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Penn State Football gets over the hump with 27-17 win over Michigan | Takeaways

By Lawrence Santa Maria

Nov 28, 2020; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Parker Washington (3) runs the ball against the Michigan Wolverines in the first half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2020; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Parker Washington (3) runs the ball against the Michigan Wolverines in the first half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 28, 2020; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Sean Clifford (14) rushes in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2020; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Sean Clifford (14) rushes in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

QB situation is solved….for now

Coming into this game head coach James Franklin talked about needing both of his quarterbacks, Sean Clifford and Will Levis, and based on the way it played out it seems this is what he means.

Clifford is the guy, and should be, but Levis came in on a few short yardage situations to be that power running back and move the chains. Levis even found the end zone on maybe the most crucial drive of the season, putting Penn State up 27-17 in the fourth quarter.

Clifford played his best game of the season in what seemed like a condensed and more simple, one-read offensive scheme. Clifford completed 17 of 28 passes for 163 yards, while also rushing for 73 yards and a touchdown. It looked like at one point in the second quarter Clifford was seriously injured after being sacked low, a la the infamous Tom Brady injury, but walked it off and bounced back and led this team to a gritty road win. That moxie and toughness is what endeared Clifford to this team and fan base in 2019, so it was a welcomed sight this afternoon.

Most importantly, Clifford did not turn the ball over in the win. With no turnovers Penn State enjoyed there first half time lead of 2020 and allowed Penn State to stay patient on offense.

The Nittany Lions were efficient on offense, converting 8 of 16 third down attempts, which was due in part to positive plays on first and second down, setting up third and manageable attempts rather then third and long.

Time will tell if Clifford will be the answer long term, but in the immediate as Penn State tries to salvage what they can of this season, Clifford is the answer for Penn State football.

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