Victory Bell Rings
Fansided

Penn State Football: 3 players who need to have a big day against Michigan

By Alec Whitaker

Oct 1, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Nick Tarburton (46) reacts after recovering a fumble during the second quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Northwestern 17-7. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Nick Tarburton (46) reacts after recovering a fumble during the second quarter against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Northwestern 17-7. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 01: Sean Clifford #14 of the Penn State Nittany Lions attempts a pass against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Beaver Stadium on October 1, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 01: Sean Clifford #14 of the Penn State Nittany Lions attempts a pass against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Beaver Stadium on October 1, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

QB Sean Clifford

This is a pretty obvious one. If Sean Clifford plays like he did against Purdue, Penn State football will win.

Clifford is 2-1 against Michigan and could be 3-0 if there wasn’t a breakdown on defense late in the game last season. This will be the first time that Clifford, and every other key contributor, will play in the Big House with fans in the stands.

Penn State needs Clifford to be a difference maker on Saturday. He needs to make plays with his arm and legs and also needs to make the necessary adjustments at the line if needed.

Michigan’s defense has been tough against the pass this season. The Wolverines are allowing just 165 passing yards per game. They really haven’t been tested by a capable quarterback though, outside of Taulia Tagovailoa of Maryland, who was banged up in the game.

The Nittany Lions are going to need to score to win. The Wolverines are going to get their fair share of points and Penn State needs to keep up. Especially because Michigan is a run-first team and will try to melt the clock and limit possessions. Each drive will be precious.

With that said, Clifford cannot turn the ball over and has to hit his receivers. Nobody is expecting Clifford to go 25-30 for 350 yards and four touchdowns, but as long he’s efficient and keeps the chains moving, Penn State will have a good chance to win Saturday.

Home/Penn State Football