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'Put yourself in the shoes of a parent': Penn State coach James Franklin appalled Iowa fans booed injured players

Dylan Jacobs
Chambersburg Public Opinion

Penn State head coach James Franklin met with the media Wednesday following practice, with plenty of question marks surrounding the status of some key players.

Franklin did not provide an exact update on the status of quarterback Sean Clifford, who left last Saturday's game in the second quarter and did not return.

He did mention however that defensive tackle PJ Mustipher is out for the year after sustaining an injury early in last Saturday's contest against Iowa.

Franklin explained that he won't get into injury specifics with the exception of when a player is done for the year. So while Mustipher is done for the season, it's assumed that Clifford's injury is not season-ending.

"[Clifford's] doing everything he possibly can to get back as soon as he can," Franklin said. "What he's dealing with is not uncommon at the quarterback position."

Quarterbacks Ta'Quan Roberson and Christian Veilleux have been splitting reps in practice this week, according to Franklin. He said it will be a "competitive" situation.

Penn State head football coach James Franklin looks up at the big screen after a play in the third quarter against Iowa.

Franklin also addressed the idea that Penn State players faked injuries to slow down momentum. Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz addressed the uncertainty this week, saying that there were some legitimate injuries, but that for others, "Our fans aren't stupid" and that they "smelled a rat".

"How does this strategy make sense against a huddle team?" Franklin said. "People use this strategy to slow people down, with spread offenses and tempo. [Iowa] huddles. So that strategy doesn't make sense in this situation." 

Franklin added that there were many players who did not return to the game, and that the players that went down were some of the best players on that side of the ball.  

"Put yourself in the shoes of a parent," Franklin said. "Your son is down on the field for an injury and the stadium is booing them... Is that good for college football?"

Penn State is off this week, and will return to action on Oct. 23 at home against Illinois, kicking off at noon ET. 

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