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By Neil Rudel
nrudel@altoonamirror.com
UNIVERSITY PARK -- Sean Clifford will exit Penn State with many of its passing records, and yet because the Nittany Lions lost their last six games against Ohio State and Michigan, he won't be remembered among their all-time great quarterbacks.
Clifford has a career record of 30-14 as a four-year starter and team captain, and his accuracy off the field is even higher than on it.
As his final days as a Nittany Lion wound down, Clifford admitted he understands the fans' impatience with him.
"I love everything about Penn State, and it's going to be sad to leave," he said. "At the same time, the Penn State community is definitely ready to see someone new."
He smiled and added, "I'm with them."
Senior Day festivities take place this afternoon vs. Michigan State (4 p.m., FS1), and James Franklin, whose big-game legacy is tied to Clifford, hopes his quarterback does not endure the same pre-game booing he did against Minnesota in October - a week after an embarrassing loss to Michigan.
Actually, they both were booed as head coach and quarterback are the two most recognizable faces in any college football program.
"I hope all of the seniors get cheered the way I think they deserved to be cheered, not only in the Senior Day ceremonies, but when they announce the starters," Franklin said. "I think that would be the right thing to do."
The comment was meant specifically about Clifford.
"I would love for that kid to get the type of appreciation and recognition that he deserves," Franklin said.
Clifford's career began well and is ending strong.
After Tommy Stephens abruptly transferred in the spring of 2019 -- Stephens is now playing in the Canadian Football League -- Clifford led the Lions to an 8-0 start and No. 5 rating before an upset at Minnesota.
The Lions went to the Cotton Bowl and beat Memphis to finish 11-2, but the acknowledged leaders of the team were Micah Parsons and Journey Brown.
Clifford was at the controls over the next two years, which produced an 11-11 record during a frustrating, Covid-ridden time, and the Lions are 9-2 this season.
During a meeting with reporters this past week, knowing his play has brought criticism, Clifford nonetheless thanked the media and praised its "professionalism."
"He has just handled it all, I think, with class, and I think he has learned and grown and evolved during his time here," Franklin said. "The biggest word for me with him is perseverance."
You can also add toughness.
While Penn State was trying to shore up its offensive line the last two seasons -- it's generally performed better this year -- Clifford often took a beating.
He was also willing to run when needed, and the open-field shot he absorbed at Auburn was the hardest I've ever seen a Penn State quarterback take.
But he still kept coming back for more and rarely missed time.
He talked about learning from those who preceded him, particularly Trace McSorley, whose records Clifford has broken.
"One of the first things I was taught when I came here was appreciation and think about all your blessings and never have any regrets," he said. "I don't regret anything that's happened. Do I regret a throw? Yes, a bunch of throws. Hundreds of throws. But I when it comes to how I've approached this game, I know I've given this program everything I've got."
No one can question that, and while we can question why Drew Allar didn't play more this season or why Clifford was allowed to start 44 games, those decisions weren't his.
"I've always tried to be the best teammate and the best leader I can," Clifford said. "I know I've laid my guts on the line for Penn State."
And for that, he deserves a final cheer.
Rudel can be reached at nrudel@altoonamirror.com.
Cliff notes
Following are some of Sean Clifford's career passing records:
CATEGORY NO. SECOND
Passing yards 10,180 Trace McSorley (9,899)
Passing touchdowns 80 Trace McSorley (77)
Completions 798 Trace McSorley (720)
Attempts 1,311 Christian Hackenberg (1,235)
Completion percentage .609 Daryll Clark (.602)