Ad Disclosure
James Franklin says Penn State was trying to play well for Chop Robinson in Week 10
By Paul Harvey
Published:
James Franklin had his Penn State defense ready to go for Saturday’s matchup against Maryland, but the team was once again without Chop Robinson. A key pass rusher for the Nittany Lions, Robinson missed his second straight game since getting injured vs. Ohio State.
Despite being listed as out for the game, Franklin discussed Robinson being dressed out for warmups in Week 10. According to Franklin, Robinson traveling with the team was all part of his rehab process as the defender looks to get back on the field.
“We traveled him from a rehab standpoint. There are certain things when you have certain injuries that you have to do to work back and be able to get back onto the field,” said Franklin. “Being able to get him out, run him, get some movement stuff without any contact is part of his protocol to come back so that’s why we were able to do that.”
As for the game against Maryland, Robinson missed a chance to face his former team. Robinson began his career with the Terps before transferring to Penn State ahead of the 2022 season.
Robinson had 3 tackles, 2 sacks and 2 TFL against Maryland last season, and Franklin said it was important for the team to play well for Robinson:
“Obviously, this was a big game for him. He had a huge game last year. Not having one of our most explosive players on defense and still being able to play the way we did tonight,” Franklin said. “Those extra reps for Jameial Lyons were huge, and we wanted to play well not only for Penn State but also for Chop. We wanted him to understand that we were playing well for him.”
While Penn State’s defense was impressive without Robinson, the unit will want him back in the lineup as soon as possible. That includes next weekend when Penn State will face Michigan at home.
Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.