Penn State football: Sean Clifford dominates his first road start vs. Maryland
Penn State football quarterback Sean Clifford did not disappoint during his first start on the road versus Maryland for Week 5.
As it turns out, a week’s break can serve a team well. Sometimes, college football teams do not return to the field from a week off with the same fire they left it with. Other times, a week off gives players time to regroup and come back healthier, stronger, and better.
This week, Penn State football definitely came back much better. After a tight win at home over their in-state rivals, Pittsburgh, Penn State had to hit the road for the first time this season to take on their first Big Ten opponent of the season in the Maryland Terrapins.
Given that the Nittany Lions have found themselves in some tough situations over the last couple of weeks, a quick start was vital for their return from the bye week — especially from the offense.
After an interception on the first drive by the Nittany Lions defense, their offense wasted no time finding the end zone. On the first play, quarterback Sean Clifford kept the ball on a read-option and took it right in for six. Since that opening drive, he never looked back.
Sean Clifford impresses on the road
Heading into the 2019 season, Sean Clifford had so many question marks surrounding his game. Being that the team was spoiled with a proven star like Trace McSorley over the last three years, everybody wanted to see if Clifford fill in McSorley’s shoes almost immediately.
In order to do that, Clifford would have to not only dominate in the passing game, but would have to turn the jets on as well and put in work on the ground. Through four games, Clifford has managed to check all of the boxes. While he’s still a bit raw, he’s developing rather quickly.
Through the first three weeks, Clifford did well with passing, he showed off some solid rushing instincts, and even took care of the ball without a turnover heading into the bye week. His next test question was, can he win on the road, while facing a Big Ten opponent?
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Once again, Clifford aced it. Late in the third quarter, James Franklin ended Clifford’s night. He saw enough from the redshirt Sophomore. As Clifford completed 26 of his 31 attempted passes for just under 400 yards, there was nothing more to see out of the quarterback.
Not to mention, he led Penn State in rushing for the second time this season when he left the field with seven carries for 54 yards. With four total touchdowns and his unfortunate first turnover, Clifford just continues to impress for the Lions. Although he’s been shaky at times, there isn’t much to complain about after seeing the bye week adjustments.