Nittany Lions pushing to build on success
Penn State coach James Franklin has returned the Nittany Lions to national prominence thanks to a combination of stellar recruiting and athletic talent.
But this year’s team faces hefty challenges, including a depleted defense.
The offense, however, returns one of the most talented quarterbacks in the country in Trace McSorley. As a result, Penn State is No. 12 in Orlando Sentinel college insider Matt Murschel’s preseason 2018 college football rankings. Murschel ranked all 129 Football Bowl Subdivision teams in the country. The Sentinel staff takes a closer look at a new team daily, counting backward from No. 129 to our projected No. 1 team.
State Penn
James Franklin (36-17, entering fifth season; 60-32 overall)
11-2, 7-2 in Big Ten Conference; tied for second in East Division
Penn State parlayed a disappointing finish to the 2016 season into a hot start in 2017. The Nittany Lions started the season ranked sixth in preseason polls and quickly rose to as high as No. 2 by mid-October. But devastating losses to Ohio State and Michigan State during back-to-back weeks ended any thoughts of another Big Ten title or a shot at the College Football Playoff semifinals.
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8 RB Saquon Barkley, WR DaeSean Hamilton, TE Mike Gesicki, OL Brendan Mahon, DT Curtis Cothran, DT Parker Cothren, LB Manny Bowen, LB Jason Cabinda, DB Christian Campbell, DB Grant Haley, DB Marcus Allen, DB Troy Apke, K Tyler Davis
QB Trace McSorley, WR Juwan Johnson, WR DeAndre Thompkins, OL Ryan Bates, OL Will Fries, OL Steven Gonzalez, OL Connor McGovern, OL Chasz Wright, DE Ryan Buchholz, DE Shareef Miller, LB Koa Farmer, P Blake Gillikin
Penn State experienced an offensive renaissance during the past two seasons under offensive coordinator Joe Moorhead, with the Nittany Lions averaging nearly 40 points and 450 yards per game. The program is turning the page following Moorhead’s departure to Mississippi State, promoting Ricky Rahne to run the offense. Rahne has a strong grasp of the offense after working as the Nittany Lions’ passing coordinator since 2014.
McSorley is the most experienced quarterback at the FBS level and among the leaders in touchdowns responsible (77), total offense (8,268 yards) and passing touchdowns (59).
“Trace is a guy that you look all the way back to little league, all he’s done is won,” Franklin said during Big Ten Media Days. “Universally respected throughout our entire program, has done things the right way.”
Franklin said Penn State’s offensive line has a chance to be the strength of this program thanks to the return of experienced players Ryan Bates, Connor McGovern, Steven Gonzalez, Chasz Wright and Will Fries.
Saquon Barkley finished his career as one of the most dynamic players in Penn State history. He earned back-to-back Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year honors and was the No. 2 pick in the NFL draft. Franklin doesn’t believe you can replace a player of Barkley’s abilities, but he’ll have to try this season.
Penn State finished with a top-20 defense in 2017, with the team allowing the fewest points since 2011. But attrition decimated the group during the offseason. The Nittany Lions lost seven of their top eight tacklers from last season.
After back-toback 11-win seasons, Penn State finds itself in the unenviable task of restocking the roster. The Nittany Lions are one season removed from winning a Big Ten title and the expectations in Happy Valley are high, regardless of the departures.