No. 12 – Penn State Nittany Lions Season Preview

The 2020 season was a year to forget for the Penn State Nittany Lions. After winning at least nine games in each of his four previous years in Happy Valley, James Franklin was only able to steer the Nittany Lions to a 4-5 record. Penn State lost its first five games to ensure a losing record, but this team was remarkably unfortunate. The Nittany Lions probably should have defeated Indiana and Nebraska, and they ended up coming alive down the stretch with four straight victories to close out the 2020 campaign. That has many thinking there will be a quick turnaround for this program.

Penn State Regular Season Win Total

Over 8.5 Wins -120

Under 8.5 Wins -110

OFFENSE

Sean Clifford is the undisputed starting quarterback at Penn State following Will Levis’ transfer to Kentucky. Clifford was the better option for most of the 2020 season, as he completed 60.6% of his passes for 1,883 yards with 16 touchdowns. However, turnovers were a major concern for Clifford, as he threw eight interceptions in Penn State’s first five games. Clifford can make things happen with his legs, but he is in a new system with a new offensive coordinator once again.

Penn State boasts one of the best running back units in the country. Noah Cain is ready to thrive once again after an injury ended his 2020 campaign after just three carries, and Devyn Ford and Keyvone Lee are back for the Nittany Lions too. Additionally, John Lovett arrived as a transfer from Baylor in March.

These receivers are some of the best in the nation too. Jahan Dotson was one of the best wide outs in the Big Ten last year, catching 52 passes for 884 yards and eight touchdowns, and Parker Washington shined when given the opportunity as well. Penn State does lose tight end Pat Freiermuth, but Brenton Strange saw some action in 2020.

Three starters are back along the offensive line. Center Mike Miranda was a Second Team All-Big Ten selection last year, and the tackles combined to start 16 of 18 games.

DEFENSE

The Nittany Lions have one of the more talented defenses in the conference. Penn State had its worst defensive performance in several years last season though, so Brent Pry might make some changes.

This back seven is very good. Tariq Castro-Fields returns after missing the 2020 season due to injury, and young cornerback Joey Porter did well in his first season as a starter. Jaquan Brisker and Keaton Ellis have a good bit of experience as safeties too.

Ellis Brooks led Penn State in tackles in 2020, and Brandon Smith was very good in his first season as a starter, recording two sacks and six tackles for loss. There is depth at linebacker as well.

Arnold Ebiketie’s transfer from nearby Temple will seriously help a defensive line that was only returning one starter from 2020. P.J. Mustipher was a force in the middle of the defensive line, but the other two spots on the defensive line are question marks.

SCHEDULE

Penn State will be tested immediately with a road trip to Wisconsin. The Nittany Lions will then host Auburn two weeks later before taking on Indiana and Iowa in back-to-back weeks before the bye week. This schedule gets considerably easier after the bye week though with Ohio State the only team they will be an underdog against on the slate.

PREDICTION

James Franklin is one of the most talented coaches in the country, and he will prove last season was an aberration. The Nittany Lions have the talent to win at least nine games, and they could be a darkhorse national title contender if Clifford can cut down the turnovers.

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