Three Takeaways from Penn State Football's big Rose Bowl win

Three Takeaways from Penn State Football’s big Rose Bowl win

Jan 2, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin celebrates with the trophy on the podium after the Penn State Nittany Lions defeated the Utah Utes in the 109th Rose Bowl game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 2, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Sean Clifford (14) Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Sean Clifford went out the right way

There may not be a more scrutinized player in Penn State football history than Sean Clifford.

The sixth-year quarterback has had his fair share of ups and downs over his long career, but he ended on a high note.

Clifford went 16-21 for 279 yards and two touchdowns in the Rose Bowl. His numbers may have been even better if it wasn’t for a couple drops. While statistically it wasn’t, this truly felt like Clifford’s best game as a Nittany Lion.

He perfectly orchestrated an offense that was missing its two starting tackles and leading receiver and put up 35 points on one of the most feared defenses in the nation.

Through all of the criticism, Clifford stayed the course and helped lead this team to the Rose Bowl and an 11-2 record. He also earned offensive MVP of the Rose Bowl, the perfect ending to his career.

When the lights were the brightest, Clifford was up to the task and gave Penn State fans one last great memory from his long career at Penn State.

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