Penn State-Idaho Game Preview

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – No. 15/14 Penn State opens up its 2019 campaign by welcoming Idaho to Happy Valley at 3:30 p.m. The Nittany Lions welcome back 14 starters from a season ago, five on offense, six on defense and three on special teams. Amongst those returning are first-team All-Big Ten defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos, All-Big Ten honorable-mention wide receiver and kick returner KJ Hamler and Penn State's career punting average leader Blake Gillikin.  
 
With Penn State closing out a competitive fall across the board, head coach James Franklin and his talented young roster are more than ready go full throttle on a new season. The Nittany Lions have won 15 of its last 17 season-opening games and its last six consecutive home openers. The game will be televised on the Big Ten Network and broadcasted on the Penn State Sports Network.
 
Penn State Spotlight
After earning the starting spot a week ago, all eyes will be focused on quarterback Sean Clifford. That's the obvious, but why? Aside from the fact that he'll carry the brunt Penn State's offense, Clifford replaces a three-year veteran in Trace McSorley. "I can only imagine some of the things he learned from that guy," noted former Penn state quarterback Matt McGloin. "He needs to look at it as if I don't have big shoes to fill, I just need to go out there and do the best job that I can. He needs to play completion driven football, sustain drives and put up points."
 
Rather than focusing on his stats this Saturday watch for Clifford's growth in being able to read a defense, check his progressions and his overall confidence amongst teammates. All traits that were displayed this fall at the Lasch Football Complex.
 
The Ohio native appeared in four game last season and was one of 40 players to make their first Penn State appearance. Most notably, Clifford connected with Daniel George for a 95-yard touchdown pass against Kent State which resulted in the longest pass play in program history. 
 
How will the sophomore perform when the bright lights shine? We'll find out on Saturday. 
 
Scouting the Vandals
In 133 seasons of Penn State football, the Nittany Lions have never squared off with Idaho. The Vandals are coming off a 4-7 season where they went 3-5 in the Big Sky Conference under head coach Paul Petrino. The Montana native is entering his seventh season at the helm and holds a 23-48 career record. Petrino is joined by offensive coordinator Kris Cinkovich and defensive coordinator Mike Breske. The Vandals are led by quarterback Mason Petrino, who threw for 1,933 yards (157.7 ypg), 15 touchdows and eight interceptions last season. The dual threat quarterback also serves as the top retuning rusher after carrying the ball 77 times last season for 245 yards (22.3 ypg).
 
Another player worth noting is STATS' preseason All-America second-team member, Cade Caffey. No. 15 will handle kickoffs, field goals and punts for Idaho again this season. Coffey had an average off 44.1 yards per punt, while pinning opponents inside the 20-yard line 20 times a year ago. He was 8-for-11 on field goals, including 5-for-8 from 30 yards or more in 2018. 
 
Don't be surprised if Idaho leans towards a pass-heavy attack behind an offensive line that returns four starters. It will be an early test for Penn State's highly anticipated defensive front. 

Idaho connections
Penn State special teams coordinator Joe Lorig and Idaho cornerbacks coach Vernon Smith coaches together at Central Washington from 2008-10. 
 
Idaho quick facts
Head Coach: Paul Petrino
Record at Idaho (7thSeason): 23-48 (.324)
vs. Penn State: First meeting
 
Unrivaled Postgame Show
Former Penn State and NFL quarterback Matt McGloin will join Mitch Gerber in the launch of the Unrivaled Postgame Show. The all-access program can be found on Facebook Live via Penn State's official Facebook page and on GoPSUsports.com. McGloin and Gerber will breakdown all home game matchups by interviewing head coach James Franklin and select student-athletes. The show will start moments after the conclusion of each home game. 
 
Game Information 
Fans are encouraged to visit Game Day Central for all information as it relates to Penn State football game day traffic, parking, clear bag policy and information on the match up.

The Idaho game is Youth Sports and Spirit Day and pre-game youth clinics will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. for football (Holuba Hall), basketball (Bryce Jordan Center Basketball practice facility) and cheer and dance (Multi-Sport). Pre-registered participants can check in starting at 10 a.m. at all three venues. Participants must be registered by 5 p.m. on Friday. Game day registration is not accepted. Fans can call 1-800-NITTANY (weekdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m.) for registration information. The cheer and dance clinic participants will have an opportunity to perform on the field at halftime, weather permitting.
 
Penn State Athletics is reminding patrons that Beaver Stadium gates will open two hours before kickoff for all games and strongly encourages fans to arrive early to Beaver Stadium. Early arriving fans will have an opportunity to receive up to a 20 percent discount at the concession stands.