Ad Disclosure
What Penn State’s James Franklin said during his weekly press conference
Published:
Penn State is closing out what has undoubtedly been a surprisingly rough season by hosting Michigan State.
It is an important game for the Nittany Lions (2-5) and head coach James Franklin, who have looked like themselves the past two weeks in beating Michigan and then on the road at Rutgers. Michigan State (2-4) has struggled in their first season under head coach Mel Tucker.
There were high expectations around State College heading into this season. Now, Penn State is limping towards the finish line, hoping to capitalize on ‘Senior Day’ and make a statement in the process.
Winning their last three regular season games is vital for Franklin, who has endured strong criticism this season as he has seen Penn State topple from being ranked in the preseason to now struggling for viability in a very convoluted conference this season.
Here is what Franklin had to say during his media availability this week:
Franklin "We're very proud of being part of the 900th win in program history."
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) December 8, 2020
Franklin added that the team still needs to eliminate turnovers and pre-snap penalites.
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) December 8, 2020
Franklin reflecting on his senior class: "A group of guys that were a part of a Big Ten Championship, some of them… You're talking about a group that won the Fiesta Bowl, won the Cotton Bowl…Arguably the most successful stretch at Penn State since joining the Big Ten."
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) December 8, 2020
Franklin: "I also think about these seniors and the type of experience they're having this year. I sympathize with that."
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) December 8, 2020
Franklin on Shaka Toney's growth: "He's changed dramatically since we recruited him. We originally committed him as a linebacker, but he was adamant that he wanted to play defensive end… I'm thankful and appreciative. I've learned a lot from Shaka."
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) December 8, 2020
Franklin on how this year's Senior Day will be handled: "It's something that's always meant a lot to me. It will be different, we can't have the parents on the field like we normally do…I would love for fans who come out and support us to do something for our seniors."
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) December 8, 2020