Penn State Football grades: Sean Clifford powers in over Michigan State

STATE COLLEGE, PA - DECEMBER 12: Sean Clifford #14 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates with teammates after throwing a pass for a touchdown against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at Beaver Stadium on December 12, 2020 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

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Shane Simmons #34 of the Penn State Nittany Lions (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Shane Simmons

Grade: A+

It is hard to not feel good for defensive end Shane Simmons after his performance on Senior Day, in what is likely his final game at Beaver Stadium.

Simmons’ career has not panned out the way most thought, after coming to Happy Valley as a highly touted 4-star recruit out of powerhouse Dematha Catholic High School in Maryland. He has constantly battled for playing time, watching young guys come in and take starter reps ahead of him, but he has stuck with it and resulted in a fairy tale performance yesterday.

Simmons racked up seven total tackles, one and a half sacks, and two tackles for loss in the win. The senior was seemingly in the Spartans backfield all afternoon, carrying the defense to one of their best performances of the season in the second half, holding Michigan State to only three points and four punts and a turnover on downs.

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