Guided by past, Sean Clifford keeps Penn State grounded in pursuit of goals
Auburn, Ala. – So much of Sean Clifford’s reputation has been built upon the concept of consistency. Penn State’s quarterback has had the willpower to develop it and, in his sixth year in the program, the time.
In key ways, though, the 24-year-old has taken a decidedly different tack in his final season as a Nittany Lion. Tempering the public aspirations that have at times hurt him, Clifford is worried only about the here and now.
Moments after leading Penn State to a dominant 41-12 win over Auburn on Saturday afternoon at Jordan-Hare Stadium, that again crystallized.
“I’m not gonna get into what we can do in the future. Just because, I’ve done that before and I feel like that would be doing this team a disservice,” Clifford said. “It’s all about staying in the present. We want to go 1-0. And that starts tomorrow.”
Against the Tigers, Clifford and the Nittany Lions left no doubt to that end.
His 14-of-19 completions for 178 yards were part of a 232-yard day through the air on the whole. On the ground, Nick Singleton’s 10 carries for two touchdowns and 124 yards was part of a massive afternoon. The Nittany Lions finished with 39 carries for 245 yards and five touchdowns.
More important than any stat page production was the reality of Penn State’s afternoon in the Deep South. Stunning an “Orange Out” crowd of Auburn fans, a close first half transformed into something of a cakewalk.
And with it, so too did the budding confidence of the Penn State team Clifford has been tasked with leading. Acknowledging that upturn following the win, his message blended an appreciation for what had just transpired against the growth that is still necessary.
“It is definitely special. But at the same time, we talked in the locker room. This is just another step,” Clifford said. “We’ve been here. We’ve been 3-0 before and that’s not the goal. It’s about going 1-0 every single day, stacking days. And then hopefully at the end of the season, we can talk about where we’re at.”
The past three seasons, that has meant a variety of different things for Clifford personally. First taking the reins as Penn State’s starting quarterback in 2019, his third year in the program, the Nittany Lions leaped to an 8-0 record and CFP initial ranking before a 2-2 finish soured the start.
Following up with the disappointment of the 2020 season, one in which he was briefly benched for his initial poor performances, and the rollercoaster of 2021, again climbing as high as No. 4 nationally before ultimately finishing 7-6 on the year, Clifford shouldered many of the criticisms that came with it.
Greeted by a dramatically different subset of Penn State fans following Saturday’s game, Clifford screamed in joy as one corner of the stadium roared with approval. But, he hadn’t forgotten the perspective he’s gained along the way.
“I’ve had ups and downs. But, I’m not going to shy away from not living up to the standard in the past. 2020 wasn’t the standard. I thought that we fell off last year after we were a highly touted team,” Clifford said. “Penn State fans just want to see wins, and I understand that, and that’s what I’m here to do. And that’s what this team is here to do.
“So it just feels really good to be able to come out here against Auburn, a great football team, and get this win.”
Enjoying the latest small chapter of success in a saga of a story, Penn State head coach James Franklin credited Clifford as “a tough kid” who has “been through a lot, both physically and mentally.” Proud of the effort produced in the win over the Tigers, but also through the many stages of Clifford’s career, it’s a moment savored.
And, on Sunday in State College, Pa., it will also be a moment forgotten. He is determined to maximize the opportunity of a season that has started 3-0. And to do so, he is keeping his focus narrowed.
“This isn’t about me, this isn’t about one person. This is about Penn State, this is about us getting back to who we are,” Clifford said. “And in my last year, I wouldn’t want it any other way.”
