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Penn State QB Sean Clifford learning key lesson from Minnesota film as 2020 looms

By Matt Lombardo

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 09: Sean Clifford #14 of the Penn State Nittany Lions attempts to pass the ball in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at TCFBank Stadium on November 9, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Minnesota Golden Gophers defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions 31-26 to remain undefeated.(Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 09: Sean Clifford #14 of the Penn State Nittany Lions attempts to pass the ball in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at TCFBank Stadium on November 9, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Minnesota Golden Gophers defeated the Penn State Nittany Lions 31-26 to remain undefeated.(Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
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Without the benefit of spring football, or much of an offseason program, Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford dove into film of Minnesota’s 2019 season to prepare for 2020

Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford faces an unprecedented challenge.

Clifford, entering his junior campaign and second season as the Nittany Lions’ starter, must master a new offense designed by coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca without the benefit of a full offseason program or spring workouts.

During the COVID-19 shutdown that threatened the Big Ten’s season and kept the Nittany Lions off the practice field, Clifford immersed himself in Minnesota film from last season to get up to speed on what Ciarrocca hopes is a scheme powered by big plays.

As Clifford tells it, via Lions247, the Cincinnati native quickly learned how important his precision will be to the rest of the offense:

"“When you watch the [2019 Minnesota] tape, you see an offense that is very detail-oriented,” Clifford said. “You don’t see a lot of mistakes. And when you get to know Coach Ciarrocca, you understand why. If he wants you to run your route at the third inside step [and] it’s second or fourth, then he’s going to get on your ass. … That’s kind of been the name of the game with this offense right now — details are the most important thing.”"

Clifford passed for 2,654 yards 23 touchdowns and seven interceptions while leading the Nittany Lions to an 11-win season in 2019. However, in Penn State’s lone loss — to Ciarrocca and the Gophers, Clifford fell victim to a slow start, tossed three interceptions as the Lions’ comeback bid fell short.

If Penn State is going to make a case for the program’s first berth in the College Football Playoff in 2020, it almost certainly needs to run the table in the Big Ten’s abbreviated schedule.

That means Clifford will need to be even more consistent than he was last season. If early returns from practice are any indication, Ciarrocca tells Lions247 he thinks Clifford has it in him to take the necessary leap.

"“His accuracy is improving every day,” Ciarrocca said. “Sean has got an unbelievable work ethic so he’s just going to continue to grow and I’m excited to see where he can go. We’re kind of moving into this next phase now. We’ve been doing seven-on-sevens and now we’ll get into team phases, which will be part of a continuous growth and understanding of this offense.”"

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