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James Franklin weekly press conference: Penn State vs. Michigan

Headshot 5x7 reduced qualityby:Thomas Frank Carr•10/11/22•

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Penn State head coach James Franklin discussed his team's ability to pass the ball deep, citing a need for more explosive plays in the passing game this weekend. (Photo: Thomas Frank Carr/BWI)

Penn State plays Michigan on Saturday in a battle of top-ten teams. The Nittany Lions face their Big Ten East foe in Ann Arbor on Saturday for the right to remain undefeated in the 2022 season. Head coach James Franklin previewed the game and took questions from the media during his Tuesday press conference, which you can see here. Subscribe to Blue White Illustrated on YouTube so you can watch his comments moments after Franklin is finished speaking.

Penn State head coach James Franklin press conference

Franklin began his press conference with a review of the Penn State bye week and a preview of Michigan. Franklin broke down each phase of the game and which players stood out to him and his staff. Some players he highlighted include running back Blake Corum, receiver Ronnie Bell, and defensive end Mike Morris.

The Penn State head coach spoke several times on the day about his passing game. When asked if his team has a number one receiver, he gave his thoughts about the starters who have played through the first five games and evaluated their play. He also discussed his team’s need for more explosive plays to balance the passing offense beyond a run-to-pass ratio. Finally, he gave an update on KeAndre Lambert-Smith’s status for Saturday.

Other players discussed include Hakeem Beamon and the linebackers Tyler Elsdon and Kobe King.

Press Conference Rundown

00:00 Press conference start
01:00 Michigan preview
06:00 Michigan pass rush
07:50 Do you have a number one receiver?
09:00 Do you think you are better after the bye?
11:25 What does JJ McCarthy bring to the table?
13:48 How did you evaluate the Penn State offensive line’s play through the first five games?
16:25 What is your relationship like with the big games on the schedule? 20:38 Evaluation of linebackers heading into Michigan game
22:15 How important is it to have the best version of Sean Clifford this weekend?
23:55 What has Saleem Wormley brought in his return to play?
25:30 Do you need to shift your mentality when playing a physical team after a bye?
27:00 KeAndre Lambert-Smith status and overall health of the Penn State team
28:43 Have tough road games prepared the team for a big away game? 30:00 Hakeem Beamon
31:25 Penn State offensive balance within the passing game
33:00 Being better after the bye week

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