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Penn State-Arkansas Outback Bowl takeaways: Opt outs add up, Parker Washington stands out, and more

Greg Pickelby: Greg Pickel01/01/22GregPickel
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Penn State receiver Parker Washington runs during the Lions' Outback Bowl matchup with Arkansas. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Tampa, Fla. — Penn State has ended its 2021 season.

The Nittany Lions lost to Arkansas 24-10 in the Outback Bowl. It means that head coach James Franklin’s team finished the year at 7-6.

Here are our takeaways from the game at Raymond James Stadium.

1. Opt outs added up for Penn State

There is no question that interim defensive coordinator Anthony Poindexter and his unit put a great display on the field in the first half.

The second half, however, was a much different story.

Penn State was gashed on the ground in the third quarter. It gave up 199 yards, 176 of which came on the ground. The Lions were leading 13-10 at halftime. By the time the first 15 minutes of the second half was complete, they trailed 24-10.

It was clear that the Florida heat started to take a toll on a Penn State defense that was missing six starters who opted out. They hung in as long as they could, but eventually, the Razorbacks’ run-heavy attack took over in a major way and never looked back.

2. Penn State must have a true quarterback competition in 2022

Sean Clifford has done many things well at Penn State. He’s a gritty, determined leader who has won a lot of football games. However, he’s also been inconsistent throughout his career, too, and at times has been prone to turnovers.

Saturday was another example of that. Through three and a half quarters, he was 14 of 32 for 195 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions. The second one dealt a death blow to the Lions, as it came inside the red zone.

Clifford is returning for the 2022 season, and that’s not going to change. He will start the offseason as the starter, and rightly so. But, he shouldn’t be guaranteed the job. Longevity is great, but complacency is not, and Penn State can’t afford to be that next year. If the sixth-year senior is the best option, so be it. But, he should have to earn it.

3. Washington, Vilbert, show promising signs

Penn State needs two players to step up and fill the considerable voids left by receiver Jahan Dotson and end Arnold Ebiketie.

Two Lions threw their hats into the ring to be the go-to guys.

Parker Washington caught seven of eight targets for 98 yards. He also returned punts in Dotson’s absence. He has been a playmaker all year but is making a case to be the leading man in 2022.

Then, on the other side of the ball, end Smith Vilbert tied an Outback Bowl record with three sacks and four total tackles. He, too, has flashed at times this year, but never as much as he did on this day.

4. Odds and ends

—Christian Veilleux showed off his arm when he replaced Clifford. He failed to give the Lions a needed spark, however, in the fourth quarter.

–After sitting out most of the season, Jake Pinegar handled both of the Lions’ field goal attempts. He missed one from 50 yards and made a 43-yard boot. Pinegar kicked despite Jordan Stout being available as the team’s punter.

–Speaking of special teams, what was up with the fake at the end of the first half?

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