Penn State Football vs Auburn: Nittany Lions’ reasons for optimism and to worry

STATE COLLEGE, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 11: Penn State Nittany Lions captains Jonathan Sutherland #0, PJ Mustipher #97, Jaquan Brisker #1, and Rasheed Walker #53 take the field alongside a Blue Band twirler before the game against the Ball State Cardinals at Beaver Stadium on September 11, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

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Sean Clifford #14 of the Penn State Nittany Lions (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Penn State Football Reason to Worry: Auburn’s Secondary

One of the strengths of this Auburn team is their secondary.

Auburn has a lot of experience at both cornerback and safety. Cornerback Roger McCreary had an interception last week that he returned 35 yards for a touchdown.

Penn State Football’s wide receivers should not struggle too much against the secondary, even though it will be the best defensive backfield they have faced so far in the young season. The Nittany Lions receivers are talented enough to get open and make plays over almost anyone, especially Jahan Dotson. The worry lies more with Sean Clifford.

So far this season, Clifford has done a great job of not turning the ball over. However, he has still missed on some throws that he should not have. The Auburn secondary will not allow a lot of room for error for Sean Clifford, and he will have to fit the ball into some tight windows. If Clifford misses on throws, this secondary will make him pay.

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