Utah’s defense is no joke, but the Pac-12 champions will be facing Penn State without one of its top defensive leaders in the Rose Bowl. Cornerback Clark Phillips III announced on Monday he is opting out of the Rose Bowl and declaring for the NFL draft.
The decision by Phillips is not an unexpected one for Utah, as he is ready to go to the pros now and pursue a career in the NFL. But his loss for the Rose Bowl should be good news for Penn State as he was a defensive playmaker for the Utes.
Phillips III had six interceptions this season, two of which were returned for touchdowns. Not having to worry about that should be good news for Penn State quarterback [autotag]Sean Clifford[/autotag] and the rest of the Penn State offense, which knows it will be up against a tough battle with the Utah defense.
Penn State will be without its leading receiver, [autotag]Parker Washington[/autotag]. Washington had a season-ending injury and has announced he will be declaring for the NFL draft.
Utah will also be without its leading receiver, tight end Dalton Kincaid. Like Clark III, Kincaid has announced his decision to declare for the NFL draft. An injury is said to be blamed for him not playing in the Rose Bowl.
Behind Clark Sr. a Utah spokesperson now also confirming to The Salt Lake Tribune that Clark Phillips III will not play in the Rose Bowl.
— Josh Newman (@Joshua_Newman) December 12, 2022
Penn State faces Utah in the Rose Bowl on January 2, 2023.
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