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

Sean Clifford put together another very solid performance, as he completed 20 of his 29 passes for 264 yards and three touchdowns. Additionally, he had 11 carries for 33 yards and a touchdown rushing.

Similarly to the Maryland game, most of Sean Clifford’s production came at the beginning of the game. Clifford was 6/7 passing for 156 yards with three total touchdowns by the end of the first quarter.

Clearly, Clifford’s production slowed along with the offense for the rest of the game. He was 14 of 22 passing for 108 yards, a touchdown, and an interception the rest of the game. It was only Clifford’s second interception of the season, as he threw a deep pass intended for K.J Hamler too short.

One thing I’ve noticed the past two games is how much Sean Clifford’s confidence has skied within the past two games. He no longer looks hesitant in the pocket, and as a result he’s been throwing with a lot more accuracy. Clifford is also reading the option a lot better than he was through the first three games.

Once the score reached 35-7, backup QB Will Levis entered the game. He didn’t throw a pass, and had two carries for seven yards before fumbling, which resulted in a Purdue recovery.

Penn State fans have a lot to be excited for going forward with Sean Clifford, as he’s no longer the quarterback he was during the first three games. He’s progressed much faster than I expected him to.

That being said, Clifford will face what is by far his toughest test so far next week at Kinnick Stadium at night against No. 17 Iowa. Iowa ranks third in scoring defense in the nation, as they only have allowed 8.8 points per game through the first five games of the season.