"We’ve got problems": Penn State HC James Franklin holds nothing back on QB Beau Pribula's transfer decision

Beau Pribula has decided to leave the Penn State Nittany Lions ahead of the College Football Playoff, leaving James Franklin's team without a backup quarterback. Despite the added risk it adds to their CFP participation, Franklin seems to be highly understanding and supportive of Pribula's move.

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On Tuesday's press conference, the Nittany Lions coach opened up about the situation and filled in reporters on the details.

“In my opinion, he’s a man’s man,” Franklin said. “Like came into my office, had multiple conversations with me about this process. We talked last week, had no intentions of leaving, but we’ve got problems in college football.

“And I can give you my word: Beau Pribula did not want to leave our program and he did not want to leave our program until the end of the season. But the way the portal is, and the timing of it, and the way our team is playing, and when you play the position of quarterback and there’s only one spot and those spots are filling up, he felt like he was put in a no-win situation. And I agree with him.”

Beau Pribula's numbers in 2024 for Penn State

While Drew Allar has taken the majority of offensive snaps for Penn State this season, and there's no doubt that the starting job is his, Beau Pribula has played a significant wildcard role for the program. He has recorded 275 passing yards with five touchdowns and interception.

This leaves a question mark on who will be the Nittany Lions' signal-caller next season, as there's a possibility that Allar could declare for the NFL draft.

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When does Penn State play next? A brief look at the Nittany Lions CFP matchup

The No. 6-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions are set to face the No. 11-ranked SMU Mustangs in the first round of the CFP on Saturday. The game will start at noon and will be played at Beaver Stadium. Penn State will host due to being the higher-ranked school. Heading into the game, the Nittany Lions are 8.5-point favorites.

The game will air on TNT.

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