Report: Penn State OT Olu Fashanu to miss Rose Bowl with injury

Penn State star offensive tackle Olu Fashanu is not expected to play today in Rose Bowl against Utah, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel. He was expected to be a game-time decision but after warmups, it was decided that he wasn’t healthy enough to suit up.

Fashanu missed the final four games of the regular season. PSU head coach James Franklin said there was no rush in getting the former four-star recruit back onto the field with such a bright future ahead of him.

The decision to sit hurts, but isn’t the end of the road for Fashanu as a Nittany Lion. The redshirt sophomore announced prior to the Rose Bowl that he will return to Penn State next season, where he’ll look to continue his upward trend as one of the top offensive tackle prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Sean Clifford excited to have the opportunity to represent Penn State one final time

Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford has had an impressive season, taking his team all the way to the Rose Bowl, which will be the final game he plays in his college career. While it is the final time he gets to take the field in a Penn State uniform, Clifford said it has not been tough to block out the emotions.

“Not really. I think that, you know, maybe just because of how old I am, six years, it’s a long time,” Clifford said. “So realistically, I’m excited for my last game. I’m excited to represent Penn State one more time and do it in a big fashion like the Rose Bowl. So can’t ask for anything more. Realistically, I’m having a blast and enjoying every moment of it.”

Clifford’s time at Penn State has definitely been memorable. He’s been through some ups and downs at the quarterback position, but he currently holds multiple program records. Clifford is the all-time program leader in completions (817), passing yards (10,382) and passing touchdowns (84). He also has the most pass attempts in program history with 1,335, and his .612 completion percentage ranks at No. 1 as well.

In his time at Penn State, Clifford has also been a part of some very fun teams in school history. The Nittany Lions were 41-19 during Clifford’s time and went to four bowl games, including a Cotton Bowl win in 2019. Clifford will no doubt remember those moments and is eager to close out his career in this big game.

“It’s been a blast. It’s been nothing but fun,” Clifford said. “We’ve had a few days to be able to kind of relax, practice a little bit, have some lifts, but at the same time just really focus on being around the team and camaraderie and everything. Today is going to be our first padded practice, back at it truly. Really excited to get back out there. It’s been a blessing, it really has, just to be able to represent Penn State one more time, be able to do it on such a big stage like the Rose Bowl. It’s just so much fun to be here and be with the teammates I love and appreciate.”

Clifford will take the field one last time on Monday in the Rose Bowl, leading Penn State against Utah at 5 p.m. ET.