Penn State Football: What the win over Auburn means for recruiting

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Auburn Tigers quarterback Robby Ashford (9) and Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Sean Clifford (14) embrace after the game as Auburn Tigers take on Penn State Nittany Lions at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. Penn State Nittany Lions defeated Auburn Tigers 41-12. /

1. Proving they can compete

Some in the national media did not give Penn State much of a chance in this game, citing Auburn’s SEC speed and hostile environment.

The belief was that Auburn was just too fast for Penn State and would win the game, despite the Nittany Lions proving that narrative false last year.

Well, Penn State came out swinging and showed the media and every recruit in attendance that they can certainly compete with the talent of an SEC school and that an environment will not rattle them.

Penn State’s staff can use this example in recruiting now, especially with southern recruits. Now, recruiting against Alabama and Georgia is a totally different animal, but Penn State can point to this game when recruiting against most SEC programs.

The pitch will be along the lines of “You don’t have to stay South to win big games and be developed for the NFL.”

Penn State is proving that they develop players and send plenty to the NFL Draft each year. A showing on the field like this is just further cementing that argument.

Look for Penn State to continue to recruit the South in the coming years like they are in the 2023 cycle.

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