FOOTBALL

Penn State football: The up-and-down story of Sean Clifford is thrilling

The relationship between Penn State football and veteran quarterback Sean Clifford was interesting, but it was thrilling just the same.

Published

4 weeks ago

May 1, 2023

Chris Mangum

In the last four seasons, Penn State football fans have experienced a rollercoaster ride with Sean Clifford as the team’s starting quarterback. As a veteran play-caller, Clifford had his share of highs and lows, but his story with the Nittany Lions is undeniably captivating.

From commanding the offense to facing setbacks, Clifford’s tenure as Penn State’s quarterback was been eventful, to say the least. Despite a few disappointments, his performances also delivered thrilling moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats; the story of Sean Clifford and Nittany Lion football is a compelling one, with both triumphs and tribulations that will be remembered for years to come.

Penn State football and its relationship with 6-year QB Sean Clifford

In 2018, the Penn State football team witnessed the debut of redshirt freshman Sean Clifford, who entered the game in relief of the then-starting quarterback, Trace McSorley. Remarkably, Clifford threw a touchdown pass on his first-ever college attempt, making an instant impact.

Fast forward to his final throw at Beaver Stadium, and Clifford replicated his debut success with another touchdown pass to the endzone. The space between these two touchdown passes encapsulates a vast array of experiences, including exhilarating victories, devastating defeats, and everything in between.

The thrilling, sometimes frustrating, highs and lows of Sean Clifford and Penn State football

Sean Clifford’s tenure as the starting quarterback for Penn State football witnessed some significant seasons, including 2019 and 2022, where the Nittany Lions achieved an impressive record of 11 wins, a New Year’s Six trophy, and a top-10 ranking. However, for the other two years that Clifford led the team, Penn State finished no better than 7-6 overall and remained unranked.

The 2020 season was particularly challenging for Penn State, as they experienced their first losing season in nearly two decades. Clifford struggled with 16 touchdowns and nine interceptions in Penn State’s 4-5 finish, which included the worst start in the team’s history with a 0-5 record. Moreover, Clifford was periodically replaced by then-backup quarterback Will Levis, who was picked in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

During Clifford’s time as the starting quarterback, Penn State football had a binary performance record; either they had a great season, or they were forgettable. There was little in-between in State College since 2019, as the highs were high, and the lows were low.

Undoubtedly a Penn State football legend

Sean Clifford, the six-year veteran of Penn State football, undoubtedly left his mark on the program by holding every career passing record at the school. He ended his college career with a triumphant Rose Bowl victory, further cementing his status as a legend in the Blue and White.

However, Clifford’s journey did not end there. In a surprising turn of events, he was drafted by the Green Bay Packers with the 149th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Many did not expect Clifford to be selected, especially not in the top 150 picks. Nonetheless, he now has the chance to compete for a starting spot in the NFL.

Happy Valley 👉 Green Bay 🧀 #WeAre | #GoPackGo pic.twitter.com/BuFyWWfoLV

— Penn State Football (@PennStateFball) May 1, 2023

Despite his moments of brilliance at Penn State, Clifford’s consistency was a concern. Nevertheless, given the Packers’ uncertainty around Jordan Love, Clifford has a genuine opportunity to prove himself at the professional level. While it may be unlikely, it would not be a complete shock to see Clifford emerge as an NFL-ready quarterback for the Packers.

Ultimately, all Sean Clifford wanted was an opportunity to prove himself, and he now has that chance. His journey from Penn State to the NFL is a testament to his resilience and determination, and the football world will be watching closely to see how he fares in Green Bay.

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FOOTBALL

Penn State football: CFB analyst claims Nittany Lions are ready to beat Ohio State, Michigan

According to a major analyst, this could be the year for Penn State football.

Published

6 hours ago

May 29, 2023

Chris Mangum

Penn State football, JD Pickell, Michigan, Ohio State

Nov 5, 2022; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) runs the ball past Indiana Hoosiers linebacker Dasan McCullough (0) during the second half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

Rarely in the history of Penn State football under James Franklin has there been such an overwhelming sense of anticipation as there is now heading into the 2023 season. Just a year ago, fans held a wide range of expectations, but not a single soul could have predicted that the Nittany Lions would conclude the season with an impressive 11-2 record, securing a top 10 ranking and clinching a victory in the Rose Bowl against the PAC-12 Champions. A prominent college football analyst, JD Pickell of ON3, recently stated that Penn State is poised to finally surpass both Ohio State and Michigan in the Big Ten.

Hype is building for Penn State football

It is no secret that Penn State football is widely regarded as one of the premier teams in college football at present. The Nittany Lions boast an abundance of talent from last year’s roster, which was among the nation’s finest, despite losses to Michigan and Ohio State.

In order to elevate themselves to the next level and establish their position as contenders for the Big Ten title and the College Football Playoff, it is imperative for Penn State to conquer both the Buckeyes and Wolverines.

According to Pickell, the upcoming 2023 season presents a perfect opportunity for Penn State football to achieve all of these objectives.

JD Pickell says Penn State might be ready to beat Michigan, Ohio State in 2023

Here is what ON3 analyst JD Pickell had to say on his show, The Hard Count, about Penn State football and their hopes of climbing back to the top of the Big Ten in 2023.

“They’re getting a lot of hype now and for good reason,” Pickell said. “What would Penn State fans typically say going into last season? ‘Really good roster. Nick Singleton, we’re excited about him, but we just don’t know with Sean Clifford. How far can Sean Clifford take us?’”

“There was a feeling around Penn State that Sean Clifford was a really good quarterback, but was he a really great quarterback? Was he gonna be enough for you to beat Michigan and Ohio State? The eventual answer to that question was not necessarily was Penn State good enough collectively — Sean Clifford included — to beat Michigan or Ohio State in 2022.”

