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Opinion: why I’m a Penn State football pessimist

Penn State football is supposed to be one of the best teams in the nation in 2023; however, I am not sold just yet.

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Oct 29, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin looks on from the sideline during the second quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

Penn State football has a ton to look forward to next year. This Football team is arguably the best Franklin has had in his tenure which is impressive considering sanctions were only lifted 8 years prior to this season in 2014. It takes a lot to build a winner. There will be surprises and disappointments along the way, 2016 for example a surprise Big Ten title, 2022 a big surprise with a Rose Bowl victory.

Why I am a Penn State football pessimist

For some including myself the frustration has clouded the success. Generally speaking Penn State football has been better in the last six years than they had been since probably the 1990s. Going to New Year’s Six bowls in 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2023. They won 3 of those 4.

Perhaps it’s Sean Clifford derangement syndrome. Just thinking what could of been. Being No. 4 in 2019, being so close, and then losing to Minnesota in a game Penn State football should’ve won.

Perhaps it’s losing to Ohio State after Saquon takes the opening kick back in 2017 in Columbus; losing after having a double digit fourth quarter lead; losing by a point. Then, in the same year, watching Marcus Allen rough the Michigan State quarterback, only to then give them a first down and win the game. Pain. Just absolute pain.

Perhaps it’s 2018 and having a chance to avenge the loss the following year at home and taking the ball out of Trace Mcsorley’s hands — who was having the game of his life — on a 4th down and 5, only to once again lose by a single point.

Perhaps it was 2019. A week after Penn State comes out and gets the No. 4 ranking in the College Football Playoff, they go and lose to Minnesota on the road.  We’ve seen it all. Through all the glory, those seasons in particular could’ve been way better. We went to New Year’s Six bowls; however, we should’ve been a Playoff team in 2017 and 2019 at least.

And if you’re going to say, “hey man, relax they went to a NY6.” That is settling. That’s putting a bow on a season that should’ve been better. A season where underachievement led to a New Year’s Six bowls with recruiting classes like James Franklin had.

More reasons why

Perhaps it’s 2022 against Ohio State despite a rough go of it PSU has the lead with 8 minutes left. And they lose again. This is why I’m a Penn State pessimist. Beating OSU In 2016 is now ancient history. It’s no more significant than 2005 or 2008. If You want to compete in this league you need to win these games.

Historically, Penn State football has largely choked these opportunities away. So excuse me if I’m hesitant to buy into a James Franklin-coached team being ready to take that next step because that hasn’t happened.

And no, my life isn’t miserable as some love to say. I just want to see Penn State football get to the promised land, and I’m tired of the excuses and settling from the fan base. 10-2 is a great season; however, it’s 3rd place with Michigan and Ohio State, and it’s simply not good enough for me.

This season was great because it was unexpected, and I’m thankful for it and the contributions. But now it’s time to grow up. It’s time for James Franklin to beat an elite team.

2023 will change things?

But hold on a minute, we have a new quarterback next year. I predict he will be really good. He’s got elite written all over him and I called for him all year, but that was largely to get him more experience.

I’m a pessimist, so there is a part of me that worries if he throws 60/40 TDs to INTs the team will be one dimensional and 9-3. There is a faction of the fan base that says he’s going to be perfect. He won’t. There will be bumps and bruises. WVU might be closer than expected . A road game at Illinois might be tough.

It’s not to say I believe it. But you need to prepare yourself for it. Be excited for what HE SHOULD do but understand the expectations are THE HIGHEST they’ve ever been, and Franklin has yet to prove he can beat the elite teams. This season was the only one he didn’t lose to a team like Illinois in 9 OT at home or drop an unexpected one.

This season, in 2023, will be Franklin’s chance to prove me wrong and actually build off the season prior; make it a habit to never have a Franklinesqe loss to a lower team. But understand, my pessimistic attitude is because of past trauma, not recent success.

I’m Looking forward to 2023, and no, I’m not hoping they go 9-3 to prove my point. No, I’m not here to prove anyone right or wrong. The weight of the world is on Drew Allar and James Franklin this year and that is unsettling to me. I certainly hope Penn State football can deliver a Playoff berth and prove me wrong.

