Sean Clifford passes Trace McSorley for most 4+ touchdown games in Penn State history

During Penn State’s blowout loss to Michigan, Sean Clifford left the game with an apparent injury. In his place, a five-star recruit and true freshman Drew Allar came into the game. Even though Allar didn’t change Penn State’s luck against Michigan, this renewed calls for Allar to start over Clifford.

For Penn State’s White Out Game against Minnesota, head coach James Franklin decided to stick with Sean Clifford. He would be rewarded for the decision. Clifford threw for 295 yards and four touchdowns in a 45-17 win for the Nittany Lions.

Along the way, Sean Clifford set a new passing record at Penn State.

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According to Tom VanHaaren, who used ESPN Stats & Info, this was Sean Clifford’s fifth game with four touchdown passes. That is a new career passing record for Penn State. Trace McSorley held the previous record of four games with at least four touchdown passes.

This is Sean Clifford’s sixth season at Penn State and his fourth as the primary starter. Ultimately, he has limited potential compared to someone like Drew Allar. However, he brings experience, and with that comes a higher floor and, generally, fewer mistakes.

The Nittany Lions are 6-1 and ranked 13th in the AP Poll. Penn State’s next game will be at home against Ohio State.

James Franklin trusts Sean Clifford

Penn State head coach James Franklin hears the calls to move on from Sean Clifford and on to Drew Allar. However, he’s made it clear that he has no intention of making a change at quarterback.

“But yeah, nothing has changed with the plan or the model at this at this stage…There’s a lot of different things that I would say. I think number one that’s the wrong message. That’s the wrong signal. And Sean has earned the right to be on the field,” James Franklin said before the Minnesota game.

“I think there are tons of examples not only at Penn State, but across the country, where you do everything you possibly can to win the next week. And I think some of those approaches aren’t necessarily about winning this week.”