Kaytron Allen’s powerful running style can send a message to opponents. The quarterback was in uniform but did not attempt a pass during the brief media practice viewing window on Wednesday.ħ. Once Penn State found out there wasn’t any structural damage to the quarterback’s undisclosed injury and that it would just be about pain management, Franklin said they felt better about Clifford’s chances of playing. Clifford’s availability was a concern this week after he left the Michigan game and subsequently missed one day of practice because of soreness, Franklin said. “I feel like we’re at our best with tempo.”Īfter Clifford completed a 9-yard pass to Washington to convert a fourth-and-3, Penn State pushed the tempo and Minnesota left Tinsley uncovered for a 20-yard touchdown. “Being able to use tempo to our to our advantage is key,” Washington said. When the offense started clicking - it scored touchdowns on the first four drives of the second half - it also was able to get back to using tempo. “I do think when Parker Washington touches the ball a bunch and when our tight ends touched the ball a bunch, I think, you know, we’re at our best,” Franklin said.ĥ. His 35-yard touchdown snag was part of a night in which he led the team with eight targets and finished with seven receptions for 70 yards. 1 receiver but came into Saturday with 23 receptions for 318 yards and zero touchdowns. Washington’s production wasn’t anywhere near where it was expected to be in the first half of the season. It was one of the best throws Franklin said he’s seen his quarterback make under duress. Before Clifford got rocked while delivering a jump ball to Washington, who corralled it for his first touchdown of the season, the receiver said he smiled knowing he was going to have a chance to make a play. This game could be a nice springboard for Washington. … I was definitely irritated (at myself) a little bit.”Ĥ. “I wasn’t really aware of the sticks at the time. “It was an easy first down and I could’ve just fallen forward,” Tinsley said. Penn State could’ve captured momentum right there but didn’t. Faced with third-and-5 at the Penn State 30, Clifford hit Tinsley for a 4-yard gain. The play that Clifford said could’ve allowed the offense to break this game open even earlier came on the first third down. “I thought that we played a really clean game, to be honest with you.” “It was just kind of like just didn’t work out a couple of the plays,” he said. He said he wouldn’t even call them “stalled drives.” Clifford, however, said he wasn’t overly concerned about the first three series. While the turnaround after such a shaky start for the offense was notable, the Nittany Lions can’t afford to have a first-quarter lull like this next Saturday when Ohio State comes to town. There are so many weapons on this offense, and it finally felt like Penn State was able to get all of them involved.ģ. That came to fruition on Saturday night, despite the slow start. Clifford finished with nine completions of 17 yards for more.įor weeks, Franklin has mentioned that the offense needs to be more explosive in the passing game. During the first half Saturday, he completed 6-for-9 throws with 15-plus air yards. Per TruMedia, Clifford entered Saturday having completed just 9-of-35 passes thrown at least 15 yards downfield. What was notable about Clifford’s performance was those explosive passes. Clifford threw four touchdowns and had the lone first-quarter interception. If was the first of many explosive passes for Clifford, who completed 23-of-31 attempts for 295 yards. Clifford hit Johnson across the middle, and the 6-foot-6, 260-pounder turned it into a 25-yard gain that set up Penn State’s first points on a field goal. The moment that jumpstarted the offense was a third-and-9 completion from Clifford to tight end Theo Johnson. Suddenly, this group went from stagnant to explosive and won back the home crowd. To the credit of Penn State and Clifford, the offense met the moment. We gotta be ready next week.”ĭuring those three unsuccessful series for the offense, it felt like this season was at a tipping point. “The crowd was ready for a big game, so it was just one of those deals. “I know the expectations are high,” Washington said. Yes, the players heard many of the announced crowd of 109,813, who very loudly let the offense have it after a rough start.
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