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Following are the highlights of James Franklin's Tuesday press conference:
Saturday's game: at Indiana (3:30 p.m., ABC)
Records: Penn State is 6-2 overall and 3-2 in the Big Ten. Indiana is 3-5 overall and is 0-3 in the Big Ten.
Last week: Penn State lost to Ohio State 44-31; Indiana had a bye.
Rankings: Penn State is ranked No. 16 by the Associated Press.
Main storyline
Sean Clifford or Drew Allar?
Following the loss to Ohio State in which Clifford committed four turnovers -- two interceptions on the Nittany Lions' first two series followed by a late fumble and a Pick-6 -- the topic of a quarterback change dominated Tuesday's press conference.
Of the 16 questions Franklin fielded, nine concerned the quarterback and a potential switch.
Franklin answered each patiently and didn't tip his hand.
He fully grasped the magnitude of the decision, saying he's spoken with offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich, defensive coordinator Manny Diaz, offensive analyst (and former NFL coach) Ken Whisenhunt and offensive analyst and former Maryland quarterback Danny O'Brien.
"It's not a decision that I make on my own," Franklin said. "Whenever there are big decisions like that, I want to make sure that I'm not too close to it. Have had good conversations with a bunch of members of the staff about it, making sure we're all on the same page."
Franklin said the staff collectively decided to play "whoever gives us the best chance to be 1-0 this week."
He didn't "love the tone" of the narrative because "it almost comes off to me as if this game (Indiana) is not really important. There's still of football left and a chance to win a bunch of games this year."
He said his responsibility to the team is to win as many games as possible but acknowledged building for the future is part of that.
"I would hope you can do both those things together," he said.
Franklin praised Clifford's work against the Buckeyes except for "four or six plays that we've got to get rid of."
He also is high on Allar, who has played in six of the Lions' eight games, either when they've been way ahead or behind or Clifford was injured.
"He's done a nice job in practice," he said on an inquiry about the sessions not open to the media. "Obviously, there's a lot of excitement about him."
In part because of his longevity as a four-year starter, Clifford last week set the PSU record for career touchdown passes (78) surpassing Trace McSorley's 77.
Allar has completed 18 of 31 passes for 209 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions.
"I was standing with (Fox analyst) Joel Klatt before the Purdue game and (he) watched five-six (Allar) throws (and was impressed), Franklin said. "He (Allar) is a giant human being (6-foot-5, 242), with a quick release that can get the ball out and make all the throws. He's got tremendous arm talent. He's shown to be accurate and for a young kid, I think he's doing a really good job preparing the right away."
Franklin deflected a question on whether he's comfortable alternating two quarterbacks in the same game, saying, "We've already done that."
Franklin said he's not had a 1-on-1 with Clifford after OSU. He said Clifford asked to speak with him on Sunday morning, but "we haven't had that conversation yet."
Upon further review
Save the turnovers, Franklin remains satisfied with the Lions' effort vs. the Buckeyes.
"I thought we played our tails off for three and a half quarters," he said. "We have to finish. We have to win the fourth quarter."
He also noted the team's competitiveness, as opposed to their 41-17 loss at Michigan.
"We're better than we were two weeks ago, but not enough to beat that type of team. But we're better."
Scouting Indiana
The Hoosiers opened the season with a win over Illinois, which has been the surprise team in the Big Ten, but has since lost five straight.
Head coach Tom Allen has taken over the defensive playcalling, and Franklin said the Nits are preparing for Indiana "to make you one-dimensional and stop the run."
Not so special
Franklin was not pleased with the Lion kickers last week.
Punter Barney Amor did have a 59-yard punt but he also had two for less than 40.
Jake Pinegar missed a 30-yard field goal but a penalty against Ohio State negated that. He followed that by missing from 35 before later making a 44-yarder.
"We have to punt, kickoff and kick field goals more consistently," Franklin said.
Injury report
Franklin doesn't discuss injuries much but said he's "hopeful" both offensive tackle Olu Fashanu and running back Keyvone Lee can play this week.
Fashanu left the Ohio State in the fourth quarter and did not return. Lee has missed the last two games with an injury after falling down on the depth chart behind Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton.
Fashanu is being projected as a first-round draft pick, and Franklin met with his parents Sunday morning to discuss the player's future.
"They're handling is well, but it's a lot," Franklin said. "Their phone is ringing off the hook."
Fashanu is also one of the team's top students.
Compiled by Neil Rudel of the Altoona Mirror. He can be reached at nrudel@altoonamirror.com.