Instant Reaction: Sean Clifford knocked out as Penn State suffers first loss at Iowa
For the first time this season, Penn State is ending the week with a loss. Penn State came up short on the road against Iowa in a 23-20 game that saw the game played mostly without Nittany Lions starting quarterback Sean Clifford.
Both offenses really couldn’t get the ball moving overall throughout much of the game. Clifford exited the game shortly before halftime and didn’t play the rest of the game.
Ta’Quan Roberson entered the game and the offense still couldn’t get the job done. As many people had kind of expected, this game was mostly a defensive battle.
Iowa quarterback Spencer Petras struggled even more than Penn State’s quarterbacks did all game. Iowa also didn’t put six up on the board until halfway through the second quarter, which was impressive from Penn State on the defensive side.
Penn State put their first points on the board halfway through the first quarter with a Noah Cain touchdown run.
Both defenses had a combined five interceptions throughout the game.
Penn State’s offense also struggled to convert on third down, along with 11 penalties throughout the game.
Penalties certainly hurt the Nittany Lions, along with losing Clifford.
Penn State enters their bye week with an otherwise impressive 5-1 record before heading back home to face Illinois.
Even though it was only a three-point loss, it will be tough for the Nittany Lions to make a case for the top four. Granted, Iowa’s schedule the rest of the way is very weak compared to Penn State’s, which should help Penn State’s case. But, they have to win out.
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