What Penn State's James Franklin said during the Outback Bowl press conference
Penn State will look to end its season on a positive note when they square off with No. 21 Arkansas in the Outback Bowl.
The Nittany Lions are 7-5 overall and finished fourth place in the B1G East. The Razorbacks have an 8-4 record and finished third place in the SEC West.
Penn State coach James Franklin addressed the media on Dec. 29 and touched on a variety of topics, including opt-outs and COVID management.
Here’s a sampling of what Franklin said:
Franklin on Jonathan Sutherland’s adjustment to linebacker: “He’s already done that this year…I think that was part of him coming back. I think he realizes as well as we do…he plays his best the closer he plays to the football.”
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) December 29, 2021
Franklin on managing COVID ahead of the game: “We’re just gonna do everything we possibly can — like we have all year long — to keep our guys safe.”
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) December 29, 2021
Franklin on facing the Outback Bowl without Jahan Dotson: “Everybody knows he was our big-play guy…It’s an opportunity for KeAndre, CSB, Parker, and Meiga.”
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) December 29, 2021
Franklin says Olu Fashanu is ready to start for the Nittany Lions on the offensive line Saturday.
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) December 29, 2021
Franklin said he’s never had an-opt out as a head coach.
“What I’d say is, I’m focused on the guys in our locker room…I’m excited about the guys that are gonna have bigger roles.”
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) December 29, 2021
Franklin notes that Arkansas’ offense “starts with the quarterback.”
KJ Jefferson totaled 554 rushing yards for the Razorbacks this fall.
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) December 29, 2021
Franklin notes that he’s known Coach Pittman “from afar” over the years.
“I’ve heard nothing but great things.”
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) December 29, 2021
Franklin: “We appreciate the weather — very similar to Happy Valley.”
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) December 29, 2021
Franklin says the Nittany Lions will have to “burn some redshirts” among younger linebackers in the Outback Bowl.
— Onward Sports (@OnwardStSports) December 29, 2021
This is the first meeting between the programs. The Outback Bowl is slated for Jan. 1 (12 p.m. EST) and will be televised on ESPN2.
