James Franklin addresses QB situation ahead of matchup with Illinois

Penn State head coach James Franklin broke his silence on the quarterback dilemma heading into this Saturday’s matchup against Illinois. Well, sort of.

Starting quarterback Sean Clifford was back at practice which is a big-time development as he looks to try and play on Saturday. He left the game against Iowa in the first half and never returned.

Franklin provided an update on that front and said that this practice wasn’t the first one Clifford participated in this week.

Asked James Franklin if today, the day media is here for 15 minutes, was the first time this week Sean Clifford has thrown at practice this week. It was not, Franklin said. pic.twitter.com/M5Yq9AyKMi

— Audrey Snyder (@audsnyder4) October 20, 2021

He also confirmed that his team’s quarterbacks split reps in thirds today. The 3 quarterbacks that took 1st team reps were Clifford, Ta’Quan Roberson, and Christian Veilleux.

James Franklin said the Penn State quarterbacks split reps by thirds today — Sean Clifford, Ta’Quan Roberson, Christian Veilleux — and today was not the first time this week Clifford has worked in practice.

— Daniel Gallen (@danieljtgallen) October 20, 2021

Clifford hasn’t been fully ruled out of the game but it sounds like he may have to do more to play on Saturday.

James Franklin says – to paraphrase – that Sean Clifford isn’t entirely ruled out of the game this weekend. Situation is fluid. Getting a third of the reps.

— Ben Jones (@Ben_Jones88) October 20, 2021

Clifford has racked up 1,482 yards passing with 11 touchdowns to 5 interceptions thus far.

Penn State will look to get to 6-1 on Saturday when the game against Illinois kicks off at Noon ET.