Quarterback tops list of Lions’ problems
Penn State has a laundry list of issues to address after the second 0-4 start in school history.
The Nittany Lions need their defense to start games faster, to make more impactful plays and to improve its tackling.
They need more precision and more production when the offense is inside the opponents’ 20-yard line and better play-calling in that area.
Above all else, though, they need more efficient and decisive play from the quarterback position.
Will Levis came off the bench and gave that to Penn State on Saturday in its 30-23 loss at Nebraska. He protected the football, looked poised and nearly brought the Lions back from a 21-point deficit.
That can’t be said this season about the guy he replaced.
Sean Clifford is a fierce competitor who’s willing to put his body on the line for his teammates. He’s been quick to shoulder blame after defeats.
Clifford, however, has not protected the ball. He’s committed eight turnovers in 13-plus quarters this season, which have led to 20 points in one-score games against Indiana and Nebraska (10 in each game).
He’s rarely looked calm in the pocket. He hasn’t seen or thrown to open receivers, including tight end Brenton Strange in the end zone on the first play of the second quarter on Saturday.
After Clifford lost a fum
ble that was returned for a touchdown and after Penn State had fallen behind 243, coach James Franklin replaced his starting quarterback in midgame for the first time in his seven years with the Lions.
Levis entered and breathed life into the offense, which looked crisper and more energetic. He led Penn State to 20 of its 23 points and helped put the offense in position to tie the game twice in the fourth quarter.
“There’s no doubt about it, he went in and gave us a spark,” Franklin said. “He made plays in the passing game. He did a good job of managing the game overall and he made some good throws, so we’re going to have to build on that.”
Frank lin, of course, wouldn’t say immediately after Saturday’s loss at Nebraska whether he plans to
replace Clifford with Levis. He and his staff will discuss what to do before their next game against Iowa.
Defensive end Jayson Oweh and linebacker Jesse Luketa were effusive in their praise of Levis.
“He just brought a great dynamic to it,” Oweh said. “I love Will. I love what he brings to the game. He’s a tough runner. He’s smart. He believes in himself.
“We knew that he was gonna give it his all on the offensive side, so we had to give it our all. ... I just hope that he keeps going up.”
Luketa said: “His play did everything that we needed from an energy and juice standpoint. He was out there having fun. He was poised. He looked very comfortable and he did his job. Seeing him out there doing what I know he can do was exciting for me.”
Levis might not be the passer that Clifford is, espe
cially in tight space near the end zone. But in his last 11 games, Clifford has completed just 55.7% of his passes with 19 touchdowns, 11 interceptions and has lost three fumbles
He does not look comfortable in the pocket, perhaps because he’s been sacked 31 times in his last 11 games. Can he regain his confidence?
Franklin faces a difficult decision. Clifford is a team captain who has experience and led Penn State to 10 wins last season. Levis did well in relief of the injured Clifford last year at Ohio State and then the entire game against Rutgers.
Franklin could lose Clifford or lose the team. It’s not an ideal situation, but this is where the Lions are. Perhaps it was no coincidence that they outscored Nebraska 20-3 with Levis and outgained the Cornhuskers
310-95 in the second half.
“I think Will did really well,” tight end Pat Freiermuth said. “He came in and gave us a spark. That’s what he wanted to do and that’s what we needed him to do. I’m proud of him for stepping into a tough situation
and getting the job done.
“We did a great job of executing our game plan in the second half. That goes back to Will coming in. We have to go back and figure some stuff out.”
The quarterback position is at the top of the list.