Penn State Football: Game Balls for the Nittany Lions’ win over Minnesota

Coming off of a rough loss to Michigan, Penn State Football welcomed the Minnesota Golden Gophers to Happy Valley. Saturday night’s game against Minnesota was one that Penn State knew they had to win to get back on track, and boy did they ever.

Last week, Penn State lost to Michigan, 41-17. Although expected, it was a really bad loss for the Nittany Lions. However, this week was much better. Penn State routed Minnesota and defeated the Golden Gophers, 45-17.

This was a confidence booster that Penn State was looking for and thankfully was able to get. Like every game, we at Victory Bell Rings have some game balls to give out.

Offense – Sean Clifford, QB

Following his … just bad … performance at Michigan, Sean Clifford was able to get back on track in tonight’s game with a massive performance. Clifford finished the night with 23 completions on 31 attempts, for 295 yards.

He did however throw one interception, but more importantly, he threw for four touchdown passes. When Clifford does well, the entire offense does well. Tonight was no different. Clifford and the Penn State offense exploded today in the best way possible, for Penn State Football fans.

Most importantly, we know that this game was needed following last week’s tough game. It all starts at the quarterback, and when Clifford is on his game, nobody misses. Theo Johnson, Parker Washington, Mitchell Tinsley, and Tyler Warren all got on the board with one touchdown reception apiece.

Defense – Curtis Jacobs, LB

Curtis Jacobs played a great defensive game today. Jacobs led the team in tackles, picking up 14 total tackles on the day, off of seven solos, and seven assists. He also managed to pick up two big tackles for losses.

Against Michigan, Jacobs had five total tackles off of three solos and two assists. This was a massive jump up from last week. Jacobs is arguably one of the best defensive players on the Nittany Lions, and he doesn’t disappoint.

On the year now, Jacobs has 22 total tackles, one sack, and one interception. Jacobs will wreak havoc for opposing quarterbacks, and he is showing why he’s just as good as any other linebacker, if not better, in college football.

Special Teams – Barney Amor, P

What else is new? Do I even have to give an explanation for this one? Well, here it goes. Barney Amor has an iron leg. On the night, Amor punted four times, picking up 169 yards over the course of his punts. That’s nearly 170 yards off punts, on just four kicks. That’s insanity.

Amor averaged 42.3 yards per punt, and just completely led Penn State’s special teams. Tonight’s victory was a team victory altogether. It was one that Penn State and its fans needed, and they didn’t disappoint. Penn State welcomes Ohio State to Happy Valley next Saturday in what is sure to be a good one.