Sean Clifford, former St. Xavier HS standout, rallies Penn State past Purdue

Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Sean Clifford (14) is rushed by Purdue Boilermakers linebacker Semisi Fakasiieiki (97) during the NCAA football game, Thursday, Sept. 1, 2022, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind.

Penn State senior quarterback Sean Clifford, a former St. Xavier High School Bombers standout, completed six of his seven attempts for 72 yards during a game-winning drive for the Nittany Lions that ended with Clifford’s fourth touchdown pass of Thursday night’s Big Ten Conference showdown at Purdue.

Clifford finished the game with 282 passing yards.

Clifford headed to the locker room with his helmet off early in the second half with an undisclosed injury. He was replaced briefly by freshman Drew Allar.

Clifford returned to the game a short time later, with about 8 minutes left in the 3rd quarter. He completed eight of his 15 attempts for 141 passing yards and two touchdowns during the first half, adding a rushing touchdown. Clifford had grabbed his left knee after it buckled awkwardly on a hit by a Purdue defensive player, but stayed in the game.

Clifford announced last December that he will take advantage of the NCAA’s COVID-19 exemption to return to PSU for a sixth year in 2022.

In April, Clifford launched an agency to represent college athletes and help them with opportunities under the NCAA’s name, image and likeness (NIL) legislation.

Clifford’s younger brother, Liam, plays receiver for the Nittany Lions and also starred at St. . He redshirted last year during his true freshman season.

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This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Sean Clifford rallies Penn State past Purdue, 35-31