Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford ready to 'play his tail off' against Rutgers, James Franklin says
Penn State coach James Franklin stated the obvious on Tuesday: His quarterback, Sean Clifford, was “beat up” in Saturday’s loss to Michigan.
Clifford did not speak to reporters following the 21-17 setback at Beaver Stadium. The veteran Nittany Lions passer was sacked seven times and hit on numerous other occasions during the defeat.
“I’m proud of Sean,” Franklin said. “Sean’s a competitor. He’s tough. He’s given everything he can to this program, and this university, and his teammates. But, he was beat up. He’s getting hit too many times.”
Some of the sacks Clifford took were of his own doing in the sense that he held onto the ball too long. In other instances, he had no hope of avoiding a terrific Michigan pass rush that bested the Penn State blocked on too many occasions throughout the game. It’s been something of a reoccurring problem this year that dates back to the Iowa game. Clifford left that game early, of course, and never returned. He then played against Illinois but clearly was not 100 percent during the loss. The senior looked better against both Ohio State and Michigan, but it’s not fair to wonder how he’s doing now after such a brutal contest from a physicality standpoint.
Better offensive line play, especially in pass protection, would help. The quarterback knows that he must make protecting himself a priority, as well. And a more effective rushing attack would help, too.
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“We have got to be more physical in the running game,” Franklin said. “There’s nobody that works harder at it than [offensive line coach Phil] Trautwein, all offseason and all in season, and the players as well.
“I think at times we’ve done some pretty good things against some of the better defenses in college football. But, we got to be better. I know those guys are busting their tails to do a great job. We’ll do that again this week, and try to build on it.”
One thing is a certainty with Clifford: If he can play, he will, and won’t leave anything out on the field. Penn State needs him to because it does not have an option to turn to that it has confidence in behind him. That much is clear. From the sounds of it, though, that won’t be a problem when Rutgers visits for a Noon kick on Saturday. Big Ten Network will televise the contest from Beaver Stadium, where it will also be Senior Day.
“He is battling his tail off, and I love him, and I’m super proud of him,” Franklin said.
“I know he’s going to have a great week of practice this week, and I know he’ll do the same thing and play his tail off on Saturday.”
