Given that Sean Clifford is returning for a 6th year - how do you see QB being handled?

[blion72]

I was a little surprised that CV did not see any action until SC was taken out for medical reasons (per coach Franklin SC was taken out by medical staff). By the coach's statement, I assume that SC would have stayed in the entire game if he had not been taken out medically. I really thought that given all our opt outs that we were a long shot to win this game, so why not have CV play some. I think it is fine that SC comes back for 6th year, but not under the assumption that he can just stay in every game start to finish no matter what. If we are truly trying to develop the QB position and its depth, we need to provide actual playing opportunities for CV, BP and DA. We also should not have a situation where there is no real competition for QB playing time - so if SC is not the best player he needs to start to sit. To me there is no value in having 3 guys spend every game watching SC. Even Harbaugh used an elite FR QB to replace his starter at key moments.

What do you foresee happening in 2022 at QB?

 

[psu31trap]

Once he gets reps with his new offense I see a big upside.

 

[ManxomeLion]

Sure seems like Franklin has a history of going with the starter, it's a shame because it means Allar won't get any meaningful playing time until 2023.

 

[DGSVeniceFL]

With this head coach? More of the same.
it will be “we have some things to work on. We will get it fixed”. It will look like this again in 2022. The same line will be said again. Rinse and repeat.

No one will get any chance until Clifford leaves or gets hurt.

 

[Psu00]

Sure seems like Franklin has a history of going with the starter, it's a shame because it means Allar won't get any meaningful playing time until 2023.

The question is will that be at PSU or will he portal somewhere else to get that playing time?

 

[Big_O]

One word answer to your question. Poorly.

 

[JoeBot409]

The job should not be handed to Clifford. Another 7 wins next year in year 9 then break in new QB in year 10. Five wins 2020, seven wins 2021, not optimistic 2022, and question mark for 2023. Not looking good for Franklin. He fizzled out. We all know it.

 

[Karl_Racki]

Sure seems like Franklin has a history of going with the starter, it's a shame because it means Allar won't get any meaningful playing time until 2023.

This is why Allar should just portal. I would hate to see it, but if he is as good as advertised, he should be the starter from Day 1. I loved SC and have the most respect for him, but we are where we are with him at the helm.

 

[BobPSU92]

It’s Clifford’s job to lose.

 

[PSUJam]

This is why Allar should just portal. I would hate to see it, but if he is as good as advertised, he should be the starter from Day 1. I loved SC and have the most respect for him, but we are where we are with him at the helm.

Great take.

 

[Lionville]

I was a little surprised that CV did not see any action until SC was taken out for medical reasons (per coach Franklin SC was taken out by medical staff). By the coach's statement, I assume that SC would have stayed in the entire game if he had not been taken out medically. I really thought that given all our opt outs that we were a long shot to win this game, so why not have CV play some. I think it is fine that SC comes back for 6th year, but not under the assumption that he can just stay in every game start to finish no matter what. If we are truly trying to develop the QB position and its depth, we need to provide actual playing opportunities for CV, BP and DA. We also should not have a situation where there is no real competition for QB playing time - so if SC is not the best player he needs to start to sit. To me there is no value in having 3 guys spend every game watching SC. Even Harbaugh used an elite FR QB to replace his starter at key moments.

What do you foresee happening in 2022 at QB?

Poorly. SC Will be the starter until he gets hurt. Again.

 

[Corner Room Breakfast]

I think you have to be a fly in the coaches room, how much of the offense is MY and how much control does JF over the offense. Whatever the answer it's not working. Same goes for the O- Line.

The O-line is the problem, again coaching , players , scheme, attitude. I think the staff should scout and study what the Wisconsin , Iowa, Alabama , and Georgia staffs do including weight training and NUTRITION.

 

[NJPSU]

This is why Allar should just portal. I would hate to see it, but if he is as good as advertised, he should be the starter from Day 1. I loved SC and have the most respect for him, but we are where we are with him at the helm.

Moron

 

[PAgeologist]

This is why Allar should just portal. I would hate to see it, but if he is as good as advertised, he should be the starter from Day 1. I loved SC and have the most respect for him, but we are where we are with him at the helm.

Yep. You're probably only going to have him for 3 years. Might as well get it started and take your lumps on a year with already lower expectations. Hope CV sticks around at least for a year as a backup or takes over in case Allar is truly overwhelmed.

