James Franklin not worried about preparing for Minnesota with uncertain QB status

On Saturday, Penn State will face off against Minnesota, who are currently trying to figure out their quarterback situation heading into the game. Starting quarterback Tanner Morgan has yet to be ruled out of their upcoming matchup. For opposing teams, this might create a bit of an issue not knowing what quarterback to gameplan for. But Penn State’s James Franklin is not worried about it while preparing for Minnesota. His familiarity with the Golden Gophers’ offensive, gives him confidence in Penn State’s game plan and possibly an advantage.

No, because we know the offensive coordinator very well and what they’re going to do and how they’re going to operate. You look at him; he’s got a very clear identity of who he’s been, kind of wherever he’s been,” said Franklin. “And what they do, they do a really good job. So, whether he’s in the game or not, we got a pretty good idea of how they’re gonna operate.”

“I think it does. But it’s no different than when we played them last time. They’re gonna have a blitz that we haven’t seen they’re gonna have blitz beaters that maybe they have it run up to this point. But 95 percent of the gameplan is going to be what we have seen, with a few little wrinkles to keep us honest.”

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Whether it’s Morgan or another individual under center, Penn States’ focus should be primarily on stopping the golden Gophers rushing offense. On the season, Minnesota has more yards on the ground (1,367 to 1,289) and nearly triples their touchdown count (20 to 7) when comparing their rushing and passing statistics. If the Nittany Lions and Franklin can stop the run, they should have no problem picking up the victory on Saturday.

Franklin says Kirk Ciarrocca has a ‘good understanding’ of Penn State

When PJ Fleck first got to Minnesota, Kirk Ciarrocca was his offensive coordinator. Together, they did a good job rebuilding the Minnesota program. Then, James Franklin and Penn State came calling. So, Ciarrocca left for the Nittany Lions.

Ultimately, Kirk Ciarrocca only lasted one year with Penn State. That was the 2020 pandemic season and Penn State struggled, losing its first five games. Things didn’t work out and he was fired only to be rehired by PJ Fleck and Minnesota. Now, the two are preparing to play one another.

While speaking to the media, James Franklin was asked about the advantages and disadvantages of facing a former assistant.

“I think, you know to be honest with you in today’s college football, that’s happening all the time. Michigan had a guy on their staff that had been with us for a number of years. We had an offensive coordinator there, obviously. That’s college football now,” James Franklin said.

“There’s staffs changing and people moving for opportunities. So, that happens more times than not now, to be honest with you.”