Based on what James Franklin said in his weekly press conference Tuesday, it seems like Sean Clifford will be starting at QB for Penn State as long as his health allows him to.
Clifford, the sixth-year senior, left Saturday’s game at Michigan early in the fourth quarter due to injury.
He finished the day 7-19 with 120 yards and no touchdowns.
Clifford’s backup, freshman sensation Drew Allar, came on in relief.
He went 5-10 for 37 yards and no touchdowns over two drives, both ending in turnovers on downs.
Franklin doesn’t specify injuries unless they’re season-ending, and Clifford’s is no exception.
Franklin told reporters Tuesday that “nothing is changed with the plan or the model at this stage.”
Translation: Sean Clifford is still the starter.
Later in the press conference, former Nittany Sports Now writer and current DKPittsburghSports Penn State Beat Reporter Cory Giger asked Franklin about “everybody” calling for Allar to replace Clifford at QB.
“I don’t agree with this statement ‘everybody,’ Franklin said. “But I guess there is a lot of different things that I would say. I think number one that’s the wrong message. That’s the wrong signal. Sean has earned the right to be on the field. That doesn’t mean that Drew hasn’t done some good things. Would we love to get him an opportunity and continue to grow and develop him for his future? No doubt about it.”
Clifford returned to practice this week, but media who observed a portion of Penn State’s Wednesday practice, including NSN’s Jarrod Prugar, didn’t see him throwing the ball.
So, Penn State fans, who should start against Minnesota?