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The Penn State football team received mostly good news on Saturday.

A 10-win regular season is in the bag thanks to a 27-6 win over Rutgers, and head coach James Franklin revealed following the game that both quarterback Sean Clifford and back Noah Cain could have played if the program needed them. Instead, they were given time to heal up before the postseason.

One negative area, however, is that its unclear how long the Lions will be without two other injured starters, end Yetur Gross-Matos and corner Tariq Castro-Fields. Similarly, its unknown if corner John Reid, tackle Rasheed Walker, or guard Steven Gonzalez will be ready to play in December after each left the triumph over the Scarlet Knights due to injury.

All that aside, one other shot of positive information came courtesy of a social media post, as sophomore tight end Pat Freiermuth revealed following the win that he would return to college for the 2020 season. Thats a significant plus, as he is a vital member of the team who was eligible for next years NFL Draft since he played one season at a prep school and thus is three years removed from high school.

The brotherhood and family atmosphere in this program is something Im not ready to leave yet, Freiermuth wrote. The culture Coach Franklin and the staff have created here is something very special and I love being apart of it.

Freiermuth is an extraordinary piece of this PSU offense, too, as he is often a top target in the passing game each week and also has strong run-blocking abilities.

Youve seen what he does, back Journey Brown said. Its very positive and happy to have him back.

Added defensive tackle PJ Mustipher, who is Freiermuths roommate:

He means the world to this program and is a captain as a sophomore. Hes a special football player and a great guy. Hes coming back to ball out and build on what hes done here, and we need him for this team.

The return news is especially helpful considering receiver KJ Hamler is also draft eligible, though he has not revealed his stay or go decision just yet.

Watching the coaching carousel

Head coach James Franklin said hed be happy to stop talking about the fact that his name has been linked to opportunities elsewhere, and seemed to imply that a new contract extension could be coming during his postgame news conference.

Whatever Franklin decides -- and the odds point to him staying at this point -- two things are clear: The players love playing for him, but they also realize that coaching is a business.

He comes in every day positive, great work ethic, and I think hes the engine to this program, linebacker Micah Parsons said.

At the end of the day, its a business. Im the first one to say, I think someone should do the best thing for them. Interest is always going to be there for a good coach.

Mustipher later explained what Franklin means to the program.

He means a lot, Mustipher said. Hes a leader and what you want to be as a man. I look up to Coach Franklin personally. Hes a special guy, and why I came to Penn State. He prepares you for football at the next level and life.

Moving on

Next up on the docket is recruiting trips for the coaches and relaxation for the players as we all await the bowl destination.

Stay tuned for the latest.

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Penn State notes: The importance of Pat Freiermuths return; players understand coaching is a business, more - PennLive