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Rose Bowl Names to Know: Utah Offense

There are several key Utes playmakers Penn State must shut down to leave Pasadena victorious

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Nov 27, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Keyvone Lee (24) runs the ball during the third quarter against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

It’s officially Rose Bowl day. As we count the hours to kickoff, it’s time to dive deeper into Penn State’s opponent: the No. 8 Utah Utes.

Utah’s Offensive Outlook for the Rose Bowl

The Utes come into this game with one of the most prolific offenses in the country. Utah is top ten in scoring (40 PPG) and rushing (220 YPG). Although their passing game has been less prolific, it’s still one of the more efficient aerial attacks in the nation (23rd). 

Most importantly, Utah plays a clean style of football. The Utes rarely give up negative plays, ranking in the top ten in both sacks and tackles for loss allowed. It will be challenging to get the Utah offense off the field, as it converts nearly half of its 3rd downs and has a top-25 turnover margin on the year. 

The Utes have suffered significant losses on this side of the ball since they last took the field. Utah’s leading pass catcher, tight end Dalton Kincaid, has opted not to play due to injury. He is joined by Tavion Thomas, the Utes’ leading rusher, who declared for the NFL Draft.  

Given these losses and that they play on the other side of the country, the names of Utah’s remaining playmakers may not be front of mind for many Nittany Lions fans. However, there are still several players that Penn State fans should know before Monday’s Rose Bowl showdown. 

Cam Rising

It helps that Utah’s most well-known player is still expected to suit up for the Rose Bowl. Cam Rising has been one of the better quarterbacks in the PAC-12 all season. Rising’s 66% completion percentage and 25 touchdown passes rank 4th in the conference among quarterbacks with at least 300 attempts this year. Rising also possesses good ball security, with a touchdown-to-interception ratio approaching 4:1. 

Most of Rising’s passing yards come across the middle of the field, which is concerning. According to PFF, over a third of Rising’s 2,900 yards have come on routes over the middle and short of the first down marker. We’ve seen Penn State’s linebackers struggle with crossing routes, especially against Purdue and Ohio State. 

However, there is an opportunity if Penn State can beat the stout Utah pass protection. Rising’s PFF passer rating drops by 37 points when he is under pressure this season. The Nittany Lions have been phenomenal in disrupting quarterbacks all year long. If Penn State can force Rising into making quick decisions, then it stands a much better chance of slowing down the Utes on offense. 

Ja’Quinden Jackson

With Tavion Thomas out, Utah will need to find other outlets for his production in the running game. Although Micah Bernard may get the starter’s share of reps, Ja’Quinden Jackson presents a significant threat. 

Jackson has seen his share of carries increase dramatically in Utah’s last five games. A former quarterback, Jackson has rushed for 25 fewer yards than Bernard on the year but on 30 fewer attempts. Jackson’s 6.9 yards per rush is the best among Utes with at least 50 carries. He averages nearly four yards after contact, one of the better rates Penn State has seen all year. 

Even without Thomas, Utah will still bring one of the most dangerous running games in the nation to Pasadena. But with rare exceptions, the Nittany Lions have been strong against the run in 2022. It will be interesting to see how Manny Diaz attacks the Utes after having a month to prepare for this one. 

Money Parks

Like Jackson, Money Parks has done more with less as part of the Utah passing game this year, racking up over 400 yards on only 25 receptions. Parks is Utah’s deep-threat receiver – he averages over 16 yards per reception and has primarily been targeted beyond the chains. On 10 receptions of 10 yards or more, Parks has 276 yards and both of his touchdowns this year. 

Although Penn State’s secondary has been a strength all year, this will be one of the most significant challenges since the loss of Joey Porter, Jr. The Nittany Lions gave up several deep plays to Michigan State but otherwise were solid the last time out. I’ll be curious if Utah favors throwing to Johnny Dixon instead of Kalen King in Porter’s absence. While Utah’s passing attack is respectable, Penn State has faced better this season. I would expect the Nittany Lions to have the advantage here next week. 

Team stats – NCAA. Player stats – PFF.

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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