Love you all. And I’m ready to be hurt again!

FOOTBALL

Sean Clifford has some bold statements ahead of the NFL Draft

On Friday, Sean Clifford had some bold statements ahead of the NFL Draft in mid-April.

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Penn State veteran Sean Clifford, Penn State football
Sep 17, 2022; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Sean Clifford (14) takes a snap during the first quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

STATE COLLEGE, PA — On Friday, the Penn State Nittany Lions held their pro day at the school’s football facilities. There, 6-year Penn State football quarterback Sean Clifford made an impact on pro scouts, and made some bold claims about his combine snub and NFL hopes. Whether you love him or hate him, Penn State veteran Sean Clifford believes in himself, and believes that he is ready for what professional football has for him.

Penn State veteran Sean Clifford believes that he is ready for for the NFL

Here is some of what Penn State veteran Sean Clifford had to say during his pro day performance on Friday.

“I feel like I was snubbed with the Combine for sure,” Clifford said. “The body of work that I’ve had with these teams here; when I didn’t see my name as a Combine guy, I felt disrespected for sure. But, hey, it’s just more fuel to the fire.

“Being able to come out here, show the scouts what I got, and being able to really just put on a show, it’s been a lot of fun, and a good way to cap off a great career at Penn State. So I’m really thankful.”

Sean Clifford has an impressive body of work with Penn State football

During his six years in State College, Penn State veteran Sean Clifford broke numerous Penn State football records — such as passing yards, passing touchdowns, and more. Additionally, Clifford became the winningest Penn State quarterback of all-time, compiling a 33-15 record and two New Year’s Six bowls during his four seasons as a starter.

When asked how he through his pro day went, Penn State veteran Sean Clifford claimed that it went “Really well … Especially getting out there and being able to show my speed. I think that’s something I really wanted to come in and kind of re-prove. I know that I’ve shown speed on film. But I wanted to come out here and post a good time. So being able to post a 4.57[-second 40-yard-dash], I’m proud of that number.”

Now that his pro day has passed, Sean Clifford has his attention on getting into the NFL — he will likely be signed after the draft as not many teams are in need of a 24-year-old quarterback. Still, he believes that all he needs is a chance.

“I just need to be in a camp,” Clifford said. “I just need to be able to be in a practice with the pros. Because I know I’m a pro, [and] I know I can come in and add value to a team. I know that more than anything. I still think that I can play in the [NFL], 100 percent, provide to a team, win games, the same way I did here.

“So it’s just being able to come out, talk to as many scouts as possible, get to know some coaches. It’s just being able to get around a bunch of teams, because I truly feel like no matter where I’m at, I could add a substantial amount of value.”



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Penn State quarterback room dips in annual ESPN rankings

The Nittany Lions are a few spots down from where the 2022 QB room ranked.

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Drew Allar, 2023 QB rankings

STATE COLLEGE, PA — Ahead of every college football season, ESPN ranks the top quarterback rooms in the sport. Seeing as QB is the most important position on the field, this ranking is a pretty important indication of how a team’s offense will perform throughout the year — ESPN ranks the entire room, not just the team’s starting quarterback. This week, ESPN released its 2023 QB rankings, and the Nittany Lions — led by sophomore Drew Allar — found themselves a few spots lower than they did a season ago.

Where did Penn State football rank in 2022?

With Sean Clifford and Drew Allar headlining Penn State’s quarterback room in 2022, ESPN ranked the Nittany Lions at No. 11 nationally a season ago. After winning the Rose Bowl and finishing 11-2 overall, Penn State football lost two of its three QBs from the 2022 room — Sean Clifford is graduating, and Christian Veilleux has entered the transfer portal.

With only Drew Allar remaining from last year’s room, many thought that this preseason dip in the rankings was inevitable; after all, no one has truly seen Allar or Pribula play ball yet.

Where do Drew Allar and Penn State fall in the 2023 QB rankings?

