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Who is Penn State's MVP (Most Valuable Person) so far this season?
By Neil Rudel
nrudel@altoonamirror.com
You've noticed the phrasing to allow for a member of the coaching or support staff.
And Cory's nomination of Brent Pry makes sense. Pry has been a pillar of stability, an invaluable right-hand man to James Franklin since arriving in 2014, and his defense has played at a high level almost all year.
Plus he's an Altoona guy so I'm partial there, too.
But Penn State's 2021 MVP (most valuable player/person) is Sean Clifford.
When Cory was taking a poll a couple weeks ago of the MVPs, I flippantly suggested the offensive MVP should be Will Levis.
And there was definitely some truth to it as the Nittany Lions' lack of a backup quarterback is the biggest reason for two of their three losses.
But absent Levis, who slid into the transfer portal to Kentucky, Clifford's stamp on the team has been indelible and undeniable.
He's completing 63.3 percent of his passes for 2,371 yards, 16 touchdowns and six interceptions. His chemistry with Jahan Dotson has been terrific.
Keep in mind he's done this without the benefit of a ground game or a serviceable offensive line that has protected OK (68th in the country in sacks allowed at 2.2 per game) but can't block for the run whatsoever.
With 363 yards last week at Maryland, which mercifully stopped the Lions' three-game losing streak, Clifford surpassed the 7,000-yard mark for his career. He now stands at 7,103 with likely four games remaining unless he returns next year, which he said he'll address after the season.
Only three other quarterbacks in Penn State history have thrown for 7,000 -- Zack Mills (7,212), Christian Hackenberg (8,457) and all-time leader Trace McSorley (9,899).
McSorley made 40 starts (tied with Tony Sacca for most in school history). Clifford, entering Saturday's game with visiting Michigan, has made 29, winning 20.
He was 10-2 in 2019 when the Lions won the Cotton Bowl; he went 4-4 in 2020 (benched at the start of the Iowa game), and this year he's 6-3.
In addition to his passing, he's been an effective runner, picking up timely first downs over the past three seasons, and an outstanding leader.
I'm not here to say Clifford is the greatest quarterback in Penn State history, only that he's not always been as appreciated as he deserves to be.
Of course, these last three regular-season games -- including two against Top 10 teams (Michigan and Michigan State) -- have a chance to boost his legacy.
Still, to this point this season, he's a solid and worthy choice as team MVP -- most valuable person or player.
And if you don't believe that, consider the massive void he left in the nearly seven quarters of action that he either missed due to an injury or because he played through one.
Rudel can be reached at nrudel@altoonamirror.com.