What James Franklin said after Penn State's win over Michigan State
When the Nittany Lions started out 0-5, things looked pretty bleak the rest of the season. Some people even had them finishing 0-8, which would’ve been the worst season in Nittany Lions history.
Penn State ended up rallying big-time to end the season as they won their last three games, including the one today against Michigan State.
They trailed the Spartans 21-10 going into the second half but outscore them 29-3 in that second half to win the game, 39-24.
Quarterback Sean Clifford had one of his best games of the season as he threw for 232 yards and two touchdown passes. Receiver Parker Washington caught both of those passes and also had 95 yards overall.
With Penn State finishing their regular-season slate at 3-5, here’s what head coach James Franklin said after the game:
Franklin: "I was really impressed. The last three games we've gotten back to our identity of finding ways to win. I'm really proud of the whole program."
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) December 12, 2020
Franklin: "Typically the seniors get to walk the stadium and high-five the fans. To watch those guys walk around an empty stadium, it was emotional for me."
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) December 12, 2020
Franklin on week nine: "Hopefully we'll find out at some time who we're playing. It's gonna effect our Sunday preparation."
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) December 12, 2020
Franklin on halftime: "I didn't say a whole lot to them. It's about corrections, it's getting everybody on the same page with how they're trying to attack us."
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) December 12, 2020
Franklin on Shane Simmons: "He's had a long journey. Shane visited me at Vanderbilt going into his eighth or ninth grade year. He's been a huge part of our program over the last five years."
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) December 12, 2020
Franklin on holding Michigan State to a field goal late: "The game could've been different if they score right there. The fact that we were able to battle and then the offense came out and answered, we were able to chip away at their lead."
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) December 12, 2020
Franklin: "In the locker room I talked about the managers and the trainers who allowed us to play all season…Going through the COVID protocols and not being able to see their families."
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) December 12, 2020
"I'm proud of the entire program," Franklin added.
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) December 12, 2020
Franklin: "I'm glad that we threw with Will today. I think we can do more of that. I've been saying for weeks that we're gonna use both of them."
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) December 12, 2020
Franklin: "To find a way to show that type of heart, belief, and brotherhood…I'm very proud of everybody. It's not easy to do. The last three weeks we have found ways to win."
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) December 12, 2020
