Apologies in advance for bringing this one up.
Among the worst losses Penn State football has experienced this decade– or really, any decade– was the clunker to Illinois in 2021.
PSU came into that game ranked in the top 10 and favored by 23.5 points.
It ended up losing in nine overtimes, and, yeah, fans have tried their best to forget about it.
So most people probably don’t remember this play from the game.
Penn State QB Sean Clifford took what some felt was a late hit that left him hunched over, and Penn State’s players didn’t appear to come to Clifford’s defense.
After the game, coach James Franklin was asked about it and seemed confused by the question.
“What I’d like to do is if there’s a late hit on the quarterback, I’d like for the officials to handle that,” Franklin said. “I don’t want my players, if that’s what you’re asking, if you want my players to come and retaliate? I don’t know if that’s the thing. I don’t even really understand the question if that’s what you’re talking about. If you’re asking our players to retaliate and get a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.“
Fast forward almost five years.
The second game of the Matt Campbell era was forgettable for much different— and happier— reasons for Penn State fans.
Penn State shrugged off early struggles against an overmatched Temple squad and won, 27-9 in Philadelphia.
In the second half, when it was apparent that Temple’s upset bid wasn’t going to happen, PSU QB Rocco Becht took a late hit out of bounds right in front of the Penn State sideline from former PSU safety Kolin Dinkins.
The people on the field and on the sideline let Dinkins know they didn’t appreciate the hit.
Add Nittany Sports Now as a preferred source in Google! Click here to add us.Linemen Cooper Cousins and Anthony Donkoh stepped up to protect Becht, and offensive line coach Ryan Clanton voiced his displeasure.
Matt Campbell was asked about Penn State’s reaction after the game, and understood the question and why it mattered.
WHAT CAMPBELL SAID
“I think again, what I would say about Rocco and just not Rocco, I would say the majority of a football team is, I think this group has really grown together,” Campbell said. “There’s a lot of unity. There’s a lot of togetherness. I thought we showed that in some critical moments today, and obviously that situation at the end of the game, I think it’s just another example of our kids sticking up for each other.
“Whether that’s Rocco or any of our players, the reality of it is we are a team. We want to be the best team we possibly can be. And sometimes that means sticking up for your teammates.”
TOGETHER
Minutes after Campbell wrapped up his presser, Becht addressed the play, confirming that he didn’t get hurt and echoing what his coach said.
“I think that just shows how together we are as a team- coaches, staff, players- and continue to build on one another,” Becht said, “and we’re always there to have each other’s backs.
Becht also acknowledged that Penn State must be careful not to pick up costly penalties.
“Definitely, for sure,” he said. “You know, knowing when those things happen to keep our cool. Obviously, kind of get them off the sideline, get them away. But you know, never to take over action and commit another foul.“
Penn State takes on Buffalo Saturday at Beaver Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for noon on the Big Ten Network.
