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Penn State Football: reasons for optimism for the White Out against Minnesota

By Nick Kreiser

STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 18: Fireworks are displayed as Penn State Nittany Lions take the field before the white out game against the Auburn Tigers at Beaver Stadium on September 18, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 18: Fireworks are displayed as Penn State Nittany Lions take the field before the white out game against the Auburn Tigers at Beaver Stadium on September 18, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 24: Offensive lineman Olumuyiwa Fashanu #74 of the Penn State Nittany Lions lines up against the Central Michigan Chippewas during the first half at Beaver Stadium on September 24, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 24: Offensive lineman Olumuyiwa Fashanu #74 of the Penn State Nittany Lions lines up against the Central Michigan Chippewas during the first half at Beaver Stadium on September 24, 2022 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Reason for optimism #2 – Minnesota’s pass rush

Minnesota is last in the Big Ten in sacks with just nine so far on the year. So in theory, Sean Clifford should have far more time in the pocket than he did last week against Michigan, who is first in the conference in sacks.

Though Penn State’s pass protection is far from perfect, going against one of the weaker pass rush teams in the conference makes their job easier.

Sean Clifford is at his best (as most quarterbacks are) when they’re well-protected, so he should be more comfortable standing strong in the pocket and finding the open target this week.

A weaker pass rush also allows more time for receivers to get open. It seems the offense has a lot of slow developing passing plays in their playbook, so having time for those routes to progress is a plus.

Going against what is statistically the best third down defense in the country, this will be key to avoiding sacks on first and second down which can get the offense behind schedule.

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