But it will almost certainly be a repeat of this year. Clifford come hell or high water. Nobody will get meaningful snaps unless he is hurt. And pray Allar is a quick study in 2023.

 

[MaconNitt]

Won't matter if the oline doesn't get better.

 

[PAgeologist]

I think you have to be a fly in the coaches room, how much of the offense is MY and how much control does JF over the offense. Whatever the answer it's not working. Same goes for the O- Line.

The O-line is the problem, again coaching , players , scheme, attitude. I think the staff should scout and study what the Wisconsin , Iowa, Alabama , and Georgia staffs do including weight training and NUTRITION.

They should also look at who those teams are recruiting and try to get them to PSU. I get they aren't going to get many of the Bama and Georgia level guys, but no reason they can't compete for the guys Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota get. And they typically have pretty good OLs.

 

[rudedude]

After spring ball, I believe we will see Clifford portal as the handwriting will be on the wall. CV, Allar, and Pribula may already have more touch and ability than Cliff. Cliff has consistently shown inability to go with the appropriate reads. He appears to me to not be able to process fast to make the right read. He also has bad touch on passes down the field. Miraculous catches by Dotson and Washington have helped him tremendously. He is a tough kid and has had the bad luck of 3 different OC’s, but he still is having the same issues with his skills.

 

[PAgeologist]

After spring ball, I believe we will see Clifford portal as the handwriting will be on the wall. CV, Allar, and Pribula may already have more touch and ability than Cliff. Cliff has consistently shown inability to go with the appropriate reads. He appears to me to not be able to process fast to make the right read. He also has bad touch on passes down the field. Miraculous catches by Dotson and Washington have helped him tremendously. He is a tough kid and has had the bad luck of 3 different OC’s, but he still is having the same issues with his skills.

A serious question here cause I don't know about the timing. If Clifford does portal out after spring, what are the chances he finds a starting job? Seems most teams have their rosters pretty well set by then. Plus unless he transfers to one of his former OCs schools, he has to learn another new playbook and system.

 

[rudedude]

A serious question here cause I don't know about the timing. If Clifford does portal out after spring, what are the chances he finds a starting job? Seems most teams have their rosters pretty well set by then. Plus unless he transfers to one of his former OCs schools, he has to learn another new playbook and system.

Good point

 

[JVP_Yahweh]

I'd like to see Allar win the job in spring and SC turn into a mentor from the bench

 

[Classof09]

I was a little surprised that CV did not see any action until SC was taken out for medical reasons (per coach Franklin SC was taken out by medical staff). By the coach's statement, I assume that SC would have stayed in the entire game if he had not been taken out medically. I really thought that given all our opt outs that we were a long shot to win this game, so why not have CV play some. I think it is fine that SC comes back for 6th year, but not under the assumption that he can just stay in every game start to finish no matter what. If we are truly trying to develop the QB position and its depth, we need to provide actual playing opportunities for CV, BP and DA. We also should not have a situation where there is no real competition for QB playing time - so if SC is not the best player he needs to start to sit. To me there is no value in having 3 guys spend every game watching SC. Even Harbaugh used an elite FR QB to replace his starter at key moments.

What do you foresee happening in 2022 at QB?

How do I see it being handled?
POORLY

 

[PSU65]

I see CV leaving , just like Levis did.

 

[blion72]

I'd like to see Allar win the job in spring and SC turn into a mentor from the bench

that is true - he could mentor and act as a quasi-QB coach. I would like to see some way for all 3 players to get some level of play under mentoring by SC, as they all are a lot closer than most think.

If Drew wins the start, I agree with previous poster who said he is a 3 year player. If he starts in 2023, then gone after 2024. IF CV and BP remain then you have some basis for a possible QB in 2025 and 2026. I know the consensus is that after spring CV will be in the portal if he perceives all is a done deal. Then between Allar and Pribula whoever wins #2 sideline job in 2022, the #3 hits the portal next December. I know that has been mentioned many times on this forum - so that would mean 2023 has the guy who stayed and anyone we were able to recruit for 2023 class, plus walk-ons. Feels just like what we have now.

 

[TheGlovStillRules]

It’s Clifford’s job to lose.

He's already lost it problem is CJF can't come to admit it to himself.

 

[Tin man]

Poorly. SC Will be the starter until he gets hurt. Again.

He is getting pretty old so that maybe by the 5th or 6th game. Probably even sooner.

