Clifford's Career Day Leads Penn State Over Villanova

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - The Penn State passing attack was on display Saturday as the Nittany Lions defeated Villanova 38-17 at Beaver Stadium. 

Quarterback Sean Clifford recorded career numbers in the contest, reaching the 400-yard passing mark for the first time with a total of 401 yards. He also matched his career-high with four passing touchdowns. 

The offense was spread evenly among the Penn State receiving corps, with both Parker Washington (148 yards) and Jahan Dotson (117 yards) reaching the century mark. KeAndre Lambert-Smith also added 88-yards receiving, marking the first time since a 2017 contest against Michigan State that three Penn State wide receivers recorded 80+ yards in a game. Washington and Lambert-Smith recorded career highs with their yard totals. 

As a unit, Penn State accumulated 500 yards of total offense for the first time this season with 509 total yards. 

The Penn State defense produced a solid overall performance, with 24 different players recording a tackle in the game. 

The Nittany Lions now turn their attention to Indiana as they host the Hoosiers at Beaver Stadium on Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

HOW IT HAPPENED
 
The Nittany Lions struck quickly on their first drive, as Sean Clifford hit Jahan Dotson for a 52-yard touchdown on Penn State's first offensive play. It was the longest catch of the year for Dotson. The wideout has now reached the end zone in six consecutive games dating back to last season.
 
Villanova got on the board in the final minutes of the first quarter on a 39-yard field goal by Cole Bunce.
 
Penn State struck right back on the first drive of the second when Clifford once again connected on a long TD pass, this time to Parker Washington for a career-long 52-yard score to put the Nittany Lions up 14-3.
 
Clifford would find Washington again for a long gain on Penn State's next drive for a 67-yard catch and run to set the Nittany Lions up inside the ten. It would set up a 29-yard field goal from Jordan Stout. They would lead 17-3 at the half.
 
The Nittany Lions would once again score on a long play to open the second half when Clifford hit KeAndre Lambert-Smith for a season-long 83-yard touchdown. The catch was the longest of Lambert-Smith's career.
 
Penn State would force the game's first turnover on the ensuing drive when Jy'air Brown corralled a tipped pass by for the interception.
 
Clifford and Washington would add another score in the final minutes of the third, a 23-yard grab for Clifford's fourth TD pass of the game.
 
They would add to the lead in the opening minutes of the fourth when Tyler Warren carried the ball up the middle for a 3-yard score, his second of his career.
 
Villanova reached the end zone for the first time in the contest on the following drive on a 57-yard TD pass from Daniel Smith to Rayjoun Pringle. They would follow with another score with under two minutes to go when Smith hit Pringle for a 17-yarder to cut the Penn State lead to 38-17.
 
UP NEXT: The Nittany Lions take on Big Ten foe Indiana at Beaver Stadium on Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

For information on joining the Nittany Lion Club and ticket information for the 2021 Penn State Football season presented by PSECU, as well as club seating in Beaver Stadium, fans can visit www.PSUnrivaled.com, or call 1-800-NITTANY weekdays from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.

The 2021 Penn State Football Season is presented by PSECU.