Michigan Football: 3 Reasons Wolverines Beat Penn State
By Josh LaFond
Sean Clifford can’t win this game single handily
Sean Clifford is the epitome of “good, not great”.
He’s a Penn State legend already in his career, having been with the program for six years, and starting for four of them. But when it comes to the big game, he’s shaky at best.
Michigan fans will remember him in 2019 on the road in Happy Valley having the game in reach and chances to capitalize, but seeing Clifford arm-punt deep shots to wide-receiver KJ Hamler, and tight end Pat Freiermuth that eventually saw the Nittany Lions win that game.
By contrast, last season, Wolverine fans witnessed Clifford fold in winning time. Missing shots to former star receiver Jahan Dotson, holding on to the ball too long, making errant decisions in the pocket, and eventually contributing (in large part) to the stagnation of the offense.
Why do I mention all that?
Because even at his best — as witnessed in that 2019 game — he still can’t win it on his own.
Penn State will want running back Nick Singleton to lead the charge and let Clifford take deep shots off of play action, and utilize his legs in the run game. And hey, that’s fine, but we’ve seen what Clifford can do.
When push comes to shove he hasn’t shown he can get it done drive in and drive out against an elite team, and that’s what Penn State will need from under center if they hope to win on Saturday.