Penn State football: 5 questions the Nittany Lions must answer in 2020

1. Can Sean Clifford deliver a Big Ten title for Penn State football fans?

Sean Clifford took over the starting quarterback job in the 2019 season after the departure of Trace McSorley. Clifford has a more live arm than his predecessor but does offer the same type of dual-threat ability — perhaps in a different style — that McSorley gave to the Nittany Lions. And in his first season in the spotlight, the signal-caller performed quite well.

In 12 games, Clifford entered the fray and showed up by going 189-for-319 with 2,654 yards, 23 touchdowns and only seven interceptions. He also ran for 402 yards and five touchdowns on 116 carries (second on the team in that regard). Despite a change at offensive coordinator, Clifford will likely play a similar role in the new system, using both his arm and legs.

As mentioned previously, Clifford will have help in relation to a run game with Brown and a safety valve with Freiermuth. Of course, he will also need the young wide receivers to come up big for him and give him assistance. But at the end of the day, the quarterback needs to prove himself to be a great player.

It’s been said many times that a great quarterback makes everyone around him better. Clifford flashed that type of potential last year and, with experience and plenty of talent around him, he needs to realize that in full force this season. If he does, the Nittany Lions could end up as Big Ten champions, even with the loaded top of the conference.

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