 

[oldschoolski]

The problem is more complex than just the QB situation. Start with the O line, need a lot of help from the portal. Running back, need get RBs that hit the hole assuming there is one. Leave the dancing for the frat parties. Thank SC for all he has done but the man seems to self destruct and at least some of that id due items mentioned above.

Go with CV and the two high rated rated recruits :however, this will require patience which means at least a season or probably more before consistency can be expected.

 

[blion72]

The problem is more complex than just the QB situation. Start with the O line, need a lot of help from the portal. Running back, need get RBs that hit the hole assuming there is one. Leave the dancing for the frat parties. Thank SC for all he has done but the man seems to self destruct and at least some of that id due items mentioned above.

Go with CV and the two high rated rated recruits :however, this will require patience which means at least a season or probably more before consistency can be expected.

I think you are correct re OL and RB issues. The OL in 2012 (a sanction year) might have been as good as any under coach Franklin. That spans several OL coaches and OCs. Another common feature under JF has been the QB situation since 2016. Both Trace and Sean have some common features:

• Both were seen as "warriors" and play hurt even if not effective. It appeared that both have been given the greenlight to make the call themselves. It appears that the coaching staff thinks that a 100% healthy QB is less important than the warrior mentality they would bring. This of course impacts the offensive performance of the team.
• Both came back for extra years, which is not typical of any QB that has NFL potential.
• Both had key backups bail to transfer
• Both have average arms, and Trace a bit more accurate and quicker decisions.
• Both depended on elite WRs to bail them out.
• PSU offense depends on QB to run extensively as part of the game plan. For that reason both were runners.
• Both wind up injured to a point that they cannot help the team at the same level they normally would. This leads to a deteriorating situation through the season. Coaching staff focuses on getting them back after injury even if far less than 100%, so the "next man up" doesn't apply in their situation.

 

[MacNit]

I was a little surprised that CV did not see any action until SC was taken out for medical reasons (per coach Franklin SC was taken out by medical staff). By the coach's statement, I assume that SC would have stayed in the entire game if he had not been taken out medically. I really thought that given all our opt outs that we were a long shot to win this game, so why not have CV play some. I think it is fine that SC comes back for 6th year, but not under the assumption that he can just stay in every game start to finish no matter what. If we are truly trying to develop the QB position and its depth, we need to provide actual playing opportunities for CV, BP and DA. We also should not have a situation where there is no real competition for QB playing time - so if SC is not the best player he needs to start to sit. To me there is no value in having 3 guys spend every game watching SC. Even Harbaugh used an elite FR QB to replace his starter at key moments.

What do you foresee happening in 2022 at QB?

Poorly.

 

[MacNit]

After spring ball, I believe we will see Clifford portal as the handwriting will be on the wall. CV, Allar, and Pribula may already have more touch and ability than Cliff. Cliff has consistently shown inability to go with the appropriate reads. He appears to me to not be able to process fast to make the right read. He also has bad touch on passes down the field. Miraculous catches by Dotson and Washington have helped him tremendously. He is a tough kid and has had the bad luck of 3 different OC’s, but he still is having the same issues with his skills.

I doubt it…Cliff wants to play a season with Liam.

 

[loinfan01]

What Big Ten QB would you choose over Clifford?

 

[PAgeologist]

What Big Ten QB would you choose over Clifford?

CV for one. Anyone on OSUs roster. Michigan's also. The starter from MSU. The starter from MD. Morgan from Minnesota.

 

[loinfan01]

CV for one. Anyone on OSUs roster. Michigan's also. The starter from MSU. The starter from MD. Morgan from Minnesota.

CV who looked competent against Rutgers, then did his best Roberson impression in the Outback Bowl? OK. Stroud is clearly better. Michigan's QB is clearly better. MSU's starter might be better. After that you can place about 4 QBs at the number 4 spot. Clifford is right there. Is it an ideal situation? No. If Clifford had OSU, or UM or MSU's Oline would he look a lot better? Yes. Yes he would.

 

[PAgeologist]

CV who looked competent against Rutgers, then did his best Roberson impression in the Outback Bowl? OK. Stroud is clearly better. Michigan's QB is clearly better. MSU's starter might be better. After that you can place about 4 QBs at the number 4 spot. Clifford is right there. Is it an ideal situation? No. If Clifford had OSU, or UM or MSU's Oline would he look a lot better? Yes. Yes he would.

CV certainly needs more game experience, but i think he has potential. I didn't get to watch much of CVs performance today though. But the game was already lost by that point. Mop up duty in a loss is tough.

