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Penn State Football vs Auburn: Who has the better team?

By Alec Whitaker

STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 18: John Samuel Shenker #47 of the Auburn Tigers is stopped by Joey Porter Jr. #9 and Jaquan Brisker #1 of the Penn State Nittany Lions near the two yard line during the second half at Beaver Stadium on September 18, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 18: John Samuel Shenker #47 of the Auburn Tigers is stopped by Joey Porter Jr. #9 and Jaquan Brisker #1 of the Penn State Nittany Lions near the two yard line during the second half at Beaver Stadium on September 18, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBUS, OHIO – OCTOBER 30: Sean Clifford #14 of the Penn State Nittany Lions drops back to pass during the first half of their game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on October 30, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO – OCTOBER 30: Sean Clifford #14 of the Penn State Nittany Lions drops back to pass during the first half of their game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on October 30, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /

Quarterback

Penn State fans may be sick of Sean Clifford by now, but the truth is, the guy is getting the job done.

Clifford is completing 61% of his passes with seven total touchdowns and just one turnover in two games this year. The Nittany Lions are also 2-0.

Auburn is also 2-0, but the quarterback play has been dicey. Starter T.J. Finley has three turnovers and just one touchdown. He is completing nearly 65% of his passes, but only has 34 attempts in two games.

Considering Finley’s competition has been Mercer and San Jose State, those numbers are not inspiring.

Looking at backups, we all know Penn State has Drew Allar, who put all his arm talent on display last week. If something was to happen to Clifford, most Penn State fans feel good about Allar’s chances to compete.

Auburn’s backup Robby Ashford is more of a wildcat quarterback at this point. He is an elite runner but hasn’t shown much arm talent so far.

Clifford is in his fourth year as a starter and has played in every hostile environment in the Big Ten. He’s not perfect, but he’s better than Finley.

Advantage: Penn State

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