Penn State live updates: Sean Clifford, the offense needs you

Sean Clifford struggles, Lions digging desperate hole

Penn State’s defense has played admirably so far.

But when your offense keeps handing the ball over to your high-powered opponent …

Only bad things will happen.

And Ohio State’s prodigious attack may only be getting warmed up.

Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud throws a touchdown pass against Iowa during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Jay LaPrete)

Clifford threw two early interceptions (one off a deflected pass) that set up two wonderful scoring chances. Heisman Trophy leader C.J. Stroud took full advantage of the second, leading a quick touchdown drive and a 10-0 lead.

Penn State needed to be balanced and productive when it has the ball. It’s been the opposite so far in front of a sold-out Stripe Out crowd.

Clifford is 5-of-9 throwing for just 24 yards and those two interceptions. His Lions haven’t yet advanced to midfield.

Starting the second quarter, Ohio State leads, 10-0 with the ball.

PSU defense fights back Buckeyes

Penn State’s defense got burned once early.

Then it was put in a tough hole a bit later.

Both times, it dug in and and pushed back arguably the top offense in the nation.

On Ohio State’s first drive, cornerback Kalen King was beaten for a long-gainer on third down. And yet the Nittany Lions resisted from there and forced a 38-yard field goal.

Moments later, a Sean Clifford pass was deflected at the line of scrimmage and intercepted by stud defensive end Zach Harrison. Ohio State took over on the PSU 35.

But the Buckeyes went nowhere, then missed a long field goal.

Penn State was still alive early despite some faults against the No. 2 Bucks.

Can they do it again?

Clifford immediately threw his second interception of the first quarter.

Penn State pressure, Chop Robinson key vs. Ohio State

Penn State appears to be getting its highest-motor pass rusher back today.

A big help could be Robinson, the sophomore transfer from Maryland who did not play in last week’s White Out victory. It’s unknown whether Robinson was injured or was held out for personal or disciplinary reasons.

Pressure from Penn State’s Adisa Isaac (20) and Kaleb Artis (58) force Minnesota quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis (8) to throw an incompletion and bring up fourth down during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in State College.

No matter, his effort today, along with defensive end Adisa Isaac and whatever blitzing defenders Penn State will use, will be imperative to helping Penn State stay in this game. Stroud has a lethal group of receivers to work with and really hasn’t been pressured passing yet this season, outside of last week’s beginning vs. Iowa.

Story continues

Ohio State won that game anyway, 54-10.

Robinson went through pregame warm-ups as usual. However, the Lions still may be without starting offensive linemen Landon Tengwall and Caedan Wallace, both injured.

Best Nittany Lion you don’t know?

One of the most unexpected and yet impressive facets of the Penn State offense has been the work of a guy protecting the quarterback.

One of the most undervalued performers, too.

And one of the most important today against Ohio State in Beaver Stadium.

Check out offensive lineman Olu Fashanu.

Penn State offensive lineman Olumuyiwa Fashanu (74) lifts up running back Nick Singleton (10) after the freshman running back scored his first of two touchdown against Minnesota at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, in State College.

He’s the 6-foot-6, 308-pound left tackle in charge of protecting Sean Clifford’s blind side against enemy pass rushers. And he’s done a fantastic job so far this season, especially considering that he wasn’t even a regular player until last season’s Outback Bowl against Arkansas.

Though Fashanu maintains eligibility for next season, and still has not earned his undergraduate degree, it may be hard to keep him around. Early mock NFL Drafts say he’s good enough to be among the first 10 overall picks in the spring and earn a huge pay day.

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He started this season as the highest-graded offensive linemen in the nation with his work against Purdue − not allowing even one “pressure” in 44 blocking attempts, according to Pro Football Focus. He helped keep Clifford remarkably clean, as well, during last week’s offensive revitalization against Minnesota.

“Olu is a stud,” Clifford said after this most recent game. “The whole o-line played really well. But he’s an exceptional leader, an exceptional human being, somebody you can really rely on and trust. … Lots of love for Olu.”

Penn State sophomore offensive lineman Olumuyiwa Fashanu talks with a reporter during football media day at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, August 6, 2022, in State College.

For Penn State to hang in today against the most balanced team in the nation, it will need to start fast on offense and keep moving the ball throughout.

And Fashanu will be one of its critical performers.

Follow Frank Bodani for instant updates, analysis and opinion here all day and evening from Beaver Stadium.

This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Penn State football live updates vs. Ohio State Buckeyes in Big Ten