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Penn State coach James Franklin talks Sean Clifford's status and calls for a quarterback change

Greg Pickelby:Greg Pickel•10/18/22•

GregPickel

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Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford looks through the rain before taking a snap against Northwestern on Oct. 1, 2022. (Photo by Daniel Althouse)

Penn State coach James Franklin offered no new insight Tuesday on the status of quarterback Sean Clifford ahead of Saturday’s matchup with Minnesota. The senior was hurt in the second half of the loss at Michigan. The Lions did not disclose what the injury was. But, FOX reported it was a shoulder issue. Clifford was seen favoring his right shoulder on the sideline, as well.

“As you guys know, unless it’s like a season-ending injury I typically don’t announce that [information],” Franklin said. “It’s Tuesday. We haven’t even practiced yet. So, it’s hard for me to give you guys an answer that helps you do your job at this at this stage.

“But yeah, nothing has changed with the plan or the model at this at this stage.”

If Clifford cannot play, freshman Drew Allar will make his first career start. Franklin was also asked Tuesday to respond to the many people calling for Penn State to make a quarterback change as they sit at 5-1 in mid-October.

“There’s a lot of different things that I would say,” Franklin said. “I think number one that’s the wrong message. That’s the wrong signal. And Sean has earned the right to be on the field.

“That doesn’t mean that Drew hasn’t done some good things. Wouldl we love to get him an opportunity and continue to grow him and continue to develop him for his future? No doubt about it.

“I think there are tons of examples not only at Penn State, but across the country, where you do everything you possibly can to win the next week. And I think some of those approaches aren’t necessarily about winning this week.”

So, it does not appear that Penn State is mulling a quarterback change.

How does Franklin evaluate Mike Yurcich at Penn State

Later in his news conference, Franklin was asked to evaluate offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich’s performance to date. And, specifically his ability to adjust the game plan in games.

“I think the change in the use of our tight end, and formations and running the ball and things like that, I think is a change,” Franklin said. “I think it’s an adjustment that puts us in the best position to play to our strengths.

“Obviously we got to go out and execute consistently across the board. But I think there’s been a pretty dramatic change. If you look at Mike and who he’s been over his career, and who we are right now based on our personnel, I think it’s pretty significant.”

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