Penn State quarterback room has best possible options with Sean Clifford returning: Analysis

Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford is returning for the 2022 college football season.

The Ohio native announced on Friday that he would play a sixth and final season for the Nittany Lions. He did so as practices are underway for a New Year’s Day Outback Bowl matchup with Arkansas to end the 2021 season.

“I will be returning to Penn State to play one more season in the Blue & White,” Clifford wrote in a statement sharing the news. “I could not pass up the chance to be with this family and play the game I love again. The opportunity to play alongside my brother, Liam, and the rest of my brothers on the team made the decision easy.

“I am extremely excited to finish the season strong in Tampa and then go to work with such a great group again!”

Breaking down Sean Clifford’s decision

Penn State has won a New Year’s Six bowl with Clifford at the helm. It’s also had a 4-5 2020 season and a 7-5 finish to this year’s regular season slate.

Clifford has battled injuries during his time in blue and white. His toughness cannot be questioned. There are too many instances of him getting hit and then getting right back up and taking the next snap to count. He’s also made more game-winning plays than many will give him credit for.

On the other hand, accuracy has at times been an issue for the veteran member of head coach James Franklin’s roster. Holding the ball too long in the pocket has been, too. Can another offseason with offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich smooth out those bumps?

Time will tell.

For Clifford, his choice to come back undoubtedly was impacted by the super-season Pitt quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist Kenny Pickett had after making a similar decision a year ago. And, as Clifford’s statement said, playing with his brother, receiver Liam, had to be enticing, too.

Add to those things the unlikelihood of Clifford finding an NFL home anywhere before late on Day 3 or as an undrafted free agent next spring, and the move makes sense for him on a number of levels.

Over three years as the starter, Clifford has thrown for 7,644 yards and sports a 61-to-22 touchdown-to-interception ratio. He also has a 60.9 percent career completion percentage mark and 10 rushing touchdowns.

What Clifford’s decision means for Penn State

Immediate social media reactions from fans were mixed. Some celebrated the news. Others felt like it was time for Penn State to move on under center.

The reality of the situation is clear, however. With no Clifford, the Lions would enter spring practice with a pair of players who’ve only seen significant game action once in Christian Veilleux and Ta’Quan Roberson. That, of course, assumes neither hits the transfer portal this offseason.

It is true that the Nittany Lions have a pair of stellar Class of 2022 quarterbacks set to sign and enroll in January. Medina, Ohio native Drew Allar is an On3 Consensus five-star. York, Pa., passer Beau Pribula carries a four-star rating.

While it’s not out of the question that any of those four players could win the job, it’s also a fact that, sans Clifford, Penn State would have almost certainly needed a veteran quarterback from the transfer portal. And, as we know, finding one is by no means a guarantee.

Penn State was facing three options in 2022: Find a portal starter; go with a first-time starter; or have Clifford return and lead the way unless someone can pass him.

Many will not think the third option is best for Penn State. From this point of view, it is, as the Lions aim to be better on offense next season and beyond. If one of the others passes Clifford, then many fans’ opinions will be validated. Plus, a veteran backup will still be on the roster. If not, then the Lions enter a grueling opening stretch with a battle-tested, multi-year starter at quarterback.

“Fired up!!!” Yurcich tweeted. “Let’s Go!”