Penn State Football: causes for concern for Nittany Lions’ road trip to Auburn

Cause for concern #2 – pass protection

After Sean Clifford was sacked just once in week one at Purdue, things were looking up for Penn State’s pass protection. However, after allowing five sacks in week two against a far inferior opponent in Ohio, pass protection is once again a concern for the Nittany Lions as they head south.

Through two games against a pair of not-so-great teams in Mercer and San Jose State, the Tigers have registered just four sacks, so they’re not overwhelming in the pass rush department, but it’s still a cause for concern for Penn State Football, nonetheless.

There has been one bright spot along the Nittany Lions’ offensive front when it comes to pass protection, and it’s been at the most important spot: left tackle.

Olu Fashanu will need to continue to play well and be a strength of this offense.

There is some responsibility that falls on Sean Clifford here too. At times, he has a tendency to hold onto the ball too long in the pocket, which can’t happen against Auburn. Taking sacks and negative plays can energize that crowd and really be a game-changer–and not in a good way.

Finally, if Clifford is hit a few times and is under a lot of pressure early, he could become “spooked” in the pocket and begin making poor decisions, which of course can lead to some turnovers.

Last year, Auburn’s defense did not bring much pressure at all against Penn State and Sean Clifford had a ton of time in a clean pocket, and as a result, he had one of the best games of his career. I anticipate Auburn to not that same mistake again, so the Nittany Lions’ pass protection will need to be on point.