeback in this defensive battle next to impossible.

CLICK HERE to subscribe for FREE to the On3 YouTube channel

Clifford did not have a particularly spectacular showing on Saturday in the passing game. The senior quarterback completed seven of his 19 pass attempts for 120 yards. However, he did lead the team in rushing with six carries for 74 yards, including a 62-yard scamper and the first quarter, which helped set up Penn state’s first touchdown of the game. Allar didn’t fare that much better against the Wolverine’s suffocating defense completing just five of his pass attempts for 37 yards.

Although this one stings a bit, Penn State must quickly recuperate as they take on Minnesota at home this upcoming Saturday. A win there keeps them competitive in the Big Ten East and keeps their chances at the championship game alive.

James Franklin was obviously disappointed with his team’s performance on Saturday

“They’re a good football team. Let me start by saying that. They’re a good football team, but we didn’t play well. So, yeah, I’m surprised that we didn’t play well. Again, when you’re not able to control the line of scrimmage, the way you need to control the line of scrimmage, you’re gonna have a hard time in games. They’re able to stick with the game plan. Stick with what they do,” the Penn State head coach said.

“We knew early down success for their offense was critical. We knew starting the game, you look at all the analytics, that was gonna be very important. And for the most part, we were able to battle our way. Maybe not conventionally, but we were able to battle our way to keep it close in the first half. That opening drive to start the second half was really important. We deferred. That was really important for our offense and for our defense. But we were unable to do it consistently enough today,” Franklin said on Saturday afternoon.

Donovan Edwards had 173 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the afternoon and Blake Corum had 166 rushing yards and two touchdowns. They’re one of the best tailback tandems in college football and the Wolverines once again have their ground game rolling along like a well-oiled machine, much like last year when they trotted out the tandem of Corum and Hassan Haskins.