James Franklin is convinced that Wisconsin quarterback Alex Hornibrook will play on Saturday despite reports questioning the redshirt freshman’s status for the Big Ten Championship Game.

Hornibrook was knocked out of Wisconsin’s game last weekend against Minnesota with a head injury. He was listed on the preliminary injury report as questionable.

“I mean, I’ve got a lot of friends in the Malvern area. I’m from Pennsylvania. He’s from Pennsylvania. He’s playing in this game,” Franklin said. “I’ve still got friends from my time with the Green Bay Packers. I got informants and spies everywhere. He’s playing.”

The former Malvern Prep quarterback and West Chester, Pennsylvania native has played in 11 games this season for Wisconsin and has thrown for 1,243 yards and eight touchdowns.

Even with Hornibrook’s absence, the Badgers would still present a formidable offense. Back-up quarterback Bart Houston has completed 63.89% of his passes and has thrown for five touchdowns in eight appearances this season.

Twice as many touchdowns have come from Wisconsin’s run game this year (26) than its pass game (13), so attention should be on how Penn State’s defensive box stacks up against Corey Clement and the Badgers O-Line.