Penn State Football: 3 keys to bouncing back vs. Nebraska

Quarterback play must improve – whoever it is

Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford is coming off an ugly performance vs Maryland which has led to some questions about his job security.

Clifford was 27-57 passing for 340 yards, with three touchdowns and three turnovers against the Terps. His 47% completion percentage was due in part to accuracy issues all game, missing open receivers, mostly throwing high and behind open his pass catchers. It’s been an up and down campaign to this point for Clifford, and many wondered why Clifford wasn’t pulled from the game against Maryland.

In his weekly press conference,  Franklin made no mention of a quarterback change, but did mention mixing in backup Will Levis.

"We need to get Will involved in a lot of different ways,” Franklin said. “To the points that were brought up earlier … to help Sean out and also to continue investing in Will. Will’s earned that. Will has earned that over his time here, and obviously, we’ve used him in the past. We need to do that. And I think you’ll see that.”"

Levis, the redshirt sophomore, did start the season finale last year against Rutgers, while also coming out of the bullpen against Ohio State when Clifford when down with an injury. Franklin did not mention getting any of the younger quarterbacks a chance just yet.

Whoever is in at quarterback Saturday is facing a Nebraska pass defense that has allowed four passing touchdowns to two takeaways through only two games this season.

In the Cornhuskers’ 21-13 loss to Northwestern Saturday, Wildcat signal caller Peyton Ramsey was 16-27 for 169 yards and two scores. Penn State needs this offense to start clicking, and needs more explosive plays out of the passing game, as they only have one passing play of over 50 yards this season.

This may be a Clifford’s last chance to prove to Franklin, this staff, and the fans that he is the guy not only for the remaining six games, but beyond.