Report Card: Grading Penn State’s 9 overtime loss to Illinois

A more in-depth look and grades for the performance of the Nittany Lions in their 9 overtime loss to Illinois

Quarterbacks: C-

Sean Clifford was given the nod by James Franklin to start today, and you could tell he wasn’t 100-percent healthy. There were plays where he was trying to do too much and the Nittany Lions offense started the game out with quite a few run plays. Throughout the second half, a reporter had mentioned that Clifford was grabbing his torso, as his health played a small factor in his performance today. However, it wasn’t just Clifford who struggled today.

Oct 23, 2021; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Sean Clifford (14) passes the ball against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

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