Penn State Football: 3 overreactions from blowout win over Maryland

STATE COLLEGE, PA - SEPTEMBER 07: Pat Freiermuth #87 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates with Sean Clifford #14 after catching a pass for a touchdown against the Buffalo Bulls during the second half at Beaver Stadium on September 07, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

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STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 14: Sean Clifford #14 of the Penn State Nittany Lions scrambles against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the first half at Beaver Stadium on September 14, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

2. Sean Clifford belongs in the “elite” conversation

This might be a tad too much of an overreaction, but that’s why it’s on here. After putting up 398 yards and three touchdowns with only one pick on 26-of-31 passing, Sean Clifford’s name should be near the top of every Big Ten quarterback ranking.

Heck, it could be argued that he’s the second-best quarterback in the Big Ten heading into Week 6, trailing only Justin Fields. Is that a fair argument to make? Sure, but he still has plenty to prove with only four games under his belt.

On the season, Clifford has 1,179 yards and nine touchdowns with only one pick as he looks like one of the most consistent passers out there. He also has 167 rushing yards and a touchdown, proving he can be every bit the same dual-threat that Trace McSorley was. There’s a chance, though, that he may even be a better passer than his predecessor.

While Clifford needs to prove more in the coming weeks, he is approaching that “elite” conversation, at least as far as Big Ten quarterbacks go.

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