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Penn State Football: Grading Nittany Lions’ performance vs. Idaho

By Dylan Burd

STATE COLLEGE, PA - AUGUST 31: Sean Clifford #14 of the Penn State Nittany Lions throws a pass for a touchdown against the Idaho Vandals during the first half at Beaver Stadium on August 31, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - AUGUST 31: Sean Clifford #14 of the Penn State Nittany Lions throws a pass for a touchdown against the Idaho Vandals during the first half at Beaver Stadium on August 31, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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STATE COLLEGE, PA – AUGUST 31: Sean Clifford #14 of the Penn State Nittany Lions throws a pass for a touchdown against the Idaho Vandals during the first half at Beaver Stadium on August 31, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA – AUGUST 31: Sean Clifford #14 of the Penn State Nittany Lions throws a pass for a touchdown against the Idaho Vandals during the first half at Beaver Stadium on August 31, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Quarterbacks

I’m sure I speak for many when I say it was weird to watch the game and not see Trace McSorley under center. However, it looks like his replacement is going to be just fine, despite a shaky first two drives to begin the game on Saturday.

On the first drive, Penn State had first and goal at the Idaho 7-yard line, and failed to get into the end zone after a Sean Clifford fumble on 3rd and goal. Luckily, the fumble was recovered by Penn State, which led to the field goal on the next play.

Clifford went 1-for-2 passing on the drive, with the one completion going for 11 yards to sophomore redshirt freshman wide receiver, Justin Shorter.

On the second drive, Clifford and the offense went three and out, leading to another field goal to extend Penn State’s lead to 6-0. Clifford went 0-for-2 passing on the drive.

However, in Clifford’s next nine drives before being subbed out, Penn State scored on six of them. Clifford ended his day completing 14 of 23 passes for 280 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 57 yards.

The highlight of the day for Clifford was easily his 36-yard touchdown pass to K.J Hamler.

The pocket awareness of Clifford and ability to throw on the run was extremely impressive. It’s certainly going to be entertaining to watch Sean Clifford develop throughout the season, as it was for Trace McSorley in 2016.

Redshirt freshman backup quarterback Will Levis had a nice day himself, going 11-for-14 for 62 yards and a touchdown. He also had 21 rushing yards. Penn State had three touchdowns in Levis’ four drives.

Overall, there’s definitely room for improvement for Sean Clifford, but it was nice to see him recover after a slow start. He’ll face a tougher task next week as the Nittany Lions host Buffalo for a night game at Beaver Stadium.

Grade: B-

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