Experience wins Sean Clifford starting QB job

STATE COLLEGE -- Redshirt sophomore Sean Clifford will take snaps for the first time as a Penn State's starting quarterback on Saturday.

The announcement was released on Friday after Clifford beat out Will Levis for the job.

The 6-foot-2, 216-pound Clifford completed five of seven passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns in limited action behind Trace McSorley in 2018.

"Obviously as an offense we're going to support him," said tight end and fellow team captain Pat Freiermuth. "Sean is a great quarterback and we're trusting him. And we trust Will, too."

Penn State returns only 11 seniors from last year's 9-4 team.

Head Coach James Franklin also stated that all four running backs would see time this year, but Ricky Slade will get the start to open up the season. His plan is to roll with the hot hand each week. He also believes there are lessons to be learned from watching other teams play in the early season, even if they re not on the schedule, like with Miami and Florida, who opened up the 2019 college football season.

Tight end Pat Freiermuth and corner John Reid are both eager to suit up Saturday in front of the home crowd.

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