clifford played hurt.
otoh, penn state could not stop illinois's running game. they ran for like 300 yards. if clifford remains injured and penn state cant stop the run, that bodes well for michigan. michigan's weakness will be teams that can pass to take advantage of their poor corners and young linebackers.
and if you cant stop the run, michigan will hammer you.
mcnamara starts because he takes care of the ball and doesnt make mistakes. he wont be the qb next year, i promise you. he will transfer after this season like everyone else who isnt immediately starting.