Penn State Football vs Auburn – Nittany Lions that Need to Step Up

As Penn State Football takes on Auburn this weekend for the annual White Out, there are some key players that the Nittany Lions will need big performances from.

Obviously, the entire Penn State Football team needs to play well to win games against an opponent like the No. 22 Auburn Tigers, but there are a few that stick out more than the rest.

Some of them are obvious, such as the man playing the most important position on the field. There are also some stars that need to play like stars, as well as some stars who could make an impact in a role that is not their primary position.

Here are some key players who will need to make a big impact for this Penn State Football team on Saturday night against the Auburn Tigers.

Penn State Football QB – Sean Clifford

Sean Clifford has done a good job of not turning the ball over so far this season, but Auburn will be the best secondary he will face so far.

The Nittany Lions‘ wide receivers should be more than capable of getting open and making plays against the Tigers’ defensive backs, especially Jahan Dotson. But, Clifford will need to be able to get them the ball.

Clifford will have some tight windows to have to fit the ball into, and he needs to be able to do that.

I mentioned in a in a Q&A that I had the opportunity to do with War Blogle, that my biggest concern for the Nittany Lions in this matchup was Clifford throwing against a talented and experienced secondary.

Clifford has missed on some throws so far this season, but none that have really been in danger of being intercepted. For the most part, he has missed away from the defense, such as his overthrows to Jahan Dotson against Wisconsin.

Clifford has been better at going through progressions so far this season than he has in the past, but it is an aspect of his game that still needs improvements. If he can work through his progressions in a timely manner, and not force throws to his first or second options, it will go a long way towards him not throwing any interceptions against Auburn.

If Clifford plays to his potential, Penn State Football has a great chance to win this game, but if he shows too many flashes of what we saw last season, it could be a long night for the Nittany Lions.