What is Wrong with Daryll Clark (if anything...)?

The question bouncing around Nittany Nation after Saturday's 34-7 methodical beatdown of under-manned and overmatched Indiana is, "What is wrong with Daryll Clark?"

To answer the rhetorical plea for assistance, one must play the expectations game -- a particularly fickle roll of the dice for quarterbacks at marquee college programs.

Clark had little expectations entering the 2008 season. Most casual and ardent Penn State fans knew Clark could move in the pocket and run -- thanks to his cameo appearance in the Alamo Bowl victory over Texas A&M.

Many likened his skill set to Michael Robinson, who at least played the position in bits and pieces over his first three seasons (For more on Robinson's plight, read Penn State Football By The Numbers: An Interactive Guide to the World of Sports). Like Robinson, Clark was seen to have a strong, if not erratic arm with likely up-and-down results. Most guessed that the learning curve would be steep, but that a soft out-of-conference slate could establish solid footing while a great offensive line and plenty of running back depth was enough to carry the Nittany Lions to a 4-0 start.

The 4-0 start came, and Penn State's front five proved to be as capable as advertised. Yet, Clark played the dynamic lead character in a revitalized offense with a gimmicky yet very uber-cool nickname, "Spread HD," and plenty of points to back up its 21st century transformation.

He led a 66-point assault of Coastal Carolina, completing 11-of-14 passes for 146 yards and a touchdown. His offense put 55 points on the scoreboard at the Carrier Dome, as Clark threw for 166 yards and two more touchdowns in a 52-point waxing of Syracuse. Clark threw for 193 yards and two more touchdowns in a 45-3 win over Temple.

Yet, it was the game in-between the Coastal Carolina prep and the Syracuse mismatch that made Nittany Lion fans take notice. A capable Oregon State squad (which now sits just two wins away from a possible Rose Bowl re-match with the Nits) lined up in a regional ABC television encounter to show its mettle against one of the Big Ten's best.

The result: 31-0 before you could blink and 45-14 by the final gun gave the conference some much-needed gusto and again left Clark as the trigger man behind an offensive masterpiece.

After four games, Clark had thrown seven touchdowns to just one interception while leading an offense that was averaging an eye-popping 52.75 points per contest.

The very un-Paterno like numbers continued to the early part of conference play: 38 points against Illinois, 48 in Madison, 46 in a revenge game against Michigan.

Yet, the last three games have made those faithful followers take a step back and reassess. Oregon State has proven to be the only early-season adversary worth its mettle. Michigan is terrible, and Wisconsin and Illinois are vastly overrated.

In his last three games, Clark has thrown just two touchdowns with two interceptions and only about 150 yards through the air on average. Very pedestrian numbers by comparison, but are they more than we expected when the season began?

The expectations game may say, "no." In my view, Clark is a slightly above average passer with good mobility and an above average arm. He is in no way Kerry Collins' clone nor is he the second coming of Matt Senecca.

The slight concussion he suffered against Ohio State may have made him slightly gun-shy in the early moments at Iowa, though a constant 25 mph wind may have played a larger role. His case of fumblitis against the Hoosiers doesn't appear to be cause for concern, as both fumbles were the result of great defensive instincts not the careless ball handling of the runner.

The answer to the question, "What is wrong with Daryll Clark?" is likely "nothing" with the caveat, "because his high-level early play escalated expectations to a level that doesn't match his ability at the present time."

The key to that phrase is the last part. If Daryll Clark manages the game next Saturday, Penn State is headed for the Rose Bowl. And if the Beavers are again across the field, familiarity will likely bred comfort for the signal-caller.

Yet, with a month to practice and prepare, if USC stands on the opposing sidelines we may see telling signs for Clark's future at the position. If he responds with precision and purpose, we may see Penn State's offensive leader in 2009. If not, Joe Paterno or whoever is roaming the sidelines should open up the competition to include Pat Devlin.

If for nothing else, so fickle and loyal Penn State fans can ask this question next season: "What is wrong with Pat Devlin?"