This year, Penn State comes in at No. 15 nationally in the 2023 QB rankings — just four spots down from last year’s rankings despite losing 2/3 of the room and a veteran starting quarterback. With the nation’s No. 1 recruit from 2022 — Drew Allar — at the helm this year, Penn State fans are hoping for much bigger and better than what the program got under Sean Clifford.

Behind Drew Allar is fellow sophomore Beau Pribula, who has been turning heads during spring ball this far, and could find himself a stand alone role on the Penn State offense this year. According to James Franklin, his most attractive trait is that he boasts an opposite skillset than what Sean Clifford and Drew Allar have.

Behind Pribula at QB3 is true freshman Jackson Smolik.

What is the expectation for Allar & Co. this year?

After four years of Sean Clifford, all Penn State fans are ready to turn the page. While Clifford’s teams had some great seasons — such as 2019 and 2022 which both won 11 games and New Year’s Six bowls — he was never enough to get the Nittany Lions to the next level. Now, Penn State needs to get more from the massive Drew Allar and his counterparts.

As I have written before, the Penn State Nittany Lions do not need Allar to be elite in 2023 to make the CFP. That being said, if Penn State wants to win a national title, elite is the only thing that can be expected of Drew Allar. We will know a lot more about this year’s offense on September 2nd when Penn State kicks off its 2023 season at home against West Virginia; for now, the expectations for Allar and Co. are all over the place.



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Penn State needs KeAndre Lambert-Smith to be a true No. 1, Franklin says

The Nittany Lions need their veteran wide receiver to be one of the best in the Big Ten this year.

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Penn State football KeAndre Lambert-Smith
Nov 27, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver KeAndre Lambert-Smith (13) runs after a catch during the second quarter against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

STATE COLLEGE, PA — Heading into the 2023 season, the Penn State Nittany Lions are losing some solid talent at the wide receiver position. A season ago, standouts like Parker Washington, Mitchell Tinsley, and Brenton Strange were some of Sean Clifford’s favorite targets; however, as we turn the page to a brand new season this fall, Penn State football will be without all three of these pass-catchers. In year one of the Drew Allar era, head coach James Franklin claims that the Nittany Lions need KeAndre Lambert-Smith to be a true No. 1 receiver.

Penn State football news KeAndre Lambert-Smith to be a true No. 1 receiver

The Penn State football team is looking solid at wide receiver right now despite all of its departures from the 2022 squad. The Nittany Lions managed to add two solid receivers from the transfer portal and still have some in-house talent that they can fall back on. That being said, Penn State needs one man to go above and beyond this year: KeAndre Lambert-Smith.

A season ago, Lambert-Smith caught 24 passes for 389 yards and four touchdowns — his best performance of the year came against No. 8 Utah in the Rose Bowl game on January 2nd; there, he hauled in three passes for 124 yards and a touchdown during the Nittany Lions’ 14-point win over the Utes. After the Rose Bowl performance, KeAndre Lambert-Smith claimed that, while the 11-2 season was nice, Penn State football is looking for bigger and better in 2023.

James Franklin says Lambert-Smith needs to be a top performer in the Big Ten, not just at Penn State

Here is what head coach James Franklin had to say about KeAndre Lambert-Smith during his media availability on Tuesday afternoon:

“He’s been really good so far this spring,” Franklin said. “We need him to be THE guy, a true number one [receiver], not just at Penn State but really in the [Big Ten] and a guy that people are talking about nationally.”

James Franklin added that Penn State is still figuring out some depth issues when it comes to the wideout room. “There is going to be a competition really with all of [Penn State’s receivers] — I think that is probably one of the big question marks between now and the first game.”

After an incredible 2022 season, the Penn State football team is looking for even better results from its offense. Right now, the quarterback, running back, offenisve line, and tight ends all appear to be somewhat in place; however, as the spring goes on, the Lions must figure out who will start and who will sit when it comes to their receivers. The one thing that we do know for sure: KeAndre Lambert-Smith is going to be a crucial factor in Penn State’s passing game this fall.



Thank you for reading Basic Blues Nation. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and insights on your favorite Penn State athletics.

For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email us at basicbluesnation@gmail.com or direct message us on our social media. It’s due to your support that we can become one of the market’s fastest-growing Penn State sports outlets!

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