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Following are the highlights of James Franklin's Tuesday press conference:
Saturday's game: vs. Michigan State (4 p.m, FS1)
Records: Penn State is 9-2 overall and 6-2 in the Big Ten. Michigan State is 5-6 overall and 3-5 in the Big Ten.
Last week: Penn State won at Rutgers 55-10; Michigan State lost at home to Indiana in double overtime, 39-31.
Rankings: Penn State is ranked No. 11 by the Associated Press.
Main storyline
Franklin was in a festive mood and playfully interrupted many questioners with a Thanksgiving Day preference test. "Turkey or ham," "pumpkin pie or sweet potato pie," "mashed potatoes or yams," were among the choices. Franklin prefers turkey and his favorite dish is sweet potato pie, adding, "I'm really down on pumpkin pie." He wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving and a "great holiday season" and said he's thankful for his players and his coaching staff. Much as he's complained about opening Big Ten play on the road, that often is counter-balanced with an end-of-the-season home game. "Home games are so much better over Thanksgiving because families come into town and stay for the game," he said.
Injury report
Franklin confirmed Parker Washington is out for the season. He didn't specify the injury, but it's believed to be a broken foot suffered in practice last week. Washington did not play Saturday at Rutgers. Franklin said he's "hopeful" offensive tackle Olu Fashanu (ankle) can play this week and the same with cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (appendicitis). Fashanu has missed the last three games, Porter the last two. Keyvone Lee may also be ready, Franklin said. The tailback has missed the last five games.
Swan song
Among the seniors playing their final home game is sixth-year quarterback and four-year captain Sean Clifford. Franklin said Clifford, who's been up and down, "has handled it all with class." The coach added he hopes all the players are cheered during their introductions on senior day. Clifford was booed earlier this season against Minnesota.
High-energy team
The Lions are peaking in November, having won three straight games by blowout. "Sometimes late in the season can feel like a grind, but it doesn't feel that way," Franklin said. "I think we've got good mojo right now. Overall, we're in a good place. I think our leadership has been as good as it's been for a while."
Michigan State report
The Spartans (5-6) have had down season. Their fifth loss in six games came at Michigan and included an ugly incident in the Michigan Stadium tunnel, which both teams share. Several Spartans were suspended for assaulting a Wolverines' player. Sparty then beat Illinois and Rutgers before losing their home finale to Indiana last week. "It's always a challenging game because the students are on (Thanksgiving) break," Franklin said. MSU is quarterbacked by Payton Thorne, who "seems like he's been playing there forever," Franklin said. Thorne and Lion offensive tackle Bryce Effner were high school teammates in Michigan. Michigan State defensive coordinator Scottie Hazelton is the only DC that Penn State has played this year who was in his position last year - a "disturbing trend," Franklin said. Spartans' punter Bryce Baringer is among the nation's best. The game is played for the Land Grant Trophy, which often is chided for its appearance. Franklin called it, tongue-in-cheek, "the most beautiful trophy in all of college football."
Notable ...
n The Lions have had 41 tackles for loss in the last three games and 26 players who have recorded a tackle for loss.
n After putting the ball on the ground twice last week, Franklin is emphasizing "ball security, ball security, ball security. You can't coach it enough. Some of it is pad level. You can't allow a defender to put his helmet on the ball."
n Penn State's players of the game vs. Rutgers were Kaytron Allen (offense), Curtis Jacobs and Abdul Carter (defense) and Nick Singleton (special teams).
(Compiled by Neil Rudel of the Altoona Mirror. He can be reached at nrudel@altoonamirror.com.)