Penn State Football: 3 takeaways from emotional loss at Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 09: Wide receiver Chris Autman-Bell #7 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers cannot make a catch in front of safety Jaquan Brisker #7 of the Penn State Nittany Lions during the third quarter at TCFBank Stadium on November 09, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

2. Tanner Morgan dazzled against the Penn State defense

Sean Clifford had a rough game for Penn State. Though he went 23-of-43 for 340 yards through the air, Clifford also threw three interceptions. The last came right at the end of the game, costing Penn State a chance to take the lead deep in Minnesota territory.

The Golden Gophers had no such problems from their quarterback, Tanner Morgan. Minnesota’s passer threw for 339 yards as he completed an astounding 18 of his 20 attempts. Morgan threw more touchdown passes than incompletions, slinging three touchdown strikes to three different receivers.

Morgan isn’t much of a threat on the ground. He did rip off a seven-yard run, but otherwise three sacks drilled it down so that he finished with zero net rushing yards on the day. It didn’t matter, because he was so ridiculously efficient through the air. Penn State’s secondary had few answers as he hooked up repeatedly with Rashod Bateman (seven catches for 203 yards and a touchdown) and the rest of the Golden Gophers receiving corps.

At this point of the year, Minnesota has to be taken seriously as more than just a Big Ten contender. A big reason for that is the play of Morgan and the way he guides a talented offense.

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