Sean Clifford sums up emotions of Rose Bowl win, final game for Penn State

Quarterback Sean Clifford has been in the Penn State program for a long time now, joining as a member of the 2017 recruiting class. He first saw the field a year later and eventually became the starter during the 2019 season. There have been some ups and downs but Clifford will end his Nittany Lion career at an all-time high.

Penn State was able to defeat Utah in the Rose Bowl on Monday afternoon, earning an 11th win of the season. Only dropping games against Michigan and Ohio State — the two Big Ten College Football Playoff teams — nothing was more special to Clifford than getting a win to close out his long career in Happy Valley.

“It’s an absolute blessing,” Clifford said when speaking to ESPN’s Rece Davis. “Just looking at all of my teammates right now, everybody is so happy. I just can’t be more excited for them, more excited for this fan base. We’re really doing something, let’s go.”

Clifford was special against the Utes, throwing for 279 yards and two touchdowns on 16 of 21 passing. He was the leader for Penn State from beginning to end, getting just the second Rose Bowl win in program history.

At least a small snippet of his performance will be remembered as well. To open the fourth quarter, Clifford connected with KeAndre Lambert-Smith for the longest passing touchdown in the history of the Rose Bowl.

As Penn State moves into the post-Clifford era, there is a lot of hope for James Franklin moving forward. There is a ton of young talent on the roster, including Clifford’s apparent successor, former On3 Consensus five-star prospect Drew Allar.

Sean Clifford leaves as a Penn State legend

You could tell how much Clifford meant to the Penn State program as the Rose Bowl was ending. Franklin gave the quarterback the opportunity to leave the field in style, getting a moment for himself. Coaches, teammates, and trainers greeted him on the sideline, while fans were appreciative from the stands.

Clifford was there during some dark times, including the 2020 season. Penn State did not finish the 2021 season in a positive manner either, losing six of eight games. Instead of moving on, Clifford decided to come back for one more go and it paid off in a big way.

Penn State fans already viewed the quarterback in high regard and Monday afternoon will just add to his legacy.