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Analyzing Post-Maryland Reactions For Penn State Football

Penn State is coming off a dominant 30-0 shutout victory over Maryland on Saturday in Beaver Stadium.

In that game, Sean Clifford broke Penn State’s all-time passing record, which was previously held by Trace McSorley. True freshman Nick Singleton popped off, racking up 122 rushing yards and two touchdowns to average 11.1 yards per carry. Abdul Carter also got in on the action with a sack and three solo tackles.

Of course, every game could bring up a ton of questions and takes. So, let’s look into some of them.

‘One Of Nick Singleton Or Kaytron Allen Will Eventually Transfer’

Frankie Marzano: I don’t want to say that it’s definite, but I could see it happening. Given today’s college football environment, one of them could find a better fit for themselves at another school where they’d be the bonafide starter. It’s reasonable to believe that running backs don’t want to be in a 1A, 1B situation.

Ryan Parsons: Maybe, but not because of playtime. The one-two punch Penn State has going right now is giving them both plenty of shine. This is a hot take and not even one that crossed my mind.

Sam Fremin: I doubt it. Penn State has proven able to hold two strong running backs. Do you remember Saquon Barkley and Miles Sanders? There’s enough to go around for both running backs. James Franklin’s penchant for rotation is long proven.

Gabe Angieri: I’m not really worried about this at all. I think there will be plenty of playing time to go around for the two young stars. It’s not like this is a Christian Veilleux or Beau Pribula situation.

‘Sean Clifford’s Penn State Legacy Deserves More Respect’

Frankie Marzano: I think it does. Whether or not you think he’s a terrible quarterback (he isn’t), I think Penn State fans lose sight of the fact that Clifford truly cares about the program and gives Nittany Nation his all every Saturday. Especially given how he has handled himself this year, it’s hard not to respect the guy and what he’s done for the program over the last few years.

Ryan Parsons: Securing a 10 or 11-win season is not exactly a given these days. If Clifford could do that this year, as all signs are pointed to, he should go down as much more successful than fans are making him out to be. He’s been a tremendous role model for the program on and off the field and has been a class act amid the Drew Allar debates. Give the man his flowers.

Sam Fremin: Yes it does. Clifford has his flaws — obvious ones at that. He also has some holes on his resume. But the idea that he is not one of the better quarterbacks in Penn State’s history is surprising to me.

Gabe Angieri: I’ve been saying this for weeks. Clifford is simply a player fans love to hate. It gets to be pretty nauseating at times, to be honest. The guy has been a good college quarterback during his time at Penn State. It screams “casual” when fans blame him for every little thing that goes wrong for the Nittany Lions.

‘Abdul Carter Should Start The Rest Of The Season’

Frankie Marzano: He should definitely start. Abdul Carter is a beast. I know it’s hard to get him on the field with Curtis Jacobs also playing well in the same position, but James Franklin should at least figure out a way to get him on the field more if he isn’t going to start. He has shown flashes of Micah Parsons this season, which is pretty cool.

Ryan Parsons: Big Base time.

Sam Fremin: Yeah, he should. Earlier this season, Franklin explained why getting him on the field might be difficult, but with Carter’s recent string of performances, I don’t see how you can keep him off the field. Carter is probably Penn State’s best linebacker at this point. He’s at least the flashiest.

Gabe Angieri: I’ve always been a big advocate for developing a system around your personnel rather than trying to get your personnel to fit into a specific system. Abdul Carter is very good at football and should be on the field more often than not. It’s on the coaching staff to make that happen.

‘It Would Be Better To See Penn State In Lower-Tiered Bowl Against Better Opponent’

Frankie Marzano: It really depends on the circumstances. I’d love to see Penn State in the Rose Bowl above all, no matter who it plays. Seeing a matchup against Clemson in the Orange Bowl would be cool, too. But, if the Nittany Lions were to play in the Cotton Bowl against another school like Memphis or UCF, I’d rather see them play an Alabama in the Citrus Bowl. If they can beat the Crimson Tide, not many people will remember that it was in the Citrus Bowl, as the win itself would be much more important.

Ryan Parsons: I think securing a New Year’s Six bid would go a long way in terms of program trajectory, especially given how the last two years have played out. So what if it’s not against a “better” team? We’ve had our fair share of SEC matchups with Auburn and Arkansas recently.

Sam Fremin: It depends. If you’re trying to placate the fans, I’d want the New Year’s Six Bowl — easy. If you’re trying to prepare this season for what could be a special season next year, I’d want a stronger opponent. Iron sharpens iron. The sanitized bowl environment doesn’t anymore. Sorry, traditionalists.

Gabe Angieri: I personally think a New Year’s Six bid would be a significant step for this team. After a mediocre last two years, bouncing back this year with a premiere bowl game appearance would really help the program in both the short and long term, in my opinion.

‘Penn State’s Last Two Wins Show This Team Is Different’

Frankie Marzano: They do. Unfortunately, many Penn State fans are used to seeing the Nittany Lions fold after one, especially two, losses in the season. Coming out and dominating Indiana and Maryland after a heartbreaking loss to Ohio State is impressive for this team, and it shows its maturity and the steps taken forward from last season. It’s hard to complain about the potential of having a 10-2 season.

Ryan Parsons: Man, I really believe Penn State outplayed Ohio State. It just tripped itself up at the worst possible moments and has been clicking on all cylinders ever since. That Maryland team is a lot better than folks are making it out to be.

Sam Fremin: I really believe so. Penn State is closer to the team that played Ohio State than the one that played Michigan. Say what you will about that, but I believe the team is stronger than they’ve been given credit for.

Gabe Angieri: It depends on what “different” means here. It was silly for anyone to write off the season following the losses to Michigan or Ohio State. I’ve said it plenty of times over the past couple of weeks, but this program isn’t Alabama. A 10-2 season without a trip to the College Football Playoff still means something. Just look at the past two seasons. I’ll never understand the viewpoint that the season means nothing at this point.

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About the Author

Staff

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