Penn State coach James Franklin explains why Drew Allar played, Landon Tengwall didn't, at Michigan
Ann Arbor, Mich. — Penn State coach James Franklin provided many key answers following his team’s brutal 41-17 setback at Michigan on Saturday. A few of them focused on individual players.
First, we’ll start with guard Landon Tengwall. The offensive lineman who has played 278 snaps this season and started all five previous games was on the roster and seen here during the early part of warmups. However, he later disappeared during them and was seen being talked to by teammates before the coin toss. Hunter Nourzad ultimately started in his place after returning from an injury. And now, we know that’s why Tengwall was out.
“Landon got hurt in pregame warmups,” Franklin said.
The nature of the setback was not disclosed. But, the Lions could certainly use him back in the trenches when they take on Minnesota next week. It was not a banner day for the offense or the offensive line. Penn State struggled mightily to move the ball. It finished with 268 yards of offense. It could not run the. ball at all. And the quarterbacks were often under duress.
“We did not do well on either front, as tight ends as, o-line, that’s d-line, that’s linebackers; they outplayed us on both fronts,” Franklin later said. “There’s no doubt about that. When I say that, that’s coaching that’s playing, that’s all of it.” So I feel like I kind of already answered that question.
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“Offensively, obviously, we weren’t able to run the ball or convert on short-yardage situations and stay on the field. But, defensively, weren’t able to get off the field. Fifteen play drives, 12 play drives, 16 play drives; they controlled the line of scrimmage, and they controlled the game. They’re a good football team. Give them credit. But, we didn’t play well.”
Why did Drew Allar replace Sean Clifford for Penn State?
Penn State burned the redshirt of freshman quarterback Drew Allar when he replaced Sean Clifford with 11 minutes to play.
Why did the Lions make that decision?
“Sean got hurt,” Franklin said.
It’s unclear when the veteran passer suffered his injury. Similarly, nothing is currently known about how it might impact his status for next week. But, the senior took some brutal shots during the loss as Penn State failed to push for the run game or keep the pocket clean for either passer.
Clifford finished seven for 19 for 120 yards. Allar was just five of 10 for 37.