The OL is a way bigger issue than Clifford though.

 

[TheGlovStillRules]

I was a little surprised that CV did not see any action until SC was taken out for medical reasons (per coach Franklin SC was taken out by medical staff). By the coach's statement, I assume that SC would have stayed in the entire game if he had not been taken out medically. I really thought that given all our opt outs that we were a long shot to win this game, so why not have CV play some. I think it is fine that SC comes back for 6th year, but not under the assumption that he can just stay in every game start to finish no matter what. If we are truly trying to develop the QB position and its depth, we need to provide actual playing opportunities for CV, BP and DA. We also should not have a situation where there is no real competition for QB playing time - so if SC is not the best player he needs to start to sit. To me there is no value in having 3 guys spend every game watching SC. Even Harbaugh used an elite FR QB to replace his starter at key moments.

What do you foresee happening in 2022 at QB?

Clifford returning for a 6th year IS the problem.

 

[PSUForever]

They should also look at who those teams are recruiting and try to get them to PSU. I get they aren't going to get many of the Bama and Georgia level guys, but no reason they can't compete for the guys Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota get. And they typically have pretty good OLs.

We recruit pretty well on the O-Line. There is talent, not to the Bama, GA or O$U level but solid talent nonetheless. Our talent level should (should being the operative word) perform at a much higher and more effective level.

The issue is once they get on campus the coaching, development, weight training, conditioning, agility training, film study, nutrition, general mindset, attitude, toughness, persevearance and whatever else is just not happening at the level we need. This herein lies our biggest issue and to date an unsolvable problem.

 

[PAgeologist]

We recruit pretty well on the O-Line. There is talent, not to the Bama, GA or O$U level but solid talent nonetheless. Our talent level should (should being the operative word) perform at a much higher and more effective level.

The issue is once they get on campus the coaching, development, weight training, conditioning, agility training, film study, nutrition, general mindset, attitude, toughness, persevearance and whatever else is just not happening at the level we need. This herein lies our biggest issue and to date an unsolvable problem.

I guess that could certainly be the case. Either way, it's horribly broken.

 

[PSUForever]

The problem is more complex than just the QB situation. Start with the O line, need a lot of help from the portal. Running back, need get RBs that hit the hole assuming there is one. Leave the dancing for the frat parties. Thank SC for all he has done but the man seems to self destruct and at least some of that id due items mentioned above.

Go with CV and the two high rated rated recruits :however, this will require patience which means at least a season or probably more before consistency can be expected.

I think the only one who will seriously challenge Clifford is Allar. I just don't see a true Frosh beating out a 6th year Sr. It would have to be glaringly obvious to the untrained eye and I don't think Allar can make that kind of leap even with his pedigree. There is a big gap from HS to college. I would love to be wrong and see Allar get a shot even if he takes some lumps just so we can get a fresh start and he clearly has a much higher ceiling than Clifford. Also the quicker he gets real game snaps the better.

I think the only way Allar gets the nod is through winter workouts and Spring ball he is far superior to Clifford and Franklin tells SC he won't be the starter and he goes portal. Clifford clearly has NFL aspirations so no way he sits behind Allar in the Fall and there is no way Franklin as loyal as he is to SC pulls the rug out from under him in August and tells him Allar is the starter. Not defending SC just have a difficult time seeing Allar emerge as the starter next season.

 

[NoBareFeet]

This is why Allar should just portal. I would hate to see it, but if he is as good as advertised, he should be the starter from Day 1

Like Hackenberg? Or Morelli? Or Bolden? Some people never learn...

 

[Player2BNamedL8r]

Won't matter if the oline doesn't get better.

Abso-frickin-lutely!!! They win 11 games this season with just an above average OL. Clifford may not be a stellar QB, but when given time, he proved to be more than capable of making his reads and accurately delivering the ball. Imagine if the game plan could rely on some semblance of a running game to help him out! Personally, I think him moving on was the best move for the program, but I don’t think he’s the reason the O sucked so badly this year.

 

[loinfan01]

CV certainly needs more game experience, but i think he has potential. I didn't get to watch much of CVs performance today though. But the game was already lost by that point. Mop up duty in a loss is tough.

The OL is a way bigger issue than Clifford though.

If you put Clifford behind the 94 OL, we would be complaining about how he got snubbed in Heisman talk. We would also be complaining about how Cain or Lee or both or someone didn't get 1,000 yards because they were done after the first half of most games. That is the importance of the OL.