Penn State’s Injury Bug Bites Hard Ahead of Season’s Biggest Game

Nittany Lions Suddenly Decimated, Forcing Franklin’s Hand

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Penn State football is dealing with a major injury crisis heading into the biggest game of their season.

The Nittany Lions, who are set to face No. 2 Ohio State in Columbus on Saturday, are without a number of key players due to injury.

Among the injured players are starting quarterback Sean Clifford, running back Noah Cain, and wide receiver Jahan Dotson.

Clifford is dealing with an undisclosed injury that he suffered in last week's win over Illinois.

Cain is out with a foot injury, while Dotson is recovering from a concussion.

In addition to the starters, Penn State is also without a number of key reserves.

These include offensive linemen Bryce Effner and Caedan Wallace, defensive end Adisa Isaac, and cornerback Joey Porter Jr.

The injuries have forced Penn State coach James Franklin to make some difficult decisions.

He has named redshirt freshman quarterback Ta'Quan Roberson as the starter in place of Clifford.

Roberson has not attempted a pass this season.

Franklin has also said that he will use a running back by committee approach in place of Cain.

The Nittany Lions are now major underdogs against Ohio State.

The Buckeyes are a 17-point favorite in the game.

Despite the injuries, Franklin said that his team is still confident.

"We're going to go out there and play our best," Franklin said.

"We're going to give it everything we've got."