James Franklin says Penn State's offensive play-calling has not changed

Penn State looks like it’s finding a groove on offense, especially after the Nittany Lions put up 31 points against Ohio State last week. That’s why questions rose at James Franklin’s press conference about a potential change in thinking from Mike Yurcich and the offense.

Franklin shot that down pretty quick on Wednesday.

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“Really, no changes,” Franklin said. “I don’t necessarily see it that way. I can understand probably why you’re asking it. But really, we haven’t really planned differently.”

Instead, Franklin pointed to the offense’s performance getting better as the year goes along. After putting up 17 points against both Northwestern and Michigan, Penn State totaled 45 points against Minnesota before last week’s strong performance against Ohio State. Franklin said the players are simply getting better, and that’s reflecting in the box score.

“We’ve executed better as the season has gone on,” Franklin said. “But I don’t necessarily feel like we have necessarily approached things differently, if that’s what you’re asking. I think we’ve executed better and better as the season has gone on. That’s played a part in it.”

James Franklin discusses possible quarterback change at Penn State

Following a second Big Ten defeat on Saturday against Ohio State, Penn State is probably realistically out of the conference title race. Starting quarterback Sean Clifford was shaky in that loss, so is a quarterback change at Penn State looming?

You’ll have to tune in on Saturday against Indiana to find out.

“Obviously there’s nothing to really report in terms of changes,” coach James Franklin said Wednesday. “You guys haven’t really asked me this the whole rest of the season, so obviously if there’s any type of change I probably still wouldn’t announce it till after the game obviously because the other team is watching everything we discuss.”

Clifford got things off to a rocky start on Saturday against the Buckeyes, throwing interceptions on the first two drives of the game to help Ohio State build a quick 10-0 lead.

The Nittany Lions overcame that deficit quickly, but Clifford continues to be a bit up-and-down in close games.

He finished the contest 32-of-47 for 371 yards and three touchdowns, but he also threw three interceptions in the game. Will he retain his starting job on Saturday against the Hoosiers?

“I don’t have any announcements to be made,” Franklin reiterated.