Pickell further highlighted key players in the Penn State football lineup, including Drew Allar, Olu Fashanu, Kalen King, Nick Singleton, and others, as compelling reasons to be optimistic about the Nittany Lions’ prospects this upcoming season.

He concluded his analysis by affirming that the necessary components for success are already in place for James Franklin and his coaching staff as they prepare for the 2023 season: all the pieces of the puzzle have come together for the Nittany Lions.

“All these things on paper are aligning for Penn State to go and slay the dragon,” he said. “To go and beat Ohio State. To go beat Michigan. That’s the mission now for Penn State.”

FOOTBALL

2023 Penn State football coaching staff adds NFL experience to its ranks

This week, the 2023 Penn State football coaching staff added more NFL experience to its ranks.

Published

13 hours ago

May 29, 2023

Chris Mangum

2023 Penn State football coaching staff, Ola Adams

Nov 20, 2021; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin looks on from the sideline during the third quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Rutgers 28-0. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

Earlier this week, the 2023 Penn State football coaching staff made a notable addition with the inclusion of Ola Adams. Adams, previously an assistant with the Denver Broncos and a seasoned defensive play-caller for the Villanova Wildcats, brings valuable experience and expertise to the Nittany Lions as they prepare for their upcoming campaign.

Excited to join the coaching staff at @PennStateFball. Huge thanks to Coach Franklin & staff for the opportunity. Also want to give thanks to the Denver @Broncos organization for the opportunity to work for a first class program last season. Looking forward to this new chapter! pic.twitter.com/aTX23NHvwr

— Coach Ola Adams (@CoachOlaAdams) May 24, 2023

2023 Penn State football coaching staff adds NFL experience with new hire

Under the leadership of James Franklin, the 2023 Penn State football coaching staff has undergone several minor changes, but the recent addition of Ola Adams stands out. Adams, who previously served on the coaching staff of the Denver Broncos, has joined the Penn State Nittany Lions as a defensive analyst in preparation for the 2023 season.

Adams’s background in the NFL proves to be an invaluable asset for James Franklin, especially considering the talent and potential carried by the Nittany Lions in their upcoming schedule. Before his tenure with the Broncos, Adams served as the defensive coordinator for the Villanova Wildcats at the Division 1 FCS level, which adds to his credibility as he joins James Franklin’s staff.

As an analyst, Adams’s role will not involve direct involvement in play-calling or player development. Instead, his extensive knowledge and experience will be utilized in analyzing film, scouting players, and evaluating opponents. The addition of Adams strengthens the Penn State football program with another NFL-minded individual, further enhancing their prospects.

The Nittany Lions face high expectations this season, and Adams’s presence on the coaching staff alleviates some of the pressure on the 2023 Penn State football coaching staff as they approach summer training and the opening game against West Virginia on September 2nd.

FOOTBALL

Penn State football updates roster with new enrollees

Penn State gave us our first look at the newest additions to the Nittany Lions football team.

Published

21 hours ago

May 29, 2023

Matt Thomas

April 15, 2023. Tyler Warren (44) and Theo Johnson (84) join the Penn State team in singing the alma mater following the 2023 Blue-White Game. Credit: Grace Carella // Basic Blues Nation.

Nearly halfway through the first summer session of classes, Penn State football has welcomed a slow trickle of new enrollees over the last month. Last week, the football program updated its roster with the numbers and measurables for the newest additions to the Nittany Lions football team. While the roster will likely be updated again before the start of the 2023 season, this update provides us our first glimpse at the progress made by these players since we last saw them on the field with a previous school or on the recruiting circuit.

Penn State football unveils numbers, lists heights and weights for new enrollees

Last week, Penn State updated its official roster for the 2023 season with the new enrollees who have arrived on campus recently. In addition to the four transfers who joined the team in May, Penn State also listed the eight freshmen from the class of 2023 who arrived in the last several days. The roster includes updated heights and weights for the new enrollees, as well as the number each will wear this fall for the Nittany Lions:

Tyriq Blanding (DT), freshman – No. 39; 6-1, 265 pounds.
Dante Cephas (WR), transfer – No. 3; 6-0, 180 pounds.
Audavion Collins (CB), transfer – No. 29; 5-11, 175 pounds.
Alonzo Ford (DT), transfer – No. 50; 6-2, 280 pounds.
Kaveion Keys (LB), freshman – No. 48; 6-2 195 pounds.
King Mack (S), freshman – No. 9; 5-10; 175 pounds.
London Montgomery (RB), freshman – No. 24; 5-10; 180 pounds.
Joseph Mupoyi (DE), freshman – No. 56; 6-5; 240 pounds.
DaKaari Nelson (S), freshman – No. 8; 6-3; 200 pounds.
Trey Potts (RB), transfer – No. 23; 5-9; 215 pounds.
Andrew Rappleyea (TE), freshman – No. 87; 6-4; 235 pounds.
Cam Wallace (RB), freshman – No. 26; 5-9; 175 pounds.

Some highlights of the roster update include transfer Alonzo Ford, who Penn State has listed as shorter and nearly 10 pounds lighter than Old Dominion had him last season. Incoming freshmen London Montgomery and Cam Wallace will need to bulk up to catch the rest of the running back room, with both weighing in at 180 pounds or less. Finally, Andrew Rappleyea comes in with a solid frame for an incoming freshman at 6-4, 235 pounds.

More on the way

The final pieces from Penn State’s class of 2023 will arrive on campus this summer before the start of fall camp. There are four more signees who will join the team before the 2023 season, including Jameial Lyons (DE), Chimdy Onoh (OL), Mason Robinson (DE), and Carmelo Taylor (WR).