What James Franklin said at Penn State's weekly press conference
Penn State may have gotten a bye week at exactly the right time.
Following last week’s heartbreaking loss to Ohio State, the Nittany Lions had a chance to recover and regroup before moving on to another important B1G East clash against Michigan State. It will serve as a must-win situation for both teams.
Tuesday, James Franklin met with the media to talk about the week off and preview Saturday’s matchup against Michigan State. Though the Spartans come in at 3-2, Franklin knows just how tough Mark Dantonio-coached teams can be.
Franklin also had plenty of praise for linebacker Joe Bachie and quarterback Brian Lewerke.
Here’s what Franklin had to say at his weekly press conference:
JF: MSU is "very consistent." Plenty of returning starters who "know how to win."
— Donnie Collins (@psubst) October 9, 2018
JF: MSU's Brian Lewerke is "what most people are looking for at the quarterback position."
— Donnie Collins (@psubst) October 9, 2018
JF: MSU LB Joe Bachie might be best linebacker he has seen in the league this season.
— Donnie Collins (@psubst) October 9, 2018
Franklin: "We're really excited about having Shane (Simmons) back. … Even if he can give us 10-15 plays on Saturday it's a win for us. … More of a complete player than he's been in the past. He's over 250 pounds." This will be Simmons' first game action of the season.
— Audrey Snyder (@audsnyder4) October 9, 2018
JF: Point in program where Penn State has to fight for every little gain it can find. "And it's not going to be in one area." Talking about 1% improvements in nutrition, focus, practice preparation, etc.
— Donnie Collins (@psubst) October 9, 2018
Franklin on his bye weekend: "I know our players sat around watching college football and a lot of teams got beat, a lot of teams got upset."
— Audrey Snyder (@audsnyder4) October 9, 2018
Franklin making the case that it's hard to argue Penn State hasn't gotten better each week this season. And that with so many teams losing this past weekend, not all is lost.
— Ben Jones (@Ben_Jones88) October 9, 2018
Franklin expecting KJ Hamler to play this weekend.
— Ben Jones (@Ben_Jones88) October 9, 2018
JF: Responses to "elite vs. great" statements were interesting. People liked it.But he says it's what those within the program have been talking about for a long time.
— Donnie Collins (@psubst) October 9, 2018
