After three long years, the Blue-White Game was back in Beaver Stadium.

This year’s edition saw a different format than usual, with Team Blue (defense) defeating Team White (offense) 17-13.

While fans were eager to see Penn State’s incoming class, James Franklin’s veterans had a great day on the gridiron. Here are some of our top takeaways from the game:

The New Format Was Confusing

James Franklin introduced a different format to this year’s Blue-White Game, based on a points system from an offense vs. defense scrimmage. While the eight segments on the field felt more like a traditional game, the entire format of the event was hard to follow at times.

There were random times when the offense, defense, or special teams did different drills in between segments, and it was unclear if any of that counted toward the scoring of the game. Most fans probably missed the traditional spring game format, including James Franklin.

“I would prefer it to be the spring game,” Franklin said in his postgame media availability. “When you step into the stadium and have 60,000 fans, I want to know which young players can handle that…I want the fan base excited going into next year.”

Sean Clifford Emerged As Clear Starter

As if we there weren’t enough signs pointing to this already, it’s safe to say that Sean Clifford deserves the starting job in the fall. While fans were excited to see true freshmen Drew Allar and Beau Pribula, it seems that Sean Clifford and even Christian Veilleux have separated themselves in the quarterback room for now. Clifford didn’t see as much action as his three younger counterparts, but he looked calm, steady, and confident.

Veilleux also had a solid day. He only completed five of 14 passes for 75 yards, but he looked great in the team’s drills, similar to Clifford. Heading into the game, Allar had the potential to be the big storyline but struggled on the field, completing six of 14 passes with two interceptions. Even though it’s clear that Sean Clifford will be QB1 heading into the fall, it will be interesting to see if who gets the backup job between Veilleux, Allar, and even Pribula.

Penn State’s Freshmen Showed Out

It’s reasonable to have high expectations for a top-ranked incoming class, and Penn State’s freshmen lived up to the hype today.

Freshman running back Kaytron Allen had a respectable performance today, gaining 29 yards on eight rushing attempts. Nick Singleton showed off his power and speed in a few of the 7-on-7 drills, and Kaden Saunders registered three receptions for 18 yards. Redshirt freshman Harrison Wallace III had the play of the day when he showed off his vertical to catch a pass from Chirstian Veilleux for a touchdown.

You know this, but it's great to see in action:@PennStateFball's Trey Wallace (@iam_trey_10) has serious ups. pic.twitter.com/KcKEE0VCuV

— Penn State On BTN (@PennStateOnBTN) April 23, 2022

On the defensive side of the ball, redshirt freshmen Bobby Walchak and Dominic DeLuca each registered an interception, while DeLuca also recorded a sack on the day.

Redshirt freshman Gabriel Nwosu showed off his special teams skills today, as the 278-pound punter kicked some balls that had some serious hang time.

.@PennStateFball has a 6-6, 278-pound punter.

His name is @GabrielNwosu33, and he can get some hang time. #ForTheBrand pic.twitter.com/t3O5GLuWK0

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) April 23, 2022

Keyvone Lee Is Poised For Potential Breakout Season

While Singleton and Allen had a lot of the attention today, sophomore running back Keyvone Lee had a great day on the gridiron. The Florida native recorded 32 yards on the ground on 8 attempts, with a few powerful runs to cut through the defense. With Lee possibly leading the way, Penn State’s running back room will be stacked heading into the fall, once again.